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Sun Princess

Former name: hull 6310.

Cruise line Princess Cruises

• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Piraeus-Athens (Greece)

Sun Princess current position

Sun Princess current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 44.10626 N / 9.83765 E) cruising en route to LA SPEZIA. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Sun Princess

Sun Princess current cruise is 20 days, round-trip The Best of the Mediterranean , themed as "Easter". The itinerary starts on 19 Mar, 2024 and ends on 08 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Sun Princess

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Sun Princess Itineraries

Sun princess review, review of sun princess.

The 2024-built Sun Princess cruise ship is the first of two SPHERE class vessels currently under construction at Fincantieri 's yard in Monfalcone Italy . Princess' SPHERE class represents the fleet's first dual-fuel (MDO and LNG ) powered ships. The sistership Star Princess is currently scheduled for delivery in August 2025.

The vessel (IMO number 9863118) will be Bermuda- flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Hamilton . During its construction/currently, the vessel is Italy-flagged (MMSI 247476700).

Note : This is the third cruise ship named "Sun Princess", following Sun Princess (1974-88/1970-ordered as "Seaward" for NCL-Norwegian /1972-built as "Spirit of London"/1974-acquired by P&O Princess/2016- scrapped as "Ocean Dream"/IMO 7211517) and the old Sun Princess (1995-2020/now Pacific World for Peace Boat) .

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills CA. A former subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (1977-founded), in 2003, the company merged with Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruise Lines Ltd's assets is the Caribbean private island resort Princess Cays (on Bahamas Eleuthera Island's southern end), located approx 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau .

In July 2018 were ordered two new-class (larger than Royal-Class) liners with GT-tonnage/volume 175000 tonnes and passenger capacity 4300. These are the fleet's first dual-fuel (MGO and LNG/primarily) powered ships. The shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri (Monfalcone Shipyard) was signed on March 27, 2019, with scheduled deliveries in 2023 and 2025. Both contracts were signed by Jan Swartz (Princess' President) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO). Princess Cruises in 2018 had 5 new ships on order with Fincantieri. The 2024-2025 SPHERE liners are Carnival Corporation's 10th and 11th LNG-powered ships .

Decks and Cabins

Sun Princess staterooms (2162 total) include 469x suites, 949x Standard and 100x Cove balconies, 186x Oceanviews, 460x Interior. Of all staterooms, 100x are interconnecting (for families) and 55x are handicap/wheelchair-accessible. All balcony staterooms (1518, or ~70% of all) are with triple/quad occupancy, being fitted with sofabed.

Unlike the preceding ROYAL Class, the new Princess SPHERE ships have oceanview cabins, each fitted with a large non-opening Picture Window.

Exclusive for the SPHERE ships, Sun Princess has new types of Suites (Signature Collection Suite/categories Sky, Owner's, Penthouse, Signature) providing premium amenities and bonus perks like exclusive facilities access - Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge & Bar, and Signature Sundeck (part of The Sanctuary).

Club Class staterooms (called on the SPHERE ships "Reserve Collection Staterooms") are Mini-Suites, among which are the resort-style "Reserve Collection Cabana" cabins featuring a balcony-cabana combo (veranda accessed via a large outdoor patio lounge).

The boat has 20 decks , of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 10 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Details on the new Princess SPHERE class were revealed in September 2022.

The new ship platform features iconic design elements, including The Dome (a unique entertainment space on top-deck covered by a glass roof) and a suspended glass (in the Piazza Atrium/midship) projecting live sea views as well as recorded UHD media.

The 4300-passenger ship Sun Princess also has new/fleet-first entertainment venues, 3-deck MDR restaurants (Main Dining Rooms), new-design staterooms, a total of 29 bars/lounges and dining venues.

The 3-story-high Piazza Atrium (spreading on decks 7-8-9 midship) is an iconic architectural concept for large-sized cruise liners. The outward-looking space is suspended and with comfortable seating (on all three levels) providing 360-degree unobstructed outside views. The huge LED screen in the middle is movable to allow live entertainment. From The Piazza are accessed Coffee Currents (new for Princess coffee shop), Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Crooners Bar, Ocean Front Lounge, International Cafe, Alfredo's Pizzeria as well as the Lobby's guest services desks (Shore Excursions, Future Cruise, Reception).

The Dome is a glass-roof-covered sundeck (spanning two floors /decks 17-18 forward) and is the first true glass-enclosed space on a cruise liner. During the day, The Dome serves as a pool deck (having a large indoor/outdoor swimming pool). At night, the swimming pool is covered to become a stage as The Dome transforms into an entertainment venue with superior sound and lighting effects and live aerial performances.

As Princess SPHERE ships' coordinating architecture company Fincantieri contracted TDoS/Tillberg Design of Sweden (1964-founded company specializing in cruise ship design as well as hospitality projects). TDoS was contracted to provide an architecture based on light interiors and transparency. Curiously, the ever-first Atrium (midship-positioned open-floor designed area) on a cruise ship (1969-built Sea Venture) was designed by Robert Tillberg.

The new Sun Princess has the fleet's first Park19 - a 3-floor (aft on decks 19-20-21) family-themed activity zone offering 9x outdoor fun activities. Park 19's main facilities include

• Sea Breeze (the first-at-sea Rollglider/on Deck 20) allows guests (seated and harnessed) to glide above the sea at speeds of 11 mph (18 kph) along a suspended track. The electric ride sessions are in 60-90 seconds and are ADA-accessible.
• Coastal Climb (Ropes Course/obstacle course with a large climbing structure) interlinks Decks 19-20.
• The Lookout (observation deck at the top of Coastal Climb's climbing structure) provides 360-degree unobstructed top-deck views and is the ship's highest passenger-accessible area.
• The Net (above Deck 19) is a trekking facility that groups several unstable bridges and climbing cargo nets as well as a Z-shaped balance beam.
• Infinite Horizon (Deck 19) is for height lovers. The space provides views of 10 decks down (decks 19 to 9) and features cantilevered tilted walls. Like The Lookout, Infinite Horizon provides stunning views from high vantage points.
• Hammock Area is a family-themed relaxation deck fitted with numerous relaxing hammocks.
• Splash Zone (Princess Cruises' first aquapark) is for kids and has a splash area with Pop Jet fountains.
• Recreational Court houses the multi-sports court (for playing basketball, football, tennis) as well as deck games (Table Tennis, Ping Pong, Shuffleboard). Recreational Court also serves open-air group classes (Xponential Fitness, morning yoga and meditation, wellness activities).
• Jogging Track (facility for walking/jogging/running) is on Deck 19. Around 7-times Jogging Track's length (240 m / 790 ft) equals 1 mi/1,6 km.

Park 19's children's facilities (spreading across decks 6-7) are complimentary and include Firefly Park (Kids Center for small children/toddlers and babies aged 6 months to 3 years), Neon Grove (club lounge for tweens/children 7-14 years old) and The Underground (teen club lounge). Firefly Park is midship on Deck 6, while Neon Grove and The Underground are forward on Deck 7.

Serving as a nursery/group babysitting venue, Firefly Park has a dedicated playground and offers after-hours babysitting (between 10 pm - 1 am). The babysitting service costs US$5 (per hour/per kid) and is available for children ages 3 to 12.

Another new venue is the Spellbound by Magic Castle - a Victorian era/19th-century British Empire-inspired bar lounge themed after Hollywood’s Magic Castle in Los Angeles (reservations-only private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts). Located on Deck 8 (forward-portside, adjacent to Princess Casino), Spellbound is served by professional mixologists and with live performances from world-class magicians. Spellbound's experience also features magical artifacts, vintage artworks, the Music Room (with interactive special effects), the Parlor Bar (where guests can interact with professional illusionists), and the Spellbound Theater (30-seat show lounge).

The "Royal Afternoon Tea with Royal Chef Darren McGrady" is a new British dining experience offered on select sea days at Good Spirits At Sea Lounge (deck 7), and reservations are required. During the event, via visual media, Darren McGrady (personal chef of the late Queen Elizabeth II) shares his experiences and stories, interacting with the live host while passengers enjoy a premium Afternoon Tea service with traditional fixings (scones with clotted cream and jam, tea sandwiches, gourmet cookies and pastries). Tea pairings include premium brands (like Earl Grey and English Breakfast), along with more exotic brands (like Lapsang Souchong, Assam, Matcha). "Royal Afternoon Tea" at Good Spirits At Sea Lounge is priced at US$30 per person. Good Spirits At Sea Lounge is also home to premium wine tastings (hosted by renowned winemakers and with professional sommelier service) which are priced at US$40 pp.

Kai Sushi Bar also serves dishes by Chef Makoto Okuwa (Edomae-style sushi master) and is at cover charge (US$39 per person).

Follows the complete list of Sun Princess restaurants and food bars.

• 3-deck Main Dining Room (Horizons Restaurant, aft on decks 6-7-8)
• Signature Restaurant (aka Suite Dining Room)
• Reserve Collection Restaurant (fka Inclusive Restaurant)
• Ocean Front / Kai Sushi Bar (specialty seafood bar with a la carte menu/sushi, sashimi)
• O'Malley's Irish Pub
• The Catch by Rudi (specialty seafood restaurant by master chef Rudi Sodamin)
• Crown Grill (steakhouse)
• Sabatini's Italian Trattoria
• World Fresh Marketplace (Lido restaurant)
• Alfredo’s Pizzeria
• Promendade's fast food bars (slice pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fresh-baked bagels, ice creams)
• "Love by Britto" (specialty restaurant/aft on deck 17)
• Butcher’s Block by Dario (midship on deck 9)

"Love by Britto" is a boutique restaurant/specialty dining venue via partnership with Romero Britto (1963-born Brazilian artist/painter, sculptor). The artworks and interior design were developed by Romero Britto and marked by bold patterns and vivid colors. The menu is prix fixe and crafted by Rudi Sodamin (Austria-born and France-trained master chef and culinary pop artist). The 7-course dinner is priced at US$149 per person. The menu includes a Champagne flute (upon arrival). Starters include "Oysters with Champagne Pearls" and "Grilled Fig with Prosciutto and Roquefort" (Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Blue Cheese), followed by soups such as Asparagus and Watermelon Cocktail with Vodka. The top-quality food ingredients include premium meats, lobster, caviar, truffles, gourmet desserts (always accompanied by chocolate fondue).

On Lido Deck (deck 17) are the ship's swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzies/whirlpools with a spacious sundeck served by 3 Poolside Bars (open-air venues for fast food and beverages) - 1 forward (Sea View Bar) + 2 midship (Coffee & Cones, THE MIX). Adjacent to The Dome are lined up the fast food venues Lido Slice (pizza), Lido Tacos, Lido Grill, Lido Greens (salads) and Lido Bar. Aft (with stern views/of the ship's wake) is the Altitude Restaurant.

Umai Teppanyaki (deck 8) is a new for Princes Cruises specialty restaurant serving Japanese traditional grilled cuisine using an iron griddle to cook the food.

Crown Grill (fka Sterling Steakhouse, open 6-11 pm) is a dinner-only specialty restaurant (at surcharge PP) serving grilled food (steaks and seafood). The ship's Steakhouse features circular seating, modern artworks, leather booths, open kitchen (guests enjoy the views of their food being prepared in the fleet's biggest show galley/kitchen).

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is a specialty dining venue that also appeals to families with its handmade pasta dishes. The restaurant has a circular main room (with bistro-style nooks) and a separate pasta room where guests can witness the pasta-making process.

Alfredo's Pizzeria (Indoor-Outdoor Dining venue) has an open kitchen allowing passengers to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand/serve them straight out of the oven. New to the kitchen is the professional, open-mouth oven reaching 970 F (520 C) degrees.

World Fresh Marketplace (with Outdoor Dining Area and Eat Street) is the ship's complimentary, self-service Lido buffet restaurant (aft on deck 9). The Lido restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and has both indoor and outdoor seating (on the Terrace). The Marketplace offers different themed cuisine for lunch and also dinner specials. The restaurant's annexes include Crab Shack (seafood bar), Fondues (cheese bar), The Pastry Shop (self-service patisserie, with complimentary desserts), and the food counter "East Meets West".

"Butcher’s Block by Dario" is the fleet's first butcher shop (impromptu bistro) via partnership with Dario Cecchini (1955-born, 8th generation butcher from Panzano in Chianti, Italy). The venue features a large shared table and offers premium beef and steak meats, including signature cuts from "the world's most famous butcher". Exclusively for Princess Cruises, Dario Cecchini also designed a new menu for the Crown Grill/steakhouse also serving the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (steak dish prepared with meat sourced from Cecchini's Panzano shop/Antica Macelleria CECCHINI).

Follows the complete list of Sun Princess lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Princess Arena Theater (2-deck show lounge with capacity 1000+ seats)
• Two Teens & Tweens Areas (located forward on deck 7) are named The Underground and Neon Grove. These exclusive club lounges are both fitted with comfortable seating (sofas and chairs), video gaming consoles (PlayStation 5/PS5 and Nintendo Switch), table games (hockey, foosball, skeeball) and provide complimentary supervised activities like scavenger hunts, fun competitions, dance parties, movie nights.
• Good Spirits At Sea Lounge (fka Explorers Lounge)
• Cabana Decks (two exclusive sundecks for the Reserve Collection Cabana Mini-Suites positioned portside and starboard/forward-midship on Deck 9 )
• Future Cruise (loyalty program information, onboard booking)
• Shore Excursions Desk (booking, information)
• International Cafe (24-hour patisserie and specialty coffee bar- sandwiches, salads, pastries, cookies)
• Wheelhouse Bar & Lounge
• Princess Casino (age limit 21+ years, 200+ slots and video poker machines, gambling tables) is served by Magic Hour Bar.
• Crooners Bar & Lounge (piano bar with 2 glass grand pianos; cocktails, extensive Martini selection, also used for seminars and lectures)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery (also hosts art auctions)
• aft sundeck with an Infinity Pool and 2 Jacuzzies (whirlpool hot tubs)
• Family Space and Kid's Center are youth facilities served by a dedicated Guest Services Desk (deck 6 midship)
• Sun Deck with 4 Jacuzzies and a Bar
• Fitness Center (Gym with a separate Aerobics Studio for classes), Beauty Salon, Juice Bar
• Rollglider Track, Ropes Course, Jogging Track, Sports Court

Sun Princess ship's Casino (Deck 8) is the fleet's largest in both space/size (50%) and number of gaming positions/machines (30%). The gambling complex offers a diverse selection of entertainment, the latest and most popular slot machines and video poker games, as well as live table games with progressive jackpots. The venue encompasses ~836 m2 (9000 ft2), has 3-m/10-ft high ceilings, 227 slot machines, 13 live tables, and a high-limit slot area, comfortable seating, and provides interactive audio-visual experiences.

