By
Alex Smith |
Following a two-week dry dock in Portland, Oregon, Sapphire Princess has re-entered service featuring a series of upgrades, including the debut of two specialty dining venues: Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill.
The 115,875-gross-ton ship, which accommodates 2,670 guests, underwent general refurbishments alongside the transformation of two existing spaces into dedicated specialty restaurants.
Makoto Ocean Sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa, first introduced aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, replaces the former Internet Café on Deck 7. The venue showcases Chef Makoto’s Edomae-style sushi and signature dishes such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki and toro tartare. Guests can also order curated cocktails, including the Genmai Negroni and Kodai No Hana, which combine Japanese ingredients with contemporary mixology.
The Crown Grill steakhouse has also joined the ship’s culinary lineup, taking over the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The steakhouse will offer a selection of aged beef, chops and fresh seafood.
Following her refurbishment, Sapphire Princess will sail to Mexico before beginning a season in South America and Antarctica, ahead of Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries in spring and summer 2026. In autumn 2026, the ship will operate a series of Canada and New England voyages.
In a milestone for the cruise line, Sapphire Princess will reunite with sister ship Diamond Princess in Japan in March 2027. Both ships – originally built in Japan – will sail from the Tokyo region as part of Princess Cruises’ most extensive Japan deployment to date, running from March to December 2027.
“With the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, guests aboard Sapphire Princess can enjoy two of our most popular dining experiences,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. “These enhancements elevate the culinary journey across her itineraries and come as the ship prepares for a series of remarkable seasons, including our historic dual-ship deployment in Japan in 2027.”