This article is the announcement of Princess Cruises’ newest ship order. It is about a massive contract for three next-generation Voyager-class ships delivering through 2039.
Note: the featured image was generated by AI and it does not reflect the actual design of Voyager-class ships.
Princess Cruises and the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri have officially signed a contract for three new vessels. These ships represent the future of the fleet. They are designed to be the largest and most advanced ships ever commissioned by the line. This news follows the recent success of the Sphere Class. The cruise industry is moving toward larger capacities and cleaner fuels. These three ships will be the centerpiece of that transition.
The Numbers Behind the Giants
Star Princess – Photo from Princess Cruises
The scale of these ships is significant. Each Voyager-class vessel will measure approximately 183,000 gross tons. For context, this makes them larger than the current Sun Princess and Star Princess, which sit at roughly 175,000 gross tons. My experience with these large-scale vessels is that size allows for more diverse public spaces.
These ships will accommodate approximately 4,700 guests. This capacity makes them the largest in the Princess fleet by passenger count. The ships will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. This shipyard has a long history with Princess Cruises. The partnership continues to push the boundaries of naval architecture.
The delivery timeline is a long-term strategic play. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2035. The second will follow in 2038. The final ship in this current order is set for 2039. These dates ensure that Princess will have a steady stream of new hardware entering the market over the next decade and a half.
Sustainability and LNG Power
The Voyager-class will prioritize environmental impact. All three ships will be dual-fuel vessels. They will run primarily on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). LNG is currently the cleanest burning marine fuel available at scale. It significantly reduces sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. It also offers a meaningful reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Princess, is committed to this technology. These three ships will bring the total number of LNG-powered vessels in the Carnival fleet to 21. The shift to LNG is a requirement for modern cruising. It allows ships to enter protected waters and meet strict environmental regulations.
The use of LNG also changes the internal layout of the ship. Fuel tanks are larger and require specialized engineering. Fincantieri has refined this process over several builds. The Voyager-class will benefit from the lessons learned during the construction of the Sphere Class.
Reimagining the Onboard Experience
The Dome on Star Princess – Photo from Princess Cruises
The Voyager-class builds on the “Sphere” platform but introduces major changes. Princess plans to reimagine the outer decks entirely. More space will be dedicated to relaxation and viewing the ocean. The designs focus on connecting passengers with the sea.
The staterooms will also see a complete redesign. Modern cruisers demand more balcony space and smarter storage solutions. Princess is responding with new cabin configurations. These will cater to families and solo travelers alike.
Piazza on Star Princess – Photo from Princess Cruises
The Piazza is the heart of every Princess ship. For the Voyager-class, this central atrium will be redesigned. It will remain a hub for dining and entertainment but with a more open architectural feel. The goal is to create a space that feels like a European city square.
The ship will also feature upgraded technology. This includes the next generation of the MedallionClass experience. Wearable technology will integrate more deeply with the ship’s infrastructure. This makes boarding, ordering drinks, and locating family members more efficient.
From Star Princess to the Future
The announcement of the Voyager-class comes at a busy time for the brand. The Star Princess, the second Sphere-class ship, is already making headlines. It recently completed a transit through the Panama Canal. This was not just a scenic cruise. It was a strategic positioning move.
Star Princess in Panama Canal – Photo: Princess Cruises
The Star Princess used the canal to reach the Pacific. Her destination is Alaska. Princess Cruises is a leader in the Alaska market. The demand for “The Last Frontier” continues to grow. Positioned in Alaska, the Star Princess offers a higher level of luxury than older ships in the region.
The Voyager-class ships will likely follow this pattern. Their size and fuel efficiency make them ideal for long-distance positioning. They can handle the rugged environments of the north and the tropical climates of the Caribbean. The 183,000-ton frame provides stability in open waters. This is essential for transoceanic voyages.
The Long-Term Vision
Planning for 2039 might seem early to some. In the cruise industry, it is standard practice. Shipyards have limited slots. Securing these deliveries now ensures Princess maintains its market share. The cruise market is seeing a surge in demand for “mega-ships” that offer a resort-style experience.
The Voyager-class is a bridge between the classic Princess “Love Boat” feel and the future of high-capacity cruising. It maintains the brand’s focus on elegance while adding the scale needed for modern amenities. The focus on reimagined outer decks is a direct response to passenger feedback. People want to see the water, even on a ship with 4,700 other guests.
The investment in these three ships is a multi-billion dollar commitment. It shows confidence in the future of international travel. Princess Cruises is not just maintaining its fleet; it is evolving it.
What This Means for Travelers
For the average traveler, these ships represent more choices. A larger ship means more restaurants, more shows, and more cabin categories. The redesigned staterooms will likely offer more “mini-suites,” which are a fan favorite on Princess.
The move to LNG also means you can feel better about your carbon footprint. As more ports implement “green” requirements, these ships will be the ones allowed to dock in the most pristine locations.
The Voyager-class will likely become the new standard for the brand. By 2040, the fleet will look very different than it does today. It will be cleaner, larger, and more technologically advanced.
Work With John The Wanderer
The world of cruising is changing fast. New ships like the Voyager-class and the Star Princess offer incredible experiences, but they also come with a lot of choices. Planning a trip on a 183,000-ton vessel requires expertise to ensure you get the right cabin, the right dining times, and the best value.
If you are looking to book your next adventure: whether it is a current Star Princess sailing to Alaska or a future voyage on the upcoming Voyager-class: I am here to help. I specialize in navigating the complexities of modern cruise bookings to find the perfect fit for your travel style.
You can view my professional travel advisor profile and start planning your next journey with me through my Scott and Thomas page here: John Perri – Scott and Thomas Travel.
Let’s get you on the water.