The brand new Sun Princess – Princess Cruises’ largest ship ever (until sister ship Star Princess debuts in 2025) – is set to make its inaugural sailing in October 2024, offering unforgettable itineraries to beloved Caribbean destinations. Accommodating 4,300 passengers – a remarkable increase of 800 passengers compared to the line’s previous Royal Class ships – the debut of this vessel also introduces the new Sphere Class, named after the captivating glass sphere at the heart of the ship which floods the central decks with natural light and treats guests to breathtaking views of the sea.
Sun Princess will mark the 16th addition to Princess Cruises’ esteemed fleet and will pay homage to its illustrious past. This will be the third vessel to bear the name Sun Princess, following the iconic “Love Boat” featured in the revered 1970s TV series, and the second ship launched in 1995, which was once among the world’s largest cruise ships, accommodating 2,000 passengers.
Meticulously designed from scratch, Sun Princess is a unique creation tailored exclusively for Princess Cruises, originating from a few initial sketches on the back of a napkin in 2017. The Sphere Class will consist of four ships in total, with the confirmation of Star Princess as the second vessel, expected to set sail in 2025.
The ship is the first in the line’s new Sphere class, and will homeport at Port Everglades for the U.S. winter, following a season of Mediterranean and Europe cruises when she launches in February 2024. Sun Princess will then offer sailings that are the perfect blend of stunning Caribbean islands and serene days at sea, with itineraries that include a 5-day Caribbean getaway; two 7-day Eastern Caribean cruises with St. Thomas or the Bahamas; and a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise with Mexico. For the ultimate Caribbean escapade, combine the 7-day Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean voyages, creating an unforgettable 14-day Caribbean East/West Adventurer.
Sun Princess is the largest ship in the cruise line’s history, boasting an impressive 2,157 cabins. Among these are 50 luxurious suites and 100 connecting rooms, providing accommodation for a total of 4,300 passengers. Designed with a focus on offering breathtaking seaviews, the ship’s 21 decks feature an abundance of balcony staterooms – a staggering 1,500 – surpassing any other vessel in the fleet.
While Sun Princess happily retains many beloved Princess features, it proudly stands as a next-generation ship, introducing a range of groundbreaking accommodation innovations. Notably, suite guests can now enjoy the luxury and privacy of their own exclusive facilities. In addition, Sun Princess treats its guests to a remarkable first-time offering of Signature Collection Suites and the Reserve Collection, featuring premium location Mini-Suites and Cabanas. This delightful selection is further complemented by Deluxe Balcony Staterooms, Premium Oceanview Staterooms, Interior Staterooms, and a variety of wheelchair accessible suites and staterooms complete with convenient roll-in showers.
Let’s take a look at all the accommodation options on offer in more detail.
Sun Princess’ Signature Collection is a brand new concept that sets the bar for luxury suites on Princess Cruises. While not quite a “ship within a ship,” these exquisite suites go above and beyond, offering premium amenities and access to exclusive suite-only facilities.
At the heart of the collection are the exceptional Signature Sky Suites, the largest accommodations onboard the Sun Princess. Spanning an impressive 1,262 square feet, these suites can comfortably accommodate up to five guests. With a master bedroom, a second bedroom, and a separate lounge featuring a sofa bed for another guest, these suites were designed with ultimate comfort in mind. The master bedroom boasts a private bathroom with a rain shower and a separate bathtub, while the second bedroom features a shower room. The spacious living area is thoughtfully arranged, featuring a large sofa bed positioned in front of a state-of-the-art flat-screen television. Adjacent to the sofa, you’ll find a dining table and chairs for six, along with a nearby bar area. Sliding glass doors lead from both the master bedroom and the lounge to an expansive, extra-large private balcony, furnished with plush loungers and armchairs.
In addition to the remarkable Signature Sky Suites, the Signature Collection also includes three other suite types, ranging in size from 304 to 636 square feet. Among the 50 suites in total, there are 36 Signature Penthouses, 10 Signature Owners Suites, and 4 Sky Suites. The Signature Owners Suites hold the title of the largest, followed by the Signature Penthouse Suites and the Signature Suites.
