Across more than 200 voyages — dozens of which have been with Princess Cruises — I have witnessed the cruise line evolve over four decades. The original 1984-launched Royal Princess was my very first cruise, and the 2024-launched Sun Princess was my most recent.
Princess has been dependable over the years, and over changes of ownership, but with Sun, I’d say the premium line is finally firing on all cylinders.
Ship and Deck Details Onboard Sun Princess
Sun Princess is the first in the Sphere class of ships, and it is quite striking architecturally. There’s a glass-enclosed globe on the upper, forward-most deck, as well as at the ship’s center. The result is The Dome up top, and the spherical Piazza atrium below — two panoramic, multipurpose venues used for relaxation by day and lively entertainment by night. One could even argue that the former serves as a partially obstructed observation lounge, and both illustrate just how far Princess has come with its exterior design and interior aesthetics, which are anything but dated and pedestrian.
Looking at numbers alone, Sun is the biggest ship to join Princess’ fleet at 177,882 gross tons and 4,300 guests, but it doesn’t often feel that large. An efficient layout keeps crowds spread out, and smart elevators that accept floor numbers and assign cars before loading expedite passage between levels.
It may take loyal clients some getting used to, as their favorite venues are likely in different spots onboard Sun Princess. But once a guest is familiarized, it’s smooth sailing from there. And if one ever does struggle, the way-finding functionality of Princess’ exclusive wearable Medallion technology lets the mobile app and other interactive signage point passengers in the right direction — not to mention automatically unlock cabin doors, deliver food and beverages to any location, scan on and off the ship and more.
The Piazza atrium onboard Sun Princess
Credit: 2024 Jason LeppertOnboard Accommodations Features
Accommodations are truly premium onboard Sun Princess, thanks to much improved entry-level layouts and enhanced amenities. Gone are space-hogging walk-in closets and flimsy shower curtains; in their place are a bank of plentiful cabinet drawers, shelving and hanging space along the side entry wall, as in the Deluxe Balcony cabin I occupied. On the opposite side is a bathroom with ample space and a glassed-in shower.
In the living area, a plush bed and sofa await, and — in a setup that should be a standard on all ships — there are a pair of USB charging ports and a U.S. electrical outlet at both nightstands. Additional USB ports and outlets are at the vanity desk.
Amenities Onboard Sun Princess
Another change from preceding Princess ships is Sun’s ship-within-a ship amenities. Select suite or package choices give clients exclusive access to the bonus Cabana Deck, Signature Lounge and Signature Restaurant and/or Reserve Collection Restaurant. And, most recently announced, is the Sanctuary Collection. Come October 2024, guests in the new category will receive exclusive access to the namesake Sanctuary itself, plus private dining and relaxation areas, as well as a Princess Premiere package of perks.
Alternatively, all guests may reserve a spot at The Sanctuary, which offers a sense of seclusion with a dedicated sun deck, pool, whirlpools and bar with available food delivery.
At Good Spirits at Sea, guests can partake in drink-making sessions.
Credit: 2024 Jason LeppertDining Venues Onboard Sun Princess
Speaking of food, Sun serves up the highest quality I’ve experienced on a Princess ship. The main restaurant, Horizons Dining Room, has been consolidated into one triple-decker venue, versus the three separate ones of the past. Note that each level has a different label and service type: Soleil Dining Room, on deck six, is for traditional dining; Eclipse Dining Room, on deck seven, offers anytime dining; and the All American Dining Room on deck eight offers alternative comfort food at brunch and dinner hours.
With the traditional “lido” buffet relocated to The Eatery, the only poolside offerings are Lido Greens (custom salads), Lido Grill (burgers and hot dogs), Lido Slice (complimentary pizza), Lido Tacos (serviceable Mexican) and Coffee and Cones. And the Cascade Bar in The Dome is not to be missed. Here, guests will find several innovative water-themed drinks below a waterfall. There’s also Good Spirits at Sea, a venue with high-energy, drink-making sessions.
In The Promenade, clients will find an alfresco grill and pizzeria flanking the indoor buffet. In the evening, The Eatery converts its aft stations into two specialty restaurants: The Catch by Rudi, for elevated seafood, and The Butcher's Block by Dario, which offers a seven-course, fixed-price meal, each dish featuring a different cut of beef. This is a carnivore’s delight, though I would suggest skipping breakfast and lunch beforehand.
