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Star Princess Selected for Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Hot List

Princess Cruises has officially announced that their latest Sphere Class ship, Star Princess, has earned a place on Condé Nast Traveler's highly esteemed 2026 Hot List. This annual selection celebrates the world's best new travel experiences, highlighting only the most exceptional hotels, restaurants, resorts, and cruise ships that make their debut or undergo significant transformations.

Entering its 30th edition, the esteemed Hot List is carefully curated by Condé Nast Traveler's global editorial team. This recognition emphasizes not only design but also the quality of service and the overall experience offered to guests within their first year of operation. The selection process is rigorous, focusing on venues that notably enhance the travel landscape.

Star Princess, representing the latest progression of the Princess Cruises brand, showcases a harmonious blend of modern design and crafted spaces. These elements aid in connecting guests to their surroundings in a more engaging way. The ship recently commemorated significant milestones, including its inaugural transit through the Panama Canal and gearing up for its debut Alaska season, set to start from Seattle this May. This makes it the first Sphere Class ship set to navigate the Alaskan waters.

Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises, expressed pride in Star Princess's recognition. She noted, “We’re honored that Condé Nast Traveler selected Star Princess for its 2026 Hot List. With sweeping ocean views and public spaces designed for connection, the ship aims to deepen guests' experiences with the destinations they explore and foster connections with one another.”

In 2026, Princess Cruises plans to have its most extensive Alaska season ever with the introduction of Star Princess, meticulously designed to provide guests with unparalleled encounters of Alaska’s magnificent landscapes. The enhanced itinerary offers travelers a choice of eight ships, 180 departures, and visits to 19 destinations, ensuring a diverse array of Alaskan adventures either by sea or via combined land-and-cruise tours.

About Star Princess

Weighing 177,800 tons and capable of accommodating 4,300 guests, Star Princess officially debuted in October 2025 out of Barcelona. This vessel integrates Princess's hallmark characteristics, including elevated dining options and world-class entertainment, to cultivate an extraordinary guest experience. The ship boasts a distinctive design that features The Dome, a stunning glass-enclosed retreat inspired by the Greek island of Santorini. Additionally, the outward-facing Sphere transforms the central Piazza into a luminous, multi-level gathering spot.

The acknowledgment from Condé Nast Traveler underscores Princess Cruises’ ongoing commitment to curating meaningful travel experiences through attentive service, innovative design, and a profound respect for the locations visited.

For those interested in planning an adventure aboard Star Princess or other Princess Cruises offerings, more information can be obtained through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting their official website at princess.com.

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises, famously known as The Love Boat, stands as the world’s most recognizable cruise line, delivering dream vacations to millions each year. With a fleet of colossal ships that offer the personal touch and simplicity akin to small yacht-class vessels, Princess Cruises assures guests well-appointed staterooms, world-class dining, remarkable performances, first-rate casinos, luxurious spas, and endless activities. This blend of features, coupled with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service, fosters meaningful connections and unforgettable moments amidst breathtaking backdrops across the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, Australia, the South Pacific, and Antarctica, among others. Star Princess, the brand's most advanced ship to date, debuted in October 2025 and follows the Sun Princess, which was named Megaship of the Year by Condé Nast Traveler for two consecutive years.