Sun Princess: What’s Princess Cruises’ most ‘elevated’ ship really like?

Sun Princess is not only the biggest ship in the Princess fleet but comes with many firsts and innovations for the brand. But with innovation and firsts comes risks. We cruised from Athens to Barcelona to find out what Sun Princess is really like.

Princess Cruises describes Sun Princess, the first ship in their Sphere Class, as an elevated cruise experience with a greater focus on lifting the quality of all amenities, services and experiences. And to deliver this elevated experience they have both wielded the knife and waved a magic wand.

Wedding chapel, gone. Art gallery, gone. Plastic shower curtain that sticks to you, gone. In their place, there is an embarrassment of ‘new’ and ‘firsts’ and ‘mosts’: 

– More balconies than any other Princess ship.
– A new geodesic dome that acts as both a sun deck and performance space where three of the four new cirque-inspired productions are staged.
– A new small arena theatre-in-the-round style entertainment stage. 
– A host of new restaurants.
– A ‘first at sea’ magic show housed in a secret bar. 
– A new kid-friendly active play area that includes a ropes course.  

In reality, Sun Princess is pushing the boat out (bad pun intended) on what a Princess Cruise really offers which raises two questions. Will they be able to keep their incredibly loyal customers happy? Will they attract new customers with the Sun Princess and more Sphere Class ships due in the coming years? 

This following review will help you answer those and other questions in detail, but for those who want the headline, here is the summary.

Sun Princess Review Summary

She is a sparkling, glorious new ship who’s decor and aesthetic is most certainly elevated. 

Princess is a traditional cruise brand, steeped in its Love Boat roots and Sun Princess doesn’t stray too far from these successful foundations, just some necessary tweaks and updates (shower curtains being exhibit A). 

The entertainment on board is smart and contemporary while the food a jump up in class for Princess, which is typically loved by passengers. 

For example, Sun Princess served up the the best steak I have had in any main dining room of any cruise ship. As the dining room is the bellwether for a cruise ship’s standard of culinary offerings, it is a very good sign.

The Medallion technology adds value to the experience and the elevated stateroom decor, space and design is a more sophisticated Princess experience.

The addition of more kid focused facilities will certainly please the multigenerational and Gramping (grandparents taking grandchildren and leaving the second generation at home) cruisers.

If this has piqued your interest, then you are ready for the more detailed review below:

Sun Princess – What we loved
Sun Princess – What we would change
Sun Princess – Who will love it?
Sun Princess details

Sun Princess – what we loved

Medallion 

It’s not new but the Princess Cruise’s Medallion (they confusingly call it Medallion Class which makes you think it is specific to some fancy suite class, but is across the entire fleet and all cabin classes) is a wonder.  

About the size of a 20-cent coin, The Medallion is a wearable disc. It will open your stateroom door upon your approach, and work as a credit card. 

The device also alerts staff to your name and assists with service. Staff will know your preferences for things like drinks or coffee orders. It can feel a little Big Brother the first time a barman who has never served you before addresses you by name, but after a while you like it.  

The Dome 

This geodesic dome is a ‘first’ and therefore obviously ‘new’ on Sun Princess.  It looks like a mega-fauna armadillo has climbed aboard and fallen asleep on the bow at decks 17 and 18. The unusual shape houses a multi-use day/night space.  

During daylight hours this tiered seating across both decks is a covered sunning space with a pool. The pool is a clever indoor/outdoor innovation that passes under the dome wall to emerge on the Sea View Terrace. It also connects the two most forward lounging spaces.  

At night the pool section under the Dome is covered to create a stage for a new series of productions. Intelligent design has imbedded the lighting and staging technology within the dome structure to facilitate aerial cirque performances across the entire space.  

The only challenge is the Dome only seats 250, so it is not unusual for guests to start claiming their seats 45 minutes before the show time to avoid missing out.  

Princess Arena 

A 270-degree ‘keyhole’ performance space, the Arena seats 990 but feels far more intimate. The tiered plush seating feels very close to the stage even in the back few rows.  

