Princess Cruises Marks U.S. 250th With 2026 North America Sailings

Princess Cruises is tying a slate of 2026 North America itineraries to the United States’ 250th anniversary, pairing select U.S.-homeported cruises with commemorative onboard programming and limited-edition merchandise. The 2026 lineup also includes what the cruise line is calling its largest Alaska season to date, led by the Alaska debut of its newest ship, Star Princess.

America’s 250th anniversary becomes a unifying theme for 2026 sailings

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence falls in 2026, and Princess Cruises is using the milestone as a throughline across select voyages to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada and New England. Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises, said, “As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it feels especially meaningful to celebrate by sailing alongside the landscapes and visiting landmarks that helped shape our nation.”

Princess said guests sailing in North America beginning in spring 2026 and continuing through the year will see special entertainment, themed activities, and food-and-beverage options designed around the anniversary.

Alaska takes center stage, with eight ships and 180 departures

Alaska is the operational centerpiece of Princess Cruises’ North America program in 2026, with the line planning to deploy eight ships in the region. Princess’ Alaska network for the season includes 180 departures and visits to 19 destinations.

Itineraries include sailings through the Inside Passage and scenic areas such as Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord, alongside calls at ports that include Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway.

Star Princess set to start Alaska itineraries on May 3, 2026

Star Princess is scheduled to begin seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle starting May 3, 2026. The ship is expected to join seven other Princess ships operating in the region during the expanded season.

Cruisetours add rail travel, lodges, and national park visits

Beyond traditional Alaska sailings, Princess is emphasizing combined land-and-sea options, offering more than 20 cruisetour variations in 2026. The cruisetours are designed to add time ashore with rail segments and inland stops, and Princess said some land packages can include overnights at four company-owned wilderness lodges.

A headline option is the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour, which Princess describes as combining a seven-day cruise with scenic rail travel and eight nights on land. The tour includes visits to five park sites: Glacier Bay National Park, Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway.

Additional 2026 options: Canada and New England, plus Hawaii

Princess is also linking select Northeast and Hawaii itineraries to the anniversary theme. Lee said, “From Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness to the tropical beauty of Hawaii and the historic charm of New England’s coastal towns, our 2026 sailings invite longtime Princess guests and first-time cruisers alike to experience the places that tell America’s story.”

Canada and New England sailings in fall 2026

In the fall of 2026, Majestic Princess is scheduled to operate seven-night Canada and New England itineraries departing from New York, including a sailing departing October 24, 2026. Princess has promoted the voyages as a way to pair autumn coastal calls with time in major embarkation cities, with itinerary stops that include historic ports such as Boston, Newport, and Portland.

Sapphire Princess is also slated to operate 10-night sailings between Boston and Quebec City for guests looking for extended time in the region.

Hawaii: 16-night Hawaiian Islands voyages from Los Angeles

For Hawaii, Princess is scheduling 16-night Hawaiian Islands sailings on Emerald Princess roundtrip from Los Angeles, with departures listed for September 30, October 16, November 8, November 28, and December 14, 2026. Ports vary by sailing and can include Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo.

Princess Signature Sale runs through March 17, 2026

Princess Cruises is offering a “Princess Signature Sale” across select U.S. itineraries tied to the 2026 program, with booking incentives that can vary by sailing. Princess has positioned the offer as applying to cruises sailing from U.S. homeports to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada and New England.

• Instant savings: Select cruises include up to $600 in instant savings, depending on the departure.
• Reduced deposits: The promotion advertises deposits starting at $99 on eligible sailings.
• Guests sail free: On select departures, third and fourth guests can sail free, an incentive Princess highlighted for families and groups.

Commemorative merchandise and onboard anniversary programming

Princess said its semiquincentennial observances will extend beyond itinerary planning, with themed entertainment and onboard programming alongside special food-and-beverage offerings starting in spring 2026. The cruise line also highlighted limited-edition souvenirs, including a Pendleton blanket inspired by Glacier Bay National Park and a “Celebrating America 250 by Princess” collector pin, along with additional commemorative merchandise.

With the promotional sale open through March 17, 2026, and Star Princess scheduled to begin Alaska voyages on May 3, 2026, Princess is positioning the anniversary year as a unifying thread across multiple U.S.-homeported itineraries, with Alaska serving as the largest deployment of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Princess Signature Sale, and how long is it available?

The Princess Signature Sale applies to select U.S. itineraries tied to Princess’ 2026 program and runs through March 17, 2026. Princess has advertised elements that can include up to $600 in instant savings, $99 deposits, and third and fourth guests sailing free on select departures.

When does Star Princess begin its Alaska sailings?

Star Princess is scheduled to begin seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle on May 3, 2026.

What does Princess say is included in the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour?

Princess describes the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour as a seven-day cruise combined with scenic rail travel and eight nights on land. The itinerary includes visits to Glacier Bay National Park, Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway.

Which ship is offering 16-night Hawaiian Islands voyages in 2026?

Princess is advertising 16-night Hawaiian Islands sailings on Emerald Princess, operating roundtrip from Los Angeles on select dates in late 2026, with ports varying by departure.