Guests of the Signature Collection are treated to a seamless curb-to-suite experience, accompanied by their own personal Suite Manager. But that’s not all – they also enjoy the privilege of dining at the elegant Signature Restaurant, relaxing in the intimate Signature Lounge with its stunning double-height picture windows, and unwinding on the private Signature Sun Deck, complete with its own pool. Located within a special section of The Sanctuary, an adult-only retreat, guests can indulge in al fresco massages while attentive waiters bring them refreshing drinks.
This selection of top-tier accommodations offer an unparalleled cruise experience. The Reserve Collection encompasses not only the best-located Mini-Suite staterooms, but also introduces the innovative Cabana resort-style staterooms. Situated on an extra-wide deck, these cabins offer more than just a balcony. With a conservatory-like cabana and exclusive access to a private Cabana sundeck area, guests can truly indulge in luxury.
Offering a surprising 329 square feet of space, these staterooms boast double-size balconies and a cabana, akin to a sunroom. Adorned with sliding bi-fold doors, guests can choose to embrace the balcony or keep the cabana as a sun-soaked sanctuary within the stateroom. Perfect for families seeking an affordable yet spacious option, these resort-style staterooms provide an ideal retreat. Alongside the Reserve Collection Restaurant, Cabana stateroom guests also enjoy access to the Cabana Sundeck.
The Reserve Collection Mini-Suites offer another exceptional choice, featuring 303 square feet of luxurious comfort. With a large balcony, sofa bed, Princess Luxury beds, and a spacious bathroom with a shower, these Mini-Suites provide the perfect home away from home.
All guests staying in Reserve Collection Suites gain exclusive access to the expansive private Cabana Sundeck, complete with a whirlpool and luxuriously comfortable loungers. Furthermore, the two-deck high Reserve Collection Restaurant offers breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ship’s stern. Exclusively available to Reserve Collection guests (formerly known as Princess Cruises’ Club Class), this restaurant ensures an extraordinary dining experience.
With 949 magnificent Deluxe Balcony staterooms onboard, this exceptional accommodation choice offers a generous 235 square feet of space, including the balcony. Comfortably accommodating up to four guests, thanks to the convenient sofa bed, it’s perfect for families or friends traveling together.
Additionally, on deck 6 of the Sun Princess, you’ll discover a cluster of 100 cove balcony staterooms. These haven-like rooms provide a more sheltered balcony, ensuring tranquility and peace. While they may receive less direct sunlight, they compensate by offering closer proximity to the sea views.
For larger groups, interconnecting balcony staterooms present an excellent solution. By merging multiple rooms together, you can create family suites that accommodate up to eight guests. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the luxuries and comforts of travelling together while ensuring privacy and ample personal space.
These cabins provide guests with the perfect opportunity to embrace the sun-drenched ambiance of a cruise without a balcony. Designed with couples in mind, these rooms offer a serene and climate-controlled environment, allowing you to indulge in the breathtaking views of the sea from the comfort of your own stylish haven. They are also a fantastic choice for families with little ones. Boasting a generous 212 square feet of space, these cabins can comfortably accommodate two adults and their small children who may be too young for a separate room.
Despite their compact size of 136-145 square feet, these delightful cabins offer everything you need for a truly enjoyable stay. One of the standout features of our Interior Staterooms is the inclusion of sofas in all 460 cabins. If you yearn for a peaceful night’s sleep without the intrusion of morning light, our interior staterooms are the perfect choice.
There are also four inside cabins designed for solo travellers, and for those looking to accommodate a group or family of up to four people, some of the interior staterooms feature two extra Pullman beds that effortlessly pull out from the walls.
Sun Princess will feature all of the favourite dining and bar venues, as well as some delightful new additions and tweaks. Let’s start with the classics. The Crown Grill continues to offer the perfect steakhouse experience, serving aged and hand cut, cooked-to-order steaks and premium seafood. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria will transport you straight to Italy with its traditional comfort cuisine. And of course, there is the ever-beloved Alfredo’s Pizzeria, where you will not only enjoy wood-fired pizza but also the opportunity to dine al fresco on the main promenade – complete with heaters to keep you cosy if the weather gets chilly.