Sabatini 

The Italian Specialty dining on board all Princess ships is excellent. And the highlight, without a doubt, is the Lobster Tortellini. It is so good I would happily eat at Sabatini’s every night. 

Umai Teppanyaki 

The first Teppanyaki on board a Princess ship, Umai is not just a great meal. The space is a sophisticated enclave that could easily be in Tokyo.  

Add the highly entertaining chefs (“I am your fake Japanese chef for the evening”) who add a great deal of singing, theatre and giggling crowd participation to the experience – and it’s another not-to-be-missed meal.  

Spellbound 

A collaboration with LA’s Magic Castle, Spellbound is a dinner and show experience worthy of the additional charge. A magic show can easily become tacky and awkward, however this was quite the opposite.  

After a set menu (just a choice between three mains) dinner with drinks is served in a roped-off section of the Horizons dining room, guests are transferred to the speakeasy bar hidden off the Piazza on deck eight.  

The transfer is a little clunky but the bar and 30-seat theatrette where the magic (another bad pun intended) really happens is fantastic.

Entering via hidden doors, the bar area is a dimly lit Victorian mansion of curios and oddities style with deep velvety red sofa seating. The magic shows are entertaining, engaging and “how did they do that” high-quality illusion and conjuring. 

Wine list and cocktails 

Cruise wine lists can be so US-centric as to challenge an Australian palate, but not this one. It’s extensive, covering a significant range from across the globe. The Australian representation on the list is the best available at sea.

For wine lovers, the wine immersions, or experiences, particularly the Super Tuscan tasting, are excellent.  

There are some 200 new cocktails designed just for the Sun Princess. We thoroughly enjoyed the Houdini’s Escape at Spellbound and the Cartagena Cool at Good Spirits. 

Sanctuary 

Again, not exclusive to Sun Princess, the Sanctuary Deck is the adults-only (16 years and above) pool area on deck 18. Typically, the Sanctuary is at the forward of the ship, on Sun Princess it is at the stern.  

The exclusive quiet enclave with a private bar is pure relaxation. The most sought-after seating is at the very stern in the Signature Sun Deck where magnificent views of the wake are reserved for suite guests only. 

Sun Princess – what we would change

With anything that is this experimental, there are going to be tweaks over the coming reiterations of the Sphere class of ship.  

Let the (sun)light in 

The eponymous mid-ship spheres straddle the Piazza like Princess Leia’s buns and bring a lot of light into the centre of the ship. However, many of the other internal spaces – particularly the eateries – on the ship are inward-facing cul-de-sacs with no windows or little natural light.

The aft Port side of decks seven and eight are closed. Not utilising this space for the natural light seems like a missed opportunity. 

Give us a sign  

The directional signage is not helpful when you are trying to find a location or outlet, particularly if you are looking for something that is not on your current deck. The ship navigator interactive screens help, but not when you are in the lift.  

Smoking Casino 

The Casino on level eight is very much in the heart of the ship and has an internal smoking space that leaks the smell of smoke into the forward lift well on deck eight and even up a few decks of stairs. It is not smoky, but the smell is noticeable on occasion.  

Lounging 

One of the secrets to big ship cruising is to find your space. Typically, there are two or three places in and outdoors that are quieter and allow some comfortable lounging in relative peace and quiet.  

We found this at the small outdoor area above the Wakeview terrace, outside of The Catch or Butcher’s Block, and the outdoor heated lounge area on the promenade of the International Cafe, also on deck nine.  

However inside, there was no great lounging space to be found that was relatively peaceful or quiet.  

The Dome, whilst technically indoors, is a very bright glass roof. Further, it’s cramped and more sun lounger than sofa. 

Cabana Mini Suites 

These resort-style staterooms are fantastic in theory but a little clunky in reality and don’t realise their full potential. There is a great stateroom in there, it’s just not quite figured out how to be great yet.

A Cabana Mini Suite is a totally new cabin type, adding a cabana to the stateroom and greatly expanding the outdoor area with a covered yet open room to the balcony.  

This creates a stateroom with four distinct areas (plus the WC); a lounge, the spacious queen-sized bed, the cabana and the balcony. 

