An air and sea search operation has been called off the California coast with the fate of an elderly cruise passenger unknown. The U.S. Coast Guard said it suspended the search for a 72-year old man believed to have gone overboard from the Ruby Princess cruise ship as it was returning to San Francisco. The ship was returning from a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. The American citizen was traveling alone and was only noticed to be missing after the ship docked in Northern California. Crew searched throughout the ship several times and there were no signs of him going overboard from CCTV footage. Still, the cruise line said it has ‘ruled out all possibilities’ other than a man overboard situation. The Coast Guard then began aerial searches in the Pacific Ocean centered about 45 miles off the coast. The operation was suspended later ‘pending any new developments,’ the Coast Guard said. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the guest who was traveling alone," Princess Cruises said. Both U.S. Customs and Border Protection are investigating.

Caribbean Princess has arrived in Port Canaveral marking the start of a new season of Caribbean cruises from Central Florida. The ship has kicked off with a four-day Thanksgiving cruise to Turks & Caicos. In the spirit of giving, Princess Cruises made adonation of non-perishable food items to The Sharing Center of Central Brevard. Nearly two tons of food will support local families in need. "Today we celebrate the arrival of Caribbean Princess to Port Canaveral and proudly support the local community," said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises. The inaugural winter season from Port Canaveral features 19 additional cruise departures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with voyages from six to eight days Eastern Caribbean: Six-day cruises to Nassau, Grand Turk, and either Amber Cove or San Juan Eastern Caribbean: Eight-day cruises to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, and Grand Turk Western Caribbean: Eight-day voyages to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City, and Roatan Guests can combine six- and eight-day itineraries for a longer 14-day cruise vacation. "We're beyond thrilled to welcome Caribbean Princess to Port Canaveral – a cruise line our guests have been requesting for a long time," said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. The 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess offers 1,571 staterooms, including options for families with interconnecting rooms and a range of suites and mini-suites. The ship caters to all ages with amenities like a Youth & Teen Center for kids and teens, an outdoor Movies Under the Stars screen, Broadway-style production shows, and The Sanctuary – an adults-only space. The ship also features Princess Cruises' signature MedallionClass tech, providing guests with personalized, premium service. Sky Princess is scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral for the next 2025-2026 winter season to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. These cruises are on sale now.

Princess Cruises has an extra special fall foliage season lined up for 2026. Princess announced its 2026 Canada & New England season, with Sapphire Princess sailing her first-ever season in the region, alongside Majestic Princess. Sapphire Princess offers three departure ports – New York, Boston and Québec City. As well as highlights of the northeast and Canada for the fall, Princess is also offering a special a revolutionary themed itinerary taking in America’s historic sites. Highlights of the 2026 Canada/New England season include:  New York – Majestic Princess sails seven-night Canada/New England roundtrip cruises out of New York: Best of Canada & New England: Ports include Newport, Boston, Saint John (Bay of Fundy) and Halifax: Cruise departs October 3, 2026. Canada & New England with Saint John: Ports include Newport, Boston, Portland, Saint John (Bay of Fundy), Halifax. Cruises depart October 10, 17, 24, 31, 2026. Boston and Québec City – Sapphire Princess will sail 10-night Classic Canada/England cruises from Boston to Québec and vice versa: Visiting popular ports including an overnight in Québec City (on select sailings), plus Charlottetown (Princess Edwards Island), Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Saguenay and Saint John (Bay of Fundy). Cruises depart September 3, 13, 23, October 3, 13, 2026. Celebrate the Semiquincentennial of the U.S. – Marking the 250^th birthday anniversary of the United States in 2026, Sapphire Princess will sail a 14-night Canada & Colonial America cruise from Québec City to Ft. Lauderdale featuring an overnight in New York City. It includes historic visits to Saguenay, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Halifax, Boston, Newport, Norfolk (for Williamsburg and Jamestown). Cruise departs October 23, 2026. Additionally, there are two in-depth cruisetours, combining a scheduled 2026 cruise with multiple days on land, including: Historic America Cruisetour – With seven nights on land, guests visit Washington D.C., Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate, Colonial Williamsburg, Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the Gettysburg Battlefield. The Maple Explorer Cruisetour – Guests visit Niagara Falls, the capital of Canada, Ottawa, and French-flavored Montréal with guided tours of the Canadian Museum of History, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. A picturesque cruise through the Thousand Islands is also a highlight. 

