Friday, August 9, 2024 Princess Cruises is gearing up for its most ambitious season in Alaska yet, set for 2026, with the introduction of the brand-new Star Princess. This season is poised to be the largest in the company’s history for the region, showcasing a significant expansion in capacity and offerings. Based on data from the Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News, Princess Cruises’ 2026 season in Alaska will see a remarkable increase of approximately 18 percent in berth capacity compared to the 2025 season.
This surge highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in this popular cruise destination. In 2026, a fleet of eight Princess ships will sail the scenic waters of Alaska. This lineup includes the Star Princess, which is set to debut in 2025, and the Discovery Princess, which was launched in 2022.
These two modern vessels will be joined by a diverse array of ships from various classes within the Princess fleet, such as the Royal Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, and Caribbean Princess. Together, these ships will offer an impressive 24,600 berths, providing ample opportunities for passengers to explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Alaska. The 2025 season will also be notable, with seven Princess ships scheduled to cruise in Alaska.
The fleet will include the Discovery Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Caribbean Princess, Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess, and Grand Princess, collectively offering approximately 20,600 berths. While this represents a robust presence, it is a slight decrease from the 2024 season, which featured seven ships with a larger average size, leading to more berths available. Looking at the overall growth trajectory from 2024 to 2026, Princess Cruises is set to enhance its Alaska offerings by nearly ten percent, with an increase of around 2,000 berths.
This growth underscores the brand’s dedication to delivering exceptional cruise experiences in Alaska, with more options and greater capacity for travelers eager to explore this breathtaking region. Princess Cruises is set to make significant strides in its Alaska cruise offerings over the next few years, showcasing a dynamic expansion in both fleet size and passenger capacity. Here’s a detailed look at how Princess Cruises’ Alaska programs are evolving from 2024 through 2026: 2024 – A Strong Foundation with 7 Ships and 22,260 Berths In 2024, Princess Cruises is poised to maintain a solid presence in Alaska with a fleet of seven ships.
This year’s lineup will feature some of the largest and most luxurious vessels in the fleet, collectively offering an impressive 22,260 berths. The 2024 season is characterized by a robust selection of itineraries and experiences, setting a strong foundation for the years to come. 2025 – A Slight Contraction but Continued Excellence with 7 Ships and 20,610 Berths As the calendar turns to 2025, Princess Cruises will continue to deploy seven ships in Alaska, albeit with a slight reduction in overall berth capacity, bringing the total to approximately 20,610 berths.
This slight contraction reflects a strategic adjustment, with an emphasis on optimizing the fleet’s efficiency and enhancing guest experiences. Despite the reduction in berth numbers, the 2025 season will still offer a rich array of voyages, ensuring that passengers have ample opportunities to explore the rugged beauty and unique charm of Alaska. 2026 – A Landmark Year with 8 Ships and 24,260 Berths Looking ahead to 2026, Princess Cruises is set to achieve a new milestone in its Alaska program.
The fleet will expand to include eight ships, increasing the total berth capacity to a remarkable 24,260. This substantial growth is driven by the introduction of the new Star Princess, alongside the inclusion of other modern and diverse vessels in the fleet. The 2026 season will mark the largest-ever deployment of Princess ships in Alaska, offering an unparalleled range of itineraries and experiences for travelers eager to explore the Last Frontier.
Summary of the Evolution Over this three-year period, Princess Cruises is not only maintaining its commitment to Alaska but is also progressively expanding its capacity and enhancing its offerings. From 2024 to 2026, the cruise line will increase its fleet by one ship and boost its berth capacity by 2,000, highlighting its dedication to providing even more opportunities for guests to experience the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Alaska. Each year builds on the last, ensuring that Princess Cruises remains at the forefront of the Alaska cruise market, delivering unforgettable journeys to one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
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