Lido Deck (deck 17) houses 3 Swimming Pools (1 forward + 2 midship) and a total of 4 Jacuzzies/whirlpool hot tubs (2 forward + 2 midship) which are served by 3 Poolside Bars/open-air venues for fast food and beverages (1 forward + 2 midship).

Promenade Deck (deck 9) is an open-air space (running from midship to aft/stern, portside and starboard) with outdoor seating/alfresco dining areas.

"The Shops of Princess" is a 2-deck shopping complex (midship on decks 7-8) consisting of top-luxury boutiques selling designer high-end brand merchandise (jewelry, leather goods, watches, perfumes, cosmetics). The onboard brand stores include Cartier, Bvlgari, Chopard, Burberry, Gucci, Montblanc, Rado, Princess Shop (cruise brand's logo merchandise), Bazaar (new shop selling destination-specific goods). On the new Sun Princess is offered merchandise from 200+ brands, including 25 first-at-sea retail brands. On Deck 8 are "The Premium Watch Lounge" (), "The Fine Timepieces Boutique" (selling premium collection watches from Rolex, Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, among others) and "The Beauty & Wellness Boutique" (shop selling premium cosmetics and skincare products from Chanel, Dior, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Comfort Zone, Neom Organics, This Works, Rituals, REN Skincare). Exclusively for the Sun Princess ship, the company signed a partnership with Diamonds International (the world's largest chain of tax- and duty-free jewelry stores) to present its premium collections of custom-made items (jewelry and watches) using premium-quality gemstones and rare diamonds. Diamonds International’s top collections also present exclusive designer brands like Safi Kilima Tanzanite, De Beers Forevermark, Crown of Light Diamonds.

Princess Live! Lounge & Bar (deck 7) is a TV studio for the Princess Cruises' shipboard live TV show programming (spots and music performances) filmed each day to be broadcast to the passenger staterooms. The venue is redesigned and expanded (combines the design elements of Princess Live! and Explorer's Lounge), with full bar/beverage service, a stage (with a large LED screen) and is served by the Gelateria (fka Affogato Bar). During the day, guests enjoy participatory activities like trivia, game shows, the Wake Show.

Sea View Terrace (fka The Beach Club) is a bow-facing observation lounge (forward on deck 16) with a glass-roof cover and direct stair access to The Dome (sundeck area on deck 17).

The ship has a 2-level Signature Lounge (aka Suite Lounge) exclusive to Suite passengers. The Suite Lounge (aft on decks 15-16) provides complimentary snacks and beverages, comfortable seating, restrooms, and is directly accessed by two lifts/elevators.

Lotus Spa is a wellness complex on two floors (midship on decks 5-6). The lower level (deck 5) consists of Relax Room, Treatment Rooms (for massages), Showers and Changing Rooms (male/female). The upper level (deck 6) is "The Enclave" grouping a Thermal Suite (3 times bigger than the traditional Lotus Spa), Hammam/Oriental Steam Room, Caldarium/aroma steam room, Laconium/sauna, aromatic Sensory Showers, Hydro-therapy Pool (with 3 Whirlpools and cascading rain shower), Male/Female Change Rooms.

The Sanctuary (aft on Deck 18) is the ship's adults-only sundeck/recreation area with luxury chaise lounges, its own swimming pool and a spa pool/hot tub, and is served by the open-air Sanctuary Bar (light meals/steward service). The Sanctuary is also fitted with private 4-guest outdoor cabanas (spa massages, Royal Indulgence Package/surcharges PP apply).

In comparison to the fleetmates, some of the venues already available in the fleet are redesigned and expanded (like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Crown Grill/steakhouse, Sabatini's Trattoria, Princess Casino, Crooner's Bar, International Cafe, Good Spirits At Sea, Gelateria, Princess Live!), while others are fleet-firsts (like the Princess Arena, and the 3-deck high restaurant Horizons Dining Room/aft on decks 6-7-8).

The ship's live entertainment program includes new for the fleet production shows, a group of 13 professional dancers, and 8 cirque artists (performing at The Dome). Princess Arena hosts nightly the new productions "Vallora, A Pirate Quest" and "Viva La Música", "Fiera!", as well as the musical "Stage Struck". The Dome hosts nightly "Cirque Eloize" as well as three new shows titled “Artbeat”, “Blue” and “Come Fly Away". The Piazza (Atrium's base/lower level) hosts various musical performances and acts.

Itineraries

Sun Princess itinerary program starts with an inaugural Mediterranean season (2024 February/spring and summer) ending with a westbound Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the USA (RepositionCruises.com) for a Caribbean deployment based on homeporting in Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades (Florida USA) .

Due to delayed delivery, the Maiden Voyage (initially scheduled to depart from Barcelona on February 8, 2024) was canceled and rescheduled twice - for Feb 18th and eventually Feb 28th.

The original 10-day "Inaugural Grand Mediterranean Cruise" had to visit Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Spain), Messina (Sicily Italy), Piraeus-Athens (Greece), Kusadasi-Ephesus (Turkey), Santorini Island, and Naples, ending in Civitavecchia-Rome. The second 10-day Maiden Voyage (Feb 18-28, roundtrip from Civitavecchia) included visits to Messina, Corfu Island (Greece), Heraklion (Crete Greece), Kusadasi-Ephesus, Piraeus-Athens, and Naples.

The inaugural European season 2024 includes the following itineraries as themes.

• 7-day "Mediterranean with Greek Isles and Turkey" (between Rome and Athens)
• 7-day "Mediterranean with Greece and Italy" (between Athens and Barcelona)
• 7-day "Mediterranean with France and Italy" (between Barcelona and Rome)
• 9-day "Grand Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome)
• 10-day "Grand Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome or between Barcelona and Rome)
• 10-day "Grand Western Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome)

9- to 23-day "European Explorer" itineraries are between the Mediterranean and Southampton (England UK).

