Sapphire Princess to call Freo home in 2027

In a major boost for WA’s tourism sector, Princess Cruises will base a premium big ship in Fremantle for the 2027-28 summer with itineraries incorporating regional destinations including the Kimberley and Great Southern, we can reveal.

While specific itinerary details are still being worked through, the first visit of ship Sapphire Princess into Fremantle is scheduled for 5am on Sunday, October 10, 2027, with a 5pm departure the same day, according to the Fremantle Ports schedule.

We can also reveal the line’s sights are set on the Kimberley and Great Southern, among other WA destinations to be revealed soon, with 2027-28 summer program cruises to go on sale around mid-November 2025.

Princess Cruises Asia-Pacific vice-president Matthew Rutherford tells us ahead of today’s Australian Cruise Association annual conference in Fremantle: “Today, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to Western Australia, showcasing its breathtaking beauty, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern, to travellers from around the world.”

Sapphire Princess’ deployment is expected to generate more than $140 million into the WA economy, supporting tourism and related industries across the State.

Princess Cruises’ last WA deployment was over the 2019-20 summer season.

For all the latest cruise developments and news from the ACA Conference, see Saturday’s West Travel pages and Travel online.