Princess Cruises revealed a refreshed Royal Princess on October 30, 2026, after a two-week drydock in Singapore. The 3,595-guest ship now has O'Malley's Irish Pub, a larger Bellini's cocktail bar, 20 additional staterooms and new Sanctuary Collection accommodations. The updates arrive as Royal Princess prepares for cruises from Sydney to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Key takeaways:

• New dining and gathering spots: O'Malley's replaces Vines, while Bellini's expands into the former Photo Gallery.
• More cabin choices: The ship gains 20 staterooms, including five single interior cabins.
• Premium retreat: Sanctuary Collection is being introduced, but access rules and included packages depend on the sailing date and booking.

O'Malley's Irish Pub and a Bigger Bellini's Come to the Piazza

The biggest changes for many passengers will be in the ship's Piazza, a central gathering place for drinks, conversation and entertainment. On deck 5, O'Malley's Irish Pub takes over the former Vines wine bar space. Princess describes the new venue as a neighborhood-style pub serving Irish-inspired food and drinks.

Bellini's has also grown, taking over space previously used by the Photo Gallery. The expanded cocktail bar overlooks the Piazza and offers its signature Bellini-style drinks, sparkling wines and other beverages. Together, the two venues give guests more choices for meeting friends or winding down after a day ashore.

These are confirmed additions, not simply concepts for a future renovation. Princess says the October 16 to 30 drydock is complete. Specific food and beverage charges can vary by venue and the package purchased, so travelers should check inclusions when comparing fares.

Twenty New Cabins Include Options Designed for Solo Travelers

Royal Princess gained 20 additional staterooms: six mini-suites, seven oceanview cabins, two standard interior cabins and five single interior cabins. The single cabins are particularly noteworthy for travelers who prefer cruising alone, although Princess has not announced a universal solo fare or guaranteed exemption from single supplements.

Seven new oceanview cabins also broaden the choices for travelers who want natural light without necessarily paying for a balcony. The best option still depends on the specific sailing, cabin location and total fare.

Sanctuary Collection Arrives, With Important Timing Details

The refurbishment also brings Princess's premium Sanctuary Collection experience to Royal Princess. Select suites, mini-suites, balcony and oceanview cabins can qualify for upgraded amenities and access to the Sanctuary Restaurant on deck 6, beside the Concerto Dining Room.

There is an important distinction between the collection's rollout and the private pool area's access rules. Princess says Royal Princess welcomes Sanctuary Collection preview sailings beginning October 30, 2026, with the full collection experience beginning January 4, 2027. However, the Sanctuary Club does not become exclusive to Sanctuary Collection guests until April 22, 2027. Until then, guests ages 16 and older may preview the former Retreat Pool and Sanctuary area.

Princess Premier is included with qualifying new Sanctuary Collection bookings under the line's published terms, but it is not automatically added to certain reservations made before the program opened for sale. Travelers with existing bookings should verify their cabin benefits before assuming the full package is included.

For a closer look at the broader rollout, read our guide to Princess Sanctuary Collection's expansion across five ships.

Casino and Shopping Areas Have Been Refreshed Too

The Princess Casino has been reconfigured to create a more open floor and space for additional slot machines. The staircase between decks 6 and 7 was removed as part of that redesign. The Effy jewelry boutique has been refreshed, and the ship's retail spaces have also been updated.

These changes may not determine which itinerary someone books, but they can make a difference to the onboard experience, especially on sea days when guests spend more time exploring the ship.

Where Will the Updated Royal Princess Sail Next?

After leaving Singapore, Royal Princess is heading to Sydney for its 2026-27 Australia and New Zealand season. Its upcoming program includes voyages exploring Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, plus shorter coastal escapes. Princess says its three-ship regional deployment includes 42 distinct itineraries and 62 departures; those totals are for the regional fleet, not Royal Princess alone.

For travelers comparing cruises, the refreshed ship offers more than a cosmetic change. A new pub, expanded social spaces and additional cabin categories create different ways to enjoy the same destination-focused vacation. The right choice comes down to itinerary, cabin type, travel dates and whether the premium Sanctuary benefits are worth the additional cost for your trip.

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