The Transatlantic relocation cruise (16-day "Iberian Passage" itinerary from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale) departs on Sept 23, 2024, and visits Portland England, Vigo Spain, Funchal Madeira Portugal, and Tenerife Canary Islands Spain.

The ship's inaugural Caribbean program (2024-2025) is based on the following ex-Fort Lauderdale roundtrip itineraries:

• 5-day "Caribbean Getaway" - visits Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk.
• 7-day "Eastern Caribbean with St Thomas USVI"
• 7-day "Eastern Caribbean" (Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Princess Cays)
• 7-day "Western Caribbean" (Cozumel Mexico, Belize City, Isla Roatan Honduras)

The Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are combinable into 14-day B2Bs/back-to-back cruises (Caribbean Adventurer).

Note: All 7-day Eastern Caribbean voyages visit the Bahamian private island resort Princess Cays/Eleuthera .

Sun Princess - user reviews and comments

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Other Princess Cruises cruise ships

• Caribbean Princess
• Coral Princess
• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Enchanted Princess
• Grand Princess
• Island Princess
• Majestic Princess
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Sky Princess
• Star Princess

Sun Princess Wiki

Princess Cruises' SPHERE-class ships are two units by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri , with the first one (Sun Princess) entering service in 2024 and the second one ( Star Princess ) in 2025. These are Princess' ever-largest vessels as well as the company's first LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas).

In July 2018 were ordered two new-class (larger than Princess' ROYAL-class) liners with GT-tonnage/volume 178000 tonnes and passenger capacity 4300 (lower berths). These are the fleet's first dual-fuel (MGO and LNG/primarily) vessels. The shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri ( Monfalcone Shipyard ) was signed on March 27, 2019, with deliveries initially scheduled for 2023 (Sun) and 2025 (Star). Both contracts were signed by Jan Swartz (Princess' President) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).

Princess Cruises in 2018 had 5 newbuilds on order with Fincantieri. The SPHERE-class units were Carnival Corporation 's 10th and 11th LNG-powered ships.

By GT-tonnage/volume (178K) Princess SPHERE is the largest Italy-built vessel so far.

The Sun Princess vessel (Fincantieri Monfalcone yard/hull number 6310) was originally scheduled for delivery (to Princess Cruise Lines Ltd) in January 2024 and to start passenger shipping operations on February 8th/Maiden Voyage. However, its delivery was delayed 20 days (February 28th).

The vessel's construction officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony on September 3, 2021, held at Fincantieri's Centro Servizi Navali (steel factory in San Giorgio di Nogaro, to the west of Monfalcone). Sun Princess was launched/floated out from drydock on March 8, 2023.

In February 2023 were announced the new ship's senior officers, including Masters/Captains (Craig Street and Paolo Arrigo), Staff Captains (Brian Whelan and Valerio Esposito), Hotel General Managers (Simona Stumberger and Ralph D'Souza), Chief Engineers (Gaetano Guida and Davor Pavlovic-Kalifo).

Inaugural cruise itineraries (2024)

The next tables show the ship's Maiden Voyage as well as the inaugural cruise itineraries by destination/homeport scheduled for 2024.

Prices are in USD and per person, based on double occupancy.

Due to prolonged shipyard work, two inaugural sailings were canceled.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE/ canceled ) 10-day "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary

(new MAIDEN VOYAGE ) "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary - 10-day, from $1400 pp

(inaugural "The Best of the Mediterranean" itinerary) 20-day, from $3100 pp

(inaugural departure from Greece) 14-day, from $2260 pp

(inaugural relocation voyage) 23-day from the Mediterranean/Europe to the UK, from $3260 pp

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing) 16-day from Europe/UK to Caribbean/USA, from $1480 pp

(inaugural Caribbean cruise) 5-day "Caribbean Getaway with Grand Turk" itinerary, from $540 pp

(inaugural "Caribbean EastWest Adventurer" itinerary) 14-day, from $1620 pp

Note: The "Caribbean EastWest Adventurer" is a B2B/back-to-back cruise that combines two 7-day itineraries - the "Eastern Caribbean with St Thomas" with the "Western Caribbean with Mexico".

Sun Princess® – Talk About Exciting and New

You'll love it to the sun and back.

Find Sun Princess Cruises    View Sun Princess Deck Plans

What Were We Thinking of When We Designed the New Sun Princess? You.

We pondered everything, so you can feel the love on the cruise vacation of your dreams.

Because here, the sun revolves around you.

Park19 – An Adventure That’s Tops

We know you love spending time with your favorite people, so we created a (tip)top-deck space everyone can enjoy...together. Soar like a bird 19 decks above the waves on the Sea Breeze Rollglider®, a first at sea.(You can even go for a ride now with this AR preview!) It's just a taste of what you'll find at this wonderland for kids and adults alike.

Watch Video: Sea Breeze Rollglider® AR (Augmented Reality) Preview

Sea Breeze Rollglider® and The Net Ropes Course

Infinite Horizon Tilt Wall

Coastal Climb, Splash Pad & The Lookout

Be Spellbound on Sun Princess®

What’s behind the black door? Spellbound, a spectacular one-of-a-kind experience created in partnership with The Magic Castle™. This Victorian-themed bar features magicians performing mind-bending entertainment, themed rooms and theatrical cocktails served with sleight of hand. Feel like you’ve stepped into Hollywood’s iconic Magic Castle™, where time stands still and your imagination runs wild.

Watch Video: Spellbound on Sun Princess

Inaugural Cruise: 2024  |  Guest Cabins: 2,150  |  Guest Capacity: 4,300  |  Number of Decks: 21  |   Tonnage: 175,500  |   Length: 1,133 feet

Get ready for the greatest entertainment under the Sun.

This glass-enclosed dome is multilevel and multipurpose: pool by sunlight, stage for shows by starlight. .

Come Fly Away

"ooh" and "ahh" over artists who fuse acrobatics, dance, comedy and daring feats to visually dazzle you in the dome, a pretty breathtaking venue in its own right. that's just a taste of what you expect from three new dome shows created in collaboration with world-renowned cirque é loize..

We know you enjoy sweeping views, so we built our Piazza in a sphere of glass.

See the World in a Whole New Light

It’s more than ocean vistas in every direction; it’s being immersed in the world around you like never before. The heartbeat of our ship, our Piazza may have been inspired by the town squares of Europe, but her evolution is out of this world.

The Venues of The Piazza

Coffee Currents

Bellini's Cocktail Bar

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First look: Sun Princess, the giant new ship from Princess Cruises

Editor's Note

Call it a new era for Princess Cruises .

The California-based line's new ship, Sun Princess, is its biggest ever by far . But it's not just size that sets it apart.

As I am seeing this week during one of the first sailings of the still-not-quite-finished, 4,300-passenger vessel, its design marks a turn for the line as it tries to appeal to a younger audience and more "new to cruise" customers who might not have considered the brand before.

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Sun Princess is more lively, more kid-friendly and more chock-full of dining, drinking and entertainment options than any other Princess ship that has come before.

