Princess Cruises Named #1 Mega Cruise Ship in Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Readers' Choice Awards

Princess' Sphere Class Ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, Earn Top Honors from Readers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises' has been named the #1 Mega Cruise Ship in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, earning one of the travel industry's most coveted honors and further establishing Princess' next-generation Sphere Class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, among the world's most celebrated for their innovative design, exceptional experiences and distinctly Princess service.

The recognition reflects the votes of Condé Nast Traveler readers and celebrates the exceptional cruise experience found aboard Princess' newest generation of ships, where innovative design, world-class dining and entertainment, inviting accommodations and warm, personalized service come together to create unforgettable vacations at sea.

"Being recognized, once again, by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler is an incredible honor and a tremendous testament to our entire Princess team," said Marie Lee, Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer. "Our Sphere-Class ships were designed to bring together everything guests love about Princess while introducing beautiful new spaces, experiences and innovations. Most importantly, this recognition belongs to our remarkable crew members who bring the Princess experience to life each day on every voyage with genuine warmth, dedication and hospitality."

A New Generation of Princess Ships
With itineraries spanning Alaska (Star), the Mediterranean (Sun), Caribbean and beyond, the 177,000-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess and Star Princess represent a new generation of Princess ships, combining expansive ocean views and dramatic architectural spaces with the intimate, personalized service for which Princess is known.

The 2026 honor marks the third consecutive year Sun Princess has earned the top spot in the Mega Cruise Ship category, following wins in 2024 and 2025, while marking an impressive milestone for Star Princess in her first year of eligibility for the Readers' Choice Awards, following her recognition earlier this year on Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious 2026 Hot List.

Spectacular Spaces, Unforgettable Experiences
Designed to bring guests closer to the sea while introducing an array of new experiences, Sun Princess and Star Princess offer standout venues, dining, entertainment, and accommodations throughout the ship. Highlights include:

• Showstopping Spaces: The Dome, a stunning glass-enclosed venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini; the soaring Piazza, surrounded by sweeping ocean views; and the technologically advanced Princess Arena.
• A Culinary Journey at Sea: An impressive collection of dining and beverage experiences, including Love by Britto, Makoto Ocean and The Butcher's Block by Dario, complemented by an extensive array of restaurants, bars and lounges.
• An Elevated Escape: The Sanctuary Collection offers an exclusive private retreat with premium accommodations and amenities, including the Sanctuary Club, Sanctuary Restaurant and Suite Lounge.
• Entertainment Created for Sphere Class: Original production shows, live music, immersive performances and experiences designed specifically for Princess' newest generation of ships.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are among the longest-running and most respected recognition programs in the travel industry, with readers annually sharing their favorite travel experiences around the world across hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines, cruise lines and more.

Building on the Sphere-Class Legacy
Launched in 2024 as Princess' first Sphere-Class ship, Sun Princess ushered in a new era for the cruise line. Sister ship Star Princess debuted in October 2025 as the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess fleet, building on the innovative design and guest experiences introduced by the new class.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or visiting www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises: 
Princess Cruises, the original Love Boat, has been creating enriching vacations shaped by discovery, human connection, and personalized service for more than 60 years. Sailing to more than 345 destinations in over 90 countries across all seven continents, Princess invites millions of guests to experience new places, people, and cultures in meaningful ways. Recognized as the world's most iconic cruise brand, Princess is known for thoughtfully curated global itineraries, well-appointed staterooms, exceptional dining and entertainment, and immersive experiences onboard and ashore. By bringing together thoughtful service, elevated experiences, and extraordinary destinations, Princess creates meaningful moments, lasting connections and stories worth sharing long after the journey ends. Princess Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company, with a portfolio of cruise lines operating in more than 800 ports and destinations worldwide (NYSE: CCL).

 

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SOURCE Princess Cruises