Princess Cruises is expanding its UK and European operations in 2026, setting a new milestone for the company.
- In 2026, Princess Cruises plans to homeport two ships in Southampton, enhancing its current offerings.
- A total of 59 itineraries across 101 destinations and 29 countries will be available, with various cruise lengths.
- The Sky Princess and Majestic Princess will provide extensive European and Mediterranean journeys from Southampton.
- Eithne Williamson of Princess Cruises emphasises the variety and affordability of the upcoming cruise collection.
The cruise industry is set for substantial growth as Princess Cruises announces its most expansive UK and Europe programme to date for 2026, which includes homeporting two ships in Southampton. This strategic move reflects the company’s commitment to increasing their presence and offerings in the region. The Sky Princess, with a capacity for 3,600 passengers, will continue its tenure in Southampton, marking its sixth consecutive season. It will offer voyages ranging from seven to 28 nights, venturing through northern Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. A novel 28-night itinerary encompassing Scandinavian and Iberian destinations is set to attract seasoned travellers seeking extensive exploration.
The Majestic Princess will debut its homeporting from Southampton, delivering itineraries that highlight the British Isles and northern Europe. Passengers can select from 11 to 14-night voyages, allowing them to explore more regional nuances and cultural experiences. This inclusion epitomises Princess Cruises’ dedication to diversifying its offerings to meet varied traveller preferences.
Expanding further into the Mediterranean segment, the Sun Princess will continue its operations from Civitavecchia, Piraeus, and Barcelona, with cruise durations spanning from seven to 21 nights. A notable seven-night journey from Barcelona calls at renowned ports such as Gibraltar and Marseille, proving attractive for those eager to explore historical and culinary sites.
The Enchanted Princess will also contribute to the Mediterranean offerings, sailing out of Civitavecchia with a selection of five to 14-night cruises. Designed to cater to diverse travel needs, its concise itineraries afford travellers the chance to experience both Greece and the Adriatic region, featuring key locations such as Kotor and Corfu.
Further north, the Sapphire Princess is set to conduct 12-night Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish expeditions from Copenhagen. This northern itinerary includes storied ports like Stockholm and Helsinki, attracting those interested in the rich cultural tapestries of Scandinavia and the Baltic region.
A comprehensive range of transatlantic crossings is also available, with all five ships offering routes from 14 to 29 nights. Eithne Williamson, Vice-President of Princess Cruises UK and Europe, highlighted the array of itineraries and competitive pricing offered, stressing the accessibility of these voyages for UK travellers. She further noted the appeal of round-trip options from Copenhagen and Civitavecchia, which allow travellers to extend their cruise with stays in historic and vibrant cities like Rome and Copenhagen.
With its 2026 programme, Princess Cruises is set to broaden its footprint and capture a significant share of the European cruise market.
