Cruise industry latest: Princess Cruises to return in 2027 after talks, alongside berthing for smaller ships proves a hit
- Princess Cruises will return to Guernsey in 2027, with the Sky Princess scheduled to visit.
- The decision follows positive engagement at a recent trade event.
- September is expected to see over 8,500 passengers visiting Guernsey across 14 scheduled cruise calls.
- Being able to berth smaller ships has been a “game changer”
Princess Cruises will resume service to the island in 2027, with the Sky Princess scheduled to visit St Peter Port as part of a 32-day Mediterranean voyage.
The company historically included Guernsey in its itineraries, attracting approximately 30,000 to 40,000 passengers annually prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the island was not featured in the cruise line's 2024-2026 schedules.
The decision to include Guernsey once again in its itinerary is a result of successful discussions between Cruise Guernsey officials and representatives of Princess Cruises at a recent trade event.
Mark Renouf, Operations and Business Development Manager for Cruise Guernsey, said: “We are thrilled to feature on Princess Cruises’ advance schedule for 2027.
"This exciting development reflects renewed confidence in Guernsey as a cruise destination, and the work we are doing to increase the number of visitors to Guernsey from larger and smaller cruise liners.”
The announcement coincides with Guernsey's busiest month, September, when more than 8,500 passengers are anticipated across 14 scheduled visits. In particular, from 4 to 7 September, around 7,000 passengers will arrive on five different ships.
P&O Cruises, Silversea, and Ambassador Cruise Line, the primary operators bringing visitors to Guernsey this year, are also booked to return in 2026.
This year until the end of July, the number of cruise passengers arriving was down by 36% on 2024, 16,929 compared to 26,331.
Efforts are ongoing to enhance visibility of the island as a cruise destination.
A journalist from Cruise & Travel—the UK’s leading cruise magazine—will visit this week.
Earlier, Cruise Guernsey rejoined Cruise Europe to promote the island's inclusion in European cruise itineraries.
“We have regular contact with cruise executives, excursion agents, and other industry representatives to promote what Guernsey has to offer as a cruise destination.”
He expressed optimism for future bookings, anticipating that upcoming magazine coverage will improve awareness among target demographics.
Adjustments at St Peter Port harbour for vessels has allowed twelve smaller cruise ships (up to 130 metres in length) to berth directly rather than requiring tendering services.
According to James Williams, Operations Manager at Excursions Ltd, “Having the ability to bring smaller expedition ships alongside at St Peter Port has been a game-changer.
"Our guests now enjoy a much smoother and more enjoyable arrival experience, with more time to explore the beautiful island of Guernsey—whether on a guided excursion or at their own pace.
"This advancement leads to a quicker and more convenient ashore transition for passengers, ultimately providing them more time to discover St Peter Port.”
Mr Renouf said: “Being able to offer alongside berthing for smaller boutique ships, which typically bring higher-spending passengers, has been a real advantage this year.”
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