Princess Cruises has confirmed its return to Barbados for its 2027 and 2028 Caribbean cruise seasons. For the first time in 17 years, the cruise line will homeport ships in Bridgetown, Barbados, giving travellers a new way to explore the Southern Caribbean.
The change gives guests the option to sail roundtrip Caribbean cruises from either San Juan in Puerto Rico or Bridgetown in Barbados. These new cruises from Barbados make it easier than ever to explore the Southern Caribbean’s less-visited islands.
The new programme opens access to some of the lesser-visited islands in the Caribbean, making it one of the more notable cruise developments for the 2027 season.
Here is everything you need to know about the new Princess Cruises Barbados sailings.
Last updated: 21 May 2026
Princess Cruises Barbados: The 30-second view
| Announcement | Princess Cruises returns to Barbados as a homeport |
| Last sailed from Barbados | 2010 (a 17-year gap) |
| Programme size | More than 30 voyages visiting 15 destinations |
| Crown Princess window | January to March 2027 |
| Emerald Princess window | November 2027 to March 2028 |
| Itinerary lengths | 6 to 9 nights (majority 7-night) |
| Homeport | Bridgetown, Barbados |
| All sailings call at | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Wider programme ports | Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, St Kitts, Tortola |
| Direct UK flights from | Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham |
| Pricing from | £699 per person (Crown Princess); Christmas 2027 from £759 per person (Emerald Princess) |
| Best for | UK travellers wanting Southern Caribbean with direct flights |
Princess Cruises Ships Sailing From Barbados
Two popular Princess Cruises ships will operate the new Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Crown Princess will begin the programme, sailing roundtrip from Barbados between January and March 2027.
Emerald Princess will continue the schedule later in the year, operating voyages from November 2027 through to March 2028.
Both ships feature the signature Princess Cruises experience including MedallionClass technology, premium dining, Movies Under the Stars outdoor cinema, and The Sanctuary adults only retreat.
Guests can also enjoy personalised service through the MedallionClass system which enhances dining, drinks, and onboard experiences throughout the voyage.
New Southern Caribbean Cruise Itineraries
The programme spans more than 30 voyages calling at 15 destinations. Every sailing includes a call at San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the wider itinerary list visiting Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, St Kitts and Tortola. Direct UK flights to Barbados depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, which makes these sailings noticeably easier to combine with a fly-cruise package than connecting through the US.
Princess Cruises will offer more than 30 voyages visiting 15 destinations across the Southern Caribbean.
Cruises will range from six to nine nights, with seven night itineraries forming the core of the programme.
All sailings will include a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, regardless of whether the cruise departs from Barbados or San Juan.
Ports of call will include some of the most sought after islands in the region including Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, St Kitts and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
These itineraries combine well known Caribbean favourites with more unique destinations such as Dominica, often called the Nature Island thanks to its rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.
Why Barbados Cruises Are Great for UK Travellers
Adding Barbados as a homeport to our Southern Caribbean programme provides greater choice and convenience to our guests travelling from the UK, as they can fly direct to join their Princess voyage.
Eithne Williamson, Vice President UK, Ireland and EMEA, Princess Cruises
I live in Barbados, so Princess coming back to Bridgetown is a big deal for me. The Southern Caribbean is the bit most UK guests don’t get to see, and having a Princess ship right on the doorstep changes that. Direct UK flights, smaller crowds, properly warm water year-round. If you’re booking 2027 or 2028, ask me for top tips on the island. There’s plenty I’d send guests to that the guidebooks miss.
Caitlin, Sales, Paramount Cruises
The addition of Barbados as a turnaround port makes Southern Caribbean cruises far more accessible for travellers from the UK.
Barbados offers direct flights from major UK airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. This makes fly cruise holidays to the Caribbean far simpler compared with itineraries that require a connection through the United States.
Eithne Williamson, Vice President for Princess Cruises UK, Ireland and EMEA, said “The new homeport will offer greater choice and convenience for British travellers”.
She explained, “That adding Barbados to the Southern Caribbean programme allows guests from the UK to fly direct and join their Princess cruise with ease”.
Princess Cruises Barbados 2027 Prices and On Sale Date
The new Barbados roundtrip cruises will go on sale on Thursday 5 March 2026 at 8am.
These itineraries are expected to be very popular as Caribbean cruises remain one of the most sought after winter cruise holidays.
Sample fares include a seven night Crown Princess sailing departing Barbados on 12 March 2027, visiting San Juan, St Thomas, St Maarten, Dominica and Grenada. Prices start from £699 per person.
Emerald Princess will also offer festive sailings during the 2027 and 2028 holiday season. A seven night Christmas cruise departing on 24 December 2027 starts from £759 per person.
Book a Barbados Caribbean Cruise
Princess Cruises returning to Barbados meaningfully expands Southern Caribbean cruising options. The combination of direct UK flights and diverse island itineraries makes these sailings an excellent choice for winter sun.
If you are considering a Caribbean cruise from Barbados in 2027 or 2028, now is a good time to plan ahead.
Call our cruise specialists on 020 7947 0270 to register your interest or explore our latest Caribbean cruise deals to find the right sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Cruises Barbados Cruises
Princess Cruises will begin sailing from Barbados in January 2027 when Crown Princess launches the first Southern Caribbean voyages from Bridgetown. The programme will then continue later in the year with Emerald Princess sailing from November 2027 through March 2028.
Two ships will operate the Barbados homeport programme. Crown Princess will sail between January and March 2027, while Emerald Princess will take over the schedule from November 2027 until March 2028.
Princess Cruises Barbados itineraries will visit a range of Southern Caribbean islands including Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, St Kitts and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. All itineraries will also include a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Yes. Barbados has direct flights from several UK airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. This makes it easier for British travellers to book a fly cruise holiday without needing to transit through the United States.
The new Barbados roundtrip cruises for the 2027 and 2028 seasons go on sale on Thursday 5 March 2026 at 8am. Early booking is recommended as Caribbean winter sailings are expected to be in high demand.
