7 Big Changes Coming to Princess Cruises in 2026

Princess Cruises is making significant strides in 2026, introducing a range of updates that reflect both the changing demands of travellers and the evolving landscape of the cruise industry.

This year brings the arrival of expanded itineraries, revised booking options, and the debut of a new private island destination. The focus is on delivering more flexibility, better connectivity, and an overall richer experience at sea, all while maintaining the familiar comfort and service Princess is known for. Here’s a closer look at what’s new in 2026…

1. Alaska Gets a Boost with Princess’s Largest Season Yet

Alaska has always been a signature destination for Princess Cruises, but in 2026 the line is going bigger than ever before.

This year marks Princess’s largest Alaska deployment to date, with eight ships sailing across a variety of routes that include Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. The newly launched Star Princess is making her Alaska debut, bringing Sphere Class design and amenities to the region for the first time. Her seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle offer guests a fresh way to experience the dramatic landscapes of southeast Alaska, complete with panoramic views from the Dome and expanded open-air decks.

Altogether, Princess is offering more than 180 Alaska departures this season, sailing from five North American ports including Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver and Anchorage. Whether travellers are looking for a short cruise or a longer land-and-sea tour, there are more options, more capacity and more immersive experiences than ever before in the Great Land.

2. Caribbean Cruises Now Available Year-Round

Princess has expanded its Caribbean programme in a major way, offering summer sailings across the region for the first time.

In 2026, Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess are operating over 90 departures between them, covering the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean during the summer months. Sailings are available from both Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, giving US cruisers more flexibility and easier access from two major Florida homeports. These itineraries range from week-long cruises that can be combined into 14-night adventures to shorter, more casual getaways.

3. Celebration Key Brings a New Island Destination to the Bahamas

A wide aerial view of Starfish Lagoon at Celebration Key in The Bahamas, featuring a massive turquoise pool packed with guests, surrounded by yellow umbrellas, lounge chairs, and tropical palm trees. A yellow castle-like waterslide structure with red and blue slides stands at the edge, while the ocean stretches out in the background under a bright blue sky. — Starfish Lagoon, Celebration Key

A brand-new stop is on the map for Princess cruisers in late 2026 with the debut of Celebration Key, a private resort-style destination on Grand Bahama Island.

The first Princess ship to call there was Star Princess on 1 November 2026, followed shortly after by Regal Princess. The purpose-built destination features white-sand beaches, clear-water lagoons, island-inspired dining and a wide range of shore excursions. Designed with both relaxation and activity in mind, it caters to families, couples and solo travellers alike. Guests can enjoy everything from private cabanas to beach parties and water sports in a setting exclusive to Carnival Corporation brands.

4. New Pricing Packages and Stricter Booking Terms

Princess has made important changes to how guests book and pay for their cruises, as well as what’s included once they’re onboard.

The Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages were updated ahead of the 2026 season. While the daily rates increased slightly, the value has gone up too. Guests now receive more casual dining meals per voyage, higher onboard Wi-Fi allowances, and new shore excursion credits. For example, a seven-night cruise with the Premier package now includes up to $100 in excursion credit per person, plus priority perks that were previously sold separately.

Alongside these changes, Princess has moved to non-refundable deposits as standard on most fares. Travellers can still opt for refundable deposits, but these now come with higher rates or more restrictive terms. The final payment schedule has also shifted, requiring full payment earlier than in the past, particularly for longer voyages.

The result is a booking process that rewards early commitment and adds more value for those choosing bundled extras. For many regular guests, the updates streamline what used to be a more complicated add-on structure.

5. Faster Wi-Fi and Smarter Tech at Sea

Staying connected while cruising is easier than ever on Princess ships thanks to new upgrades in onboard technology.

MedallionNet Max, Princess’s fastest Wi-Fi service, is now fully rolled out across the fleet. It uses a mix of satellite networks including Starlink to deliver faster, more stable internet, even in remote locations. Guests using Princess Plus or Premier packages receive priority access to this enhanced service, making it easier to stream, video call or work remotely while at sea.

Alongside the improved connectivity, Princess continues to refine its MedallionClass experience. The wearable OceanMedallion and smartphone app allow for touch-free boarding, keyless cabin entry, real-time location tracking and on-demand food and drink delivery. The latest version of the app also makes it simpler to book activities, make dining reservations and receive personalised recommendations throughout the voyage.

6. Sphere Class Ships Set a New Standard with Sun Princess and Star Princess

A photo of the Sun Princess sailing on the ocean. — Sun Princess

Princess’s two newest ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, are officially in service and turning heads for all the right reasons.

As the first in the all-new Sphere Class, these LNG-powered vessels are the largest and most advanced ships in the fleet. They introduce a completely reimagined design, including the Dome, a stunning glass-enclosed deck that transforms into an entertainment venue by night, and the Sphere Piazza, a multi-deck atrium offering wide ocean views and social spaces unlike anything seen before on Princess. Onboard, guests can choose from more than 30 restaurants and bars, with standout experiences such as Spellbound by Magic Castle and dining venues curated by award-winning chefs.

With both ships now sailing full schedules across Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska, Sphere Class marks a clear step forward for Princess. The focus is on space, sustainability, and immersive design, creating a new kind of cruise experience for modern travellers.

7. Dining, Suites and Family Fun Reach New Levels

cocktail being made at Spellbound, Princess Cruises

The onboard experience on Princess has evolved in 2026 with new dining options, upgraded accommodation and more family-friendly features.

On Sun Princess and Star Princess, guests can choose from over 30 bars and restaurants, including partnerships with well-known chefs and immersive venues like Spellbound by Magic Castle. Sushi by Makoto, The Catch by Rudi, and the Butcher’s Block by Dario are among the new names joining classic favourites like Sabatini’s and Crown Grill. The expanded options make it easier to personalise each night of the cruise with everything from fine dining to casual poolside bites.

Accommodation has also been reimagined. New suite categories, such as the Sanctuary Collection, offer private access to exclusive areas including a dedicated restaurant and sun deck. For those wanting extra outdoor space, cabana-style mini-suites come with their own private terraces. Families and groups have more balcony cabins to choose from as well, with the Sphere-class ships offering over 1,500.

For multi-generational cruisers, the new Park19 activity zone adds climbing walls, a suspended ride called Sea Breeze and splash areas for younger children. Youth clubs have also been redesigned with themed spaces and expanded programming, making it easier for kids and teens to stay engaged while parents relax or explore.

Together, these updates reflect a shift towards more flexible, upscale and inclusive experiences that cater to a wider range of travellers.

Final Word

With fresh ships, expanded itineraries, smarter technology and more personalised onboard experiences, Princess Cruises is making 2026 a turning point for the brand.

These changes are more than upgrades, they’re a signal that Princess is leaning into innovation while still keeping the relaxed elegance that loyal guests value. Whether you’re sailing to Alaska, relaxing on a private island in the Bahamas, or simply enjoying dinner under the stars, there are more ways than ever to cruise in comfort, style and at your own pace.