Royal Princess adds 20 cabins and new venues during Singapore drydock

Princess Cruises has completed a two-week refurbishment of Royal Princess in Singapore, adding 20 cabins, new dining venues, and upgraded public spaces.

The 3,595-passenger ship underwent drydock from 16 to 30 October 2026, introducing the Sanctuary Collection accommodation concept alongside changes to the Piazza, casino, and retail facilities.

The refurbishment forms part of Princess Cruises’ plans to introduce the Sanctuary Collection across five Royal-class ships, extending the concept beyond the line’s newest vessels.

“The enhancements aboard Royal Princess introduce new accommodations, distinctive venues for entertaining, dining and socializing, and thoughtfully refreshed spaces designed to elevate every aspect of the guest experience,” said Rodrigo Llaguno, Chief Operating Officer, Princess Cruises.

“These updates build on the ship’s enduring appeal and our commitment to creating memorable vacations through exceptional experiences and the signature Princess touches our guests have valued since her debut.”

The drydock included the construction of 20 additional passenger cabins, comprising six mini-suites, seven oceanview cabins, two interior cabins, and five single interior cabins.

New oceanview accommodation will be available to book as part of the Sanctuary Collection, alongside selected suites, mini-suites, deluxe balcony, and balcony cabins.

The Sanctuary Collection provides an upgraded accommodation package with additional amenities, services, and access to dedicated facilities.

A new Sanctuary Restaurant has opened on Deck 6, adjacent to the Concerto Dining Room, exclusively for passengers booked in Sanctuary Collection accommodation.

Access to the Sanctuary Club will become part of the package from 22 April 2027. Until then, the area, formerly comprising the Retreat Pool and The Sanctuary, will be available for guests aged 16 and over to preview.

Elsewhere, the ship’s Piazza has been modified with the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub and an expansion of Bellini’s cocktail bar.

O’Malley’s has replaced the former Vines venue on Deck 5, introducing Irish-inspired food, drinks, and a pub-style setting.

Bellini’s has expanded into space previously occupied by the Photo Gallery, increasing the size of the bar overlooking the Piazza.

The enlarged venue will continue to serve Bellini-inspired cocktails, Champagne, sparkling wines, and other speciality drinks.

The Princess Casino has also undergone a redesign, with the removal of the staircase connecting Decks 6 and 7 creating additional floor space.

The reconfiguration allows for more slot machines and an expanded selection of gaming facilities.

Retail improvements include a refurbishment of the Effy jewellery boutique, while the ship’s other shops have been upgraded following the appointment of Starboard as Princess Cruises’ new onboard retail partner.

Following the completion of its Singapore drydock, Royal Princess will reposition to Sydney for the 2026-27 Australian summer season.

The ship will operate cruises to destinations in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, alongside shorter coastal itineraries.

Royal Princess is one of three Princess Cruises vessels scheduled to operate in the region during the season.

Together, the ships will offer 62 departures across 42 different itineraries, covering a range of Australian and New Zealand destinations.

The refurbishment allows passengers sailing aboard Royal Princess during the upcoming Australian season to use the new accommodation and public facilities, although Sanctuary Collection access to the Sanctuary Club will not begin until April 2027.

Royal Princess refurbishment highlights

New accommodation

• 20 additional passenger cabins
• Six mini-suites
• Seven oceanview cabins
• Two interior cabins
• Five single interior cabins

Sanctuary Collection

• New Sanctuary Restaurant on Deck 6
• Selected suites, mini-suites, balcony, and oceanview accommodation
• Sanctuary Club access included from 22 April 2027
• Sanctuary Club preview available to guests aged 16 and over until then

Dining and entertainment

• O’Malley’s Irish Pub replaces Vines on Deck 5
• Bellini’s expands into the former Photo Gallery
• Princess Casino redesigned with additional slot machine space

Retail

• Refurbished Effy jewellery boutique
• Updated onboard shops under new retail partner Starboard