Premium Cruise Line Will Now Call At Carnival's New Private Island

Princess Cruises is gearing up for one of its biggest Caribbean seasons yet, and the upcoming programme is already turning heads. The line is preparing a huge expansion that stretches across multiple homeports, a packed line-up of ships, and an impressive mix of itineraries.

A photo of the Crown Princess cruise ship in Jamaica

A Record Caribbean Season Across Five Homeports

Princess Cruises is preparing its most extensive Caribbean deployment to date, and the 2027–28 line-up shows just how far the programme has grown. Across the seven-month season, guests can choose from 187 departures that range from short escapes to longer island-hopping adventures. It marks the biggest mix of itineraries the line has ever offered in the region.

Sailings will operate from five major US homeports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, New York, and San Juan. This spread gives travellers more choice than ever when it comes to departure points and cruise lengths. It also brings Princess’ newest Sphere class ships, Star Princess and Sun Princess, firmly into the Caribbean spotlight.

Across 43 itineraries and 31 destinations, the programme covers 22 different Caribbean islands. It is a major step up for both variety and availability, making it easier for guests to tailor their holiday to exactly the type of experience they want.

Panama Canal Programme Set To Grow Even Further

A photo of the Coral Princess in Panama Canal

Princess Cruises is already known for its Panama Canal expertise, and the coming years will see that presence grow even more. Between 2026 and 2028, the line will offer an expanded selection of partial and full transits, giving guests more ways to experience one of the world’s most iconic waterways. Five ships are lined up for these voyages: Star Princess, Caribbean Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, and Emerald Princess.

One sailing that is already generating excitement is the first Panama Canal transit for Star Princess. Departing on April 13, 2026, the 20 night repositioning cruise travels from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle and includes a full passage through the canal. The itinerary also features stops in Aruba, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Los Angeles, before the ship continues into its debut Alaska season.

Additional canal cruises will sail from Port Canaveral, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. With such a broad mix of routes and departure cities, the programme offers something for guests wanting a short canal experience as well as those looking for an extended adventure.

Princess To Begin Calling At Celebration Key

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

One of the biggest surprises in the new programme is Princess Cruises’ debut at Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation’s highly anticipated private island in the Bahamas. Originally designed for exclusive use by Carnival Cruise Line, the destination has grown so quickly in popularity that it is now being shared across the wider corporate fleet. For Princess guests, this means a brand new beach escape that adds something fresh to Caribbean itineraries.

Celebration Key has been created as a vibrant island resort experience, complete with a lively welcome area known as Paradise Plaza. Families can spend the day at Starfish Lagoon, while adults looking for a quieter retreat can relax at Pearl Cove Beach Club. With over 30 dining and bar venues, the island offers everything from casual Caribbean favorites to refreshing beach cocktails.

The entertainment is just as varied, with live music, Bahamian art, and a long list of water-based and beachside activities. Several Princess ships are scheduled for calls at the island, including Sky Princess, Sun Princess, Regal Princess, Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Star Princess. For many guests, this addition will be one of the standout features of the upcoming seasons.

The image depicts the Lido pool area on the Sun Princess cruise ship, set up for a 'Movies Under the Stars' experience. As the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of pink and purple, guests can relax on lounge chairs facing a large outdoor screen. Two inviting pools are illuminated, ready for evening swims, while the deck is lit with ambient lighting, creating a perfect setting for an open-air cinema on the sea. The concept offers a unique way to enjoy entertainment surrounded by the ocean's vastness.

More Ways To Explore The Caribbean’s Top Ports

Alongside the new island addition, Princess Cruises is expanding its reach across many of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. Depending on the itinerary, guests can look forward to visiting well loved ports such as Grand Turk, Belize, Cozumel, St Thomas, and St Maarten. The mix of routes means there are options for cruisers who prefer classic beach days as well as those seeking more adventurous shore experiences.

Cruise lengths range from four to sixteen nights, giving travellers plenty of flexibility when planning their getaway. Shorter sailings are ideal for quick breaks while longer voyages offer the chance to explore multiple islands in one holiday. Guests who want to maximise their time at sea can also combine back to back cruises to create an extended itinerary tailored to their travel style.