Star Princess completes first Panama Canal transit during inaugural season

Princess Cruises’ Star Princess has completed its first transit of the Panama Canal, marking a milestone in the vessel’s inaugural deployment.

The transit took place over the weekend, with the ship passing through the canal’s lock system as part of its early operating programme.

The crossing forms part of a broader schedule that includes Panama Canal itineraries alongside deployments in Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska over the next two years.

“A Panama Canal transit is a true ‘must-do’ journey for travellers around the world, and it’s especially meaningful when one of our newest ships makes this iconic passage for the very first time,” said Gennaro Arma, Captain, Star Princess.

“We’re honoured to make this historic crossing in partnership with the Panama Canal Authority, whose expertise and stewardship have shaped one of the world’s great maritime landmarks,” he added.

Passengers on board were provided with commentary and enrichment programming linked to the canal’s history and operation, alongside access to viewing areas across the ship during the transit.

The canal remains a central feature of Princess Cruises’ deployment strategy, with the line having operated regular itineraries through the waterway since the late 1960s.

The 177,800-tonne vessel is the second ship in the line’s Sphere class, following the introduction of Sun Princess.

With capacity for approximately 4,300 passengers, the ship represents an expansion in scale for the brand, incorporating a larger number of dining venues, entertainment spaces, and accommodation categories.

Key public areas include a multi-level Piazza atrium with ocean-facing views, a glass-enclosed Dome designed for entertainment and relaxation, and the Arena theatre, described as the line’s most technologically advanced performance venue to date. The ship also features more than 1,500 balcony cabins and a total of over 30 dining and bar venues.

Among the onboard concepts is the Sanctuary Collection, a private enclave offering dedicated facilities, including a separate restaurant and access to an adults-only pool deck. The ship also includes a version of the Spellbound by Magic Castle entertainment venue, developed in collaboration with Hollywood’s Magic Castle.

Retail partnerships continue to form part of the onboard offering, with jewellery brand Effy opening a boutique modelled on its Fifth Avenue flagship. The ship is expected to play a central role in Princess Cruises’ Panama Canal programme for the 2026/27 season, which includes multiple transits across a range of itineraries departing from ports in North America.