And let’s not forget the main dining room, which takes dining to new heights – quite literally! With three elegant decks of pure culinary indulgence, you’ll find yourself immersed in a dining extravaganza. There is also the World Fresh Marketplace, a casual buffet dining experience, with regional fare, chef specialty stations and familiar favorites on offer. And for those seeking a taste of Ireland, O’Malley’s Irish Pub makes its way to the Sun Princess, offering traditional Irish pub grub, live entertainment, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere from lunch to late night.
The Piazza, the heart of the ship, will host a range of venues that you won’t want to miss. Grab your favorite brew at Coffee Currents, savor delectable cocktails at Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, and experience the artistry of sushi-making at Kai Sushi, where fresh sushi and sashimi are expertly prepared right before your eyes. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Crooners and satisfy your cravings with authentic Italian gelato at the Gelateria. And don’t forget to swing by the International Cafe for mouthwatering sandwiches, soups, and sweet treats.
But wait, there’s more! This new ship will introduce Umai Teppanyaki, a Japanese restaurant that adds a touch of entertainment to your dining experience with a three-course teppanyaki show. Indulge in signature drinks such as the Wasabi Cocktail and Japanese Martini – a true treat for your taste buds. And for seafood enthusiasts, world-renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin presents The Catch by Rudi, a pop-up dinner restaurant featuring an exquisite selection of fresh seafood.
This is just a snapshot as to what you will find on board, but the cruise line has yet to confirm a few other dining venues. They have teased that there will be a new high-end specialty restaurant overlooking the back of the ship on Deck 17, as well as a unique dining “experience” that will immerse you in a 360-degree culinary journey, much like their beloved 360: An Outstanding Experience on Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess.
The onboard entertainment has also been taken to new heights with the design of the Sun Princess, with a number of new additions that will captivate and delight.
Among its impressive features, The Dome truly stands out. Inspired by the charming terraces of Santorini, this one-of-a-kind, glass-enclosed deck is a first in the world of cruise ships. During the day, The Dome is a vibrant indoor and outdoor pool area, while at night it transforms into an extraordinary entertainment space. Here you will see awe-inspiring artists merge acrobatics, dance, comedy, and daring feats. The three new Dome shows, crafted in collaboration with the renowned Cirque Éloize, will leave you mesmerised and craving more.
Then there is the central European-style Piazza, spanning three decks and offering even more space compared to other Princess ships. With its ocean views and expansive triple-deck LED screen that dynamically changes throughout the day, this exceptional area also features seating areas for you to relax and soak in the surroundings. At the heart of the piazza lies a versatile platform that rises to become a stage, dedicated to hosting captivating live performances.
Finally, prepare to be amazed by the Princess Arena, the new and innovative main theater. Not only does it offer unobstructed views from every seat, thanks to its column-free design, but it can also be customised to suit various performance styles, from traditional seating to theater-in-the-round and even a dynamic “keyhole” configuration, where the performers engage intimately with the audience. With a movable stage that rises and falls seamlessly and a colossal LED screen, this extraordinary space can accommodate up to 1,050 guests.
One of the main talking points of the new Sun Princess is the addition of its new family-centric facility, Park19. Spread out on decks 19,20 and 21, Park19 offers outdoor family-friendly activities for everyone. One of its most exciting features is Sea Breeze, which proudly claims its title as the first-ever rollglider at sea. Brace yourself for an electrifying ride as you soar through the air on an overhead track, reaching speeds of up to 11 miles per hour. Plus, Sea Breeze is designed to be ADA accessible, ensuring that passengers with limited mobility can also enjoy this exhilarating adventure.
Park19 is also home to a variety of other thrilling attractions, such as Coastal Climb—a challenging climbing structure that takes passengers from deck 19 to deck 20, with a series of exhilarating obstacles along the way. For breathtaking views, head to The Lookout, the highest accessible open-air observation deck aboard Sun Princess. Traverse The Net, an exciting rope course featuring unstable bridges, a z-shaped balance beam, and cargo nets. And don’t forget to cool off at Splash Zone, a fantastic water play area complete with pop jets and a mesmerizing water sculpture.