The Cabana is separated from the bedroom and internal lounge by a sliding door and then the Cabana from the balcony by space-creating bi-fold doors.  

The Cabana has an outdoor two-seater lounge opposite a wall-mounted TV. The flooring is a polished hard surface that presumably can handle any weather. It’s designed for lounging in front of the screen with the bi-fold doors open – which would be a lovely afternoon if that’s what you want to do on a cruise. 

The ability to lounge in such an indoor / outdoor space is very appealing – I should be raving about it. I like it but I didn’t want to use it as much as it deserves.

The solution (I am spit-balling) is probably to upgrade the lounge to a more plush outdoor day bed and reorientate to the outside and view and not a wall-mounted TV. If I want to watch TV I can move the furniture.

It is a great innovation but as the first reiteration, it will be improved with future generations of Sphere class ships.  

Sun Princess – who will love it?

Princess Cruise loyalists are lovers of a traditional style cruise. In practice, this is an overabundance of interactive staff-led activities like trivia, bingo, wine tasting, ballroom dance classes, Zumba dance classes, etc. 

Plus, themed evenings, often with a dress code and a photo op in your glammed-up gear. The dress code should not put people off, as formal is very much in the eye of the beholder.  

This is all present on Sun and is elevated, as claimed, with modern updated decor and both traditional and more lively entertainment.  

By ‘lively’ entertainment we mean not as sedate as other Princess cruises. For example, one of the late evening music performances is a rock show that plays the very best of the ’70s and ’80s. Think Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Eric Clapton ‘turned it up to 11’ in the Piazza. They drew a great crowd of both those who saw these rock legends live in the ’70s and others who came to enjoy them later via radio. 

The Spellbound show and the productions from Cirque Eloize (think Cirque De Soleil, light) are also examples of elevated and more contemporary entertainment.

The more traditional Princess loyalists were a little disconcerted with the size of the ship, but I would put that down to the unfamiliar. In time they would probably come around.

While families do cruise on Princess, the reality is more intergenerational and couples. The kid’s clubs and entertainment are acceptable, but would not suit eight to 17-year-olds on an itinerary with multiple consecutive sea days. They would need to be getting off and exploring ports most days. 

For non-Princess loyalists, Sun Princess suits active couples who want an easy and simple way to see new parts of the world with entertainment and options to upgrade their meal and beverage experiences without fuss. 

Sun Princess details

Sun Princess itineraries 

The Sun Princess will be sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries in 2024 and 2025.  

Princess Cruises packages explained 

There are two package types onboard all Princess Cruises; Premiere and Plus.

Princess Cruises Princess Plus Package

The Princess Plus package is the entry-level package and includes: 

– Wi-fi for one device.
– Beverage Package including the post mix soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, cocktails, wine and spirits up to $22 (onboard this is US$15) plus 25 per cent off any bottle of wine.
– Premium desserts are available at the Gelataria and some coffee outlets, thinks sundaes etc.
– Fitness Classes, which incur a charge for non-package guests, are included.
– Casual dining twice at the non-complimentary casual outlets (but not the Specialty Dining) like Alfredo’s Pizza or Kai Sushi.
– OceanNow delivery, which translates to room service but anywhere you may be on the ship.

Princess values the package at $170 a day and charges $65 per day per person.  

Princess Cruises Princess Premier Package

The Princess Premier package ups the levels of the Plus package, with a few additional extras. The package includes: 

– Wi-fi for four devices.
– Premier Beverage Package which is the same as the Plus Package but wine and spirits up to $30 (onboard US$20).
– Specialty Dining on two occasions.
– Reserved Theatre seating for the production shows.
– Casual Dining as often as you like.
– Photo package which delivers endless digital versions of your pictures plus three prints.
– Premium Desserts, as per the Plus package.
– Fitness Classes, as per the Plus package.
– OceanNow, as per the Plus package. 

Princess values the package at $313 a day and charges $95 per day per person.  

Sun Princess suites and staterooms 

There are 2157 staterooms onboard Sun Princess, including 80 suites. There are 51 wheelchair-accessible staterooms.  