It's also the first Princess ship with a separate suite complex aimed at the growing number of big-ship-loving vacationers willing to pay big bucks to be extra pampered while at sea.

Will it be a hit? Only time will tell. Princess regulars know what they like, and what they like isn't necessarily giant, activity-packed vessels. But that might not matter if Sun Princess succeeds in drawing in a new wave of Princess fans.

Here are my first impressions of the ship after three days on board.

It's more kid-friendly

Princess has never been known as a family brand. Until recently, the average age of a Princess cruiser was nearly 60, and its ships catered heavily to older couples and retirees. But with Sun Princess, the line is making a big move to make families with younger kids feel more welcome, even if they're still not the target market.

Notably, a large chunk of the top deck of Sun Princess is covered with a family-friendly play zone called Park19 — the sort of thing that, until now, Princess just hasn't done. Park19's marquee attraction is Sea Breeze, a hang-gliding-like ride experience that is billed as a first on a cruise ship.

The area also has a ropes course with swinging bridges and balance beams and a climbing wall-like experience that will take visitors to a lookout at the very top of the ship, with slides that will take them back down. There's a splash zone with water jets, too.

Alas, none of these attractions were open this week, as they weren't quite ready — despite the ship being on its second sailing with paying passengers. I thus didn't have a chance to try them. But from what I saw, it will be a major upgrade to the family-fun experience on a Princess ship.

In addition, younger travelers will find major new tween and teen hangout zones (called Neon Grove and The Underground, respectively) within the ship, plus a large playroom for the littlest Princess cruisers called Firefly Park.

Neon Grove and The Underground have all the sorts of games your tweens and teens will love, from PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles to foosball and air hockey tables, and they're home to movie and disco nights, scavenger hunts and the like. Firefly Park is set up for arts and crafts, themed parties and group games aimed at the little ones.

Another major family-friendly upgrade for Sun Princess is the addition of far more connecting cabins (100) than is typical for a Princess ship, as well as a new category of larger Cabana Mini-Suite cabins that will appeal to families looking for more space.

In adding all the above, Princess is doubling down on a market that is already in its wheelhouse: multigenerational groups that often include the grandparents, their middle-aged children and their younger grandchildren. It's giving that demographic just enough family fun to make sure the younger set in those groups feels at home.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises

That said, Princess isn't trying to be a family line like Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line . You won't find the truly over-the-top family attractions such as giant water parks, go-kart tracks and water coasters that those lines offer sprawled across Sun Princess' top decks. And for the typical Princess cruisers, that's probably just fine.

It's got a lot more options for foodies

Are you the sort of cruiser who never likes to eat in the same place twice? Sun Princess is the Princess ship for you. The vessel has a far more diverse array of eateries than any Princess ship to date — a conscious effort by the line to offer its customers more options.

In addition to the two specialty restaurants found on almost every Princess ship (the Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria), Sun Princess is home to the Butcher's Block by Dario, a new meat-focused grill designed in partnership with celebrity Italian butcher Dario Cecchini (if you've seen Netflix's "Chef's Table," you know who he is).

It also has three new Asian dining options: Makoto Ocean, a sushi eatery designed by James Beard Foundation honoree Makoto Okuwa; teppanyaki-serving Umai Teppanyaki; and hot pot venue Umai Hot Pot (the latter two outlets share the same space).

In addition, Sun Princess is just the fifth Princess ship to get a version of the new Princess seafood eatery, The Catch by Rudi, designed by Princess head of culinary arts Rudi Sodamin. (Holland America fans know Sodamin as that line's longtime master chef.)

Yet another new venue, Love by Britto, is coming to the ship soon. Billed as an "artistic-inspired dining experience" designed in partnership with the artist Romero Britto, it'll overlook the wake of the ship in a space that isn't quite ready.

During my sailing, I've only had a chance to try Makoto Ocean and Umai Teppanaki. Makoto Ocean serves up the Edomae-style sushi that Okuwa showcases in his restaurants in Miami, Brazil, Mexico City and Panama. (You might also know Okuwa from his stint on The Food Network's "Iron Chef.")

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess cruise

Overlooking the ship's central Piazza, Makoto Ocean wows with a tasting menu of well-presented and quality sushi and handrolls (at a fixed price of $45 per person).

Alas, it's a venue marred by its location, as the noise from entertainment in the Piazza is overwhelming. While I dined, there was the cacophony of a live game show with cheering crowds taking place just steps away, followed soon after by a high-volume tribute to Motown. If you're sensitive to sound, bring your noise-canceling headphones.

Umai Teppanyaki (also $45 per person, fixed price) is a classic Teppanyaki eatery, complete with chefs yukking it up while they cook in front of you in a way your kids will love.

Among other dining changes, Princess has shaken up its no-extra-charge main dining room format with the debut of Sun Princess to offer more diversity. The top level of the three-level venue is now known as Americana and offers a speedier meal service with an all-day menu of comfort food items such as fish and chips, chicken wings, fried chicken and breakfast burritos. (Yes, you can order the breakfast burrito and other breakfast items for dinner.)

Related: This major cruise line is now serving breakfast for dinner

It's a great option if you want a quick bite without braving the madness that is The Eatery, the ship's too small and crowd-packed buffet.

The middle level of the main dining room (called Horizons) offers come-when-you-want anytime dining with the normal drawn-out service. The lower level (also called Horizons) offers the more traditional fixed-seating dinner format that once was de rigeur at Princess.

I was impressed with the presentation and quality of the Horizon menu items. It was a step up from what you'll find in the included restaurants on some other big, mass-market ships.

Taken together, the additions and changes to dining on Sun Princess as compared to earlier Princess ships amount to a major new direction in dining for the line. Unlike such rival big-ship lines as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, Princess has never been known for offering a lot of dining choices on its ships.

It's bustling at night

Sun Princess has the liveliest night scene of any Princess ship in the fleet. And that's a saying a lot, as Princess ships are traditionally lively at night. Princess has long been known for having lots of entertainment running at once in multiple venues.

On Sun Princess, a trip down the vessel's main entertainment drag on Deck 7 in the evening takes you past one bustling nightspot after another, from an Irish pub with live music to a comedy club that doubles as a karaoke lounge.

Among the biggest changes as compared to earlier Princess ships is that the main theater (at the front end of Deck 7) has gotten a major upgrade to allow for more high-tech shows. Dubbed the Princess Arena, it's an innovative, 990-seat space that can be configured three different ways: As an "in-the-round" theater, a 270-degree "keyhole" theater and a traditional proscenium theater.

Princess is calling the arena the most technologically advanced entertainment venue at sea ever, though we're sure Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean (two lines known for some very high-tech shipboard theaters) would quibble with that.

Related: The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained

The Princess Arena will eventually be home to four mostly new production shows, none of which are ready. For now, the line is using the space for performances by feature entertainers such as magicians and vocalists.

