Princess Cruises is expanding its Southern Caribbean cruise programme for the 2027 and 2028 seasons with the addition of Barbados as a new homeport, marking the cruise line’s first roundtrip programme from the island since 2010.
The expansion introduces more than 30 voyages across 15 destinations and gives travellers the option to sail either roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, or directly from Barbados, providing greater flexibility for passengers seeking Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Two ships will operate the programme. Crown Princess will sail from January through March 2027, while Emerald Princess will operate voyages between November 2027 and March 2028. The itineraries range from six to nine nights, with the majority lasting seven nights.
All voyages include a call in San Juan and feature different island combinations throughout the season, including Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Tortola.
According to the company, introducing Barbados as a departure port broadens itinerary options while allowing passengers to spend more time exploring destinations in the region rather than sailing from mainland ports.
The move also reinforces Barbados’ position within the Southern Caribbean cruise network at a time when several destinations in the region are competing to attract more homeport operations. Unlike transit calls, homeport cruises typically generate higher economic activity, as passengers often spend additional nights in the destination before or after their voyage and rely on local services including hotels, transportation and logistics.
The addition of Barbados also reflects the cruise industry’s continued focus on improving accessibility for international travellers. Direct flights to the island are available from several UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, making it easier for European travellers to join Caribbean cruises without first travelling through the United States.
Eithne Williamson, Vice President for Princess Cruises UK, Ireland and EMEA, said the addition of Barbados departures expands travel options for guests visiting the region.
“This expansion to include Barbados departures adds even greater variety in the highly sought-after Southern Caribbean and provides greater convenience to our guests travelling from the UK,” she said.
Sample voyages include a seven-night Crown Princess itinerary departing Barbados on 12 March 2027 and calling at San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Dominica and Grenada, with fares starting from £699 per person.
Another seven-night itinerary on Emerald Princess will depart Barbados on 24 December 2027, calling at San Juan, Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica and Grenada, with fares starting from £759 per person. The programme also includes holiday sailings during Christmas and New Year.
The new Barbados roundtrip voyages will go on sale on 5 March 2026.
For cruise operators, expanding departure options in the Caribbean has become an important part of itinerary planning as demand for the region continues to grow. By adding Barbados alongside San Juan as a homeport, Princess Cruises is widening its access to the Southern Caribbean while offering travellers additional ways to explore multiple island destinations within shorter itineraries.