Park19 goes above and beyond, offering even more facilities to keep you active and entertained. Discover the ship’s jogging track and recreational court where you can engage in a friendly game of ping pong, shuffleboard, or participate in invigorating Xponential Fitness classes and refreshing morning meditation.
Another new onboard facility is The WakeView Terrace. As you venture towards the aft of the ship, you’ll encounter this new space, reminiscent of the vibrant energy found in Miami. With its towering condo-style cabins stacked above, panoramic elevators, an infinity pool, a bar, and ample seating, this area known as The Wake Club offers a slice of paradise for all to enjoy. Finally, the next-gen Piazza – an enhanced public space – offers a lively ambiance, accompanied by breathtaking ocean views. Adjacent to the Piazza, discover an array of world-class boutiques that offer the perfect opportunity for a delightful retail therapy session.
And of course, there are still many guest favourites onboard. The Lido Pool area will soon become your preferred poolside spot, brimming with an array of delightful dining and beverage options. The Lotus Spa® proudly extends over two spacious floors for the very first time. Princess has skillfully reimagined beloved amenities such as the Enclave and hydro pool, while introducing enticing new additions like a tranquil salt room and a blissful aromatic steam room. And when it comes to indulgent treatments, your options have never been more plentiful.
Guest will also still find The Sanctuary onboard. This adult-only retreat features plush lounge furniture, attentive Serenity Steward service, soothing music, refreshing beverages and spa fare, and even an open-air massage in your own private cabana! And if you seek breathtaking ocean vistas, look no further than the Sea View Terrace, a modern but cosy lounge space.
Sun Princess caters to families with a range of additional offerings. Deck 6 is home to Firefly Park, a haven for children aged six months to seven years old. Parents can join in on the fun or leave their little ones to partake in art projects, theme parties, and group games. Firefly Park even has a dedicated play area for families with infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years old.
Older kids are not left out, as Sun Princess features Neon Grove for tweens and The Underground for teenagers. Both areas boast comfortable sofas and lounging chairs, along with PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles, air hockey, foosball, and skeeball. These dedicated spaces also host a range of age-appropriate activities, including scavenger hunts, movie nights, and dance parties.
Princess Cruises invites you to explore our array of award-winning shore excursions in every port of call. With a dedication to impeccable service and unforgettable travel experiences, your journey aboard the magnificent Sun Princess will be complemented by an outstanding collection of top-rated shore adventures. For more information, simply reach out to your knowledgeable cruise consultant or stay tuned here for exciting updates. Get ready to embark on an incredible voyage filled with wonders beyond imagination.
Princess Cruises announced that the Sun Princess will be fully constructed in accordance with 2010 ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Standards for Accessible Design. This incredible feat ensures that all passengers, regardless of their abilities, can fully utilise the onboard amenities. Guests will be able to choose from array of specially crafted staterooms designed exclusively for those with limited mobility. These thoughtful spaces boast ample area for wheelchair users to maneuver into and around the stateroom. Plus, there is a choice between a roll-in shower or a transfer shower, both complemented by convenient grab bars and a fold-down bench seat, ensuring every guest’s needs are impeccably catered to. Moreover, guests will discover an easily reachable writing desk and a conveniently accessible closet, ensuring the utmost convenience and comfort throughout your journey. Rest assured that Princess has meticulously considered the needs of all passengers and strives to provide a remarkable and inclusive experience for everyone aboard Sun Princess.
Unlike other Princess ships where the innovative Ocean Medallion technology has been retrofitted, Sun Princess is the first ship in the fleet to seamlessly integrate this cutting-edge technology into every aspect of its build. What does this mean for you? It means your wearable Medallion device will enhance your cruise experience in ways you never imagined.
With the Ocean Medallion, you can order food and drinks from anywhere on the vessel. No need to miss out on a delicious meal or refreshing beverage while lounging by the pool or exploring the ship’s various activities. The convenience doesn’t stop there. The Medallion also allows you to effortlessly book exciting excursions, ensuring that your journey is tailor-made to suit your preferences. And, as you approach your cabin door, the Ocean Medallion technology works its magic and unlocks it for you. No more fumbling with keys or cards – simply walk up to your door and step inside. It really is the little things that make a big difference.
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