Crown Princess Returns to Service After Major Dry Dock Upgrades
The Crown Princess has returned to service following a dry dock period in Singapore that introduced a series of refreshed venues and onboard enhancements aimed at elevating the guest experience. The 113,561-ton cruise ship, which accommodates up to 3,080 guests, has undergone targeted upgrades that modernise key social and entertainment spaces while maintaining the signature style associated with the Princess Cruises fleet.
Among the most notable additions is the debut of O’Malley’s Irish Pub, replacing the former Wheelhouse Bar. The new venue reflects growing passenger demand for relaxed, pub-style social spaces and brings a familiar brand experience to the ship. The pub is designed to serve as a casual gathering spot for live entertainment, drinks, and informal dining throughout the cruise.
The ship’s gaming offering has also been enhanced with a redesigned Gatsby’s Casino, featuring an updated layout intended to improve flow, visibility, and comfort for guests. The refurbishment aligns with broader trends across the cruise industry, where casinos remain a key onboard attraction and an important contributor to onboard revenue.
Another significant change is the introduction of the EFFY Lounge, which replaces the former Internet Café. The new lounge expands retail and experiential offerings onboard, reflecting the shift away from traditional internet cafés as onboard connectivity becomes more widely accessible via personal devices and ship-wide wi-fi systems. The EFFY Lounge adds a contemporary social and retail-focused space that complements other onboard amenities.
Beyond these headline updates, Crown Princess also received a range of general refurbishments during the Singapore dry dock, ensuring public areas and guest spaces are refreshed ahead of an extended deployment. While Princess Cruises has not detailed all technical upgrades, such refurbishments typically include maintenance work, cosmetic improvements, and system updates designed to support operational reliability and guest comfort.
Following the completion of dry dock, Crown Princess is now repositioning to Sydney, where she will operate a series of Australia-based cruises through May 2026. The deployment places the ship at the centre of Princess Cruises’ seasonal offering in the region, catering to both domestic and international travellers seeking longer itineraries and destination-focused sailings.
A major highlight of the ship’s upcoming schedule is a 114-day world cruise, departing Sydney on 10 May 2026. World cruises continue to be a flagship product for the brand, appealing to guests seeking extended, immersive travel experiences across multiple continents.
“Crown Princess’ latest enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to evolve and modernize our onboard offerings,” said Lorna Warren, vice president of hotel operations and guest experience at Princess Cruises. “These updates ensure Crown Princess is perfectly positioned to deliver an unforgettable Australia season and World Cruise experience.”
With refreshed venues and a high-profile deployment ahead, Crown Princess is set to play a key role in Princess Cruises’ long-haul and premium cruise offerings over the coming year.
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