Princess Is Expanding Sanctuary Collection but Ending Day Passes on Five Ships

Princess Cruises is bringing the Sanctuary Collection, which first debuted on Sun Princess and Star Princess, to five of its Royal Class ships starting later this year. While that means some passengers will get access to new perks and exclusive areas, it also means other passengers will lose access to a popular adults-only retreat.

While Princess is promoting the expansion as an upgrade, there’s one important detail. Once the existing Sanctuary is converted into the Sanctuary Club, passengers will no longer be able to purchase day passes to access the area.

That means guests who want to enjoy the adults-only retreat will need to book one of the designated Sanctuary Collection staterooms.

What’s Changing With the Sanctuary?

For years, The Sanctuary has been one of Princess Cruises’ signature features. The adults-only retreat offers comfortable loungers, private cabanas, and a quiet place to relax away from the busier pool decks.

Passengers could pay extra to access the area for a half day or full day, making it an appealing option for people who wanted a relaxing sea day without having to book an expensive suite.

But on five ships, Princess will convert the existing Sanctuary areas into the Sanctuary Club, an exclusive space reserved for passengers staying in Sanctuary Collection accommodations.

The new Sanctuary Club will feature an adults-only pool area, upgraded loungers, shaded cabanas, and dedicated food and beverage service. Cabanas will still be available for an additional charge, but only for passengers who already have access to the club.

According to Princess’s updated FAQ, passengers will no longer be able to purchase day passes, loungers, or cabanas in the area once it becomes the Sanctuary Club. It doesn’t matter if you’re willing to pay extra for access. If you’re not staying in a Sanctuary Collection stateroom, you won’t be allowed in.

Which Princess Ships Are Getting Sanctuary Collection?

Princess is rolling out the changes to five of its Royal Class ships over the next several months.

The expansion is also part of a larger, multi-year modernization effort across the Princess fleet, so we could see similar changes announced for additional ships in the future.

What Is Included With Sanctuary Collection?

Sanctuary Collection is Princess’s version of a ship-within-a-ship experience, offering additional perks and exclusive spaces to passengers staying in certain accommodations.

It’s not limited to just the most expensive suites, either. On the five ships being converted, Sanctuary Collection will include select suites, mini-suites, balcony staterooms, and even oceanview staterooms.

For example, Royal Princess will have 231 staterooms designated as part of Sanctuary Collection. That’s roughly 13% of all cabins on the ship.

Guests staying in these accommodations will receive several additional benefits.

Access to the Sanctuary Club

The biggest perk is access to the Sanctuary Club, a private adults-only area with a pool, comfortable loungers, cabanas, and dedicated food and drink service.

The space is restricted to passengers ages 16 and older, even if younger passengers are staying in Sanctuary Collection accommodations.

Exclusive Sanctuary Restaurant

Passengers will also have access to the Sanctuary Restaurant, a dedicated dining area with special menus inspired by the destinations Princess visits. The restaurant will have dedicated waitstaff, and guests won’t need reservations to dine there.

Access to the Suite Lounge

Passengers staying in Sanctuary Collection suites will receive access to an additional private lounge. This space will offer refreshments, a quieter place to relax, and personalized concierge assistance. This benefit is exclusive to suite guests and isn’t included with other Sanctuary Collection staterooms.

Princess Premier Package

New Sanctuary Collection bookings for eligible sailings will also include Princess Premier, the cruise line’s highest-tier package.

That means passengers will receive benefits like unlimited premium beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, and other extras.

This makes Sanctuary Collection more than just a room upgrade, since many of the extras that passengers would normally purchase separately are included in the fare.

Is This a Good Change for Princess Cruises?

Ship-within-a-ship concepts have proved increasingly popular with cruise lines, and this upgrade is bringing Princess’s older ships in line with the latest offerings from the cruise line and its competitors.

For passengers willing to book Sanctuary Collection accommodations, the changes add quite a few perks. The exclusive dining, private pool area, and included Princess Premier package could make these staterooms a more attractive option.

On the other hand, it takes away a popular option for passengers who don’t want to pay for a premium stateroom. Previously, you could book a regular balcony or interior room and still treat yourself to a relaxing day in The Sanctuary by paying for a day pass. Now, that option is disappearing from these five ships.

And while that’s great for passengers who want a more exclusive experience, it also means fewer options for everyone else.

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