Princess Cruises to Host Spectacular Alaska-Themed Drone Show from Seattle Center on May 1

Princess Cruises (NYSE:CCL) will stage a free, Alaska-themed drone show in downtown Seattle on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. as a public kickoff for the arrival of its newest ship, Star Princess, which begins Alaska sailings from Seattle on May 3, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

Princess Cruises (NYSE:CCL) will stage a free, Alaska-themed drone show in downtown Seattle on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. as a public kickoff for the arrival of its newest ship, Star Princess, which begins Alaska sailings from Seattle on May 3, 2026.

The release notes Star Princess will start a season of 20 roundtrip sailings through September 13, 2026, carry about 90,000 guests, and join seven other ships in Princess' largest Alaska season (180 departures, 19 destinations).

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News Market Reaction – CUK

On Apr 23, the first trading day after this news, CUK closed 0.97% below the previous close.

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Key Figures

Drone show date: May 1, 2026 Drone show time: 8:30 p.m. Alaska roundtrip sailings: 20 sailings +5 more

Drone show date

May 1, 2026

Seattle Alaska-themed drone show kickoff event

Drone show time

8:30 p.m.

Start time for Seattle Center public spectacle

Alaska roundtrip sailings

20 sailings

Star Princess roundtrip Alaska voyages through Sept 13, 2026

Alaska guests

90,000 guests

Expected total carried by Star Princess in 2026 Alaska season

Ships in 2026 Alaska

8 ships

Princess Cruises 2026 Alaska deployment

Alaska departures

180 departures

Total Princess Alaska departures in 2026 season

Alaska destinations

19 destinations

Ports covered by Princess Alaska 2026 program

Star Princess size

177,800 tons / 4,300 guests

Star Princess ship specifications noted in release

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 22

5 events

1. Apr 22

   Expedition program launch

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Seabourn opened 2028–2029 expedition season with 49 global departures.

2. Apr 22

   Fleet celebration

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Cunard announced historic Four Queens gathering in Liverpool in 2028.

3. Apr 21

   Community investment

   24h Move

   -5.8%

   Princess and Holland America pledged $175,000 to rebuild Ketchikan post.

4. Apr 20

   Ship milestone

   24h Move

   -0.6%

   Star Princess completed its first Panama Canal transit, expanding itineraries.

5. Apr 20

   Navigation trials

   24h Move

   -0.6%

   Carnival completed tests of the S-100 navigation framework at CSMART.

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

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Public Celebration Kicks Off Arrival of Newest Ship, Star Princess, Ahead of Inaugural Alaska Season

SEATTLE, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises invites Seattle locals and visitors alike to look to the skies for a one-night-only Alaska-themed drone show set to illuminate downtown Seattle. Taking place on May 1 at 8:30 p.m., the free public spectacle will be best viewed from Seattle Center's International Fountain Mall at 305 Harrison Street, where guests can gather to enjoy a choreographed aerial display celebrating the beauty and spirit of Alaska.

The drone show serves as the official kickoff to the arrival of the cruise line's newest ship, Star Princess, which begins her inaugural Alaska season from Seattle on May 3. The celebration marks a major milestone for the cruise line and its continued investment in the Pacific Northwest as a premier gateway to Alaska.

"Seattle has always played a vital role in our Alaska program, and we're excited to celebrate with the local community and visitors in such a memorable way," said Marie Lee, Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer. "This drone show is a tribute not only to the natural wonder of Alaska, but also to the city of Seattle, whose residents help bring our Alaska season to life year after year."

Star Princess in Seattle
Following the May 1 celebration, Star Princess will set sail on her inaugural voyage to Alaska on May 3 from Pier 91, launching the first of 20 roundtrip sailings through September 13, 2026. Throughout the season, the ship is expected to carry approximately 90,000 guests through Alaska's Inside Passage, offering immersive experiences in iconic ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, along with glacier viewing at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

Star Princess joins a robust Alaska lineup for 2026, as Princess Cruises sails its largest season ever in the region, featuring eight ships, 180 departures and 19 destinations. Alongside Star Princess, Royal Princess also homeports in Seattle, sailing seven-day Inside Passage voyages from Pier 91. Princess also offers guests the opportunity to pair a cruise with a land tour that includes custom itineraries featuring custom-built wilderness lodges or visit four national parks on a single cruisetour, among others great options.

Both Star Princess and Royal Princess return to Seattle for the 2027 Alaska season, also on sale now.

More About Star Princess
The 177,800-ton Star Princess, accommodating 4,300 guests, showcases Princess Cruises' legendary guest service and dedicated crew, along with distinctive dining and bar venues, elevated entertainment and activities, and luxurious accommodations.

Book a Princess Cruise Vacation to Alaska
Additional information about Princess Cruises in Alaska 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).

About Seattle Center — The Cultural Heart of the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of Seattle and home to more than 30 partner organizations, including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, SIFF, and many others. Anchored by world-class attractions, historic venues, public art, and a dynamic calendar of free and affordable events centered around the iconic International Fountain, Seattle Center brings together arts, culture, sports, and community year-round.

As a department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts and Cultural District, Seattle Center serves residents from across the Puget Sound region alongside visitors from around the world.

In partnership with Friends of Waterfront Park, Seattle Center provides operations, maintenance, and public safety services for Waterfront Park, while Friends leads park experience, programming, and stewardship along Seattle's downtown waterfront.

Seattle Center welcomes 11 to 12 million visits annually, generating more than $1 billion in visitor spending, contributing more than $2 billion in regional economic impact, and supporting more than 18,600 jobs.

Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest. www.seattlecenter.com.

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SOURCE Princess Cruises

FAQ

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

What is the Princess Cruises drone show in Seattle on May 1, 2026 (CCL)?

It is a free, choreographed Alaska-themed drone show at Seattle Center on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.. According to the company, the event honors Alaska and marks the arrival of Star Princess ahead of her inaugural Alaska season.

When does Star Princess (CCL) begin its inaugural Alaska season from Seattle?

Star Princess begins Alaska sailings from Seattle on May 3, 2026. According to the company, the ship launches the first of 20 roundtrip sailings running through September 13, 2026.

How many guests and sailings will Star Princess carry in the 2026 Alaska season for CCL?

Star Princess is expected to carry approximately 90,000 guests during the season. According to the company, she will operate 20 roundtrip sailings from Seattle between May 3 and September 13, 2026.

What ports and experiences does Princess Cruises (CCL) highlight for its 2026 Alaska season?

Princess lists stops including Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway with glacier viewing at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. According to the company, itineraries include immersive port calls and optional land tour cruisetours.

How large is Princess Cruises' 2026 Alaska program and does it return in 2027 (CCL)?

The 2026 Alaska program features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations. According to the company, Star Princess and Royal Princess are scheduled to return to Seattle for the 2027 Alaska season, which is on sale now.