Princess Cruises' Newest Ship, Star Princess, Makes Historic First Transit of the Panama Canal

Princess Cruises (NYSE:CCL) marked a milestone on April 20, 2026, when the newest ship, Star Princess, completed its first transit of the Panama Canal during her inaugural season.

Rhea-AI Summary

Princess Cruises (NYSE:CCL) marked a milestone on April 20, 2026, when the newest ship, Star Princess, completed its first transit of the Panama Canal during her inaugural season.

The 177,800-ton Sphere Class ship carries 4,300 guests; the 2026-2027 Panama season will include six Princess ships, 31 departures on nine itineraries, 13 historic-lock transits and 26 new-lock transits from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Vancouver.

Argus Apr 20 session

-0.72% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – CCL

On Apr 20, the day this news came out, CCL closed 0.72% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Apr 20 session.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Star Princess’s first Panama Canal transit and a robust 2026–2027 deplo...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Star Princess’s first Panama Canal transit and a robust 2026–2027 deployment, with 6 ships and 31 departures across 9 itineraries. It reinforces Princess Cruises’ long history in the canal since 1967 and ongoing fleet evolution. In context of recent filings showing renewed profitability and significant investment programs, investors may monitor booking trends, capital spending for newbuilds and refurbishments, and execution on these expanded itineraries.

Key Figures

Panama cruising since: 1967 Season ships: 6 ships Season departures: 31 departures +5 more

Panama cruising since

1967

Princess pioneered regularly scheduled Panama Canal cruising

Season ships

6 ships

Princess 2026–2027 Panama Canal season deployment

Season departures

31 departures

2026–2027 Panama Canal season

Season itineraries

9 itineraries

2026–2027 Panama Canal season

Homeport cities

5 ports

Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Vancouver

Historic lock transits

13 transits

Scheduled in 2026–2027 Panama Canal season

New lock transits

26 transits

Scheduled in 2026–2027 Panama Canal season

Star Princess size

177,800 tons

Star Princess gross tonnage cited in article

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 16

5 events

1. Apr 16

   Beverage program launch

   24h Move

   -5.2%

   Fleetwide rollout of new POURS premium and zero‑proof beverage collection.

2. Apr 15

   New ship orders

   24h Move

   -5.2%

   Agreements for three large LNG Voyager class ships delivering 2035–2039.

3. Apr 15

   Fleet upgrade program

   24h Move

   +0.5%

   Holland America Evolution $500M multiyear refurbishment across six ships.

4. Apr 14

   Asia deployment expansion

   24h Move

   +3.4%

   Largest‑ever Japan 2028 season and expanded 2027–28 Southeast Asia program.

5. Apr 02

   Promotional campaign

   24h Move

   -3.5%

   Anniversary Sale with fare discounts, credits, reduced deposits and kids offers.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises, one of the world's most iconic cruise brands, celebrated a major milestone over the weekend as its newest ship, Star Princess, completed its first-ever transit of the Panama Canal.

As Star Princess made her way through one of the world's greatest engineering marvels, guests onboard experienced a front-row seat to the intricate lock system and breathtaking scenery that define this legendary crossing. The transit marks a significant moment in the ship's inaugural season and underscores Princess Cruises' longstanding connection to canal voyages.

"A Panama Canal transit is a true "must-do" journey for travelers around the world, and it's especially meaningful when one of our newest ships makes this iconic passage for the very first time," said Gennaro Arma, Star Princess Captain. "We're honored to make this historic crossing in partnership with the Panama Canal Authority, whose expertise and stewardship have shaped one of the world's great maritime landmarks."

Guests sailing aboard Star Princess enjoyed special programming throughout the day, including commentary from destination experts, enrichment presentations on the history and significance of the canal, and scenic viewing opportunities from the ship's open decks and observation spaces.

Princess in the Panama Canal
Princess Cruises pioneered regularly scheduled Panama Canal cruising in 1967, becoming the first cruise line to transit the waterway, and is the leading cruise line in this destination. The upcoming 2026-2027 season features six Princess ships, sailing on 31 departures on nine itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Vancouver. Highlights of the season include 13 transits through the historic locks and 26 transits through the new lock: https://www.princess.com/cruise-destinations/panama-canal-cruises.

More About Star Princess
The 177,800-ton Star Princess, the newest Sphere Class addition to the fleet, carrying 4,300 guests, represents the next evolution of the Princess Cruise experience, combining elevated dining, world-class entertainment, and luxurious accommodations with the brand's signature personalized service.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting princess.com.

About Princess Cruises:
Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. Star Princess, the brand's newest and most innovative ship, launched October 2025, and sister ship to Sun Princess, named Condé Nast Traveler Mega Ship of the Year for a second consecutive year. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/princess-cruises-newest-ship-star-princess-makes-historic-first-transit-of-the-panama-canal-302747381.html

SOURCE Princess Cruises

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

When did Star Princess (CCL) complete its first Panama Canal transit?

Star Princess completed its first Panama Canal transit on April 20, 2026. According to the company, the transit occurred during the ship's inaugural season and was accompanied by onboard programming and commentary for guests.

What are the key specs of Star Princess announced by Princess Cruises (CCL)?

Star Princess is a 177,800-ton Sphere Class ship carrying 4,300 guests. According to the company, it features elevated dining, world-class entertainment and luxurious accommodations.

How many Panama Canal departures will Princess Cruises (CCL) offer in 2026-2027?

Princess Cruises will offer 31 departures across nine itineraries in the 2026-2027 Panama Canal season. According to the company, six ships will operate those sailings from multiple West Coast and Florida ports.

How many historic and new-lock transits are included in Princess Cruises' 2026-2027 Panama season?

The 2026-2027 season includes 13 historic-lock transits and 26 new-lock transits. According to the company, those totals reflect scheduled passages across the season's nine itineraries.

Which ports will Princess Cruises (CCL) use for Panama Canal sailings in 2026-2027?

Princess will operate Panama Canal departures from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Vancouver. According to the company, those ports support the season's varied itineraries and embarkation options.

What onboard experiences were offered during Star Princess's Panama Canal transit?

Guests enjoyed special programming, including commentary and enrichment presentations on the canal's history. According to the company, scenic viewing from open decks and observation spaces was also provided during the transit.