Africana55 Radio 
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member? Log in
Princess Cruises has begun a revamp of its Royal class ships, adding more cabins, new bars, restaurants and its premium adult-only Sanctuary area.
The 3,595 capacity Royal Princess is the first of the five cruise ships in the class to be refurbished, and it emerged from a two-week dry dock on 30 October.
Royal Princess was first launched in 2013 and was previously refurbished in 2018 with updated technology and new furnishings.
Rodrigo Llaguno, Princess Cruises chief operating officer, said: “The enhancements aboard Royal Princess introduce new accommodations, distinctive venues for entertaining, dining and socialising, and thoughtfully refreshed spaces designed to elevate every aspect of the guest experience.
“These updates build on the ship’s enduring appeal and our commitment to creating memorable holidays through exceptional experiences and the signature Princess touches our guests have valued since her debut.”
The other cruise ships in the Royal class, Regal, Discovery Sky and Enchanted, will be upgraded during 2027.
Here is what guests can expect from the upscaled Royal Princess.
Sanctuary Collection
Princess Cruises’ Sanctuary Collection was first introduced on the cruise line’s new Sun and Star Princess ships.
Guests stay in a private all-inclusive adult-only area with a choice of Oceanview, balcony cabins and suites.
This will now be offered aboard Royal Princess, replacing the Retreat adult-only pool deck.
The Sanctuary deck has its own bar, restaurant and pool, as well as perks such as priority boarding, reserved theatre seating, wifi and drinks packages.
The pool deck also has a grass wall where guests can ring a bell to be served champagne.
Extra cabins
As part of the dry dock, 20 cabins have been added to Royal Princess.
These include six mini-suites, seven oceanview rooms, two interior rooms, and five single interior rooms.
New look piazza
At the heart of Royal Princess, the soaring piazza has had an uplift with two enhanced venues offering new ways for guests to gather, dine and enjoy a cocktail.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub takes over the former Vines location on deck five, bringing the popular Princess pub experience to Royal Princess.
Nearby, the Bellini’s cocktail bar has expanded into the former Photo Gallery space, creating a larger setting overlooking the piazza.
Guests looking to indulge in a little retail therapy will also discover a revamped Effy jewellery boutique.
More casino action
The Princess Casino has been reconfigured to create a more open gaming environment and additional space for slot machines.
As part of the redesign, the staircase connecting decks six and seven has been removed, allowing the casino floor to expand and accommodate an enhanced selection of gaming options.
Ready for an Australian summer
Following the Singapore drydock, Royal Princess is now heading down under for a season of cruising from Sydney, offering guests the opportunity to experience the ship’s newly enhanced spaces while exploring Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Prices start from £308 per person.
Read more: I ran a marathon on a week-long Princess cruise - here is what happened