Game-Changing MedallionNet Max WiFi Debuts August 31 Exclusively with Princess Plus and Princess Premier Bundles

 

Princess to Host First-Ever Land/Sea Custom UGC Competition to Demonstrate Connectivity Excellence

  Princess Cruises today announced the launch of MedallionNet Max, a new level of onboard Wi-Fi service that will meet the growing demands of today’s intensively digitally-connected travellers and continue to expand the market for cruise holidays. MedallionNet Max will be available exclusively in Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.   Since 2018, Princess has led the industry on high-performance, onboard Wi-Fi aggressively adopting service new satellite constellations, including a Wi-Fi access point in every stateroom on every ship and ensuring that Wi-Fi service access is simple and hassle-free. Princess is the only cruise operator who has adopted every source of bandwidth spanning the globally deployed fleet including LEO (Starlink), MEO, GEO satellite constellations as well as 5G terrestrial.   Princess will now offer two-tiers of Wi-Fi service - MedallionNet Classic and MedallionNet Max. MedallionNet Classic will offer the same service performance, reliability, and global coverage that Princess guests enjoy today. MedallionNet Max will now be the highest performing service tier with prioritised access to the highest quality and highest performance bandwidth available anywhere in the world which is typically Starlink.   MedallionNet Max will only be available in the brand’s industry-leading bundles – Princess Plus and Princess Premier. These packages are engineered to give guests the maximum experience with the maximum value.   A la carte pricing for MedallionNet Classic remains $24.99 per day for a single device plan and $44.99 per day for a multi-device plan. Consistent with the cruise brand’s relentless focus on personalised and hassle-free service, guests will not have to do anything different onboard to access the different services.   The appropriate service level will be assigned based on each guest’s package, as indicated on the Princess app. A single guest network will remain, reduce guest confusion related to network names or any complications being added to the onboard experience.   To preview the new service tier, Princess Cruises will host the first-ever land/sea custom UGC competition, leveraging a custom Minecraft world - Princess Cruises Nautical Quest. The August 7 match up will feature 32 of the world’s most popular UGC players, with eight of the gamers - Shubble, Krinios, Fruitberries, vGumiho, Sneegsnag, JimmyHere, Smajor, and Hannahxxrose - competing aboard Enchanted Princess in the Caribbean against 24 others who will play from home as millions of fans tune in to watch online.   “Just like we did when we launched MedallionNet Classic almost seven years ago, Princess continues to ensure guests have access to highest performing connectivity available at industry leading value,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “By including MedallionNet Max in our incredible bundles we are guaranteeing the best possible onboard experience with the best value anywhere in the world as our guests explore over 330 destinations via our world-class globally deployed fleet.”   A History of Upping the Connectivity Ante   In early 2018, Princess established a new standard of connectivity for guests on its cruise ships by smashing the bandwidth-at-sea world record with the initial launch of its MedallionNet connectivity service aboard Regal Princess. At a time when the industry average was 10-20 Mbps per ship, Regal Princess reached 2.25 Gbps, demonstrating there were no practical limits to progressing shipboard connectivity. Since that time, the connectivity landscape has changed dramatically with Starlink, with onboard Wi-Fi increasingly becoming a commodity. However, Princess will continue to ensure connectivity experience differentiation by making it the best value and most hassle-free experience possible.   While MedallionNet Max will only be available within the inclusive Princess Plus and Princess Premier bundles, guests opting to sail with the standard Princess holiday package still will be able to purchase MedallionNet Classic connectivity with no change to pricing.   In addition to premium connectivity, guests opting for the inclusive Princess Plus and Princess Premier will also enjoy popular amenities like beverages, casual dining, desserts, complimentary room service, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% than when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.

