Fort Lauderdale, Florida – 06 October 2026: Princess Cruises has been named No. 1 in the Mega Cruise Ship category in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with Sphere-Class ships Sun Princess and Star Princess highlighted in the recognition.
The result reflects votes from Condé Nast Traveler readers and recognises the experience aboard Princess’ newest generation of ships, including design, dining, entertainment, accommodation and personalised service.
Sun Princess Secures Third Consecutive Top Spot
Sun Princess earned the top position in the Mega Cruise Ship category for the third consecutive year, following previous recognition in 2024 and 2025.
Launched in 2024 as Princess Cruises’ first Sphere-Class ship, Sun Princess is a 177,000-ton vessel carrying 4,300 guests. The ship introduced the design platform subsequently extended to sister ship Star Princess.
Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer Marie Lee said the recognition from Condé Nast Traveler readers reflected the design of the Sphere-Class ships as well as the work of Princess crew members in delivering the onboard guest experience.
Star Princess Recognised in First Eligible Year
Star Princess is also highlighted in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards during her first year of eligibility. The ship debuted in October 2025 as the second Sphere-Class vessel in the Princess fleet and was also named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List earlier this year.
Sun Princess and Star Princess operate itineraries across destinations including Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Both ships combine expansive ocean views and dramatic architectural spaces with the intimate, personalised service for which Princess is known.
Sphere-Class Venues Feature Across Both Ships
Among the principal venues aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess is The Dome, a glass-enclosed entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The ships also feature the Piazza, centred around sweeping ocean views, and the Princess Arena, a technologically advanced entertainment venue.
Dining and beverage options include Love by Britto, Makoto Ocean and The Butcher’s Block by Dario, alongside additional restaurants, bars and lounges across the ships.
The Sanctuary Collection provides an exclusive private retreat with premium accommodation and amenities, including the Sanctuary Club, Sanctuary Restaurant and Suite Lounge.
Entertainment across the Sphere-Class ships includes original production shows, live music and immersive performances created for the vessels.
Readers’ Choice Awards Reflect Reader Voting
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are an annual programme in which readers vote across travel categories including cruise lines, hotels, resorts, destinations and airlines.
The 2026 result extends Sun Princess’ run at the top of the Mega Cruise Ship category to three consecutive years, while marking Star Princess’ first appearance in the awards during her first year of eligibility.
Together, the recognition highlights Princess Cruises’ two Sphere-Class ships within the publication’s 2026 cruise results.
Source: Official announcement by Carnival Corporation / Princess Cruise Line on 06 October 2026, Florida.