Among other big changes, the ship's central hub, The Piazza, has been transformed into much more of a showroom (more on that in a moment), and there's yet another major new entertainment space at the top of the ship in The Dome — an unusual glass-covered venue. Princess is promising aerial shows in The Dome, but those, too, aren't quite ready to go (if you've noticed, this a theme with this ship; lots of its most notable new venues aren't ready).

The Dome itself felt smaller than it looked in the drawings the line released in advance of the ship's debut. There was also a limited amount of space for seating during nighttime shows or lounging during the day (when it serves as a solarium-like lounge and pool space). For shows, it's billed as having a capacity of just 250, about a fourth the amount of the Princess Arena.

The Dome on Sun Princess isn't anything close in size (or impressiveness) to the massive new glass-covered dome atop Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas — the new world's biggest cruise ship.

One other new entertainment venue, a magic-infused nightspot called Spellbound by Magic Castle , debuts Wednesday. Stay tuned for a full report here at TPG later this week.

Its pepped-up Piazza might turn off regulars

If Princess ships have a signature element, it is The Piazza, a central atrium-like space found on most Princess ships that serves as a sort of town square. You'll typically find an espresso drink-serving, conducive-to-conversation cafe at the base of each of these spaces and other venues for conversation, such as wine and Champagne bars, plus a few shops. Some of the piazzas are surrounded by pizzerias and seafood bars, too.

For many longtime Princess fans, The Piazza has always been a lovely place to relax with a coffee, as you would at a square in Italy, and talk with friends or take in the occasional low-key entertainment that Princess has traditionally put on — violinists, guitarists, jugglers and the like. It is, as Princess says on its website, a "diversified and relaxing experience" — to me, relaxing always being the operative word.

It is relaxing no more. On Sun Princess, The Piazza has been turned into much more of a full-blown entertainment space, one that is home to an almost nonstop rotation of musical performances, game shows and group activities like line dancing, that is broadcast across speakers at sometimes ear-splitting decibels.

Rising three decks, the circular space features stadium-like seating around its second and third levels that gives it the feel of a theater in the round. It has a large LED screen at one end and a stage that can rise from the floor.

It's also rigged for aerial performances, which were not running when I was on board as they weren't quite ready. But they'll be coming.

There's also a DJ booth, from which a DJ was blasting music at close to dance club levels on the first day of our voyage.

Related: Don't miss these perks when sailing with Princess

As a longtime Princess cruiser, I find it all a bit much. I miss my quieter atrium, and I suspect other Princess regulars will feel the same. That said, The Piazza as a bigger entertainment space might be just what Princess needs to draw in younger, more entertainment-driven customers, particularly the coveted "new to cruise" crowd that hasn't sailed with the line before.

Judging from the fact that The Piazza has often been packed with onlookers this week during the many performances taking place in it, it might be that Princess has played this move to more piazza pizzazz just right.

Its cabins get the basics right ...

The standard rooms on Sun Princess aren't flashy, but they get the basics right — more than right. In many respects, they are superbly designed. And you can't ask for much more on a mid-priced cruise ship.

While the finishings aren't luxurious, Deluxe Balcony Staterooms (the type of cabin that I was in and the most common cabin category on the ship) have an inviting, modern look with the right amount of furnishings and amenities, all in the right places.

Measuring 200 square feet, not including the balcony space, the Deluxe Balcony Staterooms are just big enough to fit in a queen size bed flanked by two small nightstands and an adjacent sitting area with a sofa and a (very) small coffee table.

There's also a built-in desk area across from the sofa with a chair and a generous amount of built-in closet storage near the entryway. The closet is deep enough to contain my large-size men's shirts and jackets on hangers without crushing them sideways, something that isn't always the case with built-in closets on newer ships.

The desk area is just about as perfectly designed as can be, with a large-for-a-cruise-ship work surface, a large lighted mirror, three useful built-in drawers, and more outlets and USB ports than even the most device-laden traveler could want. (We're talking multiple U.S.-style outlets, a European-style outlet, multiple USB ports and even USB-C ports!)

Related: Everything you need to know about Princess cabins

More power points are above the nightstands next to the bed — a U.S.-style outlet, a USB port and a USB-C port on each side. Plus, the nightstands have little drawers and shelves that augment the room's storage.

The bed itself is cloud-like comfortable, with high-thread-count cotton sheets that had me drifting into a deep slumber in no time. For those of you who want to watch a show before bedtime, a large and crisp TV is positioned perfectly on the wall just beyond your toes.

Among the room's little touches, I loved the hidden nightlights under the nightstands that snap on as you walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night, illuminating your way just enough so you don't crash into the wall. Another nightlight in the bathroom flips on as you approach. Why don't more cruise lines add these?

The bathroom itself is a lesson in everything-in-its-place efficiency. Sleek and modern, it offers a glass-walled shower just big enough to let you get all soapy in comfort without any wasted space and a just-big-enough sink area topped with a large lighted mirror.

If there is one flaw to the rooms (and this one is a head-scratcher), it is that their "do not disturb" buttons are on the outside of the cabins. In other words, when you're ready to go to sleep or otherwise be left alone, you have to open your door and reach around to switch on your "do not disturb" light. To me, that's just weird. Why not have the button on the inside?

Nearly 1,000 of the 2,157 cabins on Sun Princess are Deluxe Balcony Staterooms. Several other cabin categories on the ship, including Premium Oceanview and Interior cabins, have a similar look and features but lack a balcony.

... but its new suite zone is a miss

Princess is nearly 20 years behind some of its big-ship competitors in adding suite zones to ships. But the line is finally acknowledging it might have made a mistake in not jumping on the trend.

Sun Princess is the first vessel in the line's 59-year history to have a large grouping of suites — 50 in all, ranging in size from a relatively modest 304 square feet (for what's known as a Signature Penthouse Suite) to a sprawling 1,260 square feet (for a Signature Sky Suite).

Even more notably, all of these suites, dubbed the Signature Collection, come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, a two-deck-high lounge overlooking the ship's wake and an outside sun deck — a first for Princess.

These exclusive suite-only areas represent Princess' first move toward offering the sort of upscale "ship within a ship" luxury zones that have been a mainstay on many of the big vessels operated by Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises for years and that have more recently been popping up on Royal Caribbean ships and Celebrity Cruises vessels, too.

Unfortunately, Princess didn't cluster all the new suite features in one area, which seems odd given the line's executives said they started from a blank slate when designing this new class of vessels.

The Signature Restaurant, exclusive to suite guests, is in a busy (and noisy) public area off the ship's central Piazza on Deck 7, far from most of the biggest suites. Those accommodations are at the back of the ship on decks 15, 16 and 17.

And while the Signature Lounge is logically nestled among the biggest suites on Deck 16, it's relatively modest in size and not well tied into the suites around it. While you'll need a suite keycard to get into the lounge, the suites themselves are not within a keycard-access-only area and thus can be reached by any passenger on the ship — a turn-off to privacy-seeking suite guests. This is not the way most other cruise lines do these special suite areas.