  Newest Ship - Star Princess - 1 of 8 Ships Headlining 2026 Alaska Season   Princess Cruises, the leading cruise line in Alaska, today unveiled its biggest-ever Alaska season for 2026, highlighted by the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, Star Princess. The exciting, expanded Alaska programme for 2026 features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, providing travellers with an unparalleled selection of Alaska adventures by sea, or by both land and sea.   For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to explore Alaska aboard a Sphere Class ship as Star Princess sails her first summer season in the Great Land, offering unparalleled views of glaciers and wildlife. As the second ship in the Sphere Class following Sun Princess, Star Princess launches in autumn 2025 and promises an elevated cruising experience. A true engineering marvel and a global citizen, this ship features innovative architectural spectacles like The Dome, the industry's first geodesic structure, and The Sphere, a suspended glass Piazza. Additionally, it is celebrated, along with sister ship Sun Princess, as the greatest foodie destination at sea, promising to tantalise taste buds with world-class culinary offerings.   Bookings open August 1 with the "Best Price Guarantee" offering the best rates and 120% of the price difference as onboard credit if a lower rate is found before final payment. This promotion ends September 30, 2024 with full details here.   “2026 will reinforce Princess’ leadership in Alaska cruises. The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land. Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, Princess is the ultimate choice for luxury and adventure, with awe-inspiring glaciers, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the freshest seafood imaginable.”   Highlights for Alaska in 2026 include:   Eight Ships Sailing Alaska in 2026   For 2026, guests can choose from 180 departures from five convenient ports aboard eight incredible ships, including the new Star Princess. Options include:  

• Voyage of the Glaciers: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess will offer seven-night journeys to experience the breathtaking views of two Alaska glaciers—and Princess has more visits to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Can’t get enough? These itineraries are combinable for adventure-seekers, nature enjoyers and Alaska lovers to indulge in a 14-night Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure.
• Inside Passage: Guests can enjoy seven- to 20-night cruises and up to four glacier-viewing experiences when they sail the Inside Passage and visit the highest-rated Alaska destinations and lesser-known gems from convenient homeports including weekend departures from Seattle (Royal Princess and Star Princess), San Francisco (Ruby Princess), Vancouver, B.C. (Emerald Princess), and Los Angeles (Emerald Princess).
• Longer Sailings: Guests who want to spend more time with Princess this Alaska season can opt for a 20-night Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess sailing roundtrip from San Francisco, and a 16-night Inside Passage on Emerald Princess roundtrip from Los Angeles.

  Adventures Ashore   Princess gives guests the chance to expand their cruise experience with exciting and authentic shore excursions at their ports of call. From “Cook My Catch” fishing for dinner, flying on a helicopter through mountainous views, watching breaching whales, and more, guests have a plethora of exciting excursions to choose from.   Award-Winning, Onboard Activities with “North to Alaska with Princess” Programme   The award-winning “North to Alaska with Princess” programme enriches each Alaska cruise with cultural and educational activities, including naturalist talks, a planetarium Northern Lights experience, and a deliciously fresh local Alaska seafood menu. In addition, the popular Junior Ranger programme for young cruisers, ensures guests of all ages enjoy their Alaska cruise as they explore the Great Land’s rich history.   Cruisetours – Cruise, Rail and Lodge in Interior of Alaska   Combining a cruise with a land tour is a great way to maximise an Alaska cruise, including the chance to visit Denali National Park and beyond. The 2026 season includes more than 20 cruisetour options.   One highlight is the 15-night National Parks Tour, perfect for those who want to seamlessly get their National Parks Passport stamped. Guests will adventure to five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. This experience combines a seven-night cruise, scenic rail travel, with eight nights ashore, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

Princess Cruises is expanding the number of Japan cruise itineraries for the 2025-26 season.   On sale now, Diamond Princess returns with an expanded Japan season. "For our fall 2025 through winter 2026 season, we're thrilled to expand our Japan cruises from Tokyo (Yokohama) during the fall foliage season,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer. “It continues to Singapore to highlight the best of Southeast Asia.” The expanded autumn 2025 season offers 11 new voyages ranging in length from nine to 22 nights. It features 25 destinations throughout Japan, as well as stops in Korea and Taiwan. Highlights of the season include the 13-night Circle Japan Fall Foliage and the nine-night Circle Japan voyage with stops at Nagasaki, Akita and Sakaiminato. The nine-night Southern Islands departures explores the islands of Okinawa and Ishigaki.

