Princess Cruises, one of the best-known names in cruising, today announces its return to Western Australia with the deployment of Sapphire Princess to Fremantle as its home port in late 2027.
Princess has played a significant role in the growth of the cruise market in Western Australia, carrying hundreds of thousands of Australians on cruise holidays every year, as well as overseas visitors coming to see the best of what the State has to offer.
Princess Cruises Vice President, Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford said its significant role continues, with this deployment making Princess the only large premium cruise line both returning and homeporting a ship in Western Australia.
“Princess Cruises has long held a deep affection for Western Australia,” Mr. 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.”
Princess has homeported four Princess ships in Western Australia in the last 15 years, starting with the second-generation Sun Princess in Fremantle back in 2008, and the last homeport season being the sell-out 46-night Indian Ocean voyages across the 2019-20 summer season.
Princess will reveal the number of regional Western Australian ports the cruise line plans to visit as part of its season later in the year.
Sapphire Princess’ planned deployment in Western Australia will generate over $140 million into the Western Australian local economy, supporting tourism and jobs in these key locations for small businesses, tourist operators, and for the wider community.
Princess’ return to Western Australia for the 2027-28 summer season has been made possible with the support of the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA.
Western Australian Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said Fremantle welcoming back another superliner cruise ship to home port is a significant achievement for WA and highlights the strength and popularity of our ports as cruise destinations.
“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,’ Mr 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.”
Mr Rutherford said Sapphire Princess voyages will be revealed as part of Princess Cruises’ 2027-28 Australian Summer Program, set to be formally announced and go on sale around 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,” he said.
“We can’t wait to help make Western Australia ‘the’ place to visit with Sapphire Princess’ new deployment.”