The Signature Sun Deck, meanwhile, is just above some of the biggest suites. But it's just a breakout section of The Sanctuary, the extra-charge, adults-only lounge area found atop Princess ships. It also seems small given the number of people staying in Signature suites (100, assuming two people for each of the ship's 50 suites).

The suites themselves, while big in many cases, lack the sort of high-end design that you'll often find in top cruise ship suites. Each of the Signature Sky Suites, for instance, has an enormous master bathroom, but the space is poorly used with a bizarrely small shower in one corner, a narrow bathtub laid out sideways along the wall next to it, an almost amusingly tiny toilet jammed into the far corner and a narrow sink area, all on the edges of what is a huge empty space in the middle of the room.

It's as if the ship's architects forgot to specify what was going to go into the bathroom until it was too late, and the shipyard just stuck in whatever it had.

My take: Princess still has a ways to go if it wants to offer a truly world-class suite experience.

Bottom line

Sun Princess is the first of an all-new class of ships at Princess Cruises that are far bigger and more venue-packed than any vessel the line has debuted before. For vacationers who like a lot of choice when they travel, whether it be for dining, drinking or entertainment, it'll no doubt be the best Princess ship yet. For those who prefer an older-style, more intimate Princess experience, it might be a ship to skip.

That said, as I am seeing this week, there's still a lot on Sun Princess that Princess regulars will recognize. It's a ship designed to be evolutionary for the brand, not revolutionary.

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Sun Princess Deck Plans

*Floor plans, amenities and stateroom diagrams represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship. Certain stateroom categories may vary in size and configuration by ship. Square footage varies based on stateroom category and deck location. Stateroom views are considered unobstructed unless noted otherwise. Obstructions do not include certain nautical items like handrails, dividers or ship hardware. For balcony staterooms, the view is determined from the perspective of the balcony railing. Balconies may have either solid steel or toughened glass railings. Upper berth and bed ladder capacities are 250lbs. Staterooms that can accommodate rollaways have two lower berths, one upper berth and can accommodate a fourth berth as a rollaway bed upon request at time of reservation. There are a limited number of rollaway beds per ship, per voyage. Use of rollaway beds restricts cabin space. Contact Princess Cruises for more information.

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Sun Princess in the News

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Here’s What We Know About the New Sun Princess

• September 21, 2022

After months of anticipation, Princess Cruises recently revealed the first details of its first Sphere Class newbuild, the Sun Princess, set to debut in early 2024.

Here’s all we already know about the ship and its features:

Third Ship to Carry the Name Sun Princess

The new Sun Princess will be the third ship to carry the name Sun Princess. First introduced by Princess Cruises in 1974 , the name continued to be in use until 1988 before being revived for the first time in the mid-1990s .

Sold in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic , the second Sun Princess debuted in 1995 as the leader of the four-ship Sun-Class. At the time, it featured the cruise line’s first ever 24-hour cafe and the fleet’s largest number of balcony cabins.

Largest Princess Ship Ever Built

The new Sun Princess will be Princess Cruises’ largest ever cruise ship. Taking over the title currently held by the 145,000-ton Discovery Princess , the 175,000-ton newbuild will accommodate over 4,300 guests and feature larger public areas.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri Shipyard, the 21-deck vessel will also become the biggest cruise ship ever built in Italy

Innovative Guest Experience and Fresh Staterooms

According to Princess, the ship was designed to offer dynamic views of the world, in addition to innovative experiences, from service to food to entertainment. The vessel’s lighter and brighter look will embrace the outside and celebrate the romance of the sea while offering more outward views, the company added.

The Sun Princess will also feature what Princess calls “newly appointed suites and staterooms” that feature more outdoor balcony space. Among the total of 2,157 accommodations, 1,500 feature balconies and in-room sofas, while 50 are suites and 100 are connecting rooms, the company said.

New Ship-Within-A-Ship Concept

One of the new features of the vessel, is Princess’ first ever suite enclave. Building on the trend of the ship-within-a-ship concept , the company will offer two new accommodation categories: the Signature Collection and the Reserve Collection.

Comprising the vessel’s best suites and mini suites, the first includes access to private areas such as a restaurant, a lounge and a sundeck, while the second comes with its own private restaurant and in-cabin cabanas.

First Ever Geodesic Dome on a Cruise Ship

The Dome is the first-of-its-kind, glass-enclosed geodesic dome ever constructed on a cruise ship. According to Princess, the venue will work as a cutting-edge multi-purpose area that changes functions as the day goes by.

Inspired by the terraces of Greece’s Santorini Island, the multi-deck area features an indoor/outdoor pool, and unique water feature for use during daytime. At night, the pool becomes a stage, and the Dome transforms into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe, lighting effects and the ability to deliver aerial performances.

Three-Story Piazza Atrium

The Piazza, Princess’ signature atrium, will spam three stories, forming what the company calls an “iconic architectural feature” that offers an outward-looking suspended space designed with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy the ocean views.

The center of the venue will also be equipped with a large LED screen which can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza Atrium will be a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, along with Princess favorites like Crooners Bar and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

Sustainability and LNG-Powered Propulsion

As part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising initiative, the new vessel will also focus on sustainability. 

Equipped with different environment-friendly features and technologies, it will be one of 11 new ships in the corporate fleet powered by Liquified Natural Gas. One of the cleanest fossil fuels currently available in the market, the LNG significantly reduces air emissions, minimizing the vessel’s environmental footprint.

Inaugural Season in the Mediterranean, Followed by Caribbean Debut

The new Sun Princess is set to enter service in early 2024, offering an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises.

Following its European program, the vessel is poised to debut in North America with a series of Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, beginning in the fall of 2024.

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Sun Princess - June 15, 2024

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June 15, 2024

June 15 - 6, 2024

Sun Princess

Princess Cruises

21 Night The Best Of The Mediterranean

from Piraeus, Greece

The June 15, 2024 cruise on the Sun Princess departs from Piraeus, Greece. On this 21 Night The Best Of The Mediterranean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 15 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Sun Princess sets sail on a Saturday (June 15, 2024) and returns on a Saturday (July 6, 2024).

The Sun Princess was built in 2024 and is amoung Princess's 17 ships in it's fleet. The Sun Princess is included in the cruise line's Sphere Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Sun Princess vs all other Princess ships.

All Itineraries

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

This natural harbor on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro was an important artistic and commercial center with famous masonry and iconography schools in the Middle Ages. A large number of its monuments, among which four Romanesque churches and the town walls, were heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1979 but the town is now completely restored.

This natural harbor on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro was an important artistic and commercial center with famous masonry and iconography schools in the Middle Ages. A large number of its monuments...

Though once ruled by Venetian doges, Turkish sultans and French invaders, today's Corfiot citizen is as Greek as they come. Marvel at the 17th-century icons in St. George's Church, the medieval Palace of Phrourio or the 19th-century Achilleion Palace. The greenest of the Greek Isles, Corfu also boasts thriving vineyards and olive orchards among its rugged mountains.

Though once ruled by Venetian doges, Turkish sultans and French invaders, today's Corfiot citizen is as Greek as they come. Marvel at the 17th-century icons in St. George's Church, the medieval Palace...

