Royal Princess just wrapped up a refit at a drydock in Singapore, and the ship now has an Irish pub and a bigger casino floor. Princess Cruises also brought its premium Sanctuary Collection on board, but that upgrade comes with a catch for anyone sailing before January.
The ship heads Down Under after the drydock for a season of cruises from Sydney. Two of the changes sit in the Piazza, the ship’s central atrium and social hub.
20 New Cabins Join the Lineup
Princess Cruises added 20 cabins to Royal Princess during the Oct. 16 to 30 drydock. You’ll find six mini-suites, seven oceanview cabins, two interiors and five single interiors on board. The ship holds 3,595 guests.
The Sanctuary Collection Comes With a Catch
The Sanctuary Collection is Princess’ premium tier, with private spaces and personalized service. It’s rolling out to five Royal-Class ships, and Regal, Discovery, Sky and Enchanted Princess follow.
You can book the Sanctuary Collection in the new oceanview staterooms, suites, mini-suites, deluxe balconies and balconies. New bookings include the Princess Premier package.
Collection guests also get the Sanctuary Restaurant on deck 6, next to the Concerto Dining Room. Its menus draw on the destinations Princess visits.
Sanctuary sailings on Royal Princess don’t start until a 12-day South Pacific cruise on Jan. 4, 2027. The Sanctuary Club doesn’t join the Collection until April 22, 2027.
Did you book a Reserve Collection stateroom on Royal Princess before Oct. 22? Princess says you’ll get the Sanctuary experience at no extra cost, minus the Premier package.
O’Malley’s Moves Into the Piazza
O’Malley’s Irish Pub now fills the old Vines space on deck 5 and brings a Princess favorite to this ship. It pairs Irish-inspired food with drinks in a neighborhood pub setting.
Nearby, Bellini’s moved into the former Photo Gallery and grew into a bigger bar that overlooks the Piazza. It pours Bellini-inspired cocktails and champagne, along with sparkling wines and other specialty drinks.
More Room for Slots and a New Effy Boutique
The staircase between decks 6 and 7 is gone, which opens up the Princess Casino. The bigger floor now has room for more slot machines and other games.
The Effy jewelry boutique got a refresh, with a new space for browsing the brand’s fine jewelry. The ship’s shops also have a new retail partner, Starboard.
Try the Sanctuary Club Before April
Royal Princess is one of three Princess ships sailing Down Under this season, which offers 42 itineraries and 62 departures. The ship’s Sydney schedule includes shorter coastal getaways, too. Until April 22, every guest 16 and older can preview the Sanctuary Club, which used to be the Retreat Pool and The Sanctuary.