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Princess Cruises Sets Record with 291-Departure Europe Season for 2028

Princess Cruises Sets Record with 291-Departure Europe Season for 2028
Cruise · 2026
Photo · Isabella Rocha for Travelmao
By Isabella Rocha Cruise & Maritime Jun 15, 2026 3 min read

Princess Cruises has announced its most extensive Europe deployment to date, scheduling 291 departures across 150 unique itineraries for the 2028 season. The program will operate six ships — Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess, and the new Sun Princess — from 13 European departure ports. Sailings range from 7 to 53 days, calling at 128 destinations in 37 countries, with access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 32 late-night or overnight stays.

New Ports and a Pole-to-Pole Odyssey

The 2028 season introduces several firsts for Princess. The line will make maiden calls to Galway and Killybegs on Ireland's west coast, offering guests access to the Wild Atlantic Way, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant pub culture. The headline itinerary is a 53-day Pole-to-Pole Odyssey that links Antarctica and the Arctic in a single journey, combining dramatic polar landscapes, wildlife encounters, and remote cultural experiences.

Early booking bonuses run from June 2 to October 12, 2026, and include up to US$500 instant savings, stateroom location upgrades, up to US$500 onboard credit, reduced US$100 deposits, early access to dining and arrival groups, and extra perks for Captain's Circle members.

Deeper Cultural Immersion

Princess continues to expand its Local Connections program and Ultimate shore excursions, designed with local experts and backed by the line's Guaranteed Return to Ship promise. Longer port days and overnights are scheduled in cities such as Stockholm, Hamburg, Tromsø, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Belfast, and Reykjavik in Northern Europe, and Istanbul, Mykonos, Ibiza, Valletta, Split, Lisbon, and La Spezia in the Mediterranean. Experiences include pasta-making with Italian families, learning about Indigenous Sami culture in Arctic Norway, artisan workshops at Royal Delft in the Netherlands, and guided visits to Mont Saint-Michel and Athens' ancient sites.

Three Regional Flavors

Northern Europe: Fjords, Isles, and Smaller Ports

Northern Europe itineraries focus on dramatic landscapes and intimate ports, including Norway's fjords, Arctic hubs like Tromsø, and extended time in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Reykjavik. The new calls to Galway and Killybegs bring guests into the heart of Ireland's Atlantic coast for the first time on Princess.

Mediterranean: Blockbuster Cities and Coastal Gems

In the Mediterranean, Princess blends iconic destinations such as Athens, Pompeii, and Ephesus with the evening energy of Barcelona, Lisbon, Dubrovnik, and Florence. Late-night and overnight calls in Istanbul, Mykonos, Ibiza, Valletta, Split, Lisbon, and La Spezia allow for nightlife, long dinners, and exploring old towns in cooler evening air.

Transatlantic: Slow Travel Between Continents

Princess' Transatlantic voyages turn long flights into unhurried sea crossings between Europe and the Americas, with calls in the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, Bermuda, and Morocco. The 53-day Pole-to-Pole Odyssey is the flagship offering for travelers seeking an extended adventure.

To simplify travel logistics, Princess continues to promote Princess EZair, offering competitive fares, 24/7 support, and flexible book-now-pay-later options on flights. Travel professionals can explore 2028 Europe sailings and early-booking offers via a professional travel advisor, by calling Princess, or by visiting princess.com.

For context on the broader cruise industry's expansion, see NCL Extends Norwegian Spirit South Pacific Season Through December 2027 and Seabourn Quest Returns to Service with Comprehensive Refit and 2026 Mediterranean Season.

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