The setting for Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Messina has much to offer in the way of history. Its dramatic, boulder-filled harbor has challenged navigators since the days of Ulysses. Try to visit the city's Bell Tower at the stroke of noon--the hour when one of the world's largest and most fanciful mechanical clocks springs into action. Messina's museum is also noteworthy for its Renaissance masterworks.

The setting for Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Messina has much to offer in the way of history. Its dramatic, boulder-filled harbor has challenged navigators since the days of Ulysses. Try to...

One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of...

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street...

One of the "Pillars of Hercules," Gibraltar is an historic landmark with British and Spanish influences. Guarding the entrance to the Atlantic, the great rock still serves as Britain's threshold to the Mediterranean. Take a cable car to the top of the rock for a spectacular view of two continents as well as the famous Barbary apes.

One of the "Pillars of Hercules," Gibraltar is an historic landmark with British and Spanish influences. Guarding the entrance to the Atlantic, the great rock still serves as Britain's threshold to...

The most populated city in France after Paris, Marseille has all the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean melting pot, which it has been ever since the Phocaean Greeks invaded around 600 B.C. Its industrial docks rub shoulders with the picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. Packed with colorful fishing boats and yachts, the Vieux Port is the heart of Marseille.

The most populated city in France after Paris, Marseille has all the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean melting pot, which it has been ever since the Phocaean Greeks invaded around 600 B.C. Its...

Christopher Columbus hailed from Genoa "the Proud," which enjoys one of the most illustrious maritime histories in all of Italy. It also features the largest medieval city center in Europe as well as Renaissance palaces that once enthralled Rubens and Van Dyck. From here, you can take an excursion to Milan, Italy's vibrant epicenter of fashion, business and the arts, to feast your eyes on The Last Supper and tour the grand opera house of La Scala.

Christopher Columbus hailed from Genoa "the Proud," which enjoys one of the most illustrious maritime histories in all of Italy. It also features the largest medieval city center in Europe as well as...

Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll...

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the Greek Isles. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the...

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and...

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just...

Sun Princess Ship Info

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• Signature Suite
• Signature Penthouse Suite
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On this page you will find Sun Princess features, history, sister ships, and useful facts provided by Cruisedeckplans.com. Look at the bottom of the page for the LIVE TRACKING position of Sun Princess

Princess Cruise Line

General information.

The Sun Princess started sailing in 2024. Former names: none. The Sun Princess is registered in Hamilton, Bermuda. The Sun Princess has 2162 cabins. You can expect between 4324 to 5189 passengers on a typical sailing. This means that at the higher number (usually peak and holiday sailings) Sun Princess has a space ratio of 33.8. (A space ratio less than 33 means that you may find the ship crowded in areas. A space ratio greater than 39 means that there should be plenty of space for each passenger.) When this ship isn't sailing at capacity the space ratio can be as good as 40.6. The Sun Princess has 1547 crew members on board. There are 3 passengers for every crew member on board. There are self serve laudromats on this ship.

Sister Ships

The following ships share the same class as this ship. This means the basic design and layout of the ship is the same. For the most part the cabins will be identical among these ships, but may be decorated differently. 2024- Sun Princess 2025- Star Princess

Accessibility

There are 55 special needs cabins on this ship. These cabins have been modified for accessibility purposes.

20 Decks

There are 20 on this ship. The highest deck number is 21. The number of decks with passenger cabins is 10.

70% Balconies

This is the percent of the staterooms on board have balconies.

Other Information

Built in 2024, Sun Princess is the first ship in the fleet to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). This cleaner burning fuel will significantly reduce air emissions and marine gasoil to minimize our environmental footprint. She is the third ship to be honored with the Sun Princess name, adding to the legacy of the first ship sailing from 1974 to 1988 and the second ship sailing from 1995 to 2020. There are 2162 staterooms on board. The new SPHERE ships have oceanview cabins, as well as new types of suites that provide premium amenities and bonus perks such as an exclusive restaurant, lounge, bar, and sundeck. This ship has the fleets first Park19, which is a 3-floor family themed activity zone. It includes a Rollglider (electric ride), Coastal Climb (ropes course), The Lookout (observation area), The Net (trekking facility), Infinite Horizon (stunning views), Hammock Area (relaxation deck), Splash Zone (aquapark), Recreational Court (multi-sports), and childrens facitilies which offer age-appropriate supervised activities. The Dome is a glass-roof covered sundeck that at night transforms into an entertainment venue where the pool becomes a stage. New features for this class also include a 3-story high Piazza Atrium, new entertainment venues, new-design staterooms, and 29 bars/lounges/dining venues. Dining options on board include: Horizons Restaurant- 3 deck main dining room Signature Restaurant-Suite Dining Room Reserve Collection Restaurant- Inclusive Restaurant Ocean Front / Kai Sushi Bar-specialty seafood bar with a la carte menu/sushi, sashimi OMalleys Irish Pub The Catch by Rudi (Specialty seafood restaurant by master chef Rudi Sodamin) Crown Grill/Sterling-steakhouse Sabatinis Italian Trattoria World Fresh Marketplace-Lido restaurant Alfredo’s Pizzeria Promenades fast food bars-slice pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fresh-baked bagels, ice creams Altitude Restaurant-specialty restaurant Butcher’s Block by Dario Umai Teppanyaki- Japanese grilled cuisine Nightly entertainment can be found at one of the many lounges and bars on board. The Princess Arena Theater is the main show lounge which offers nightly productions and is 2 decks high. There is also a casino, Princess Live! Lounge & Bar, Crooners Bar & Lounge, and Wheelhouse Bar & Lounge. For suite passengers there is a Signature Lounge that offers complimentary snacks and beverages. The Lotus Spa is on 2 floors and has a Relax room, treatment rooms, Thermal suite, Hammam/Oriental Steam Room, Caldarium/aroma steam room, Laconium/sauna, aromatic Sensory Showers, and Hydro-therapy Pool (with 3 Whirlpools and cascading rain shower). First two sailings cancelled. Maiden sailing changed to Feb 28, 2024.

Sun Princess Ship Stats

Sun princess features.

• 1 Retractable Roof Pools

• 11 Whirlpools (hot tubs)
• No Rock Climbing Wall
• No Flow Rider
• No Ice Rink
• No Waterslide
• No Water Park
• Ropes Course
• No Mini Golf
• Sports Court
• Jogging Track

• No Cigar Lounge
• Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• No Bridge Viewing Area
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Teen Lounge
• No Passenger Promenade
• No Upper Deck Sea Viewing Lounge
• Adult Only Outside Lounge Area
• Rollglider Track

Live Cruise Ship Tracking - Sun Princess

Smoking policy.

• Smoking is prohibited in all staterooms and balconies with the exception of electronic cigarettes which may be smoked inside the stateroom
• All smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas. These areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, and a portion of the open decks.

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Sun Princess Itineraries Cruises

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Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

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That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

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There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel