Sapphire Princess returns from dry dock with new improvements and new specialty restaurants | News
After a two-week dry dock in Portland, Oregon, Sapphire Princess has set sail and is unveiling exciting new guest experiences, including the addition of two popular specialty restaurants: Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill. Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill will be open to guests from November 16, 2025.
The 115,875-ton ship, which carries 2,670 guests, underwent general renovations and improvements, culminating in the transformation of two venues into specialty dining experiences.
Makoto Ocean Sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa
Following its critically acclaimed debut aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, Makoto Ocean has been added to Sapphire Princess, replacing the former Internet Café on Deck 7. The restaurant brings the authentic art of Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to sea. Guests can enjoy a premium menu of specialties including truffle salmon, snow crab temaki and toro tartare, alongside handcrafted cocktails such as the Genmai Negroni (a refined Japanese take on the classic) and Kodai No Hana (a blend of yuzu juice with Doburoku, an ancient sake).
Crown Grill Steakhouse
Another highlight of the dry dock is the addition of the award-winning Crown Grill, which now occupies the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. A long-time guest favorite, the Crown Grill serves prime aged beef, pork chops and fresh seafood. With a warm, elegant design and attentive service, the restaurant has been recognized as one of the ‘Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea’.
Both dining experiences cost $60 per person and are included as a special dining option for guests booking the Princess Premier package.
Upcoming routes for Sapphire Princess
Fresh from her revitalization, Sapphire Princess departs for Mexico before moving on for a season of cruises to South America/Antarctica, followed by voyages to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in the spring and summer of 2026. In the fall of 2026, she will sail a series of cruises to Canada/New England.
In a historic first for the cruise line, March 2027 will mark the reunion of sister ships Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess in Japan. Both ships, built in Japan, will depart from the Tokyo region for Princess Cruises’ most extensive Japanese season ever, running from March through December 2027.
“With the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, our guests on board Sapphire Princess will enjoy two of our most popular dining experiences, taking the culinary journey on its itineraries to the next level,” said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage. “We are extremely proud to be making these improvements as Sapphire Princess prepares for remarkable seasons ahead, including our historic two-ship deployment to Japan in 2027.”
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.
