Princess Cruises has announced an update to its Drug and Alcohol Policy, aimed at improving efficiency, fairness, and consistency while reinforcing its strong commitment to a safe and healthy working environment for all crew members.

Starting December 1, 2025, drug testing will be conducted onboard by the Medical Staff, supported by the HR Officer and Security personnel. This will streamline the process, reduce operational disruption, and minimize the impact on crew rest hours, all while maintaining full compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Algerian naval forces carried out a medical evacuation of a British cruise passenger from the Sky Princess while the vessel was transiting international waters off Algeria’s northeastern coast.

The rescue happened on Wednesday morning, October 8, when the Sky Princess was sailing between Italy and Spain.

Princess Cruises has rolled out its much-anticipated Sanctuary Collection aboard the new Star Princess, combining elevated comfort with exceptional service. Along with this milestone, the ship’s team proudly celebrated their British Butler Institute certification, reinforcing Princess Cruises’ dedication to refined guest experiences.

Princess Cruises has officially welcomed its newest Sphere-Class vessel, the Star Princess, as it embarks on its inaugural 11-day Western Mediterranean journey from Barcelona. This milestone marks the debut of the 17th ship in the Princess fleet.

Weighing in at 177,800 tons and accommodating 4,300 guests, the Star Princess sets a new standard for the fleet with its 30 dining and bar venues, upscale entertainment options, and refined accommodations.

Princess Cruises announced that Academy Award–winning actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila McConaughey, a New York Times bestselling author and philanthropist, have been named the godparents of the line’s newest ship, Star Princess. The couple will officially christen the vessel during a naming ceremony on November 6, joining a distinguished roster of Princess godparents that has included global icons such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.

Princess Cruises is making significant adjustments to its Food & Beverage department, with new structures set to take effect on November 1. In a letter send to the crew the company described these updates as part of a broader effort to strengthen teamwork, improve profitability, and create clearer career pathways. At the same time, the changes bring both opportunities and challenges for crew, with some positions eliminated or adjusted.

Princess Cruises has decided to reconsider and adjust its recently announced crew tattoo policy after concerns were raised by employees across the fleet. At the recent HRO Conference, the line held in-depth discussions about the policy’s content and rollout, guided by direct teammates feedback.

Abel M. Dimaano spent more than 30 years at sea with Princess Cruises, building a career defined by resilience, leadership, and purpose. Starting in 1991 with the goal of creating a better future for his family, he rose through the ranks to Restaurant Manager, faced challenges head-on, and left a lasting impact on the crew community.

Princess Cruises has reportedly halted the hiring of Brazilian crew members, becoming the latest cruise line to do so after mounting legal concerns. The decision, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the company, comes in the wake of a broader industry shift away from recruiting Brazilian nationals. The popular channel ShipLife broke the story, reporting that thousands of potential job opportunities for Brazilians have now been lost.

A 27-year-old Kenyan citizen, working as a Galley Steward aboard the Sun Princess, has been reported missing after going overboard in the Dardanelles Strait on August 20, 2025.

According to Princess Cruises, the MOB was detected through CCTV review, prompting the captain and officers to immediately launch emergency protocols. The ship coordinated closely with local maritime search and rescue authorities, deploying multiple boats to comb the waters for several hours.
Tragically, despite extensive efforts, the young crew member has not been located.