The Sapphire Princess has completed its South America season and departed Buenos Aires on February 11, 2026, beginning a repositioning cruise to Europe ahead of Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries.
Summary: The Sapphire Princess finished its South America season and departed Buenos Aires on February 11, 2026, beginning a trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise that visits Brazil, Spain and Morocco before commencing Mediterranean sailings in early March and a Northern Europe summer deployment from Copenhagen in May.
The Sapphire Princess has wrapped up its winter season in South America and set off on a repositioning voyage to Europe, departing Buenos Aires on February 11, 2026. The move paves the way for the ship’s spring Mediterranean program and a summer deployment in Northern Europe.
Highlights from the South America season
The vessel arrived in South America in late November 2025 after a repositioning voyage along the West Coast and operated a series of itineraries from Argentine and Chilean ports. Sailings emphasised immersive experiences across dramatic landscapes and culturally rich destinations.
- Featured regions: Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, both popular for expedition-style cruising
- Scenic Antarctic cruising included, offering passengers views of icebergs and polar wilderness
- Itineraries targeted travellers seeking remote and once-in-a-lifetime destinations
Refit and onboard upgrades before the season
Prior to its South America deployment, the Sapphire Princess underwent drydock work at a Portland, Oregon shipyard. The maintenance stop delivered preventive upkeep, technical upgrades and new specialty restaurants aimed at enhancing onboard dining and guest experience.
These updates supported the ship’s operations during the season and complemented the vessel’s capacity to carry 2,600 passengers while offering expanded culinary options.
The trans-Atlantic repositioning itinerary
On February 11, 2026 the Sapphire Princess departed Buenos Aires on a repositioning cruise that includes calls in Brazil, Spain, Morocco and the United Kingdom. Passengers can expect port visits such as Rio de Janeiro, Arrecife de Lanzarote, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Casablanca and Gibraltar during the trans-Atlantic crossing.
Spring Mediterranean season: seven-night cruises
Following arrival in Europe, the Sapphire Princess will begin a spring Mediterranean schedule in early March featuring seven-night sailings. The itineraries include popular ports across Italy, Greece, France, Croatia and Montenegro, aimed at travellers seeking a mix of cultural visits and coastal scenery.
Summer deployment shifts to Northern Europe
In early May 2026 the ship will reposition again to begin its summer program based out of Copenhagen, Denmark. The Northern Europe deployment will feature routes through Scandinavia and the Baltic, offering fjords, historic capitals and cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm and St. Petersburg.
Fleet changes: Majestic Princess takes over South America
Princess Cruises plans to replace the Sapphire Princess on South American itineraries with the larger Majestic Princess. The Majestic Princess, a Royal-class ship, will operate in the region from November 2026 through February 2027, bringing increased capacity and upgraded amenities to South America.
Impact on destinations and cruise demand
The Sapphire Princess’ South America season helped fuel interest in cruise access to remote destinations such as Patagonia and Antarctica, supporting local tourism economies. Its arrival in Europe as one of the first Princess ships for 2026 is expected to bolster Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruise capacity as demand for varied itineraries remains strong.
Why this matters: For travellers, the repositioning opens new itinerary choices across multiple regions and seasons. The shift also signals increased cruise capacity for South America later in 2026 with the Majestic Princess, while European ports can expect heightened cruise activity during the spring and summer.
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