Sapphire Princess has returned to service following a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon, emerging with refreshed interiors and two new specialty restaurants, Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill.

The 115,875-ton ship, which accommodates 2,670 guests, underwent general refurbishments and enhancements in preparation for a diverse lineup of international itineraries through 2026 and 2027.

The drydock saw the transformation of two key venues into dining spaces offering some of Princess Cruises’ most celebrated culinary experiences.

Both Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill will open to guests from November 16th, 2025, and form part of the specialty dining options included in the Princess Premier package.

“With the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, our guests aboard Sapphire Princess will enjoy two of our most popular dining experiences, elevating the culinary journey across her itineraries,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “We’re especially proud to bring these enhancements as Sapphire Princess prepares for remarkable seasons ahead, including our historic dual-ship deployment in Japan in 2027.”

Following its debut aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, Makoto Ocean Sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa now joins the Sapphire Princess dining portfolio. Located on Deck 7 in the space formerly occupied by the Internet Café, the restaurant brings the precision and artistry of Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to sea.

The menu features premium creations such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare, alongside a collection of handcrafted Japanese-inspired cocktails. Signature drinks include the Genmai Negroni, a refined twist on the classic cocktail, and Kodai No Hana, which blends yuzu juice with Doburoku, an ancient sake.

Replacing the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5, the new Crown Grill delivers a steakhouse experience long regarded as a guest favourite across the Princess fleet. The venue offers premium aged beef, fresh seafood, and attentive service in a setting characterised by rich tones and elegant detailing.

Following its refurbishment, Sapphire Princess will sail a series of Mexican itineraries before repositioning for a season of South America and Antarctica cruises, continuing to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in spring and summer 2026.

In autumn 2026, the ship will operate a programme of Canada and New England sailings.

In March 2027, Sapphire Princess and her sister ship Diamond Princess will reunite in Japan for the first time, with both vessels homeporting in the Tokyo region for what Princess Cruises describes as its most extensive Japan season to date, running from March through December 2027.

The refurbishment of the 21-year-old Sapphire Princess forms part of Princess Cruises’ broader fleet enhancement programme, which includes new dining concepts, technical upgrades, and refreshed interiors designed to modernise existing vessels and align them with the cruise line’s latest design standards and culinary innovations.