• A 10-night Kyushu & Korea cruise includes visits to Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Shimizu for Mt. Fuji.

Guests can combine itineraries for an comprehensive 40-night sailing. Following an extended Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong. It then embarks on three roundtrip Singapore sailings. There are two Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruises and a 14-night Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore back to Tokyo (Yokohama). The 2,670-guest Diamond Princess was built in Japan. 

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Diamond Princess Returns to the Land of the Rising Sun for Expanded Program Showcasing Beautiful Fall Foliage

  On the heels of record-breaking travel to Japan by U.S. visitors in 2023, and another strong season underway this year, Princess Cruises today announced it will extend the number of itineraries in Japan during the 2025-26 season.   The 2025-26 cruise season to the must-see island nations of Japan and Southeast Asia onboard a Princess ship has just been announced. On sale now, Japan-built Diamond Princess returns featuring an expanded Japan season showcasing the region's breathtaking fall foliage, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and more.   "We truly make it easy to travel to Japan and Southeast Asia on our Diamond Princess Love Boat to experience these amazing destinations," said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. "For our fall 2025 through winter 2026 season, we're thrilled to expand our Japan cruises from Tokyo (Yokohama) during the beautiful fall foliage season and continue to Singapore to highlight the best of Southeast Asia. Plus, our guests only need to unpack once to experience these storied countries while enjoying vibrant shore excursions and our regional culinary and entertainment offerings onboard."   From ancient temples and castles, to bustling markets and breathtaking gardens, cruisers experience the best way to see Japan with Princess with a new fall 2025 season offering 11 new voyages ranging in length from nine to 22 days, visiting 25 destinations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun, as well as stops in Korea and Taiwan. Highlights of the season include:  

• 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage sailing taking place during the beautiful autumn leaves season
• 9-day Circle Japan voyage a circumnavigation of the country with stops at Nagasaki, Akita and Sakaiminato
• 9-day Southern Islands departures to the southernmost part of Japan and the lush islands of Okinawa and Ishigaki
• 10-day Kyushu & Korea cruise, which sails these large islands of Japan including visits to Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)
• For the ultimate Japan exploration, guests can combine these 18- to 22- day itineraries for an unforgettable 40-day adventure

  Following her extended Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong to kick off three roundtrip Singapore sailings including:  

• 14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise, which also includes calls to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My)
• 16-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam departure which also includes a call to Halong Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a gateway to Hanoi
• Closing the season will be a 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore back to Tokyo (Yokohama) with late night More Ashore stays in both Hong Kong and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)

  Diamond Princess:   Built in Japan, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess offers a unique experience tailored to the region. Guests enjoy authentic cuisine at Kai Sushi, sip Japanese-inspired cocktails created by mixologist Rob Floyd, soak in the traditional Izumi bath and enjoy folkloric shows, regional entertainment and Japanese holiday celebrations.   Additionally, the all-new Churrascaria Brazilian Grill offers quality meats boasting bold South American flavors, cooked to perfection in the tasty tradition of grilling churrasco style. Servers present these flavorful cuts on vertical skewers, and hand-carve them right onto the plate.   No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line's award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.

Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2025-2026 Antarctica cruise season. Together with South America, Sapphire Princess will visit 20 destinations in 11 countries on a total of seven departures. It includes the 53-night Ultimate Antarctica & South America Adventure, connecting Los Angeles and Buenos Aires, with overnight stays in Lima (Callao) and Buenos Aires. Also, a 17-night Antarctica cruise features four days in the Antarctic region and a special festive voyage that celebrates both Christmas and New Year's Day at sea. This includes an overnight stay in Buenos Aires. "Our upcoming 2025-26 cruise season to South America and Antarctica promises incredible opportunities to glide through glacial waters of Antarctica to enjoy views of Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait," said Terry Thornton, Princess chief commercial officer. A further highlight of the South America and Antarctica cruise season is a Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan 16-night sailing, cruising past the Amalia Glacier. Pre- and post-cruise land tours are available to extend a South America cruise holiday . Options include the Iguazú Falls Adventure to the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site and a visit to Rio de Janeiro. The Machu Picchu Explorer land tour visits the ancient Inca citadel, plus a tour of the historic city of Cusco. Overall, the South America and Antarctica cruise season offers the opportunity to visit 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

