New class details

Princess Cruises said the Voyager Class will be its largest and most advanced platform to date, with the ships designed to incorporate the line’s most popular experiences and venues in a new format. The company said the vessels will feature redesigned outer decks, staterooms and Piazza spaces, while continuing to build on the Sphere Class platform and using the latest guest-facing and marine technologies.

The ships will be dual-fuel powered and primarily run on liquefied natural gas, or LNG, similar to the highly successful Sun Princess and Star Princess. Princess Cruises said the fuel choice is intended to deliver immediate greenhouse gas reductions and to reduce air emissions compared with other widely available conventional marine fuels.

Size and capacity

Princess Cruises said the newbuilds will be the largest ships by capacity in its fleet and will be constructed at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Each of the three ships will be 183,000 gross tons and will accommodate approximately 4,700 guests.

The line said further design details, including the final specification list, will be announced later.  

Executive comments

Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha said the new class is intended to appeal to returning guests while also attracting first-time Princess cruisers. “The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests. We have been leveraging extensive customer and agent research to strike the right balance between evolving our proven winners and introducing new concepts and partnerships grounded in what matters to our current and future guests,” said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. “From exceptional dining and inviting pool environments to elevated entertainment and beautifully reimagined spaces throughout the ship, we are leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience.” leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience.”

Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero said the agreement confirms the strength of the long-term relationship between the two companies. He said: We are delighted to announce this new agreement with Princess Cruises, which confirms the strength of a long-standing and forward-looking partnership. These new orders secure a robust workload for our shipyards through 2039 and further support the profitable development of our cruise business, as outlined in our 2026–2030 Industrial Plan. With the new Voyager-class ships, we are once again leveraging Fincantieri’s distinctive expertise in sustainable, next generation shipbuilding, supporting Princess Cruises in its growth trajectory and reaffirming our role as a trusted industrial partner for the evolution of the cruise industry.”

Fleet plan context

These agreements for Princess Cruises’ next-generation cruise ships represent Carnival Corporation’s 19th, 20th and 21st LNG‑based vessels, with seven additional ships already under contract for delivery between 2027 and 2033.

The release described the move as part of Carnival Corporation’s wider fleet enhancement strategy. It said the aim is to create interest in the vacation market and support demand for cruising, which the company described as the fastest growing segment in the vacation industry.

Source: Official announcement by Princess Cruise Line on 15 April, 2026

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The programme combines destination-led itineraries with scenic cruising in Antarctica, reinforcing the cruise line’s focus on immersive travel experiences across culturally and environmentally significant regions.

Broad destination mix across South America

The season will see Majestic Princess operate a range of voyages across South America, with itineraries designed to showcase a diverse mix of ports and regional highlights.

Guests will visit 19 destinations spanning multiple countries, with itineraries offering access to a wide range of cultural landmarks and natural attractions. A key feature of the programme is the inclusion of 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting a continued emphasis on heritage-driven travel.

The deployment aligns with growing traveller demand for itineraries that combine multiple countries and culturally significant experiences within a single journey.

Antarctica cruising remains a core draw

A defining element of the 2027–28 season is the inclusion of Antarctica itineraries, which continue to attract strong interest within the premium cruise segment.

Passengers will have the opportunity to experience scenic cruising through Antarctic waters, offering views of glaciers, ice formations and wildlife. These sailings are structured to deliver access to one of the world’s most remote regions while adhering to environmental regulations that limit onshore activity.

Antarctica continues to be positioned as a once-in-a-lifetime destination within the cruise sector, and its inclusion strengthens the overall appeal of the South America deployment.

Destination-led programming onboard

Majestic Princess, part of the cruise line’s Royal Class fleet, will offer a full range of onboard amenities alongside destination-focused programming tailored to the region.

Princess Cruises continues to integrate enrichment experiences into its itineraries, including lectures and cultural insights designed to complement the destinations visited. This approach supports a broader shift within the industry towards deeper engagement with each region rather than purely port-driven cruising.

The South America season reflects this evolution, balancing onboard experiences with meaningful destination exposure.

Relevance for Middle East travel trade

For the Middle East market, the announcement presents a strong opportunity for travel advisors to promote long-haul, experience-led itineraries to high-value travellers.

Demand for South America and Antarctica cruises has been gradually increasing among GCC travellers, particularly those seeking extended journeys that offer a combination of natural landscapes and cultural depth.

The 2027–28 timeframe provides ample lead time for trade partners to package these itineraries with international flights and pre- or post-cruise land programmes. This is particularly relevant for travellers departing from hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where connectivity to South America continues to expand via global airline networks.

