Star Princess Named to Condé Nast Traveller’s Prestigious 2026 Hot List

Princess Cruises is proud to announce that Star Princess has been named to Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Hot List, a highly regarded annual selection recognising the best new and newly transformed travel experiences around the world. 

Celebrating its 30th edition, the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List is curated by the publication’s global editorial team and honours standout hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cruise ships that raise the bar for design, service, and sense of place within their first year of debut.  

As Princess Cruises’ newest Sphere Class ship, Star Princess represents a thoughtful evolution of the brand’s signature guest experience, blending modern design with inviting spaces intentionally crafted to connect guests more meaningfully with the world around them. The Hot List recognition coincides with a series of recent milestone moments for the ship, including her first transit of the Panama Canal and preparations for her inaugural Alaska season sailing from Seattle this May, making her the first Sphere Class ship to sail the region. 

“We’re honoured that Condé Nast Traveller has selected Star Princess for its 2026 Hot List,” said Marie Lee, Princess Cruises chief marketing officer. “With sweeping ocean views, seamlessly integrated public spaces, and design choices made with connection in mind, the ship brings guests closer to the destinations they discover—and to one another.” 

Star Princess in Alaska 

Princess Cruises will sail its largest Alaska season ever in 2026 with the debut of Star Princess, thoughtfully designed to immerse guests with the natural beauty of the Great Land. The expanded programme features eight ships,180 departures and visits to 19 destinations, offering travellers an unmatched range of Alaska adventures by sea or through combined land and cruisetours.  

More About Star Princess 

The 177,800‑ton Star Princess, carrying 4,300 guests, debuted in October 2025 from Barcelona and represents the next evolution of the Princess Cruises experience, blending elevated dining and world‑class entertainment with its signature guest experience. The ship showcases the Sphere Class’s distinctive design, including The Dome, a glass‑enclosed retreat inspired by Santorini, and the outward‑facing Sphere, which transforms the central Piazza into a multi‑level, light‑filled central gathering space. 

The Condé Nast Traveller Hot List recognition reinforces Princess Cruises’ continued focus on delivering meaningful travel experiences through attentive service, inspired design, and a deep respect for the destinations it visits. 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available by visiting the company's website at princess.com/en-uk.