For travelers seeking a cruise that feels polished, modern, and thoughtfully designed, without losing the warmth and accessibility Princess is known for, Star Princess is absolutely one to watch, especially as she heads north to Alaska in 2026.

River cruising continues to evolve in quiet but meaningful ways. The ships debuting in 2026 aren’t about flash or reinvention. They’re about refinement—more space where it matters, smarter design, improved sustainability, and itineraries that feel increasingly intentional.

The 2026 cruise lineup is notable not just for the number of new ocean ships launching, but for what they reveal about where cruising is headed: clearer audience targeting, more intentional design, and sharper distinctions between cruise experiences.

From the moment I stepped onboard, the ship struck a balance that many newer ships aim for but don’t quite achieve- fun, modern, and social, but it rarely tips into feeling overwhelming. There’s movement, music, and energy, but still plenty of room to breathe. Xcel feels confident in what it is. And that clarity comes through in every part of the experience.

As Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Allura builds on what the line already does exceptionally well while quietly refining the details that matter most to travelers who value comfort, space, and a sense of calm over spectacle.