Sapphire Princess officially returns in service from a two-week routine drydock enhancement in Portland, Oregon. The newly refurbished ship has emerged with fresh upgrades and experiences, including two new speciality dining venues, alongside the general maintenance and technical updates.
Weighing 115,875 gross tons and accommodating up to 2,670 guests, the recently renovated ship ensures each and every sense is indulged, from the world-class gourmet dining to unrivalled entertainment and holistic wellness experiences.
With more than 25 years of experience under his belt, renowned Edomae-style sushi master Makoto Okuwa brings his culinary expertise and carefully curated menus at sea. The Japanese-style Makoto Ocean, as seen on next-generation ships Sun Princess and Star Princess, debuts as part of the exceptional line-up of specialty restaurants onboard the Sapphire Princess, occupying the space of Internet Café on Deck 7.
Blending contemporary culinary flair with the traditional recipes, this new-to-ship innovative dining venue will offer fresh selections of expertly crafted nigiri, sashimi and maki, capturing the quintessence of the authentic flavours of Japan! Guests can enjoy truffle salmon, snow crab temaki and toro tartare, perfectly paired with handcrafted cocktails, such as the Japanese version of classic Negroni and the Kodai No Hana, which is fused with ancient sake.
The guest-favourite Crown Grill has also joined the slate of speciality dining venues aboard Sapphire, serving guests with premium USDA-certified Black Angus beef, chops and fresh seafood. Replacing the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5, this award-winning American steakhouse features an exclusive salt menu, exquisitely complemented by impeccable service and the finest wine collection.
The two new dining experiences are a standard complimentary speciality dining option for guests booking the Princess Premier package, otherwise an additional fee applies.
Following her minor refit, Sapphire Princess sets sail to Mexico before taking a repositioning cruise, ready for the next chapter of her adventure in South America and Antarctica. After this season, she will embark on unforgettable spring and summer cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2026, followed by a series of colour-drenched Canada and New England sailings for the bucket-list fall foliage season!
And in March 2027, Sapphire Princess will reunite with sister ship Diamond Princess in Japan, where both are built – making history as the first dual-ship deployment of Princess Cruises in the country. From March through December 2027, both ships will sail from the Tokyo region, marking the beginning of the cruise line’s most expansive Japan season ever.
The addition of these two brand-signature dining venues, as well as the new unmissable itineraries and improved onboard features, are all aimed at elevating the guests’ experiences, ready for the remarkable seasons ahead.
