Princess Cruises kicks off big Alaska season with epic drone show
Princess Cruises celebrated new ship Star Princess' highly anticipated debut in Seattle for its inaugural Alaska cruise season in spectacular fashion on May 1.
In addition to a traditional maritime plaque exchange between the Port of Seattle and Star Princess senior officers, the ship's arrival day included a stunning Alaska‑themed drone show at Seattle Center that welcomed the next-generation ship and celebrated the spirit of Alaska against the Seattle skyline.
"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," Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma said in a press release. "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."
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Star Princess headlines Princess Cruises' biggest Alaska season yet
Now through mid-September, the 4,300-passenger Star Princess will sail weekly roundtrip voyages from Seattle through Alaska's iconic Inside Passage, as a highlight of Princess Cruises' biggest-ever Alaska cruise season. The cruise line's expanded Alaska program features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, offering travelers a vast selection of Alaska adventures by sea, or by both land and sea through a cruisetour.
All eight Princess cruise ships sailing in Alaska this season feature expanded North to Alaska onboard programming offering new immersive experiences to bring passengers closer to the people, landscapes, and stories that define The Great Land. The program enriches the onboard experience with local lumberjacks, Iditarod champions, and storytellers sharing their passions for Alaska.
Related: Two Princess Cruises restaurants earn five-star honors
New North to Alaska experiences debuting this season include a new Welcome to Alaska presentation, an Après Sea post-adventure experience, and an Alaska-inspired candlelight concert series, as well as new experiences to enrich glacier viewing days.
Other highlights of Princess' Alaska cruises include fresh Alaska seafood menus, a variety of shore excursions, and authentic commentary by Glacier Bay National Park rangers and naturalists on board.
More cruise ships will sail from Seattle than ever this season
In addition to headlining a big Alaska season for Princess, Star Princess is part of what's expected to be a record-setting cruise season for Seattle. Th Port of Seattle expects to welcome a record 2.1 million passengers this season and will serve as home port for 16 ships - its largest lineup ever.
Later this month, Star Princess will be joined in Seattle by another new ship, Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady, as it launches the adults-only cruise line's first sailings to Alaska. MSC Cruises will also sail its first-ever cruises to Alaska from Seattle this season, adding to the variety of new ways to cruise to Alaska debuting in 2026.
Related: What your travel agent needs to know to book your cruise
Along with these new options, Seattle continues to homeport ships from popular lines for Alaska cruises, including Holland America Line, Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity. Additionally, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth just kicked off its second home port season from Seattle.
A major gateway to Alaska, Seattle is a popular cruise departure port for its scenic waterfront, ease of exploration before or after a cruise, and convenient flight options for U.S. travelers.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 6:42 PM.