Expanded Programme Features 291 Sailings Across 37 Countries, More Overnight Stays and Enhanced Cultural Experiences
Princess Cruises has announced its most extensive European deployment to date for the 2028 season, significantly expanding its presence across the continent with a programme featuring six ships, 291 departures and 150 unique itineraries spanning Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Transatlantic routes.
The newly released season, now open for bookings, underscores the cruise line’s growing focus on immersive destination experiences, longer port stays and diverse voyage options designed to meet rising demand for experiential travel. The programme will offer sailings ranging from seven to 53 days, visiting 128 destinations across 37 countries and providing access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A key highlight of the season is the introduction of the Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, a landmark voyage linking Antarctica and the Arctic in a single extended itinerary. The programme will also mark Princess Cruises’ first-ever calls to the Irish ports of Galway and Killybegs, further broadening its reach into emerging cruise destinations along Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coastline.
According to Princess Cruises, the 2028 deployment represents the broadest range of European itineraries ever offered by the cruise line, combining iconic destinations with deeper cultural engagement and more time ashore.
Jim Berra, Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises, said the company continues to see strong demand for European voyages that blend famous landmarks with authentic local experiences. He noted that the expanded programme offers travellers greater choice than ever before, including new destinations in Ireland, enriched cultural experiences and the debut of the 53-day Pole-to-Pole Odyssey.
Six Ships to Operate Across Europe
The 2028 Europe season will feature six vessels operating from 13 embarkation ports across the continent. The deployment includes:
- Caribbean Princess
- Enchanted Princess
- Majestic Princess
- Regal Princess
- Sky Princess
- Sun Princess
Together, the fleet will deliver a comprehensive range of itineraries across some of Europe’s most sought-after cruise regions, offering travellers flexibility in voyage length, departure points and destinations.
New Irish Destinations Strengthen Northern Europe Offering
Among the most notable additions to the programme are maiden calls to the Irish ports of Galway and Killybegs.
Located along Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture and access to the scenic landscapes of western Ireland. Killybegs, situated in County Donegal, offers visitors a gateway to dramatic coastal scenery, traditional fishing communities and some of Ireland’s most untouched natural attractions.
The addition of these destinations reflects growing traveller interest in exploring lesser-visited ports and authentic regional experiences beyond traditional cruise hubs.
Pole-to-Pole Odyssey Sets New Benchmark for Expedition-Style Cruising
The standout innovation within the 2028 programme is the launch of the Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, a unique voyage that connects two of the world’s most remote and iconic regions—the Antarctic and Arctic.
Designed for travellers seeking extraordinary long-haul adventures, the itinerary expands Princess Cruises’ portfolio of extended voyages and reflects increasing demand for bucket-list experiences that combine multiple continents, cultures and ecosystems within a single journey.
The cruise line has positioned the itinerary as one of its most ambitious global voyages, offering passengers the opportunity to experience polar landscapes, diverse wildlife and a wide range of destinations across hemispheres.
Focus on Authentic Cultural Experiences
A central theme of the 2028 season is immersive travel, with shore programmes designed to provide deeper engagement with local communities, traditions and cuisines.
Through the company’s Princess Local Connections initiative, guests will have access to curated experiences developed in partnership with local experts and cultural ambassadors.
Highlighted experiences include:
- Culinary and wine-focused excursions across Italy
- Encounters with indigenous Sami communities in Arctic Norway
- Artisan workshops and heritage experiences in the Netherlands
- Guided explorations of landmarks such as Mont Saint-Michel and Athens
The programme also features 32 late-night departures and overnight stays, allowing travellers additional time to explore destinations after regular tourist hours.
Northern Europe Highlights
Northern Europe remains one of Princess Cruises’ strongest-performing regions, and the 2028 programme significantly expands opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Voyages will include destinations across:
- Norway’s famous fjords
- Ireland’s Atlantic coastline
- Iceland
- Scandinavia
- The Baltic region
- Northern European maritime cities
Extended port calls will be available in destinations including:
- Stockholm
- Hamburg
- Tromsø
- Amsterdam
- Copenhagen
- Belfast
- Reykjavik
These itineraries are designed to showcase both iconic attractions and local cultural traditions that define Northern Europe’s appeal.
Mediterranean Cruises Offer Timeless Appeal
Princess Cruises is also expanding its Mediterranean programme, with itineraries featuring some of Europe’s most celebrated historical and cultural destinations.
Ports of call include:
- Athens
- Pompeii
- Ephesus
- Barcelona
- Lisbon
- Dubrovnik
- Florence
Several destinations will feature extended evening stays or overnight calls, including:
- Istanbul
- Mykonos
- Ibiza
- Valletta
- Split
- Lisbon
- La Spezia
The longer stays are intended to allow guests to experience local nightlife, dining scenes and cultural attractions beyond traditional daytime excursions.
Transatlantic Voyages Bridge Continents
The 2028 programme also includes an extensive range of Transatlantic sailings linking Europe with North and South America.
These voyages will feature calls at destinations such as:
- Canary Islands
- Madeira
- Azores
- Bermuda
- Morocco
The itineraries are designed for travellers seeking leisurely ocean crossings combined with destination-rich exploration on both sides of the Atlantic.
Growing Demand for Extended and Experiential Travel
The launch of Princess Cruises’ largest-ever European season reflects broader trends shaping the global cruise industry. Travellers are increasingly seeking longer voyages, culturally immersive experiences and access to destinations beyond traditional tourism routes.
By combining expanded deployment, new ports, extended stays and innovative itineraries such as the Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, Princess Cruises is positioning itself to capitalise on growing demand for experiential travel while strengthening its footprint across Europe’s most popular and emerging cruise markets.
