Diamond Princess: Dry Dock Refit

Diamond Princess Facts

Diamond Princess is the sister ship to Sapphire Princess and spends a lot of its time cruising the Far East. Interestingly, the Diamond started its life as the Sapphire but after a fire during construction, the names were switched to keep it on schedule!

Diamond Princess was launched 2004 and can carry 2,670 passengers. It has many of the familiar Princess features and facilities such as Movies Under the Stars, The Sanctuary, Wheelhouse Bar and Horizon Court Buffet. It has four pools and 8 whirlpool spas.

Diamond Princess Dry Dock

Diamond Princess underwent a multi-million pound refit during a two-week dry dock in January 2019. The dry dock work took place in Singapore and the ship is set to remain in the Far East for 2019-2020 (excitingly, this will include being in Japan for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2020).

Diamond Princess New Enhancements

So what new things can you expect to see on the Diamond Princess?

The Princess Luxury Bed is now featured in every stateroom onboard. The bed has been specifically-designed for Princess Cruises and I can tell you that it’s a very comfortable bed. I was one of the first to try these brand new beds after Sapphire Princess’s refit and I certainly had no complaints!

The Princess Luxury Bed
The Princess Luxury Bed

Princess Cruises’ new wine list will be available to enjoy onboard with over 140 choices now available.

The Casino has had a refresh with new carpets, lighting and flat-screen TVs.

The Casino on Sapphire Princess
The Casino
Diamond Princess Casino

Out on the Lido Deck, Movies Under Stars has been enhanced with an improved surround sound digital audio so that you can enjoy a selection of the latest films from the comfort of your sun lounger. This is something I always love to enjoy with Princess Cruises, snuggled up under a blanket, with complimentary popcorn!

Complimentary popcorn for Movies Under the Stars on the Lido Deck Sapphire Princess
Complimentary popcorn for Movies Under the Stars on the Lido Deck

The sound systems in other venues have also been upgraded to enhance the entertainment in the Princess Theatre, Club Fusion and Explorers’ Lounge.

The Princess Theatre gets an enhanced sound system

The Lotus Spa and Fitness Centre has received updated fitness equipment (Precor) and upgrades to its spa salon and treatments rooms.

In the Horizon Court Buffet area, there are brand new furnishings and carpet, much like Sapphire Princess.

Horizon Court Buffet, new furnishings

Finally, if you stay in a suite or visit one of the public restaurants, you will notice that Japanese bidets have been installed! What is a Japanese bidet? I hear you ask!

Japanese bidets are electronic toilets that allow you to spray water at the touch of a button!

An example of a Japanese bidet, photo credit tooaleta.co.uk

Why should you choose to cruise on Diamond Princess?

Having experienced a cruise straight after a very similar refit on Sapphire Princess, I can say that it’s great to experience a refreshed look and feel. The Princess Luxury Beds are faultless in my opinion and Movies Under the Stars is another firm favourite.

I particularly like the look of the Izumi Spa, which is only featured onboard Diamond Princess. It provides an amazing view of the wake, whilst relaxing in the surroundings.

Izumi Spa
Izumi Spa on Diamond Princess

What do you think about the refurbishment? Would you consider cruising on Diamond Princess now? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Laura
Laura

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food.
Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados
Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

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