Princess Cruises returns to the Amazon with expanded 2028–2029 Americas programme - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Princess Cruises has announced its 2028–2029 Americas programme, featuring more than 250 departures across North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Antarctica. Among the most significant additions is the return of Amazon River cruising for the first time since 2014. The cruise line is also introducing a 64-day voyage around South America, combining the Amazon, Antarctica and the Panama Canal in a single itinerary.

The programme offers journeys ranging from four-day cruises along the California coast to extended expeditions exploring some of the continent's most remote destinations. South America will play a prominent role, with 13 departures covering 38 destinations in 16 countries. The Caribbean remains the largest regional component, accounting for 141 departures and 49 different itineraries.

Several changes are designed to provide passengers with more time in individual destinations. Extended port calls and overnight stays will feature across the programme, including visits to Quebec, Cabo San Lucas, Honolulu and selected South American cities. The itineraries are now available for booking, with introductory incentives offered until February 16, 2027.

Amazon River cruises return after 14 years

The return to the Amazon represents one of the programme's most notable developments. Princess Cruises last operated voyages on the river in 2014 and plans to reintroduce the destination during its 2028–2029 South American season.

The new itineraries will include scenic cruising along the Amazon and a port call in Santarém, Brazil. Located at the confluence of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers, Santarém provides access to the distinctive landscapes and communities of the Brazilian Amazon.

The destination adds a different dimension to Princess Cruises' South American offering, which has traditionally included coastal cities, Patagonia and Antarctic waters.

The cruise line will operate 13 South American departures across 11 itineraries aboard Majestic Princess and Coral Princess. Together, the voyages will visit 38 destinations in 16 countries.

Among the available options are 17-day Antarctica and Patagonia cruises and 15-day journeys featuring Cape Horn and the glaciers of Patagonia.

These itineraries combine major South American ports with scenic cruising in regions characterised by fjords, glaciers and dramatic mountain landscapes.

New 64-day voyage combines three major regions

A new 64-day Circle South America voyage aboard Coral Princess will be the longest itinerary in the announced programme.

The journey is designed to circumnavigate South America while incorporating three contrasting cruising experiences: Antarctica, the Amazon River and a complete transit of the Panama Canal.

The combination brings together tropical river landscapes, the southernmost regions of the continent and one of the world's most important maritime passages.

For travellers interested in extended cruises, the itinerary offers an alternative to booking several separate voyages.

The programme also includes 12 Panama Canal departures across nine itineraries lasting between 16 and 20 days.

Five ships will operate these journeys: Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Island Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess.

The cruises will connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through complete canal transits, using either the original locks or the newer Neopanamax facilities.

Port calls in Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean will complement the canal crossings.

Caribbean programme offers 141 departures

The Caribbean will account for more than half of the announced Americas departures.

Princess Cruises plans 141 sailings across 49 itineraries, with durations ranging from five to 17 days.

Departures will be available from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, San Juan, New York and Barbados.

The programme covers 24 destinations across 20 Caribbean islands, including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Cozumel, Puerto Rico and the ABC islands.

Selected itineraries will feature extended stays in Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire and Curaçao, allowing passengers additional time for excursions and independent exploration.

Several cruises will also include calls at private or exclusive beach destinations.

These include Celebration Key in the Bahamas, Isla Tropicale on Roatán in Honduras and RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The expanded range of departure ports and itinerary lengths provides options for both shorter Caribbean holidays and more extensive regional cruises.

New Canadian destination and expanded Hawaii options

In Canada and New England, Princess Cruises will offer 17 departures aboard Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess.

Five itineraries lasting between seven and 14 days will explore Atlantic Canada, New England and the St. Lawrence River.

A new destination for 2028 is Îles de la Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The island group is known for its red sandstone cliffs, coastal landscapes and Acadian cultural heritage.

Seven classic Canada and New England voyages will also include an overnight stay in Quebec, providing additional time to explore the historic city.

Hawaii will feature 14 departures covering Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island.

Every itinerary will include an extended evening stay in Honolulu.

Roundtrip cruises will depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver, with the Canadian departure option returning for the 2028–2029 season.

The additional Vancouver sailings broaden the available departure choices for passengers travelling from western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

Mexico and California complete the regional programme

Princess Cruises has scheduled 35 departures to Mexico from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The seven- to 11-day itineraries will include destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and La Paz.

All 10-day Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez voyages will feature an overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas.

The California coast programme will comprise 18 departures lasting between four and seven days.

These cruises will connect coastal cities and destinations in California and western Canada, with departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.

Selected voyages will include late-night visits to San Diego, San Francisco and Victoria.

Princess Cruises expects to offer more than 50 opportunities to sail beneath San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge during the season.

Longer port stays and inland extensions

Across the Americas programme, Princess Cruises is expanding opportunities for passengers to spend additional time ashore.

The company's More Ashore concept includes selected late-night departures and overnight stays, allowing guests to explore destinations beyond conventional daytime excursions.

In South America, extended visits will be available in cities including Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Lima.

Passengers will also have the option to combine cruises with organised land programmes.

These extensions include visits to Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, as well as Iguazú Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides.

The land programmes are intended to connect coastal cruising itineraries with major inland attractions that would otherwise require separate travel arrangements.

The complete 2028–2029 Americas programme is already open for reservations.

An early-booking promotion running until February 16, 2027, offers eligible passengers instant savings of up to US$300, onboard credit of up to US$300 and reduced deposits of US$100. Additional benefits include early access to dining reservations and complimentary upgrades to cabin locations, subject to the applicable booking conditions.

With the return to the Amazon, the introduction of the 64-day South America itinerary and expanded opportunities for longer destination visits, Princess Cruises is placing greater emphasis on combining conventional cruise holidays with more extensive regional exploration.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration