Princess Cruises is expanding its Sanctuary Collection, a premium tier of accommodations and services, to five additional Royal Class ships. Previously limited to the Sun Princess and Star Princess, this collection now extends to more vessels in the fleet, providing guests with access to private lounges, exclusive dining venues, and a suite of premium amenities designed to offer a quieter, more refined experience away from the ship's main thoroughfares.
The Sanctuary Collection functions as a 'ship within a ship' concept, a common industry term for a dedicated area where guests enjoy exclusive access to specific facilities. For the five newly added Royal Class ships, this means travelers can reserve a private lounge for relaxation, dine in a dedicated restaurant separate from the main dining rooms, and utilize other enhanced amenities that are not available to standard cabin guests. This expansion effectively doubles the number of ships offering this specific tier of service, making it more accessible to a broader range of itineraries and departure ports.
The move signals a strategic shift by Princess Cruises to cater to travelers who prioritize privacy and exclusivity over the high-energy, activity-heavy atmosphere typical of large cruise ships. By integrating these premium zones into the Royal Class fleet, the line aims to provide a consistent, high-end experience across a wider selection of voyages, allowing guests to choose a ship that offers this specific level of seclusion without needing to book a specific, older vessel.
Relevant planning links
- budget cruise guide — Connects pricing updates to savings advice.
- Sun Princess ship guide — Ship-specific context for Sun Princess.
- Star Princess ship guide — Ship-specific context for Star Princess.
Editor Take
This expansion matters because it gives you more options to book a cruise that feels less crowded and more exclusive without needing to pay for a full-suite category. If you are planning a trip and find the main pool or buffet areas too busy, look for these specific ships and ask about the Sanctuary Collection pricing. It is a concrete way to secure a quieter vacation on a standard cruise ship, so check the specific ship's deck plan to confirm the Sanctuary location before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Verify if your desired sailing is on one of the five newly added Royal Class ships, as the Sanctuary Collection is now available on these specific vessels.
- When booking, explicitly ask for 'Sanctuary Collection' rates rather than standard cabin prices, as the private lounge and dining access are tied to this specific fare tier.
- Review the ship's deck plan to locate the Sanctuary area, ensuring it is positioned away from high-traffic zones like the main pool or theater if you prioritize quiet.
- Confirm that the exclusive dining venue included in the Sanctuary is open during your specific meal times, as some premium dining areas have limited operating hours.
What Travelers Ask
Does this change affect my existing booking on a Royal Class ship?
If your current booking is on one of the five newly added ships, your cabin category remains unchanged unless you specifically upgrade. The Sanctuary Collection is a separate booking tier; your existing reservation does not automatically grant access to the private lounge or exclusive dining unless you have already booked that specific collection.
How much more does the Sanctuary Collection cost compared to a standard cabin?
The source text does not specify exact pricing differences. However, premium collections typically carry a higher fare than standard cabins due to the added amenities. You should check the specific price difference for your sailing dates when booking.
Can I access the Sanctuary if I book a standard cabin?
No. The Sanctuary Collection is an exclusive area. Access to the private lounge, dedicated dining, and premium amenities is restricted to guests who have booked a cabin within this specific collection.
Which specific ships now have the Sanctuary Collection?
The collection was previously on Sun Princess and Star Princess. It has now been added to five additional Royal Class ships. The source text does not list the names of these five new ships, so you must check the specific ship list on the Princess Cruises website or with your travel agent to identify them.