For the first time, two Princess ships are based in Singapore

Sapphire Princess arrived earlier, on Nov. 28.

Southeast Asia and China

Sapphire Princess, sister of Diamond Princess, is homeporting in Singapore for a fifth season and will sail to Southeast Asian destinations on three- to 13-day voyages. The ship will also embark on a 'Grand Asia' voyage return trip from Singapore to Shanghai over the Christmas and New Year period. Sapphire Princess will then continue sailing in the region before redeploying to Europe for the summer.

Diamond Princess will operate Christmas and New Year sailings to Southeast Asian destinations. For the Christmas period, Diamond offers a 10-day round-trip sailing from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and Ko Samui. The New Year itinerary is a 10-day sailing from Singapore to Bali, Port Klang, Penang (late night stay) and Phuket.

'With two ships homeporting in Singapore for the first time, we’re offering guests an expansive schedule of sailings to experience some of the most incredible destinations in the region, while celebrating in style on the high seas,' said Farriek Tawfik, director Southeast Asia, Princess Cruises.

Annular solar eclipse

Sapphire Princess will return to Singapore for a sixth homeporting season next year which will include a cruise to see the annular solar eclipse from the Straits of Malacca on Dec. 26. The cruise to experience this natural wonder when the moon covers the sun's centre, leaving the Sun's visible outer edges to form a 'ring of fire,' departs on Dec. 17.

Diamond Princess will undergo a drydock in Singapore before returning to Japan in February for a sixth season sailing round-trip from Yokohama and Kobe. The March to November season features 60 departures on 40 unique itineraries, visiting 41 destinations in seven countries—more ports than ever before. Offerings include access to 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites and nine late night port calls.

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