Last week, I walked through the changes Princess was making to bring the Sanctuary Collection to five Royal Class ships, including what the updated deck plans revealed about Royal Princess. Now she’s out of drydock, and we’ve got a better idea of what actually made it on board. There’s a new restaurant, a new pub, more cabins and… a bigger casino floor.
Royal Princess wrapped up her two-week drydock in Singapore on October 30th, following work that began October 16th. The Sanctuary Collection gets the most attention, but there are changes worth knowing about even if you have absolutely no intention of paying for a Sanctuary cabin. There’s also an important detail that anyone booking for the private pool area needs to read.
The Sanctuary Collection Has Arrived, With a Timing Catch
As I explained in my earlier coverage of the Sanctuary Collection expansion, Princess is bringing the concept from Sun Princess and Star Princess to Royal, Regal, Discovery, Sky and Enchanted Princess. Royal is the first of those five to get the changes.
The collection ties selected cabins to extra amenities, dedicated service and exclusive spaces. On Royal Princess, eligible accommodations include suites, mini-suites, deluxe balconies, balconies and the newly constructed oceanview cabins. That doesn’t mean every cabin in those categories comes with the perks. You need to book a designated Sanctuary Collection room.
Princess confirms that the Sanctuary Restaurant is now open on Deck 6, adjacent to the Concerto Dining Room, exclusively for Sanctuary Collection guests. That’s the space I pointed out in my deck-plan review, where the plans showed part of Concerto becoming the new restaurant. A Suite Lounge is also among the refreshed spaces Princess is showcasing, which took the space once occupied by the Wedding Chapel.
But here’s where you need to pay attention. The Sanctuary Club becomes part of the Sanctuary Collection on April 22, 2027. Until then, Princess says all guests ages 16 and older may preview the Club, which occupies the former Retreat Pool and The Sanctuary.
That’s an important distinction if you’re paying extra because you want an exclusive pool area. Princess’ current ship page still lists January 4, 2027, as the Sanctuary Collection’s onboard start date, with preview sailings beginning October 30th. The new release gives April 22nd specifically for the Club becoming part of the collection. It doesn’t explain how those dates fit together or spell out pricing and access arrangements for the wider preview.
So I wouldn’t read this as confirmation that the entire collection has moved to April. I also wouldn’t book a January sailing assuming the pool area will already be exclusive. If that’s what makes the upgrade worth it to you, have Princess or your travel advisor confirm the arrangements for your specific sailing.
Princess Confirms 20 Added Cabins
When I compared the updated deck plans for my original article, I identified 15 new cabins around the bow. Princess’ completed-drydock announcement puts the total at 20 additional guest cabins, with this breakdown:
- Six mini-suites
- Seven oceanview cabins
- Two interior cabins
- Five single interior cabins
The five single interiors are worth a mention for solo cruisers. More dedicated solo accommodation is welcome, although Princess hasn’t provided fares in this announcement. A room designed for one is useful; whether it’s a good deal still comes down to the price.
O’Malley’s Replaces Vines, and Bellini’s Gets Bigger
Over in the Piazza, O’Malley’s Irish Pub has taken over the former Vines space on Deck 5. Princess is bringing its Irish-inspired food, drinks and pub atmosphere to Royal Princess, which gives passengers another place to settle in for something to eat and a drink.
Of course, if Vines was your regular stop, you’ll probably have a different reaction to that news. This is a replacement, so a favorite wine-bar hangout has made way for a different kind of evening.
Bellini’s has also expanded into the former Photo Gallery space. A larger bar overlooking the Piazza sounds like a useful change, especially when that part of the ship gets busy before dinner. The drinks lineup includes its signature Bellini-inspired cocktails, champagne, sparkling wines and other specialty beverages.
The casino has been reconfigured, including the removal of the staircase connecting Decks 6 and 7.
The Effy jewelry boutique also received a refresh, and the ship’s shops have been updated as Princess transitions to retail partner Starboard. Your opportunities to buy jewelry at sea remain very much intact.
Where Royal Princess Goes Next
Following the Singapore drydock, Royal Princess heads to Sydney for a season featuring Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. She’s one of three Princess ships sailing in the region during the 2026–27 season.
For anyone sailing soon, there’s more to this refit than the Sanctuary name appearing on the deck plans. The pub, expanded bar, casino changes and extra cabins all affect the ship beyond the premium collection. Whether those changes make Royal Princess better is something passengers will get to judge now that the work is done.
And if you’re considering paying for the Sanctuary Collection, I’ve already gone through when I think the upcharge is worth it and when I’d skip it. The advice still starts with comparing the actual fares, but this latest announcement adds another thing to check: exactly when the private spaces you’re paying for become private.
