What’s New for Princess in 2026 (Real‑World Edition)
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Sphere‑Class Ships Are Reshaping the Fleet
Sun Princess is now fully in rotation, and Star Princess is expanding her 2026 itineraries. These ships feel like a modern resort at sea — bigger venues, new dining concepts, and a more open, airy design.
I’ve already sailed Sun Princess once last year and let me just say it: WOW. This ship is a completely different experience — modern, airy, full of energy, and honestly the most “resort‑like” Princess ship I’ve ever sailed.
We loved it so much that I immediately booked it again — this time for me and Brandon, my reluctant cruiser who doesn’t always jump at the chance to sail. The fact that he is excited to go back tells you everything you need to know.
Related links:
Princess Plus & Premier Have Shifted Again
The 2026 versions include:
Higher drink limits
Multi‑device Wi‑Fi
Photo perks (Premier)
Specialty dining perks (Premier)
We did the Premier Package last year and loved it so much that we booked it again for our Sun Princess sailing. It’s our “go big” cruise of the year — the one where we don’t think about the bill, we enjoy the experience. And honestly? Brandon loves it. That alone makes it worth it.
Related links:
Princess Plus vs Premier comparison
Dining & OceanNow — Still a Work in Progress
Princess has been tweaking reservation windows, delivery zones, and casual dining hours, but OceanNow has taken a step backward. On my recent sailings, it was slower, glitchier, and far less reliable than before — a real disappointment compared to how smooth it used to be.
That said, it’s not a deal breaker for me. I still love Princess, and OceanNow being disappointing on one sailing doesn’t change that. It was just a letdown compared to the incredible experience I had before.
I actually wrote a full breakdown of what changed and why it matters in my OceanNow Delivery Review 2026.
Casino Offers Are Stronger Than Ever
This year, casino comps have been especially strong for:
Caribbean
Canada/New England
Repositioning cruises
Several of my 2026 cruises were booked using casino offers — especially the Star Princess Western Caribbean in December, which we snagged for under $1,000 for two people in a mini‑suite. That’s the kind of offer you don’t walk away from.
Related links:
Want to see exactly how I book my cruises (including casino deals)?
Read: How I Book Cruises & Save Thousands
What I’ve Sailed So Far in 2026
🌊 Majestic Princess — March 2026
My first Princess cruise of the year was on the Majestic Princess and it reminded me why I keep coming back to this cruise line. The ship felt clean, bright, and well‑run, and the service was exactly what I expect from Princess — warm, consistent, and effortless.
But the real star for me? The Hollywood Conservatory.
I try to avoid the sun when I can (anything to keep me looking young!), and this space was a total hit. It’s bright without being harsh, relaxing without being crowded, and it became my go‑to spot for morning coffee, reading, and just decompressing. If you’re a shade‑lover like me, it’s a dream.
What I’m Still Sailing in 2026
🌞 Sun Princess — Solar Eclipse Cruise (AND Round Two!)
We’ve already sailed Sun Princess once last year and fell completely in love with her — so much so that we booked her again for a second sailing.
Related links: Sun Princess review
🦃 Island Princess — Thanksgiving 2026
We were able to snag a mini‑suite on a 5‑day Thanksgiving sailing for around $800 thanks to a casino deal — and the timing fit perfectly into our schedule.
Related links: How I Booked the Island Princess
⭐ Star Princess — December 2026 Western Caribbean
This one started as a “research trip”… Okay, that’s what I told my husband. But the truth? I really wanted to try the newest ship out — and we scored an amazing casino deal for under $1,000 for two people in a mini‑suite.
Related links: How I Booked the Star Princess
Planning your own excursions? Here’s how I book shore excursions and decide between cruise‑line, third‑party, and DIY options
My First 2027 Cruise: Crown Princess from San Juan
I’m starting 2027 strong with a San Juan departure, and I’m so excited about this one.
Related links: How I Booked the Crown Princess
The Best Princess Itineraries Still Worth Booking for 2026
🌊 Mediterranean
What to Expect First Mediterranean Cruise
Mediterranean cruise packing list
🧊 Alaska
🏝️ Caribbean
Caribbean cruise packing list – YOUR-LINK-HERE Eastern Caribbean guide – YOUR-LINK-HERE Western Caribbean guide – YOUR-LINK-HERE
⭐ FINAL THOUGHTS
Princess has made some big moves in 2026 — new ships, refreshed packages, evolving tech, and some of the strongest casino offers I’ve seen in years. And while not every update has been perfect (looking at you, OceanNow), this has still been one of my favorite years of sailing with Princess.
Between Majestic Princess, Sun Princess, Island Princess for Thanksgiving, and Star Princess to wrap up the year, I feel like I will see the full spectrum of what Princess is doing right now — the good, the great, and the “still needs work.”
But here’s the truth: Princess continues to be one of the best cruise lines for value, comfort, and consistency. The ships feel familiar in the best way, the service is warm, and the itineraries keep getting better. And with my first 2027 cruise already booked on Crown Princess out of San Juan, I’m clearly not slowing down anytime soon.
If you’re planning a Princess cruise in 2026 or 2027, I hope this real‑world update helps you choose the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right package for your travel style. And as always, I’ll keep sharing honest updates as I sail — the wins, the surprises, and the things I wish I’d known sooner.
If you’re planning a Princess cruise, don’t miss my guides on
How I Book Shore Excursions and Save
⭐ ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, a travel and points blog dedicated to helping everyday travelers see more of the world without spending more money. She’s a cruise‑loving, points‑stacking, sun‑avoiding (hello, Hollywood Conservatory!) travel writer based in Tennessee.
Julie cruises frequently with her family — including her reluctant‑cruiser husband Brandon and her adventure‑loving sons Tanner and Finn — and specializes in Princess Cruises, casino offers, and travel hacking without opening a million credit cards.
Her work focuses on real‑world experiences, honest reviews, and practical strategies that help travelers stretch their dollars and their points further. When she’s not on a ship, she’s planning the next one.
Follow along at NoPointLeftBehind.net for cruise guides, points strategies, and Lazy Girl travel tips.
