Princess Cruises’ Bold New Chapter for 2028–2029 Americas Cruise Season
Princess Cruises is thinking big for 2028–2029, and one of its most exciting announcements takes travelers deep into the heart of the Amazon River. The cruise line has unveiled an expansive Americas cruise program featuring more than 250 departures, a brand-new 64-day Circle South America voyage, and the return of Amazon River cruising for the first time since 2014.
Announced on October 13, 2026, the new season brings together an impressive range of destinations, from the Caribbean’s sun-soaked islands and Canada’s historic coastlines to the dramatic glaciers of Patagonia and the remote beauty of Antarctica. For travelers who want more than a typical beach vacation, this lineup could be a game-changer.
The Amazon River Returns to the Princess Cruises Itinerary
The headline attraction is undoubtedly the return of Amazon River cruises. After more than a decade away from this iconic waterway, Princess Cruises is once again giving passengers an opportunity to experience one of the world’s most remarkable natural environments from the comfort of a cruise ship.
The new Amazon itinerary includes scenic cruising along the river and a port call in Santarém, Brazil, a destination known for its connection to the Amazon basin and its extraordinary natural surroundings. The region offers a different kind of adventure from the familiar Caribbean cruise, with opportunities to discover tropical landscapes, local culture, and wildlife-rich ecosystems.
For travelers, the appeal is obvious: the Amazon offers a sense of scale and discovery that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. Instead of spending every port day shopping along a waterfront or lounging on a beach, passengers can look forward to a journey shaped by the river itself, the surrounding rainforest, and the communities that call the region home.
Of course, the Amazon is a destination where preparation matters. Travelers should research the seasonal weather, humidity, excursion requirements, and recommended vaccinations with a qualified healthcare professional well before departure. Booking guided excursions through reputable operators and following local wildlife guidance can also help make the experience safer and more rewarding.
A 64-Day South American Adventure Takes Center Stage
Another major highlight of the 2028–2029 cruise season is the new 64-day Circle South America voyage aboard Coral Princess. Designed for travelers who have the time and appetite for a much bigger adventure, this extended sailing combines several of the continent’s most compelling cruise experiences into one long journey.
The itinerary brings together Antarctica, the Amazon River, and a transit through the historic Panama Canal. That combination is particularly striking because the destinations offer such contrasting environments, from icy polar landscapes to tropical waterways and the engineering marvel of the canal.
For cruise enthusiasts who dream of exploring multiple regions without arranging separate international trips, a voyage of this length has considerable appeal. Passengers can settle into life aboard the ship while experiencing a succession of destinations that would otherwise require extensive planning, multiple flights, and several hotel stays.
However, a 64-day cruise is a serious financial and logistical commitment. Prospective passengers should consider travel insurance, medication supplies, laundry arrangements, internet access, and the cost of excursions before booking. It is also worth comparing cabin categories carefully, because spending more than two months at sea makes everyday comfort especially important.
More Ways to Explore the Americas in 2028–2029
The Amazon and South America are only part of the story. Princess Cruises’ latest deployment includes more than 250 departures spanning North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Antarctica.
Here is a closer look at the major highlights.
- Caribbean cruises: With 141 departures across 49 itineraries, the Caribbean program offers five- to 17-day voyages visiting 24 destinations across 20 islands. Sailings depart from ports including Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, San Juan, New York, and Barbados.
- Panama Canal cruises: Twelve departures across nine itineraries range from 16 to 20 days, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific while visiting destinations across Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
- Canada and New England: Seventeen departures feature five itineraries lasting seven to 14 days. A new port call at Îles de la Madeleine, Canada, adds another option for travelers interested in the region’s coastal scenery and maritime culture.
- Hawaii cruises: Fourteen departures explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, with an extended late-night stay in Honolulu on featured itineraries. Roundtrip sailings from Vancouver also return for the 2028–2029 season.
- Mexico cruises: Thirty-five departures from Los Angeles and San Francisco offer seven- to 11-day voyages to destinations including Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, and La Paz.
- California Coast cruises: Eighteen departures lasting four to seven days offer a shorter getaway, with late-night visits in San Diego, San Francisco, and Victoria featured on selected sailings.
- South America and Antarctica: Thirteen departures across 11 itineraries visit 38 destinations in 16 countries, with options including 17-day Antarctica and Patagonia voyages and 15-day Cape Horn and Glaciers of Patagonia sailings.
The sheer variety is the point. Whether someone wants a quick Pacific Coast escape, a classic Caribbean holiday, or an extended expedition around South America, the new season offers several ways to tailor a cruise to different budgets, schedules, and travel ambitions.
Part of a Broader Strategy
The announcement also fits into a broader expansion of Princess Cruises’ future itinerary offerings. In June 2026, the company announced its largest-ever Europe season for 2028, featuring 291 departures across 150 itineraries and 128 destinations in 37 countries. That program includes longer voyages, new port calls, and more opportunities for overnight or late-night stays ashore.
Together, these announcements point to a cruise strategy that puts greater emphasis on destination variety and longer, more immersive journeys. The Americas season takes that approach in a particularly ambitious direction by combining traditional vacation markets with remote natural destinations and extended voyages.
Booking Tips: How to Plan Ahead for 2028–2029
With sailings extending into 2029, travelers have time to plan, but popular itineraries and preferred cabin categories can attract early interest. Princess Cruises announced an early-booking promotion featuring up to $300 in savings, up to $300 in onboard credit, reduced deposits of $100, and early access to dining reservations through February 16, 2027. Eligibility and restrictions apply, so travelers should review the official terms before booking.
Before committing to a sailing, compare the full cost rather than focusing on the headline fare. Taxes, gratuities, shore excursions, drinks, specialty dining, flights, pre-cruise hotels, and travel insurance can all affect the final budget.
For longer voyages, pay special attention to the embarkation and disembarkation ports. An itinerary that begins in one country and ends in another may require additional flights, overnight stays, or passport and visa planning. Travelers visiting the Amazon or Antarctica should also review the specific physical demands and environmental conditions of excursions before choosing their trip.
One more tip: consider booking flexible flights or arriving at the departure port at least a day early when practical. Missing a cruise departure because of a delayed flight can turn an exciting vacation into an expensive headache.
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