Star Princess Sets Sail: A New Era of Cruising Begins from Los Angeles

The newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, the Star Princess, made its inaugural journey from the Port of Los Angeles on April 30, 2026. Arriving in port two days prior, the ship will now embark on various itineraries from Los Angeles over the next 18 months, including trips to the Mexican Riviera, along the Pacific Coast, and through the Panama Canal.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka expressed excitement about Princess Cruises’ long-standing partnership, emphasizing the significance of the Star Princess’s arrival. The ship boasts a capacity of approximately 4,300 passengers with over 2,100 staterooms, which include various suite options. Guests will enjoy amenities such as more than 30 dining and bar venues, multiple entertainment areas, five pools, a comprehensive fitness center and spa, as well as sports courts for activities including pickleball and basketball.

Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises, highlighted the company’s historic connection to Los Angeles, recalling that the first cruise set sail from the port to the Mexican Riviera in 1965. Scheduled voyages from Los Angeles on the Star Princess include a 16-day Panama Canal cruise commencing on October 4, and a seven-day trip to the Mexican Riviera starting April 19, 2027.

The cruise industry continues to be a significant economic force, contributing around $300 million to the local economy in 2025, thanks to record ship calls and passenger numbers. Each ship visit generates an estimated $1.3 million in local revenue within a two-mile radius of the port, reaffirming the vital role of cruise activity in the area.

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