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  Astrotourism is top of mind for travelers making special trips for phenomenal experiences in the sky—and with the recent "take-your-breath-away" total solar eclipse, thousands of cruisers onboard Emerald Princess and Discovery Princess off the coast of Mexico caught a glimpse of the astounding total darkness event.   The next, not-to-be-missed total solar eclipse takes place on August 12, 2026, and once again a Princess cruise ship will be perfectly positioned, this time in northern Spain, to witness this bucket list event - two minutes and 18 seconds of totality. The 3,660-guest Sky Princess departs Southampton August 8, 2026, on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise, highlighted with total eclipse viewing while the ship is in its path at sea off the coast of Spain.   "The best way to see a total solar eclipse is via cruise ship, and our guests who recently experienced this rare occurrence on Discovery Princess and Emerald Princess were simply blown away," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. "We make it easy for guests to come aboard, relax and meet other eclipse enthusiasts. It's truly a special opportunity."   The Total Eclipse Sky Princess Voyage goes on sale May 23, 2024, with rates starting at $2,199* per person. During the eclipse, Sky Princess guests will gather on the top decks with Princess safety glasses for viewing, as well as enjoy lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night, solar system trivia and more.   This incredible, 14-day Mediterranean cruise sailing takes place August 8-22, 2026, roundtrip from Southampton (London), and visits seven historical and vibrant ports, including:  

• Cherbourg, France - one of France's greatest ports with art and history museums, its basilica, the Ravalet castle and the Cité de la Mer maritime museum.
• Bilbao, Spain – located in northern Spain, Bilbao is surrounded by green mountains and is the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It's famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
• Malaga, Spain - famous as Picasso's birthplace and the gateway to Spain's Costa del Sol, Malaga mixes warm vacation vibes with Andalusia's indomitable spirit.
• Cartagena, Spain - founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. theater and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics.
• Gibraltar – this British Overseas Territory and headland is located on Spain's south coast. It's dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot limestone ridge.
• Lisbon, Portugal – the capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is mainland Europe's westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast.
• La Coruña, Spain – in the Galicia region of northwest Spain, it's known for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which has sweeping coastal views.

  "Our recent solar eclipse cruises were completely sold out so interested guests should book this Sky Princess cruise as soon as it opens on May 23. It truly will be an experience to remember," Padgett added.   *Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses not included

 

2026 World Cruise Sails to the Most Destinations EVER Visited by "The Love Boat" Line

  Princess Cruises today announced its 2026 World Cruise - a 114-day voyage aboard Coral Princess - will visit 52 ports in 28 countries, across six continents, the most destinations ever reached on a Princess World Cruise. With itineraries now on sale, global-seeking cruisers can take advantage of early booking perks and secure their spot now aboard the 114-day adventure that will sail over 35,000 nautical miles.   The destination-rich World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from both Ft. Lauderdale, departing January 5, 2026, and Los Angeles on January 21, 2026.   "This 2026 World Cruise addresses a growing interest in longer voyages that make stops at more exotic destinations, and the urge to do it as part of a more all-inclusive experience," said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. "Our 2026 World Cruise offers our most destination-rich itinerary ever so guests can immerse themselves in a global experience rich with landmarks, ancient ruins, unique landscapes, wildlife, gastronomy, cultures and heritage."   What's Exciting & New?   New elements guests can look forward to aboard the 2026 Princess World Cruise include:  

• Inaugural call to Boracay, a tropical paradise in central Philippines known for its gorgeous beaches and resorts, a first for Princess.
• Coral Princess will also make first-time World Cruise calls to:
  • Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
  • Ponta Delgado, Azores Islands
• Visits to 52 destinations, the most ever offered on a Princess World Cruise, with access to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the globe.
• More time in port with "More Ashore Late-Night" stays in 13 ports including Singapore, Sydney and Honolulu, and one overnight stay in Hong Kong.

  Coral Princess Amenities and Entertainment   Connecting guests to the destinations through the cruise line's onboard programming with enrichment speakers, destination experts, ambassadors, performers and theatrical productions supports the critically acclaimed and expertly curated itinerary, making this World Cruise truly memorable. The onboard experience offers:  

• Cultural Enrichments: Language classes; dance lessons (tango, salsa, waltz and more); destination-based arts & crafts; instrument lessons (ukulele, mandolin and penny whistles) and locally-inspired cuisine, cocktails and wine.
• Destination-Specific Events: Folkloric shows highlighting traditional entertainment for various ports in Honolulu, Auckland, Barcelona and Lisbon; destination-themed deck and sailaway parties; trivia; and Princess Book Club, reading novels set in the countries visited.
• Guest Lecturers: Mediterranean art and history, maritime and WWII historians, bridge lecturers and destination ambassadors from Hawaii and Māori.

  Booking Information   Rates for the 2026 World Cruise start at $19,999 per guest. Guests booking the full World Cruise by October 31, 2024, receive the following, coveted perks:  

• Free Princess Premier Package - featuring Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, premium alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, unlimited fitness classes, OceanNow delivery anywhere, reserved theater seating and more.
• Captain's Circle discount of $1,000 for two guests.
• A $500 onboard credit each for two guests.
• Free EZAir airfare – economy class for balcony accommodation and first class for mini-suite and suite guests.
• Free transfers from local airports (LAX, FLL and MIA).
• Free specialty dining – one experience per week.

  Additionally, the MedallionClass vacation experience delivers exceptional, personalized experiences typical of small ships while enjoying only the best large ship amenities. With expedited boarding, locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, enhanced service like having whatever they need delivered – guests can spend more time connecting with each other and doing what they love on their Princess vacation.   For guests who only want to see various parts of the world, cruise segments are offered with shorter sailing times and those booking by October 31, 2024, receive a $200 onboard credit.   More information, including the full and segmented 2026 World Cruise itineraries, can be found at http://www.princess.com/worldcruise.

Princess Cruises has rolled out a new promotion offering up to $400 in onboard spend per couple. It is valid when booking a Southampton cruise departing or sailing in the Mediterranean in 2025. The offer runs until 30 April 2024. The promotion offers guests booking a cruise 20 nights and longer up to $400 onboard spend per couple. Fares start from £1,699pp for a 'Best of the Mediterranean' voyage on Majestic Princess, sailing roundtrip from Civitavecchia on 1 April 2025. This sailing calls at Corfu, Santorini, Kusadasi, Piraeus, Messina, Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Livorno, Genoa, La Seyne, Barcelona, Cartagena, Gibraltar, Palma. When booking an itinerary between 11 to 19 nights, guests will receive up to $300 onboard spend per couple. For a five to 10-night voyage they receive up to $200 onboard spend per couple. This limited time offer includes voyages on Regal Princess exploring the British Isles, as well as journeys on Emerald Princess and Sky Princess to northern Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. Travellers can take 'Fly-Med' cruises aboard Majestic Princess, new ship Sun Princess which made its inaugural sailing in February 2024, and Star Princess, which sails her maiden voyage in August 2025. The onboard credit can be used on activities including specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, and retail.

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Princess Cruises has taken delivery of newest vessel, the 4,300-guest Sun Princess, designed by Fincantieri.   However, further work is required and the line has cancelled the scheduled February 18 voyage. The ship needs to remain in the shipyard for additional technical work. Sun Princess will now make its maiden voyage on February 28 from Rome. Guests booked on the February 18 voyage will receive a full refund of the cruise fare along with any additional onboard services that were pre-purchased. In addition, they will receive a 50% future cruise credit (FCC). Princess is also offering reimbursement for certain travel costs for guests who have already arrived ahead of their sailing. This also applies to change fees for guests who have not yet started their travel. Princess said it will also protect travel agent commissions. Sun Princess is introducing an array of new shipboard entertainment and activities. This includes the Dome entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Sun Princess will feature the most balconies of any ship in the Princess fleet.