Also reprised onboard are the Crown Grill traditional steakhouse and Sabatini’s for Italian cuisine. New onboard offerings include Umai Teppanyaki (where clients will find a typical hibachi-style dinner show), Umai Hot Pot and Makoto Ocean (in collaboration with Edomae-style sushi master Makoto Okuwa).
More casual options include (for an up-charge) Alfredo’s Pizzeria, which makes gourmet savory pies throughout the day; O’Malley’s for a-la-carte Irish pub favorites; Gelateria for premium gelato; and the International Cafe for at-cost coffee and free sandwiches, pastries and other snacks. Coffee Currents is a new offering, while classics like Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, Crooners and the Wheelhouse Bar are reprised, though the latter is sadly subdued from previous vintage maritime showcases. Not yet available on our sailing was what will become Sun’s flagship dining venue — Love by Britto — highlighting spectacular views high above the stern for romantic dinners.
Acrobatic acts are performed in The Dome.
Credit: 2024 Jason LeppertEntertainment Onboard Sun Princess
Bridging onboard cuisine and entertainment is Spellbound by Magic Castle. For an exceptional value of $149 per person, participants are treated to one of three illusion-themed, four-course dinner seatings in Horizons before being granted exclusive access to the speakeasy-esque magic venue itself. Participants must be 13 or older, and a formal dress code applies. Additionally, only 90 people, divided into dinner groups of 30, are allowed access each evening.
A welcome drink and unlimited cocktails throughout the night are included in the experience, as is a world-class magic show in a dedicated theater. Clients can also expect outstanding bar-side prestidigitation and the freedom to lounge for hours in one of the coolest cruise ship venues to ever exist. The immersive venue pays homage to all things magic, and it sneaks in several interactive surprises here and there. (Pro tip: Have your clients book the earliest of the three seatings so they can enjoy the experience as long as possible. The doors close near midnight.)
Free to all guests, meanwhile, are poolside movies in the evening, stage shows at the in-the-round Princess Arena, acrobatic acts in The Dome, comedy sets and live music at Princess Live! and further aerial performances in The Piazza. A lot of entertainment was still in rehearsal during our departure, but of the shows we did see,“Vallora: A Pirate Quest” stood out. The production does a fine job blending classic rock music with an adventure narrative., The creative acrobatic performances onboard, which are made in partnership with Cirque Eloize, are also worth seeking out.
If there’s one significant shortcoming to mention, it’s Princess Casino. While its gambling options are fun and its high ceilings are a nice touch, the (permitted) smoking and resulting secondhand fumes (with no enclosed cigar lounge elsewhere) often linger into adjacent venues, including the sushi bar and multiple levels of the atrium.
Those looking to move (or relax) their bodies might do so in nine whirlpools and five onboard pools, one of which is terraced below the Promenade and overlooking the wake. Another stretches below The Dome’s edge, making it an indoor/outdoor option when the acrobatic stage is not extended.
In terms of retail, The Shops of Princess are repeated onboard Sun Princess. Guests can also expect the line’s signature Lotus Spa, with its inviting thermal suite; a Lotus Salon; a fitness center; kids’ facilities for younger children, tweens and teens; and the family-friendly Park19. The latter space was not yet open for our voyage, but soon all ages will be able to enjoy a challenging ropes course, a splash zone, a Rollglider suspended rail ride and more.
Even without everything in full operation, I can say with confidence: Sun Princess sears its solar mark as the best vessel yet from Princess Cruises.
Editor’s Note: Since this review was first published, several changes to the ship have been or will be applied. Many planned Park19 attractions have been scrapped and reduced to simply the SkyDeck Sports Court & Track.
Multiple dining venues will also be relocated by Oct. 14, 2024. The new Sanctuary Restaurant for Sanctuary Collection guests will replace the All American Dining Room on Deck 8 of the triple-level main restaurant, renaming the original venue The Americana Diner and displacing it to Deck 9’s The Eatery, where The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario were previously showcased. The Catch will then take up residency where the Signature Restaurant was previously located (off the Piazza), and The Butcher’s Block will relocate to the current Crown Grill, which reposition to where the Reserve Collection Restaurant used to be.