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The troubled Regal Princess cruise ship is expected to resume sailing November 10. Princess Cruises canceled a second scheduled cruise on Sunday and says repairs are going well. The two Western Caribbean cruises departing from Galveston, Texas were scrapped due to technical issues. Passengers who were booked on the canceled October 27 and November 3 voyages were refunded and offered a 25% future cruise credit. The cruise line has now doubled this to a 50% FCC. The revised FCC will automatically be applied. A cruise line spokesperson said the ship will be ready for the November 10 cruise. “We are actively communicating with guests booked on this voyage to keep them informed.” The technical difficulties reportedly surfaced during its transatlantic journey from Southampton, England. The October 27 sailing was canceled just two days ahead of its planned departure.   

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Princess Cruises has revealed some new features coming to Star Princess, its second Sphere Class ship set to debut in late 2025. A replica of sister ship Sun Princess, Star Princess will offer several unique enhancements, including more non-smoking casino areas, as well as expanded dining venues. The 4,300-guest, 178,000-ton Star Princess is the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess fleet and will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Princess will also have key features like The Dome, the first geodesic dome at sea, and The Sphere, a glass-enclosed Piazza at the heart of the ship. "After the overwhelming response to Sun Princess, we are excited to debut sister ship, Star Princess, with added enhancements," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. " New highlights coming to Star Princess: Expanded Non-Smoking Casino Areas: Gaming enthusiasts who prefer a smoke-free environment will enjoy 68 additional slot machines in newly designated non-smoking sections. O'Malley's Irish Pub Expansion: Adding 32 more seats, this popular venue will accommodate more guests looking to enjoy traditional Irish food and live music. Expanded Love by Britto: This exclusive, art-inspired dining venue, a collaboration between artist Romero Britto and Chef Rudi Sodamin, will add 20 more seats. SkyDeck Sports Court & Track: A new sports court for pickleball and basketball, with a jogging track, splash pad, and shaded areas for relaxation. Star Princess houses 2,157 staterooms, including 80 suites, 123 mini suites, more than 1,000 balcony cabins, plus 100 connecting rooms. The Sanctuary Collection offers exclusive access to the ship's top deck retreat area, along with a host of additional amenities. Available to guests in suites, mini suites and 12 deluxe balcony cabins, these perks include exclusive private dining and relaxation areas. Star Princess will sail her inaugural season in the Caribbean before repositioning to Alaska in spring 2026.   

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Princess Cruises has celebrated a major construction milestone for second Sphere-Class vessel, Star Princess. The traditional float out ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy was observed, marking its transfer to the outfitting quay ahead of a Fall 2025 debut. "As Star Princess prepares to take to the water for the first time it is a testament to the incredible dedication and skill of the entire shipyard team," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. Padgett announced that Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma, who both were on hand for the ceremony, will serve as masters of Star Princess. Arma will serve as master of Star Princess when the ship is delivered next fall ahead of Commodore Nash's turn at the helm. The 4,300-guest, 178,000-ton Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess and will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Sister ship Sun Princess, also built by Fincantieri, debuted in February. Voyages for the inaugural season of Star Princess are now on sale. 

