An Aussie favourite, Grand Princess has bid adieu to Australian shores as it heads to Puerto Rico. While she sadly won’t be here for Australia’s next cruise season, the good news is that she’ll be back.
It’s already been known that the Grand Princess wouldn’t be in Australia for the next cruise season, however, the ships new schedule has just been confirmed.
Grand Princess will sail out of Puerto Rico two different Caribbean itineraries, before returning to Australia for the 2025/2026 cruise season in two years.
The ship will sail one itinerary to Tortola, St Kitts, Dominica, Grenada and Barbados over seven-nights and another to St Thomas, St Maarten, Antigua, St Vincent and Barbados, also over seven-nights. Guests can also combine the two cruises for a two-week adventure across some of the best ports in the Caribbean.
Chief Commercial Officer Terry Thornton said: “Puerto Rico remains one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean and continues to attract new airlift from source markets across the US as well as markets in Europe and South America, which makes it a great fit for Princess.
“‘Plus, there are many outstanding options to choose from for a great pre- or post-cruise stay.”
What does this mean for Princess in Australia?
Of Majestic Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess and Coral Princess, only Royal will be returning to Australia next season. However, Diamond Princess and Crown Princess will be joining the party.
Then another shake up will happen in 2025/2026, when Royal and Diamond make way, but Grand Princess returns, and Discovery Princess excitingly arrives for the first time in Australia.
While both the following years will represent a decrease in Australian capacity for Princess, from October 2024, Crown Princess will be sailing year-round in Australia. Furthermore, Discovery Princess will represent the biggest Princess ship to homeport in Australia, marking the cruise lines intention to promote cruising in the region.
