Princess Cruises has revealed that 2024 is set to be the biggest UK and Europe season in the line’s history, with almost four million cruise nights available.

There will be a total of 162 departures available on 85 itineraries across five ships, including the new Sphere-class Sun Princess.

The 4,300-guest ship will spend its inaugural season in Europe, with 10-night Grand Mediterranean and Western Grand Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona or Rome (Civitavecchia), and seven-night cruises departing from either Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona or Athens.

Sun Princess will make an inaugural visit to Southampton for an overnight stay on 22 September 2024.

In addition, Sky Princess will return to Southampton as its homeport for the fourth year running, sailing on a variety of voyages from four to 31 nights to destinations including Iceland and Norway, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean, as well as a 31-night adventure to New England and Canada with overnights in both New York City and Quebec, a first for the line.

The ship will also operate two short five-night cruises from Southampton.

Regal Princess will sail roundtrip Southampton on 12-night British Isles voyages featuring Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, and the Orkney Islands.

Caribbean Princess also joins the Southampton homeport lineup, sailing to destinations throughout Europe, including Northern Europe capital cities on a 12-night Oktoberfest European Capitals itinerary, departing 12 September 2024.

‘More choice than ever’ with Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises UK and Europe vice-president Eithne Williamson said: “With four million cruise nights available, UK guests will have more choice than ever before to sail across Europe with Princess Cruises, and we hope travel agents are as excited as we are to have the brand new Sun Princess based in the Mediterranean for her inaugural season in 2024.

“Sailings from Southampton remain in high demand, and 2024 will see the longest ex-UK season in Princess Cruises’ history.

“With three ships sailing from Southampton between March and November, we have increased capacity by more than 40 per cent compared to 2022, providing travel agents with even more opportunity to sell with Princess.

“Furthermore, the addition of two short cruises on Sky Princess provides a perfect opportunity for new guests to sample the Princess Difference for the first time.”

Cruises go on sale on 14 December 2022.