Princess Cruises has launched its new Star Princess for the 2026 Alaska season, with the next-generation ship now sailing weekly roundtrip voyages from Seattle. The vessel will operate 20 departures between May 3 and September 13, 2026, travelling through Alaska’s Inside Passage from Pier 91.
The debut marks the arrival of the 177,800-ton ship in Seattle, where it accommodates up to 4,300 guests. The launch forms part of the cruise line’s largest-ever Alaska programme, which includes 8 ships, 180 departures and 19 destinations.
The ship’s arrival was marked by a maritime plaque exchange between the Port of Seattle and senior officers of Star Princess, including Captain Gennaro Arma and Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha. The celebrations also included an Alaska-themed drone show at Seattle Center ahead of the ship’s first sailing.
“It’s especially meaningful for the officers and crew of Star Princess to be here in Seattle, a port with a proud maritime heritage and long-standing connection to Alaska,” said Gennaro Arma, Captain, Princess Cruises. “Designed for these journeys, Star Princess brings together advanced technology, comfort, and elegance as we continue Princess Cruises’ legacy in Alaska. We’re grateful to the Port of Seattle and our port partners for their warm welcome and continued collaboration.”
Star Princess will visit key destinations across Alaska, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. The itineraries also feature glacier viewing experiences at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
The ship joins Royal Princess, which will also operate weekly sailings from Seattle during the 2026 and 2027 Alaska seasons. Together, the ships expand Princess Cruises’ presence on one of the most popular cruise routes in North America.
As part of its inaugural celebrations, Princess Cruises announced a series of community contributions across Alaska. These include a $100,000 donation in Ketchikan to support rebuilding a historic American Legion post, alongside smaller donations in Juneau, Skagway and Sitka supporting marine research, childcare access and trail preservation.
On board, Star Princess offers a range of dining venues, entertainment options and accommodation types designed for Alaska cruising. The experience is complemented by the cruise line’s North to Alaska programme, featuring local experts, regional cuisine and educational talks from Glacier Bay Park Rangers and naturalists.
Princess Cruises said the launch of Star Princess highlights its continued investment in Alaska, where it remains one of the leading cruise operators.