The suites are all considered part of the Signature Collection, which comes with access to the private Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and Signature Sun Deck. The Cabana Mini Suites have access to a private outdoor deck.

There are seven major types of suites and staterooms.  

1. Sky Suites

The premier room type onboard with two beds and two bathrooms with concierge and your-wish-is-my-command service. The Sky Suites are 117 square metres. 

2. Suites

Typically, a one-bed spacious suite with balcony sitting and lounge spaces. They range in size from 28 to 59 square metres.

3. Cabana Mini Suites

As described above, a resort-themed stateroom with expanded outdoor space. They are typically 30.5 square metres. 

4. Mini Suites

The suite without the Cabana and a slightly more spacious floor plan; typically 28 square metres. 

5. Deluxe Balcony

Judging by the floor plan, this is the Cabana Mini Suite without the additional cabana space. Typically, 21.8 square metres. 

6. Premium Ocean View

Similar floor plan to the Deluxe Balcony except the balcony is now a window with a recessed bench seat. Typically 19.7 square metres. 

7. Interior Stateroom

The most compact and affordable of the staterooms, the twin beds and a WC are squeezed into 12.6 or 13.5 square metres. 

Sun Princess restaurants

There are 30 different bars and restaurants onboard Sun Princess. The Signature Collection guests have exclusive access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant and the Signature Restaurant. 

INCLUSIVE DINING

The food outlets included in the cruise fare are: 

The Eatery – The buffet on deck nine seats 742. There is no self-service, all meals are delivered across the counter by staff.  

Horizons Dining Room – The main dining room, spread across three decks; six, seven and eight. 

The Lido – Four outlets on the pool deck 17 serve salads (Lido Greens), burgers and hotdogs (Lido Grill), pizza (Lido Slice) and kebabs and tacos (Lido Tacos). 

Promenade dining – On the outside of deck nine, the alfresco options serve burgers and hot dogs (Promenade Grill), ice cream and pizza (Promenade Slice).  

SPECIALTY DINING

These restaurants all have an additional charge:

Alfredo’s Pizzeria – The specialty pizza place with an open oven on deck nine within the Piazza precinct. 

Love By Britto – This brand-new establishment is a collaboration with a Miami artist and serves up avant-garde, love-themed dishes. It will be launching in June 2024. 

Makoto Ocean – The sushi house on deck eight in the Piazza precinct (it used to be called Kai Sushi).  

O’Malley’s Irish Pub – A first for Princess, O’Malleys is pub food with lively Irish singing and music, on deck seven in the Piazza precinct. 

Sabatini’s – Located on deck eight, Sabatini’s is the Italian eatery found on all Princess Cruises, and a deserved crowd favourite. 

Crown Grill – The signature steakhouse restaurant across all Princess Cruises, found tucked in behind O’Malley’s and opposite Princess Live on deck seven. 

The Butcher’s Table – This new concept launched on Sun Princess delivers six different small portions of Tuscan meats served with chianti and Italian sides. It is found on deck nine aft.  

The Catch by Rudi – A specialty seafood restaurant that shares a space with the Butcher’s Block on deck nine aft. 

Umai Teppanyaki & Hotpot – One of our favourites, this lively eatery is also great food. The restaurant is hard to find near the mid-ship lift well on deck eight. 

Sun Princess bars

There are 12 bars onboard. Below are bars to note.  

Bellini’s – As you would expect the Italian-inspired cocktail bar in the Piazza precinct on deck seven. 

Crooners – The crowd favourite and on all Princess cruises, Crooners is found on deck eight in the Piazza precinct.  

Good Spirits – Tucked in behind Princess Live on deck seven, this is a secret space serving up a significant collection of cocktails thanks to a collaboration with Rob Floyd, a US celebrity mixologist. 

Sea View Bar – At the bow of the ship outside the Dome, this is often an overlooked bar well worth an afternoon sunsetter. 

Wake View Terrace – The small sun deck space with an infinity edge pool on deck eight is a sought-after spot, so grab your spot at about 4pm and then enjoy one of the great vistas, the wake, with a drink.