Sapphire Princess to Join Asia Cruises for 2026-27 Season

Princess Cruises has announced that the Sapphire Princess will sail alongside the Diamond Princess in Asia during the 2026–2027 winter season.

The two sister ships will offer a range of voyages lasting from ten to 42 nights, visiting destinations across East and Southeast Asia, such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Between October 2026 and April 2027, the ships will operate nearly 20 different itineraries. With the Sapphire Princess contributing 18 sailings to the Diamond Princess’ existing 11 departures, the season marks a significant expansion of Princess Cruises’ presence in the region.

Together, the vessels will visit 37 ports across ten countries. Highlights include stops in Kagoshima, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and Da Nang.

Departures are scheduled from both Yokohama and Singapore, with some itineraries offering extended stays in six ports, such as Osaka, Hong Kong, Ha Long Bay, and Laem Chabang in Vietnam.

Guests can explore up to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the season, including the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, accessible from stops in Kobe and Osaka.

Additionally, the Sapphire Princess will operate a 33-night repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Yokohama. This transpacific journey will include visits to Hawaii and various Asian destinations.

In related news, Princess Cruises has confirmed that the Majestic Princess will spend the 2026–2027 season in South America, marking its first full deployment in the region. The ship will take over itineraries previously planned for the Sapphire Princess, with routes to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.

The Majestic Princess’ program will also feature scenic cruising through the Antarctic Peninsula, Beagle Channel, and Glacier Alley. Prior to this redeployment, the ship had been set to offer week-long Caribbean cruises from Galveston.