Princess Cruises Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary With Voyages To The Nation's Most Spectacular Shores

Cruise line offers commemorative sailings exploring Alaska, Hawaii, and New England to mark U.S. milestone

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Princess Cruises is inviting guests to sail from sea to shining sea with commemorative voyages exploring some of the country's most breathtaking coastlines. The cruise line will operate its largest Alaska season ever in 2026, highlighted by the debut of its newest ship, Star Princess. Guests can also maximize their Alaska vacation with a Princess cruisetour, which combines a cruise with an immersive land experience, including a visit to Denali National Park. To commemorate America's 250th anniversary, guests sailing on Alaska itineraries can purchase special offerings onboard in Princess retail shops, including a limited-edition exclusive Pendleton blanket inspired by Glacier Bay National Park.

Why it matters

Princess Cruises is one of the leading cruise lines in Alaska, and its expanded program for the 250th anniversary of the United States offers travelers an unmatched range of ways to explore the country's natural wonders and historic landmarks by sea. The cruise line's commitment to commemorating this milestone reflects the broader tourism industry's efforts to capitalize on increased interest in domestic travel and patriotic celebrations.

The details

Princess Cruises will operate its largest Alaska season ever in 2026, with eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations. The expanded program includes more than 20 cruisetour options, highlighted by the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour that visits five iconic parks. To commemorate America's 250th, guests can purchase special onboard offerings such as a limited-edition Pendleton blanket inspired by Glacier Bay National Park and other commemorative merchandise.

  • Princess Cruises will operate its largest Alaska season ever in 2026.
  • The 2026 season includes more than 20 cruisetour options, highlighted by the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour.
  • Guests sailing on Alaska itineraries can purchase special 250th anniversary offerings onboard in 2026.

The players

Princess Cruises

A leading cruise line that is offering commemorative voyages to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary.

Star Princess

Princess Cruises' newest ship that will debut in Alaska in 2026.

Denali National Park

One of the iconic national parks that guests can visit as part of Princess Cruises' Alaska cruisetour offerings.

Glacier Bay National Park

One of the five national parks that will be visited as part of Princess Cruises' 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour.

Marie Lee

Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises.

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What they’re saying

“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it feels especially meaningful to celebrate by sailing alongside the landscapes and visiting landmarks that helped shape our nation.”

— Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises

What’s next

Princess Cruises is introducing new commemorative merchandise and offerings for guests sailing on its Alaska itineraries in 2026 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

The takeaway

Princess Cruises is capitalizing on increased interest in domestic travel and patriotic celebrations by offering an expanded program of Alaska cruises and cruisetours that allow travelers to explore the natural wonders and historic landmarks that have shaped the United States over the past 250 years.