Princess Cruises Announces Major Fleet Expansion with New Voyager Class
Princess Cruises is embarking on a significant expansion of its fleet with the development of three new mega cruise ships, which will be the largest vessels ever operated by the line. The first ship in this new class, named "Voyager," is scheduled for delivery in late 2035, followed by two more in 2038 and 2039, bringing the total fleet size to 20 ships.
Construction Details and Specifications
The three ships will be constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, under a new agreement that strengthens the long-standing partnership between Princess Cruises and the shipbuilder. Each vessel will measure 183,000 gross tonnes and accommodate approximately 4,700 guests, surpassing the size and capacity of the Sun and Star Princess ships launched in 2024 and 2025, which are 175,500 gross tonnes and hold 4,310 guests.
Similar to their predecessors, the new Voyager class ships will be dual-fuel powered, primarily using liquefied natural gas (LNG) to enhance environmental sustainability. While specific features remain under wraps, Princess Cruises has hinted at innovative designs, including reimagined outer decks, staterooms, and Piazza areas, aimed at catering to global travelers and diverse deployment needs.
Strategic Vision and Industry Impact
Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises, emphasized that the Voyager class is designed to delight loyal customers while attracting a new generation of cruisers. The development leverages extensive research from customers and agents to balance proven successes with fresh concepts tailored to current and future guest preferences.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, highlighted the agreement's importance, noting that it secures a robust workload for the shipyards through 2039 and supports the profitable growth of the cruise business. This move positions Princess Cruises to compete more aggressively in the luxury cruise market, offering enhanced experiences and greater capacity.
The announcement comes as the cruise industry continues to recover and innovate post-pandemic, with new ships like these setting benchmarks for size, technology, and guest amenities. The Voyager class represents a strategic investment in long-term growth, aligning with trends toward larger, more efficient vessels that prioritize both luxury and sustainability.
