Sapphire Princess returns to sea with new features

October 16, 2025

After two weeks of dry dock work in Portland, Oregon, Sapphire Princess has set sail once again, unveiling a range of exciting new experiences for guests.

Among the key highlights is the introduction of two renowned specialty restaurants — Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill — which will welcome guests starting November 16, 2025. The 115,875-ton Sapphire Princess, with a capacity of 2,670 passengers, has undergone an extensive refurbishment and modernization, culminating in the elegant transformation of two venues into exclusive dining spaces dedicated to these new culinary experiences.

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Following its acclaimed debut aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, Makoto Ocean has now been added to Sapphire Princess, replacing the former Internet Café located on Deck 7. The restaurant brings to sea the authentic artistry of Chef Makoto Okuwa in the craft of Edomae-style sushi. Guests can indulge in a premium menu featuring specialties such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare, accompanied by handcrafted cocktails like the Genmai Negroni — a refined Japanese twist on the classic — and the Kodai No Hana, a delicate blend of yuzu juice and Doburoku, an ancient style of sake.

Chef Makoto Okuwa

makoto sushi

Another highlight of the dry dock is the addition of the award-winning Crown Grill, which now occupies the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. Long a guest favorite, the Crown Grill serves premium aged beef, succulent chops, and fresh seafood. With its warm, elegant design and attentive service, the restaurant has been recognized as one of the “best steakhouses at sea.” Both culinary experiences are priced at $60 per person and are included as a special dining option for guests booking the Princess Premier package.

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Crown Grill Steakhouse

Fresh from her renovation, Sapphire Princess will set sail for Mexico before repositioning for a season of South America and Antarctica voyages, followed by cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe during the spring and summer of 2026. In the fall of 2026, she will embark on a series of itineraries through Canada and New England.

In March 2027, for the first time in the cruise line’s history, sister ships Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will reunite in Japan. Both vessels, built in Japan, will depart from the Tokyo region for the most extensive Japan season ever organized by Princess Cruises, running from March through December 2027.

Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises, emphasized that with the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, guests aboard Sapphire Princess will enjoy two of the line’s most celebrated dining experiences, further elevating the culinary journey across all itineraries. Kohen also expressed the company’s pride in introducing these enhancements as Sapphire Princess prepares to embark on an extraordinary series of seasons, including the historic dual-ship deployment in Japan in 2027.

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With her recent refurbishment and the introduction of new, high-end culinary experiences, Sapphire Princess reaffirms her status as one of the standout ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, ready to offer guests a voyage that combines comfort, elegance, and culinary innovation. These enhancements not only enrich the onboard experience but also mark a significant step in the company’s ongoing commitment to elevating the quality of its services. As she looks ahead to upcoming seasons and her memorable return to Japan in 2027, Sapphire Princess is poised to embark on a new era of excellence at sea.

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