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  Princess Cruises has unveiled details of its much-anticipated 2025/26 Australian summer programme featuring the Down Under debut of its stunning flagship Discovery Princess as well as the longest ever world cruise to sail roundtrip from Australia - a record-breaking 114-night voyage on Crown Princess.   Offering roundtrip departures from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland, Crown Princess’ epic 2026 world odyssey will visit 48 destinations in 31 countries across six continents and cover an impressive 35,000 nautical miles.   The voyage will also claim the mantle of the longest world cruise ever undertaken from Australia, with Crown Princess carrying up to 3080 guests on its record sailing around the globe.   Guests on the cruise will be treated to two new world cruise ports - Alexandria in Egypt and Patmos in Greece - as well as overnight visits to New York, Lima and Quebec and late-night stays in a range of exotic destinations including Reykjavik in Iceland and Papeete in Tahiti.   Unveiling details, Princess Cruises Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, UK & Europe Stuart Allison said the milestone cruise was a highlight of the new programme brimming with exciting holiday options as Discovery Princess joins Crown Princess and Grand Princess in local waters.   Across the summer season the trio will offer 75 unique itineraries and 120 departures, with cruises ranging from 2 to 37 days and sailings available from seven ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart in Australia and Auckland in New Zealand   Mr Allison said Discovery Princess’ Sydney debut on December 6, 2025, would be a day to remember, coming almost exactly 50 years after Princess Cruises first started cruising local waters. The original Pacific Princess sailed on her first roundtrip cruise from Sydney in December 1975.   “Cruising has come a long way in half a century, and we’re delighted to now be bringing a ship of the calibre of Discovery Princess to Australia as part of a fantastic line-up of summer cruising,” Mr Allison said.   Measuring 330 metres in length and carrying 3660 guests, the 145,000-tonne Discovery Princess will be the biggest Princess Cruises’ ship to ever sail in Australia waters and will offer 22 itineraries during her four-month deployment, which will include 11 departures from Sydney.   Mr Allison said Discovery Princess and Crown Princess would be deployed in Sydney, sailing on an array of itineraries including the cruise line’s ever-popular round Australia voyages and unique Tahiti and Hawaii cruise in addition to roundtrip sailings to New Zealand, Queensland and Fiji.   Meanwhile the 107,000-tonne, 2600-guest Grand Princess will be based in Brisbane and will carry a record number of Princess guests from the city on 14 roundtrip cruises to destinations including Tasmania, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.   Highlights of the programme include:  

• Crown Princess’ 2026 world voyage sailing from Australia to South East Asia and through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe before cruising to North America and transiting the newest Panama Canal locks to return Down Under via the Pacific. Departing Sydney on May 10, 2026, the voyage will visit 48 memorable destinations and provide access to more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• More cruises to New Zealand than any other cruise line, with voyages on the three ships ranging from six to 15 nights. Sailings from both Brisbane and Sydney, roundtrip options include visits to an array of beautiful ports from Dunedin in the south to the Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s north.
• An 18-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney on Discovery Princess departing November 18, 2025, and enjoying maiden visits to destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang in Vietnam and Lombok in Indonesia.
• Round Australia cruises departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle, Adelaide and Brisbane on Crown Princess in November 2025 and March 2026. The cruises will include visits to regional ports like Port Douglas, the Whitsundays, Broome, Exmouth and Albany as well as scenic cruising along the Kimberley Coast.
• The return of Princess’ popular cruises to Hawaii and Tahiti, with Grand Princess setting sail on a 37-night cruise visiting Pago Pago, Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, Kona, Hilo, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Tonga and Norfolk Island. The cruise departs Sydney on October 16, 2025, and Brisbane on October 18, 2025.
• A 12-night Southern Explorer cruise on Discovery Princess sailing round trip from Sydney on February 28, 2026, and visiting Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Port Arthur and Hobart.
• An 11-night cruise to Papua New Guinea on Grand Princess departing Brisbane on March 24, 2026, and visiting Alotau, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island and the Conflict Islands.
• Epic adventures sailing across the Pacific between North America and Australia and New Zealand on Discovery Princess and Grand Princess, with visits to ports in Tahiti and Hawaii.

