Royal Princess has come out of a two-week dry dock in Singapore with some changes you can actually picture yourself enjoying: a new Irish pub, a bigger cocktail bar and 20 extra cabins. And she's heading straight into an Australia and South Pacific season.
Princess Cruises confirmed the refit ran from 16 to 30 October 2026. Alongside the much-discussed Sanctuary Collection, several familiar parts of the ship have a different feel.
What's new on board?
O'Malley's Irish Pub has taken over the former Vines space on deck 5. It's the sort of relaxed place I'd be tempted to visit after a long day ashore, particularly if you prefer a lively pub to another formal lounge. Nearby, Bellini's has expanded into the old Photo Gallery, with more space overlooking the Piazza.
The casino has been rearranged to make room for more slot machines, while the Effy jewellery boutique and other retail areas have been refreshed. The refit also added 20 cabins: six mini-suites, seven oceanview cabins, two interior cabins and five single interior cabins. Those single cabins are a particularly welcome addition for anyone who doesn't always travel as a pair.
And the Sanctuary Collection?
Royal Princess is the first of five existing Royal Class ships due to receive Princess's premium Sanctuary Collection experience. The ship now has a dedicated Sanctuary Restaurant and selected cabins offering access to additional facilities and services.
There's an important date distinction. Princess says preview sailings began on 30 October 2026, while the main Sanctuary Collection booking programme starts with voyages departing 4 January 2027. Princess's 30 October release also says the Sanctuary Club becomes exclusive to Sanctuary Collection from 22 April 2027, while its current ship FAQ describes preview access differently. Check with Princess which guests can use the club on your particular sailing, as well as the package benefits attached to your cabin. Our earlier Sanctuary Collection report covers the wider five-ship rollout.
Where is Royal Princess sailing next?
After Singapore, Royal Princess is heading to Sydney for cruises around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Princess says its regional 2026–27 programme across three ships includes 42 itineraries and 62 departures. That makes the refit especially interesting if you're considering a summer escape around New Zealand's coastline or the South Pacific islands.
A ship doesn't need a completely new attraction to feel fresh; sometimes a better choice of places to spend an evening makes all the difference. Explore our cruise ship finder or Australia and South Pacific cruise guide if you're comparing routes.
Sources: Princess Cruises' 30 October refit announcement and Princess's current ship information.
How to judge whether the refit matters to your cruise
New cabins and venues can change the experience, but their value depends on your chosen cabin category and what is included in your fare. Check the ship's current deck plan, the location of the refurbished spaces and the exact sailing itinerary. A refit announcement does not mean every new facility is included for every passenger.
Royal Princess arriving in Dublin in May 2018. This earlier exterior photograph does not show the Singapore refit or new venues. Photo: Sonse / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
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