Royal Princess, one of the most iconic ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, has completed an extensive drydock period in Singapore, held from October 16 to 30, 2026, and is returning to service with a series of enhancements across several areas of the ship.
The most significant addition is undoubtedly the debut of the Sanctuary Collection, the exclusive premium all-inclusive experience that Princess Cruises is progressively introducing across five of its Royal-Class ships. Designed for guests seeking an elevated cruise experience, the offering combines enhanced comfort, personalized services and exclusive spaces.
On board Royal Princess, the new collection includes a selection of accommodations, ranging from suites and mini-suites to Deluxe Balcony and Balcony staterooms, as well as newly constructed ocean-view staterooms. Guests choosing this experience will also enjoy access to the Sanctuary Club, together with exclusive amenities and services. Completing the offering is the Sanctuary Restaurant, located on Deck 6, adjacent to the Concerto Dining Room and exclusively reserved for Sanctuary Collection guests.
The enhancements extend well beyond the accommodations. One of the most noticeable transformations concerns the Piazza, the ship’s impressive central gathering place and the heart of social life on board Royal Princess.
Here, O’Malley’s Irish Pub makes its debut, taking over the former Vines location on Deck 5. The new venue brings the traditional Irish pub atmosphere on board, with Irish-inspired food, a selection of favorite beverages and a welcoming setting designed for socializing and relaxation.
Bellini’s has also been expanded, relocating into the space previously occupied by the Photo Gallery. The cocktail bar now features a larger setting overlooking the Piazza, where guests can enjoy its signature Bellini-inspired cocktails, champagne, sparkling wines and other specialty beverages.
Together, these additions further strengthen the Piazza’s role as the ship’s vibrant social hub, offering guests new opportunities to gather and enjoy themselves throughout the day and into the evening.
The refurbishment has also included the Princess Casino, which has been redesigned to provide a more open gaming environment and additional space for slot machines. To expand the gaming area, the staircase connecting Decks 6 and 7 has been removed, allowing the layout to be reconfigured and the selection of gaming options enhanced.
The Effy jewelry boutique has also undergone a makeover, with a refreshed setting designed to showcase the brand’s fine jewelry collections. In addition, The Shops of Princess have been upgraded following the transition to Starboard as the ship’s new onboard retail partner.
Following the completion of her Singapore drydock, Royal Princess is ready to begin her Southern Hemisphere cruise season, based in Sydney. The ship will offer itineraries exploring Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, giving guests the opportunity to experience her newly enhanced spaces and onboard amenities while discovering some of the region’s most fascinating destinations.
Royal Princess will be one of three Princess Cruises ships sailing in the region during the 2026–27 season, which features a total of 42 unique itineraries and 62 departures. The program includes voyages showcasing the region’s outstanding natural attractions, vibrant cities and distinctive Australian and New Zealand cultures, alongside shorter coastal getaways.
According to Rodrigo Llaguno, Chief Operating Officer of Princess Cruises, the enhancements aboard Royal Princess introduce new accommodations and distinctive venues for entertainment, dining and socializing, together with thoughtfully refreshed spaces designed to make every aspect of the guest experience even more enjoyable. These updates further highlight the ship’s appeal and reflect the company’s commitment to creating memorable vacations through high-quality services, exclusive experiences and the signature touches that have always distinguished the Princess brand.
With this latest refurbishment, Royal Princess further strengthens her onboard offering, focusing on an increasingly diverse cruise experience in which comfortable accommodations, inviting venues and opportunities for socializing play a central role in the journey.
Giorgia Lombardo
