Key Aspects:
- Star Princess has arrived at the Port of Seattle for the very first time.
- The arrival marks the beginning of her inaugural Alaska season.
- Seattle’s 2026 Alaska season is expected to be the biggest ever.
Just after making her debut in Los Angeles, Star Princess arrived at the Port of Seattle for the first time ever at 7:00am on May 3, 2026. The 177,800 gross ton Sphere-class ship was met with much fanfare as she docked at Pier 91.
Prior to her arrival, a dazzling drone show lit up the skyline from Seattle Center on May 1, 2026, celebrating the spirit of Alaska and displaying the Princess Cruises logo next to iconic landmarks like the Space Needle.
This was followed by a traditional maritime plaque exchange between senior officers onboard and officials from the Port of Seattle. Present at the ceremony were Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha and Captain Gennaro Arma.
“It’s especially meaningful for the officers and crew of Star Princess to be here in Seattle, a port with a proud maritime heritage and long-standing connection to Alaska,” said Arma.
“We’re grateful to the Port of Seattle and our port partners for their warm welcome and continued collaboration.”
While this was the first time the massive new ship docked in Seattle, it’s far from the last.
Read Also: Seattle Cruise Port: Terminals, Transportation, and What’s Nearby
Seattle is often nicknamed the “Gateway to Alaska,” and on this occasion, it’s fitting. The arrival of Star Princess also marks the beginning of her inaugural Alaska season, where she will sail weekly, roundtrip itineraries from the port.
Star Princess’s Inaugural Alaska Season
The 4,300-guest ship offers 7-day cruises sailing from Seattle through to Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Skagway, stopping in Victoria, Canada before returning to Seattle.
These are sure to be exciting itineraries, although one of the more popular attractions in Juneau will be closed, as Cruise Hive reported on May 2. The first of these cruises has already kicked off, having left Seattle at 3:00 pm on May 3, 2026 and returning on May 10.
Weekly roundtrip Alaska itineraries from Seattle will continue until September 20, when Star Princess will pivot back to Los Angeles before returning to Fort Lauderdale.
Princess Cruises is the number one cruise line in Alaska, and 2026 is shaping up to be their biggest Alaska season yet.
Seven other ships in the Princess fleet will also be sailing to Alaska this season in addition to Star Princess: Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, and Island Princess.
All eight ships will feature Princess Cruises’ North to Alaska programming, featuring authentically Alaskan food, entertainment, and activities onboard to enrich the experience.
Seattle’s Busiest Alaska Season Yet
This year is set to be the biggest Alaska cruise season in Seattle’s history. The season officially kicked off on April 17, with the departure of Norwegian Jade, and it’s going to be the busiest in history.
A record 300 ships and 2.1 million passengers are estimated to sail from the port, with 16 ships homeporting there.
Cruise lines offering Alaska itineraries from Seattle in 2026 include: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Virgin Voyages.
The arrival of Star Princess marks a significant moment in this historic season, as she alone is expected to carry approximately 90,000 passengers through the inside passage throughout the season.
