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HomeCruise NewsPrincess Cruises Announces Return to Puerto Rico; Unveils New South America/Antarctica Itinerary

Princess Cruises Announces Return to Puerto Rico; Unveils New South America/Antarctica Itinerary

Princess Cruises has announced it will return to Puerto Rico – and its capital San Juan – later this year for its next season of southern Caribbean sailings.

The cruise giant has also announced its new 2025/’26 South America and Antarctica cruise itinerary.

The south Caribbean sailings – onboard Grand Princess – will run from October 2025 through March 2026.

These seven-night cruises, which visit more ports than any other seven-night Princess cruise to the Caribbean, are on sale May 16.

“Our return to San Juan after more than a decade not only reconnects our guests with a port rich in history and charm, but further expands the variety of departure points across North America that our guests can sail from,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises.

“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.”

“We are excited to welcome Princess Cruises back home to the Port of San Juan. This announcement underscores our commitment to cement San Juan as the leading homeport in the region, where guests can sail throughout the wonderful ports of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Furthermore, the sailings will help drive economic development for both Puerto Rico and our regional partners,” said Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Grand Princess Itineraries Sailing Roundtrip from San Juan:

Day 1 – Depart San Juan Day 2 – Tortola Day 3 – St. Kitts Day 4 – Dominica Day 5 – Grenada Day 6 – Barbados Day 7 – At Sea Day 8 – Return San JuanDay 1 – Depart San Juan Day 2 – St. Thomas Day 3 – St. Maarten Day 4 – Antigua Day 5 – St. Vincent Day 6 – Barbados Day 7 – At Sea Day 8 – Return San Juan  

Guests can choose to combine itineraries for an incredible 14-night voyage.

Meanwhile, Princess Cruises has also unveiled details of its 2025/26 winter season to South America and Antarctica.

According to recent figures from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a record 105,331 people visited Antarctica last cruise season.

“Our upcoming 2025-26 cruise season to South America and Antarctica promises remarkable journeys with incredible opportunities to glide through glacial waters of Antarctica to enjoy views of Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait – all unforgettable sites to behold,” said Terry Thornton. “Plus, our thoughtfully planned itineraries offer guests more time in robust South American cities to fully immerse themselves in the culture to get a taste of how the locals live.”

Why book a 2025-26 South America & Antarctic adventure with Princess Cruises? Top reasons include:

  • 20 destinations in 11 countries with seven total departures, featuring five unique itineraries sailing from November 2025 to January 2026. 
  • Sapphire Princess is on the current IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) approved operator list to cruise this region, sharing in the association’s mission to advocate and promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Sapphire Princess takes more passengers to Antarctica than any other ship on the IAATO list.
  • Antarctica 17-day Adventure cruises feature four days of exploration in the Antarctic region and a special festive voyage that celebrates both Christmas and New Year’s Day at sea, complete with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires. 
  • A Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan 16-day journey, offering an overnight in Buenos Aires and breathtaking scenic cruising past the Amalia Glacier. 
  • The 53-day Ultimate Antarctica & South America Adventure, connecting Los Angeles and Buenos Aires, with overnight stays in Lima (Callao) and Buenos Aires. 
  • Numerous opportunities to explore 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Lima; Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana from San Martin; Church of Atlántida, the work of engineer Eladio Dieste from Montevideo; Peninsula Valdés Patagonian Nature Reserve from Puerto Madryn; the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso from San Antonio.
  • Notable scenic cruising of Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula.

For guests wishing to combine a land tour to inspiring inland landmarks before or after their cruise, Princess offers two cruisetour options:

  • Iguazú Falls Adventure – features the thundering Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a visit to Rio de Janeiro.
  • Machu Picchu Explorer – visits the ancient Inca compound, Machu Picchu, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, plus a tour of the historic city of Cusco.
Geoff Percival
Geoff Percival
Geoff has worked in business, news, consumer and travel journalism for more than 25 years; having worked for and contributed to the likes of The Irish Examiner, Business & Finance, Business Plus, The Sunday Times, The Irish News, Senior Times, and The Sunday Tribune.
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