Cruise lines remain reliant on regional trade partners to position these complex itineraries effectively, given their longer duration and premium pricing.

Industry context and forward planning

The launch of the 2027–28 South America season reflects a wider industry trend towards releasing itineraries earlier to capture forward demand and support long-term planning among travel advisors.

South America and Antarctica continue to play a strategic role in global cruise deployment, offering a combination of cultural significance and remote exploration that differentiates them from more traditional cruise regions.

By positioning Majestic Princess in the region, Princess Cruises is reinforcing its presence in the premium segment while responding to increasing interest in destination-rich voyages that prioritise depth of experience.

Source: Official announcement by Princess Cruise Line on 24 March, 2026

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Princess Cruises is raising a glass today after its beloved Royal Princess was officially crowned the “World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship” at the 2025 World Culinary Awards. The prestigious accolade, voted on by industry professionals, the culinary community, and consumers worldwide, recognizes the vessel’s exceptional commitment to gastronomic excellence.

This award underscores the cruise line’s strategic focus on elevating its food and beverage program across the fleet, with Royal Princess serving as a shining example of this culinary evolution.

A Feast for the Senses

The victory is largely attributed to the ship’s diverse and high-quality dining portfolio. Royal Princess hosts a variety of standout venues that have become favorites among foodies at sea.

• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: The line’s signature Italian restaurant has been revitalized with a new partnership with Frescobaldi, the legendary Tuscan winemaking family. The updated menu, “Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Inspired by Frescobaldi,” pairs authentic Tuscan recipes with a curated selection of fine wines. Additionally, the venue hosts a special “Grand Tuscan Dinner” once per cruise, featuring an exclusive multi-course tasting menu.
• Crown Grill: Consistently rated as one of the best steakhouses at sea, this venue offers premium aged beef and fresh seafood in a classic, wood-paneled setting featuring an open theater-style kitchen.
• Chef’s Table Lumiere: For the ultimate indulgence, guests can book this private dining experience. Hosted by the executive chef, the evening features Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and a lavish multi-course meal served at a custom table surrounded by a shimmering curtain of light.
• Alfredo’s Pizzeria: Voted “Best Pizza at Sea,” this open-kitchen venue serves hand-crafted individual pizzas created by 13-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani.
• Caymus Winemaker’s Dinner: An exclusive event for wine lovers, offering a chef-curated menu designed specifically to complement the iconic wines of Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards.
• The Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar: A haven for seafood aficionados, offering fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and other ocean treasures with stunning sea views.

Recognition of Excellence

The award highlights the intense competition within the cruise culinary sector, where dining has become a primary driver for traveler decision-making.

“Being honored as the world’s best culinary cruise ship is a testament to our talented culinary team who work tirelessly to create unforgettable dining moments for our guests,” said a Princess Cruises spokesperson. (Note: While the full quote was cut off in source material, the sentiment reflects the line’s ongoing commitment mentioned in the release).

Setting Sail for Culinary Adventure

Beyond the dining table, Royal Princess is preparing for a busy deployment schedule that will allow guests to pair their meals with spectacular scenery. The ship is currently scheduled to sail roundtrip from Los Angeles this winter, offering itineraries to the California Coast and Mexico.

Following its winter season, Royal Princess will head north for the summer of 2026, operating voyages to Alaska. There, the culinary experience will extend to the destination itself, with menus featuring fresh local flavors from “The Great Land.”

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The new routes from Los Angeles combine scenic cruising along Mexico’s Baja Peninsula with visits to ports such as La Paz, Loreto, and Cabo San Lucas. The itineraries balance expedition-style wildlife viewing—highlighting local marine biodiversity and UNESCO World Heritage sites—with stops offering authentic gastronomy and historical sites.

Princess Cruises offers flexible sailing lengths, including seven and ten-night voyages suitable for both families and couple travellers from the Middle East who prefer shorter, immersive breaks. The brand has partnered with specialist tour operators and in-region agencies to incorporate tailored shore excursions addressing language and dietary needs common among Gulf clients.

Marketing campaigns emphasize warm-climate convenience and cultural enrichment, presenting these itineraries as ideal for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure without the longer flights typical of traditional warm-weather cruise destinations.

Industry insiders highlight that Mexico’s accessibility and safety profile, combined with Princess Cruises’ growing global footprint, are likely to make the Sea of Cortez routes a fast-growing segment for Middle East-based vacationers in winter 2026.

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