Princess Cruises Marks US 250th with Record Fleet & New Mega-Ship

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – February 17, 2026 – As the United States gears up for its 250th anniversary, Princess Cruises is launching an ambitious series of commemorative voyages designed to explore the nation's most iconic coastlines. The cruise line announced a sweeping 2026 program featuring patriotic-themed sailings to Alaska, Hawaii, and New England, coupled with its largest-ever deployment in Alaska and the debut of a new mega-ship in the region.

This initiative places Princess Cruises at the forefront of a broader travel industry trend, with airlines, tourism boards, and hospitality brands all preparing to leverage the national Semiquincentennial celebration to attract travelers. The company's strategy combines cultural commemoration with a significant expansion of its North American offerings.

Sailing into a National Celebration

Throughout 2026, guests aboard Princess ships in North America will find themselves immersed in celebrations for America's 250th birthday. The company plans to roll out special onboard entertainment, themed programming, and unique culinary experiences that honor the milestone. This effort aims to connect travelers with the country's heritage, both at sea and ashore.

"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," said Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises. "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."

To further mark the occasion, the cruise line is introducing exclusive commemorative merchandise on its Alaska itineraries. This includes a limited-edition Pendleton blanket inspired by Glacier Bay National Park, a nod to the legacy of America's national parks, as well as a "Celebrating America 250 by Princess" collector pin and other themed items. This move aligns with a nationwide push by organizations like America250 and the National Parks Conservation Association to highlight the country's natural and historical treasures during the anniversary year.

A Record Bet on Alaska's Wilderness

The centerpiece of the 2026 program is a historic expansion in Alaska. Princess Cruises will operate its largest season ever in "The Great Land," deploying eight ships for a total of 180 departures to 19 different destinations. This formidable presence reinforces the company's position as a dominant force in the highly competitive Alaska cruise market, where it will vie with other major lines like Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean, which are also deploying multiple ships to the region.

Highlighting this record season is the Alaskan debut of the new Star Princess. As the second vessel in the line's new Sphere Class, the 177,882-ton ship, which can host 4,300 guests, represents a significant upgrade for the fleet. It is one of the first ships in the Princess fleet to be powered by cleaner-burning Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and features innovative designs like "The Dome," a massive geodesic glass structure at the top of the ship offering panoramic views perfect for glacier and wildlife viewing.

Beyond the hardware, the company is doubling down on immersive land-and-sea packages known as cruisetours. Recognizing a strong market demand for deeper exploration, Princess is offering over 20 different cruisetour options. The most extensive of these is the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour, a comprehensive journey that combines a seven-day cruise with eight nights on land. This tour gives travelers access to five distinct national parks, including Denali and Glacier Bay, blending sea travel with scenic rail journeys and stays at four of the company's own wilderness lodges. This focus on extended, in-depth itineraries caters to travelers seeking a more comprehensive Alaskan experience than a standard coastal cruise can provide.

Navigating the Deals: A Guide to the 'Princess Signature Sale'

To drive bookings for these anniversary sailings, Princess has launched a limited-time "Princess Signature Sale," running from February 17 through March 17, 2026. The promotion features a compelling set of incentives designed to attract both new and returning cruisers.

The sale's offers include instant savings of up to $600 per stateroom, a policy allowing third and fourth guests to sail free on select voyages, and a remarkably low deposit of just $99. This deposit is highly competitive within the industry, where booking deposits typically range from $200 to $500 per person, making it a significant incentive for travelers to commit to future plans.

Several commemorative itineraries are featured in the sale, offering a snapshot of the value available:

• A 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise over the July 4th holiday, roundtrip from Seattle, starts at $1,249 per person.
• A 7-day Canada & New England voyage in the peak fall foliage season, departing October 24, starts at $899 per person.
• A 16-day Hawaiian Islands cruise, roundtrip from Los Angeles and departing November 8, starts at $1,099 per person.

The sale is available to residents across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Bermuda, providing a wide window for travelers to secure a place on these celebratory 2026 voyages. This combination of patriotic theming, a significantly expanded and upgraded fleet, and aggressive promotional pricing positions Princess Cruises for a landmark year as the nation celebrates a historic milestone.