Seattle is getting a sky-high sendoff to Alaska cruise season as Princess Cruises plans a one-night-only public drone show over downtown on May 1 at 8:30 p.m. The free event will take place at Seattle Center, with the best viewing area set around the International Fountain Mall at 305 Harrison Street. For locals and visitors, it sounds like one of those rare city evenings where it’s worth arriving a bit early, just to soak in the atmosphere.
The choreographed aerial display will celebrate the landscapes, wildlife, and adventurous spirit of Alaska while also marking the arrival of Star Princess, the cruise line’s newest ship. Just two days later, on May 3, the vessel begins its inaugural Alaska season from Seattle, opening a new chapter for one of the city’s most visible summer travel traditions.
Princess Cruises says Star Princess will operate 20 roundtrip Alaska sailings through September 13, carrying around 90,000 guests during the season. Itineraries include classic Inside Passage stops such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, along with glacier viewing at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Not a bad route, honestly.
The broader 2026 season is also the company’s largest in Alaska to date, with eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations across the region. Seattle remains one of the key gateways, with both Star Princess and Royal Princess sailing seven-day itineraries from Pier 91.
For Seattle, this drone show feels like more than a promotion. It’s a public kickoff to cruise season, a tourism moment, and a reminder of how closely the city is tied to Alaska travel every summer. If the weather cooperates, expect a crowd and plenty of cameras pointed upward.