The arrival of Star Princess in Seattle marked the commencement of her first Alaska deployment, establishing a regular weekly service through the Inside Passage during the 2026 summer season. From early May through mid-September, the vessel is scheduled to complete twenty roundtrip voyages from Pier 91, forming part of an expanded regional program.
The ship’s debut was observed in accordance with maritime custom, with a formal plaque exchange conducted between representatives of the Port of Seattle and the vessel’s senior officers, alongside officials connected to port operations and public services. The occasion followed a public display ashore, where an Alaska-themed drone exhibition signalled the vessel’s entry into service.
Commanding officers of the vessel indicated that the call at Seattle carried particular significance, noting the port’s longstanding association with Alaska sailings. It was further conveyed that the ship had been purpose-built for such itineraries, combining contemporary technical features with passenger amenities, and that appreciation had been expressed toward local authorities for their continued cooperation.
Operating on a weekly schedule, the vessel proceeds northbound along established routes to ports including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, with glacier navigation conducted in Endicott Arm and at Dawes Glacier. A second vessel, Royal Princess, is deployed alongside her on parallel sailings from the same port during the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
In conjunction with the inaugural call, the operator confirmed a series of financial contributions distributed among communities in Southeast Alaska, directed toward veterans’ services, environmental research, childcare provision, and trail conservation. These measures were presented as a continuation of longstanding engagement with regional stakeholders.
The vessel itself, measuring 177,800 gross tons and accommodating approximately 4,300 passengers, forms part of a wider seasonal deployment that includes 8 ships and 180 departures across 19 destinations. The broader program incorporates onboard interpretation and regional programming designed to reflect the cultural and natural characteristics of Alaska, reinforcing the line’s established presence in the market.