Princess Cruises will return to Western Australia in 2027, homeporting Sapphire Princess in Fremantle for the summer season. It marks the line’s first WA deployment in eight years and makes Princess the only major premium cruise brand homeporting from the state.
The move is expected to inject more than $140 million into the WA economy, with flow-on benefits for tour operators, small businesses and local communities.
Princess has a long history in the region, having homeported four ships in Fremantle over the past 15 years, starting with Sun Princess in 2008. Its last WA program was the 2019–20 Indian Ocean season, which sold out.
Princess Cruises Vice President Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford said the line’s return underlines WA’s importance as a cruising destination.
“Princess Cruises has long held a deep affection for Western Australia,” Rutherford said.
“For many years we have welcomed guests from across the globe to experience the extraordinary landscapes and vibrant culture this remarkable region has to offer.
“Today, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to Western Australia, showcasing its breathtaking beauty, from Kimberley to the Great Southern, to travellers from around the world.”
Return of “large ships”
Princess’s return is backed by Tourism Western Australia and the state government, with WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby calling it a “significant achievement” that highlights Fremantle’s growing strength as a cruise hub.
“Having the Sapphire Princess in Fremantle not only benefits WA’s economy, but it will also bring large cruise ships back to regional ports stimulating the tourism sector with a series of calls scheduled over the summer school holidays,’ Witby said.
“We’re thrilled to announce this great news on day two of the 27th Australian Cruise Association Conference as it shows the value of hosting these business events and demonstrates the WA Government’s commitment to supporting and growing WA’s important cruise sector.”
Full itineraries for Sapphire Princess’s 2027–28 season will be revealed in Princess Cruises’ Australian summer program, due mid-November.
“I’d like to thank the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA for going above and beyond in embracing Princess Cruises and supporting us in the key ports we plan to visit and take our guests to,” Rutherford remarked.
“We can’t wait to help make Western Australia ‘the’ place to visit with Sapphire Princess’s new deployment.”
In August, Princess Cruises announced that Sapphire Princess, along with Diamond Princess, would embark on the cruise line’s most ambitious Japan program yet for an extended March–December 2027 season.
