PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., Nov. 30, 2025 — Princess Cruises announced today that its flagship Royal‑Class vessel, Sky Princess, has begun operations from Port Canaveral, marking the first time a ship of this class will call Central Florida its home port. The launch initiates a new Caribbean sailing season that runs through March 2026.
From now until March 2026, Sky Princess will operate six‑day and eight‑day itineraries that circle the Caribbean, departing and returning to Port Canaveral. The cruise line has already opened bookings for the full season and confirmed a second deployment for November 2026‑March 2027.
Port Canaveral’s multimodal access—highway connections, a regional airport, and the Brightline Rail & Sail partnership—offers guests a convenient gateway to the cruise experience, a factor that Princess Cruises highlights as a competitive advantage in the crowded leisure market.
“Building on the success of our inaugural Caribbean season from Port Canaveral, we’re delighted to return to the Space Coast for another series of sailings,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises’ Chief Commercial Officer. “Our guests appreciate the convenience of cruising from Central Florida, and with the addition of Sky Princess, we can increase capacity while delivering the premium Princess experience.”
The new itineraries can be combined into extended 14‑day voyages that visit premier destinations such as Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Amber Cove and other Caribbean hotspots, providing a versatile product for both short‑break travelers and longer‑haul vacationers.
Port Canaveral’s CEO, Capt. John Murray, called the addition of Sky Princess “a great addition to the lineup of cruise options from Central Florida,” and emphasized the port’s commitment to delivering a high‑quality guest experience.
The 141,000‑ton, 3,660‑guest vessel expands the Royal‑Class portfolio with several technological and sustainability upgrades. Powered by dual-fuel engines capable of running on low‑sulfur marine diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG), the ship reduces its carbon footprint and complies with the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards. Onboard, the MedallionClass digital platform integrates contactless check‑in, personalized itinerary management, and real‑time onboard services, reflecting the cruise industry’s shift toward data‑driven guest personalization.
From a commercial perspective, the deployment of Sky Princess aligns with Carnival Corporation & plc’s broader strategy to deepen regional market penetration. Central Florida, with its growing population and tourism infrastructure, offers a cost‑effective embarkation point that can attract both domestic and international passengers. Analysts project that the new ship’s higher passenger capacity—combined with premium pricing tiers for suites and specialty dining—could lift Princess Cruises’ revenue per available cabin (RevPAC) by 4‑6 % in the 2025‑2026 fiscal year.
Industry observers also note that the ship’s advanced environmental systems may position Princess Cruises favorably with regulators and eco‑conscious travelers, potentially unlocking incentives tied to low‑emission operations in U.S. ports.
Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), continues to expand its global footprint across key itineraries, including the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and world cruises. The brand’s emphasis on upscale amenities—award‑winning cuisine, world‑class entertainment, and expansive wellness facilities—reinforces its positioning as a premium player in the cruise market.
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