Princess Relocates Cruise Ship from Australia to Puerto Rico

Princess Cruises is homeporting a ship in Puerto Rico for the first time in a decade. However, it spells bad news for Australian cruisers.

Grand Princess will redeploy to Puerto Rico from October 2025 through March 2026 instead of its original schedule sailing Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific voyages from Brisbane and Sydney. It cited operational challenges for the change.

Australian Guests will be Rebooked on a Similar Cruise Itinerary

Guests booked on the impacted cruises down under have been informed by Princess and offered alternative options.

“We extend our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding,” the cruise line wrote. “At times, circumstances and operational considerations arise that require us to make changes to bookings and itineraries.”

Guests will be automatically rebooked on a replacement cruise with a similar itinerary, which will be confirmed by May 31. Any pre-booked shore excursions, spas, and dining reservations on Grand Princess will be canceled and refunded.

Week-long Destination Intensive Cruises from Puerto Rico

Grand Princess’ deployment in Puerto Rico will offer alternating weekly cruises in the Southern Caribbean. The cruise line says they will make more port calls than any other seven-day Princess cruise to the Caribbean. The itineraries go on sale from May 16.

The two roundtrip Caribbean itineraries each have just one full sea day. Port calls include Tortola, BVI, St Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, St Maarten, Antigua and Barbados. The 2,600-guest Grand Princess is home to signature Princess facilities like The Sanctuary and Movies Under the Stars, as well as Broadway-style productions at the Princess Theater.