Princess Cruises’ 177,800-Ton Star Princess Completes Historic Panama Canal Transit
Princess Cruises’ 177,800-ton Star Princess completed its first Panama Canal transit during its inaugural season, carrying 4,300 guests and featuring specialized onboard programming. The transit underscores the 2026-27 season’s introduction of six ships offering 31 departures on nine itineraries, including 13 historic lock passages and 26 new lock transits.
1. Inaugural Transit Milestone
Star Princess, the newest 177,800-ton Sphere Class vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet, achieved its first-ever Panama Canal crossing, marking a key milestone in its October 2025 launch season. The transit offered 4,300 guests lock system tours, expert commentary, and scenic deck viewing, reinforcing the ship’s unique appeal for bucket-list voyages.
2. Expanded 2026-27 Panama Canal Program
Building on Princess Cruises’ Panama legacy since 1967, the 2026-27 season deploys six ships on nine distinct itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Vancouver. The program features 31 total departures, including 13 transits through the historic locks and 26 transits via the new lock system.
3. Star Princess Enhancements
Star Princess combines elevated dining venues, world-class entertainment and luxurious accommodations with MedallionClass personalized service. The ship’s 4,300-guest capacity and enrichment presentations are designed to drive higher onboard spend and differentiate Princess Cruises in the premium cruise segment.