Sapphire Princess Revitalized with New Specialty Dining
The Sapphire Princess has just finished an extensive drydock in Portland, Oregon, leading to a refreshed onboard experience highlighted by two standout new specialty restaurants. These additions promise to delight passengers with innovative cuisine starting November 16, 2025.
Introducing Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill
The culinary upgrades include Makoto Ocean, a sushi restaurant crafted by Chef Makoto Okuwa, which replaces the former Internet Café located on Deck 7. This venue specializes in Edomae-style sushi, featuring tantalizing dishes such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare. Guests can also enjoy creative handcrafted cocktails like the Genmai Negroni and Kodai No Hana to complement their meals.
Additionally, the Crown Grill steakhouse has taken over the space previously occupied by the Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. Bringing classic flavors to the forefront, Crown Grill serves up aged beef, delicious chops, and fresh seafood. This premium dining option is available at $60 per person and is included for passengers who opt for the Princess Premier package.
Details of the New Dining Venues
| Restaurant | Location on Ship | Specialties | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makoto Ocean | Deck 7 | Edomae sushi including truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, toro tartare; signature cocktails | Specialty dining (usually extra cost) |
| Crown Grill | Deck 5 | Aged beef, prime chops, seafood | $60 per person (included in Princess Premier package) |
Upcoming Voyages and Destinations
Following its drydock, the Sapphire Princess sets sail on a diverse itinerary beginning with a cruise to Mexico. This will be followed by exciting seasons of cruising through South America and Antarctica, and then shifting to Mediterranean and Northern European waters during the spring and summer of 2026. The ship will also explore Canada and New England in fall 2026.
In a notable move for 2027, the Sapphire Princess will join forces with its sister ship, the Diamond Princess, to operate from the Tokyo region. This dual deployment marks Princess Cruises’ largest Japan season to date, operating from March through December 2027 with routes designed to showcase the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
Itinerary Overview
- Late 2025: Mexican cruises
- 2026 Spring/Summer: Mediterranean and Northern Europe explorations
- Fall 2026: Canada and New England cruises
- March to December 2027: Japan itineraries alongside Diamond Princess
Experience the Refreshment of Onboard Luxury and Service
With the enhanced dining options, passengers can expect a delightful gastronomic journey that complements the breathtaking destinations on Sapphire Princess’s routes. These thoughtful upgrades showcase the cruise line’s commitment to evolving guest experiences, combining elegant dining environments with exquisite menu choices.
Implications for Cruise and Travel Transfers
For travelers eager to enjoy these fresh experiences aboard the Sapphire Princess, the journey doesn’t start on the ship—it begins with a hassle-free transfer to the port. This is where services like LocalsRide shine, offering the ability to select your exact vehicle, check vehicle details such as make, model, and driver ratings before booking, and enjoy transparent pricing that traditional booking platforms may lack.
Whether heading to the nearest airport or cruising harbor, securing a convenient, comfortable ride in advance ensures the entire travel experience is smooth from doorstep to deck. Such personalized transfer options can save time and foster peace of mind, making all the difference in starting a vacation on the right foot.
Why Personal Experience Outweighs Reviews
While information about new restaurant openings and ship refurbishments is exciting and helpful, nothing quite compares to experiencing a cruise firsthand. Reviews and feedback provide valuable insights, but the true quality of service, food, and travel comfort is best discovered in person. On platforms like LocalsRide, you can hire cars with verified drivers at reasonable prices, letting you plan transfers that accommodate your preferences without overspending or surprises.
With extensive vehicle choices, transparent fare details, and a wide array of additional service options, LocalsRide supports travelers in making informed decisions effortlessly — ensuring the journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself. Book your Ride LocalsRide.nl.
Looking Ahead: Cruise Industry and Travel Dynamics
The enhancements to Sapphire Princess reflect a broader trend of cruise lines continuously elevating onboard offerings to attract discerning travelers seeking unique experiences. While these upgrades may not drastically reshape the global tourism map, they contribute meaningfully to cruise travel’s appeal.
LocalsRide remains dedicated to tracking such developments, staying current with the evolving travel landscape to support seamless transfer bookings worldwide. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.
Samenvatting
The Sapphire Princess emerges from its Portland drydock with exciting new specialty dining venues—Makoto Ocean, a refined sushi restaurant, and Crown Grill, a sophisticated steakhouse—destined to delight passengers. The ship’s vibrant itinerary spans Mexico, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Canada, New England, and a significant Japanese cruise season in 2027, affirming its position as a versatile, luxury cruise option.
This upgraded culinary and cruising experience underlines the importance of smooth travel logistics. Booking transfers accurately and conveniently is crucial to complement such trips. LocalsRide.com offers travelers a way to book taxis and private transfers with precise vehicle and driver information, transparent pricing, and vast service options to fit every journey.
From airport pickups to city rides and cruise port transfers, LocalsRide connects destinations and travelers in a way that enhances overall travel satisfaction, making it an indispensable companion for the modern adventurer.