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Princess Cruises will operate its biggest summer Caribbean cruise season ever for 2026. It will span over 90 voyages sailing to every region of the Caribbean from two Florida ports. Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess will depart from Port Everglades and Port Canaveral respectively. Sailings are now available for booking. "Princess continues to expand access and are now operating from eight North America homeports," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. Highlights of the summer 2026 Caribbean season include Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral that can easily be combined to see both regions on 14-day Caribbean Adventurer sailings, including: From Ft. Lauderdale, sailings include Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean cruises. Regal Princess sails seven-day Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries, or an eight-day Southern Caribbean sailing. Guests who want a longer Caribbean cruise vacation to visit multiple regions can sail on a combination cruise for 14 days. Princess also sails two Southern Caribbean Islander cruises at the start and end of the season, including: Caribbean Princess 13-day Southern Caribbean Islander: From Port Everglades to Port Canaveral: Princess Cays, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, San Juan, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and Nassau on April 28, 2026 Regal Princess 14-day Southern Caribbean Islander: From Port Everglades to New York: Curaçao, Aruba, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Maarten, and San Juan on September 5, 2026 Captain's Circle loyalty members will receive up to $200 in onboard spending money when they book by October 31, 2024. Summer 2026 guests will receive $50 per person for voyages 7-10 days, and $100/per person for guests booking combined, 14-day Caribbean Adventurer voyages. 

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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.

Boston's newest homeported cruise ship has arrived for an inaugural season of scenic Canada and New England voyages. The 3,080-guest Emerald Princess arrived at Flynn Cruiseport Boston for a series of 10 Canada and New England cruises and the opportunity to sail onward to Greenland. Voyages range in length from seven to 17 days. As well as the colonial history and quaint seaside communities, guests can visit three ports in the world's largest island of Greenland. "The debut of Emerald Princess for our maiden Boston season celebrates a convenient new home port for New Englanders," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. "We'll bring upwards of 30,000 cruisers to experience all that Boston has to offer." Emerald Princess cruises run through October 7, 2024. The itineraries are the 7-day Canada & New England, the 10-day Classic Canada & New England and the 17-day Greenland & Canada which departs August 11, 2024. 

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A 14-year-old American teen went missing for nearly three days after going ashore during a port call in Rostock. It triggered a wide scale missing person search by police. Aydin Brown and his grandmother were guests aboard a Caribbean Princess cruise ship. He went ashore alone last Thursday and failed to return. After scanning CCTV and ‘analysis of technical data’ he was eventually found 120 miles from Rostock. He was staying at a residence near Potsdam. Rostock city police said in a statement that the teenager was found about 10 p.m. Saturday in the city of Brandenburg, which is about 120 miles south of the port. Brown had apparently arranged to meet an unidentified 19-year old person and was found at a local residence. "There is no evidence of a criminal offense," Rostock police said. The cruise line thanked Rostock police for helping to track him down. “We are delighted that Aydin Brown has been found safe and sound. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to German authorities for their swift response.” During the search Princess paid for Aydin Brown’s mother to fly out to Germany. The ship is on a 12-day cruise roundtrip from Southampton visiting Scandinavia and Baltic Sea ports. 

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Princess Cruises has unveiled a new Captain's Circle Loyalty Accelerator program to reward guests with double cruise credits. Guest get double rewards when purchasing the inclusive Princess Plus and Premier Packages. Princess guests sailing with a Princess Plus or Premier Package on voyages between August 1 and December 1, 2024 will receive double the cruise credits to fast track them closer to the next loyalty tier. John Padgett, Princess Cruises president, said: "The Loyalty Accelerator Program gives our most valued guests even more reasons to sail." The Captain's Circle program features four levels: Gold: After the first cruise and includes early booking offers, members-only onboard event and access to the onboard Circle Host. Ruby: With three cruises or 30 cruise days, members get everything in Gold plus exclusive access to the Captain's Circle help desk, and Princess Platinum Vacation Protection upgrade. Platinum: With five cruises or 50 cruise days, everything in Ruby plus 50% off MedallionNet Packages, 10% off Lotus Spa treatments, and access to the Platinum and Elite Lounge. Elite: With 15 cruises or 150 cruise days, everything in Platinum plus 10% off at the Shops of Princess, 10% off shore excursions, priority boarding for ship-to-shore tender service, stateroom mini-bar setup, and Grapevine Wine Tasting event. It also offers afternoon tea in stateroom, laundry and shoe polish services, plus priority disembarkation. Guests booking Princess Plus or Princess Premier add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, specialty dining, desserts, fitness classes, and more. 

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