  Mr Allison said guests on Discovery Princess would be able to enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies in the Princess fleet offered as part of the ship’s Sky Suites, unwind in the ultimate comfort at the Sanctuary and indulge their senses with world-class dining options including 360: An Extraordinary Experience, which takes guests on a sensory journey through world-class cuisine with a fusion of master story-telling and visual entertainment.   Other features include 14 restaurants, 10 bars and additional lounges, and entertainment options that include the SeaWalk, a breathtaking glass-bottomed enclosed walkway that extends nearly 9 metres beyond the ship's edge.   Meanwhile all three ships based Down Under will feature the Princess exclusive MedallionClass experience, which enables a level of service personalisation previously only available on small ships to now be delivered on a large ship, amenity-rich platform.   The connected guest experience maximises guests’ time by delivering a host of onboard conveniences including contactless payment for anything on board; expedited embarkation; keyless stateroom entry; friends and family locator; and ordering food, drinks, retail items or requesting service from their smart device or a crew member and having their order delivered directly to them…even if they move.   For guests who desire more inclusive options onboard, Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages offer several amenities at tremendous values, including express boarding; alcoholic beverages, mocktails, specialty coffees and smoothies; unlimited MedallionNet Wi-Fi (the fastest at sea); casual and specialty dining; boutique fitness classes; complimentary room service and more.

Current Princess Cruises flagship Discovery Princess will make Sydney its home for the 2025/26 summer season. The 145,000-ton ship with 19 decks, will be the biggest ship Princess Cruises ever to homeport in Australia. The 3,660-guest, ship will debut in October 2025, offering various Australia cruises. Princess Cruises' President John Padgett broke the news in Sydney this week where he officially welcomed Royal Princess on her debut summer season in Australia. "We are delighted to unveil the future deployment of the Discovery Princess. We are confident that both our international and Australian guests will be excited about the spectacular experience from Sydney in late 2025." Discovery Princess, the sixth Royal-Class ship to be built, offers the largest balconies in the Princess fleet with the Sky Suites, and 14 restaurants, 10 bars and additional lounges Other features include the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed enclosed walkway that extends nearly nine metres beyond the ship's edge. Other notable features include private poolside cabanas and four main pools. The ship will join Crown Princess and Grand Princess as part of the summer programme to be revealed in full next month.

Princess Cruises' Royal Princess has been welcomed into Auckland on her inaugural season of cruising in Australasian waters. The 3,560-guest ship will sail several New Zealand cruises over the next six months, with three round trip sailings from Auckland as well as trans-Tasman cruises from Sydney. Royal Princess is one of only a handful of international ships making their maiden visits to New Zealand this summer. The ship will sail in Australasian waters with Grand Princess and Coral Princess, which visited Auckland at the weekend. Majestic Princess arrives in Auckland on October 30. Royal Princess features 11 restaurants, 9 bars and additional lounges and entertainment options. A key feature is the Sea Walk, a glass-bottomed enclosed walkway that extends nearly 9 metres beyond the ship's edge and 39 metres above the sea. "Royal Princess set new standards for premium cruising when she launched and continues to turn heads," said SVP Asia Pacific, UK & Europe, Stuart Allison. "We're excited to have such an impressive regal visitor in our waters this summer and look forward to welcoming our New Zealand guests on board." Royal Princess' visit to Auckland came towards the end of its inaugural 28-night transpacific crossing from Vancouver, Canada to Sydney. This itinerary included a call at Tauranga and the Bay of Islands.