Star Princess Debuts in Seattle for 2026 Alaska Season

Princess Cruises has welcomed its newest Sphere Class ship, Star Princess, to Seattle ahead of her first Alaska season. From 3 May to 13 September 2026, the 177,800‑ton ship will operate 20 weekly roundtrip voyages from Pier 91 through Alaska’s iconic Inside Passage, marking a major milestone in the line’s long‑running partnership with the Port of Seattle.

Arrival festivities included a traditional plaque exchange between the Port of Seattle and the ship’s senior officers, led by Captain Gennaro Arma and Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha, alongside representatives from local maritime and port partners. The ceremony followed an Alaska‑themed drone show at Seattle Center on 1 May, lighting up the skyline in celebration of the new ship and the start of the 2026 Alaska season.

Explore Star Princess and her Alaska sailings at:
https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/st-star-princess

Weekly Inside Passage Cruises from Pier 91

Throughout summer 2026, Star Princess will sail seven‑day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle to Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting marquee ports including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. Voyages feature scenic glacier viewing in Endicott Arm with Dawes Glacier, giving guests classic Alaska highlights from a brand‑new ship.

For 2026 and 2027, Star Princess will be joined in Seattle by Royal Princess, which also sails weekly Inside Passage itineraries from Pier 91. Together, the two ships significantly increase Princess Cruises’ capacity from the Emerald City, reinforcing Seattle’s role as a leading gateway for Inside Passage cruising.

Record Alaska Season for Princess Cruises

Star Princess’ debut underpins Princess Cruises’ largest‑ever Alaska program in 2026. Across the season, eight Princess ships will operate around 180 departures to 19 destinations, combining classic Inside Passage itineraries with cruisetours that link glacier sailing with Denali rail journeys and lodge stays in the interior.

All eight ships – Star Princess, Royal Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess – will feature the updated North to Alaska program. On board, guests can expect Alaska‑themed culinary experiences, fresh regional seafood, Glacier Bay Park Rangers and Naturalists providing commentary on select sailings, plus appearances by local lumberjacks, Iditarod champions and cultural storytellers.

Giving Back in Alaska Ports

As part of the inaugural celebrations, Princess Cruises has reaffirmed its long‑standing ties with communities in Southeast Alaska through a series of charitable contributions. In Ketchikan, the line has committed 100,000 USD to help rebuild the Joseph T. Craig American Legion Post 3 – the state’s oldest American Legion hall – following its destruction by arson, supporting veterans, their families and the wider community.

Additional donations include 25,000 USD to Juneau Flukes for whale research and marine conservation, 25,000 USD to Skagway Childcare Council to expand access to quality childcare, and 10,000 USD to Sitka Trail Works to support local trail maintenance and preservation. Collectively, these contributions underscore Princess’ ongoing commitment to the coastal communities that anchor its Alaska itineraries.

Inside the New Star Princess

Carrying up to 4,300 guests, Star Princess is the second ship in the new Sphere Class and showcases Princess Cruises’ latest hardware and guest‑experience concepts. The ship features a wide variety of dining venues and bars, contemporary entertainment spaces, and a mix of accommodation options ranging from well‑appointed balcony cabins to more expansive suites.

Guests can expect the line’s signature service from a dedicated crew, alongside upgraded tech, new leisure experiences and design elements tailored to scenic cruising in regions such as Alaska. For many travellers, her inaugural Alaska season offers the chance to pair brand‑new ship features with some of North America’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.

How to Book Star Princess Alaska Cruises

Travellers can book Star Princess and other Princess Alaska sailings through their preferred travel advisor, by calling 1‑800‑PRINCESS (1‑800‑774‑6237) in relevant markets, or by visiting the cruise line’s website. Sailing dates for the 2026 Inside Passage program span early May to mid‑September, covering the core Alaska cruise window from spring shoulder season through peak summer.

For full ship details and itineraries, visit: