Princess Cruises has marked a notable milestone with the first transit of Star Princess through the Panama Canal on April 18th, an event forming part of the vessel’s inaugural Alaskan deployment.
The passage through the interoceanic waterway, recognised as a major feat of maritime engineering, provided passengers with direct observation of its lock systems and surrounding terrain.
Command of the vessel indicated that such a transit remains a significant feature within global cruise itineraries and that the participation of a newly introduced ship in this route holds particular operational and symbolic value.
During the crossing, onboard programming was structured to reflect the historical and technical significance of the Panama Canal, with specialist commentary and presentations accompanying the transit. Observation deck areas were utilised to provide uninterrupted views of the passage through the new/larger locks.
The event also reflects the longstanding association of Princess Cruises with canal voyages, a connection established in the late 1960s when the company initiated regular transits through the unique waterway. This operational focus continues in the forthcoming 2026–2027 season, during which multiple vessels from the fleet are scheduled to undertake a series of canal crossings across a range of itineraries linking ports on both coasts of the Americas.
This summer, Star Princess is scheduled to operate Alaskan itineraries based on homeporting in Seattle WA.