Princess Cruises is introducing three shipboard employment policies intended to give crew members clearer options when personal or family circumstances affect their ability to complete an assignment.

The changes cover unexpected departures, temporary stays in the country of disembarkation and requests to shorten future contracts for important family events. According to a company FAQ, the policies will apply to contracts issued on or after October 1, 2026.

A tragedy unfolded aboard the cruise ship Regal Princess after a shipboard employee went overboard while the vessel was sailing in the Caribbean. Despite an extensive search involving the cruise ship, Mexican maritime authorities, and a nearby cruise vessel, Princess Cruises later confirmed that the crew member had died. The incident happened as the Regal Princess was en route to Cozumel after departing Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a Western Caribbean voyage.

Princess Cruises has rolled out a significant update to its mobile app, introducing a redesigned navigation system, simplified terminology, and new features aimed at making it easier for guests to plan, book, and manage their cruise experience. The updates are designed to create a more intuitive, journey-focused experience from the moment a cruise is booked until disembarkation.

Princess Cruises is expanding its partnership with onboard retail operator Starboard, which will take over retail operations on eight additional ships over the next year. The expansion will significantly increase Starboard's presence across the fleet.

More than 100 passengers and crew members aboard the Caribbean Princess have fallen ill during the ship’s current 13-night Southern Caribbean voyage, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Star Princess made a striking entrance into her inaugural Alaska season with a unique celebration in Seattle, where the skyline lit up with an Alaska-themed drone show welcoming the ship’s arrival.

The one-night event, held at Seattle Center, featured hundreds of synchronized drones forming shapes inspired by Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and adventurous spirit.

Princess Cruises is introducing a new program aimed at improving food quality in crew dining areas across its fleet, according to an internal message from Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food & Beverage.

The Crew Mess Food Quality Assurance Program took effect May 1, 2026, and is designed to improve consistency, nutrition, and overall meal experience for crew members onboard.

Princess Cruises is introducing a series of changes to its Guest Services teams aimed at improving career growth, pay, and onboard operations, according to an internal communication shared with employees.

The update, sent by Vice President of Hotel Operations and Guest Experience, outlines a restructuring of roles within Guest Services. The company is redefining responsibilities, especially within the Assistant Purser ranks, to create clearer job functions and better career progression.

The cruise ship Sapphire Princess was forced to change course during the current western Mediterranean voyage after a routine watch turned into a deeply distressing situation for everyone onboard.

Late in the afternoon on April 21, a crew member spotted an orange object drifting in the water and immediately raised the alarm. What was first believed to be a possible “man overboard” quickly escalated into a full response. The bridge team ordered the ship to turn around and investigate, with the object later identified as a lifejacket.

Princess Cruises has announced an order for three new Voyager-class cruise ships, marking a major expansion of its future fleet. The agreement with the Italian shipyard Fincantieri was formalized during the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami.