The Princess Cruises ship Sapphire Princess has completed a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon. This refurbishment introduces new guest experiences, notably the addition of two specialty dining venues: Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill. These new restaurants are scheduled to open on November 16, enhancing the ship's culinary offerings.
The upgrade is part of Princess Cruises' ongoing effort to improve the dining experience across its fleet. These changes aim to provide passengers with more diverse and high-quality meal options during their voyages.
Key Takeaways
- Sapphire Princess completed a drydock in Portland, Oregon.
- Two new specialty restaurants, Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, will open November 16.
- Makoto Ocean offers Edomae-style sushi, replacing the former Internet Café.
- Crown Grill, known for premium meats, now occupies the former Savoy Dining Room.
- Both dining experiences cost $60 per person or are included with Princess Premier package.
- The ship will sail diverse itineraries, including a historic Japan deployment in 2027.
Enhanced Culinary Offerings on Sapphire Princess
Princess Cruises announced these significant enhancements after the Sapphire Princess's drydock. The primary focus of the refurbishment was to transform existing spaces into premium dining destinations. This strategic move aligns with passenger demand for more varied and upscale food choices at sea.
Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises’s Vice President of Food and Beverage, highlighted the importance of these additions. He stated that Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill are among the most popular dining experiences within the fleet. Their inclusion on Sapphire Princess is expected to elevate the overall culinary journey for guests.
“With the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, our guests aboard Sapphire Princess will enjoy two of our most popular dining experiences, elevating the culinary journey across her itineraries,” said Sami Kohen.
Makoto Ocean Brings Edomae-Style Sushi
One of the new dining venues is Makoto Ocean, which introduces Edomae-style sushi to the Sapphire Princess. This restaurant takes the place of the ship's former Internet Café, located on Deck 7. Makoto Ocean first debuted on the new Sun Princess and Star Princess ships, proving its popularity among guests.
The menu at Makoto Ocean features a range of sushi creations by Chef Makoto Okuwa. Guests can expect dishes such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare. The restaurant also offers handcrafted cocktails like the Genmai Negroni and Kodai No Hana, providing a complete dining experience.
Quick Fact
Edomae-style sushi refers to a traditional preparation method originating from Edo (now Tokyo). It often involves curing or marinating fish to preserve it and enhance its flavor, a practice from a time before refrigeration.
Crown Grill Offers Premium Meats and Seafood
The second new restaurant is Crown Grill. This venue is known for its premium aged beef, chops, and fresh seafood. It now occupies the space that was formerly the Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The Crown Grill has received recognition as one of the "Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea" by industry publications.
This steakhouse concept has been a staple on other Princess Cruises ships, consistently receiving positive feedback from passengers. Its introduction to Sapphire Princess ensures that guests seeking a classic steakhouse experience have a dedicated, high-quality option.
Pricing and Package Information
Both Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill are considered specialty dining experiences. Each restaurant is priced at $60 per person. This fee covers the cost of the meal and the premium dining atmosphere.
For guests who book the Princess Premier package, these specialty dining options are included. The Princess Premier package offers various benefits, and the inclusion of these restaurants adds significant value for those who choose this upgrade.
Princess Premier Package
The Princess Premier package is a premium offering that bundles popular amenities. These often include Wi-Fi, drink packages, gratuities, and specialty dining credits, providing a more inclusive cruise experience for guests.
Future Itineraries and Historic Deployment
Following its refurbishment and the introduction of new dining options, the Sapphire Princess is set for a diverse schedule of cruises. The ship will first sail to Mexico, offering voyages to popular destinations in the region. After its Mexico season, it will reposition for a series of South America and Antarctica cruises, providing unique travel opportunities to adventurous guests.
In spring and summer 2026, the Sapphire Princess will head to Europe, sailing Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages. These itineraries will allow guests to explore historic cities and scenic coastlines. Fall 2026 will see the ship offering Canada and New England cruises, showcasing the autumn foliage and charm of North America's eastern seaboard.
Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess in Japan
A notable event for Princess Cruises will occur in March 2027. For the first time in the company's history, the Sapphire Princess will reunite with the Diamond Princess in Japan. Both ships were originally built in Japan, making this dual-ship deployment a significant homecoming.
This will be Princess Cruises' most expansive Japan season, running from March through December 2027. Both vessels will sail from the Tokyo region, offering a wide array of itineraries exploring Japan's culture, history, and natural beauty. The deployment reflects Princess Cruises' commitment to the Japanese market and its growing popularity as a cruise destination.
According to Princess Cruises, this expanded Japan season aims to cater to increased demand from international and local travelers. The unique combination of two Japan-built ships sailing from the same region underscores the importance of this market to the cruise line's global strategy.
