Due to the ongoing situation in the Red Sea, Princess Cruises has announced revisions to the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, incorporating new stops in Africa and Europe while excluding visits to the Middle East and Asia.
Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises, explained that after thoughtful consideration and consultations with global security experts and government authorities, it was decided that the changes to the 2025 itineraries would be well-received by guests, particularly given the necessity to avoid certain regions. He further said, “These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the West Africa coast and the Mediterranean.”

The first World Cruise will embark aboard the Island Princess from North America, providing a 116-day journey that includes two roundtrip options departing from Ft. Lauderdale on January 5, 2025, and Los Angeles on January 20, 2025. This cruise will visit 46 destinations across 24 countries on six continents, concluding in Los Angeles on May 17, 2025.
The revised itinerary for this cruise, running from February 16 to April 9, will see departures from Sydney to Melbourne and Perth, then heading to South Africa before resuming the original schedule from Valletta, Malta on April 9.
Guests who were scheduled to join the cruise in Dubai on March 14, 2025, will now embark or disembark four days earlier on March 9, in Cape Town, South Africa. Those disembarking in Cape Town will receive a refund equivalent to four days of the cruise fare, while those joining earlier will not incur additional costs. Furthermore, all affected guests will be granted a $300 onboard credit.
The second 2025 World Cruise itinerary aboard the Crown Princess will commence from Auckland on May 31, 2025, and from Sydney on June 4, 2025. This 113-day voyage will now travel via Africa, avoiding the Red Sea and Asia, and includes stops at 42 destinations in 22 countries across five continents. The fully revised itinerary is still being finalized and will be communicated shortly, as stated in the press release by the company.