New Princess Cruises Next Gen Cruise Ship Sun Princess Highlights
Sun Princess Exterior - Image Princess Cruises
New for 2024 - Sun Princess Highlights
Not long to wait now for Princess Cruises New Generation Ship, Sun Princess which was due to enter into service next month, February 2024 (however this has been postponed - see related post). I’ve been excited about this ship for what seems like forever, and here’s why!
Not only is Sun Princess the largest Princess Cruises ship EVER, she is also the first ship in the fleet to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), making her the most environmentally friendly. Also Sun Princess boasts a host of exciting and innovative features, so you just know that this new ship is going to shine.
Sun Princess Vital Statistics
Name: Sun Princess
Class: Sphere Class (first in new class)
Shipyard: Fincantieri
Inaugural Cruise: February 2024
Guest Cabins: 2,150
Guest Capacity: 4,300
Number of Decks: 21
Tonnage: 175,500
Length: 1,133 feet
No. of Balconies: 1500 (the most on any Princess Ship)
Sustainability: LNG Powered Ship (first in fleet)
Sun Princess is the third in a line of namesakes - the first Sun Princess sailed from 1974 until 1988. The second ship sailed from 1995 until 2020 and had several claims to fame including being setting for TV show “Love Boat - The Next Wave”, and being the first of the Princess fleet to have a 24 hour cafe.
Sun Princess Highlights
The Piazza
Rendering of The Piazza on new Sun Princess Image: Princess Cruises
Sun Princess features a triple-height Piazza, which as on other Princess ships, is the iconic centre of the ship. The Piazza on this new ship is significantly increased in size and boasts wide, sweeping staircases, a central space lined with chairs and tables, and a triple-height LED screen that acts as a backdrop to a performance stage. The Piazza is inspired by the town squares of Europe and is encased in a sphere of glass that offers sweeping views of the world around you. It is a perfect place to relax, socialise, and enjoy the stunning sea views. The restaurants and bars are located behind the central space, and include new venues and old favourites including Coffee Currents, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, Kai Sushi. Crooners. Alfredo’s Pizzeria and of course International Café.
Dining
Rendering of new Horizons Dining Room on Sun Princess Image: Princess Cruises.
There will be more than 29 restaurants and bars on Sun Princess - some enduring favourites of course such as Alfredo’s Pizzeria and Crooners Bar mentioned above, but also some new delights such as the new main Horizons Dining Room, a three-storey restaurant serving multi-course meals.
Other dining options include Crown Grill, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, World Fresh Marketplace, Umai Teppanyaki, O'Malley's Irish Pub, Wheelhouse Bar, Good Spirits At Sea and of course the Gelateria. There is even a new al fresco dining venue, The Promenade.
For more on Dining onboard Sun Princess see my related post HERE
The Dome
The Dome takes its inspiration from the terraces of Santorini. This innovative space is a multi-level covered deck, being the first ever to be constructed to have a true glass dome. During the day the Dome will be a favourite spot with its indoor/outdoor pools and unique yet-to-be-revealed water feature. When the sun sets the area becomes an entertainment hub, as the pool converts to a stage, and guests can experience state-of-the-art lighting effects alongside fabulous entertainment, including acrobatic performances created in partnership with the renowned Cirque Éloize. Other shows to wow you include Art Beat, Blue and Come Fly Away.
For more about the Entertainment on Sun Princess see my related post HERE
Accommodation
Rendering of Owners Suite on new Sun Princess Image: Princess Cruises
There is a whole raft of new accommodation options onboard Sun Princess. If you are looking for premium location, plus exclusive access to a private restaurant and additional luxuries, check out the Reserve Collection new to Sun Princess.
Exclusive to Sun Princess you will find the Signature Collection offering premium stateroom/suite amenities, with access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and private Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.
Signature Sky Suites, feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, (one with a full bath and separate shower, a seating area and sofa bed. This accommodation is suitable for up to 5 guests.
Other options are the new Cabana Suites, Mini Suites, Balcony, Outside and Interior cabins, and of course a range of wheelchair-accessible accommodation.
Of course if you really want to splash out, why not book the Signature Owners Suite
Relaxation on Sun Princess
New outdoor facilities include a Sea View Terrace at the front of the ship, and the new aft Wake View Terrace featuring an infinity pool. The main pool deck is surrounded by lots of food and drink options including the Lido Grill, Lido Slice by Alfredo’s, Lido Tacos, Lido Greens, Coffee & Cones and three bars.
For even more R&R there is a two-storey Lotus Spa, and of course The Sanctuary.
Sun Princess for Families
The “kids clubs” on new Sun Princess have also been reimagined. The younger members of your group will enjoy their time in Firefly Park, Neon Grove and The Underground.
Park19 Family Activity Dome Image: Princess Cruises
For family fun there is the new Park19 - an area like on no other Princess Cruises ship. With the Sea Breeze Rollglider® and The Net Ropes Course 19 decks above the sea, plus Coastal Climb, Splash Pad & The Lookout, there is something to keep the whole family amused.
Find out more about the Park19 Family Activity Zone HERE.
For more news and views of Sun Princess bookmark my dedicated All Things Sun Princess page.