To continue the Alaska theme today…
Princess Cruises will kick off the beginning of its 2026 Alaska season with a “one-night-only” drone show in downtown Seattle on May 1, 2026. The Alaska-themed “choreographed aerial display” will be free to the public and best viewed from Seattle Center’s International Fountain Mall at 305 Harrison Street.
The drone show will officially announce the arrival of the cruise line’s newest ship, Star Princess. She will begin sailing from Seattle on May 3, 2026, marking another major milestone for the cruise line.
“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 will sail her inaugural voyage to Alaska on May 3, 2026, from Pier 91. She will sail 20 roundtrip voyages through September 13, 2026. She is expected to carry approximately 90,000 guests through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Her ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway as well as glacier viewing at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Star Princess will join Royal Princess, which will also homeport from Pier 91 in Seattle and sail 7-night Inside Passage voyages.
Princess Cruises is set to sail its largest Alaska season ever with eight ships– Star Princess, Royal Princess, Discovery Princess, Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess–embarking on 180 departures and visiting 19 destinations. Guests may also choose to pair their cruise with a land tour that has its own custom itineraries one of which visit four national parks on a single tour.