Princess Cruises is preparing for a milestone moment in Southeast Asia as the much-celebrated Royal Princess will make her debut in the region in October 2026.
The ship, renowned for its grand design and modern amenities, will homeport in Singapore for two special sailings before beginning its highly anticipated Australian season. This marks an important expansion of Princess Cruises’ commitment to Asia, bringing one of its most iconic vessels to a new audience of travelers.
The Royal Princess, with capacity for 3,560 guests, was built in Italy and has sailed across some of the world’s most breathtaking routes. Now, the ship will offer Southeast Asia its first opportunity to experience a vessel that combines royal heritage, unique onboard features, and itineraries designed to showcase the cultural and natural wonders of the region.
Royal Princess christened by Princess of Wales
Royal Princess was christened in June 2013 in Southampton, England by the Duchess of Cambridge, who is now HRH The Princess of Wales. At the time, she was pregnant with Prince George and presided over the ceremonial smashing of a champagne bottle against the ship’s hull, a time-honored maritime tradition. This memorable event was also her final solo public appearance before going on maternity leave.
To honor this significant occasion, a replica of the iconic Hobbs black and ivory Dalmatian print coat worn by Her Royal Highness remains on permanent display aboard the ship. Guests sailing on Royal Princess can view this exhibit and connect with the history of the vessel’s royal beginnings.
Alaska to Singapore
Royal Princess will complete her 2026 Alaska season on 19 September, and then embark on an extraordinary 26-night Southeast Asia, Japan, and Alaska Grand Adventure Cruise. This journey begins in Seattle, Washington, and concludes in Singapore on 16 October. Highlights of the voyage include visits to Juneau, College Fjord, Whittier, and scenic cruising along Hubbard Glacier. After crossing the International Date Line, the ship will sail to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam before her first arrival in Singapore.
Travelers can also opt to join the second segment of the voyage, a 13-night sailing from Yokohama on 4 October. This itinerary includes stops in Shimizu, Osaka, Keelung (Taipei), Hong Kong, and Chan May in Vietnam before concluding in Singapore. Both options promise an immersive exploration of Asia’s diverse ports, blending iconic cities with spectacular coastal scenery.
Upon her arrival in Singapore, Royal Princess will undergo a two-week dry dock. Once this refurbishment is complete, she will resume service on 1 November with a 9-night Southeast Asia cruise. This itinerary will feature a call at Ho Chi Minh City, an overnight in Bangkok, and a visit to Ko Samui. A second cruise follows on 10 November, a 13-night voyage through Southeast Asia that includes a stop in Lombok, Indonesia. Together, these two cruises can be combined into an extended 22-night Southeast Asia & Australia voyage, sailing onward to Darwin, Yorkeys Knob, Brisbane, and finally arriving in Sydney on 25 November.
Onboard, Royal Princess offers a range of distinctive features and experiences. Among these are the “SeaWalk,” two sets of cantilevered glass walkways extending over the ship’s sides that provide sweeping ocean views. Guests can also enjoy three swimming pools, a dancing water fountain, a nightclub, an Italian trattoria, a pizzeria, a 24-hour international café, and multiple entertainment lounges. Original musical productions and varied dining venues add to the ship’s vibrant atmosphere, ensuring that sea days are as memorable as time spent ashore.
The announcement of Royal Princess making her maiden call in Singapore adds to a wave of exciting news from Princess Cruises. This October, Discovery Princess will also make her maiden call to Singapore for a special five-night Malaysian cruise. Further reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region, Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will both homeport in Japan for the first time in 2027, following their Singapore homeporting seasons from December 2026 to February 2027.
Before these milestones, Diamond Princess is set to return to Singapore from December 2025 to February 2026. She will operate 10 to 12-day sailings that explore Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam after concluding her Japan season. These itineraries offer travelers a wide selection of options to explore the richness of Southeast Asia through the comfort and luxury of Princess Cruises’ fleet.
With Royal Princess’ arrival, Princess Cruises underscores its growing presence in Asia while giving travelers the chance to embark on unforgettable journeys through some of the world’s most captivating destinations. The debut in Singapore not only enhances regional cruising options but also reinforces the city’s role as a key hub for global cruise tourism.
