Sun Princess is the newest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet, the first in its new Sphere Class of ship. Karryon joins a sailing onboard this newest vessel, set to change the game for the cruise operator.
Apparently, size does matter
The Sun Princess isn’t shy about making a statement. Weighing in at over 178,500 gross tonnes, she’s the largest ship Princess Cruises has ever built. Those 10,000 steps a day we all aim to collect? Here, it’s not even necessary to visit the [remarkably well-equipped] gym to do it in style. Think modern elegance – sophisticated, sexy and chic. She’s gorgeous.
There’s space for about 4,300 guests accommodated in 2,157 staterooms (80 suites). The ship is staffed with a crew of 1,600. As I wander the ship, it feels both spacious and intimate, thanks to a clever design that manages to disperse guests.
There’s always something new to explore – from quiet nooks to bustling entertainment venues. Plus, that extra space? It’s packed with more balconies than any other Princess ship, perfect for soaking in ocean views from the privacy of a stateroom’s vantage.
Not your average Sunrooms
Two of the most striking features of the Sun Princess are The Dome and the Sphere Atrium. The Dome is an indoor-outdoor entertaining space offering 360-degree ocean views to die for. It’s like being on a luxury space station, except you’re on Earth, and you don’t have to worry about zero gravity ruining your martini.
The Sphere Atrium is the centrepiece of the ship, and where the Piazza serves as a buzzy central hub for taking in the scene.
Something for everyone… even your inner Houdini
For entertainment, the Sun Princess is equipped with all the staples one would expect—pools, a wellness centre, and a spa for those days when relaxation takes priority over exploration.
For a remarkable night, I recommend the Magic Castle’s Spellbound, inspired by the super exclusive club of the same name in Hollywood. Accessed via a secret door, the hotspot’s bartenders take cocktails to the next level, and travellers can try them all if they wish.
Inside the magician’s lounge, shows run every half hour. A surcharge of $AU220 ($US149) applies, but it’s worth it. Also, a show in the Arena, the most technologically advanced theatre at sea, is a must-do.
Seeking sanctuary
A big, bold move for Princess is the introduction of the Sanctuary Collection; it just went live on 14 October. This ship-within-a-ship concept offers guests a more exclusive experience with access to the private Sanctuary Dining Room and Club, and the inclusion of the Premiere Package (unlimited premium beverages, specialty dining, Max Wi-Fi, photos, crew gratuities, reserved theatre seating, and fitness classes).
It’s surprisingly in reach, with the Deluxe Balcony category being the entry option for this luxe bundle. Frequent cruiser Anita, who’s on cruise number 92 (though only her second with Princess), remarks, eyes somewhat agog, “That’s incredible value when you add it all up. I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t do that.”
The Sanctuary Club is adults only, and the private cabanas there provide a space to unwind that’s difficult to leave. So, you know what? Don’t.
Gourmet or go home
There are over 29 bars and restaurants on Sun Princess, including 10 specialty venues. A collection of celebrity collaborators like sushi master Makoto Okuwa, chef to the Royals; Darren McGrady; and Romero Britto’s boutique space with everything in love hearts make it difficult to choose, but I recommend Tony Gemignani’s not-so-humble pizza spot. This is last-meal-on-death-row delicious.
EnviroCreds
Sun Princess is powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a fossil fuel that generates 40 per cent less carbon dioxide than coal and 30 per cent less than oil. American wildlife biologist and conservationist Jeff Corwin, who serves as Princess’ Environmental Ambassador, tells us that Princess has a formula that exists not just on Sun Princess but throughout the entire Carnival corporation.
“It’s what allows us to be such leaders in the space of sustainability,” says Corwin.
In addition, crew recycle everything onboard, from thongs to vapes, and the water served is desalinated sea water made onsite… “we’ve reduced our single-use plastics by 90%.” Necessity is the mother of invention, Corwin frequently quips.
Also onboard are food digesters that process organic waste into small, bark-like chips for safe disposal, propulsion systems like gearless azipods, and air release units that create an air bubble layer under the hull to reduce drag. The energy recovery systems onboard make for more eco-conscious cruising — definitely something whose time has come. According to Corwin, “Sustainability is an ethos, but it also makes good business sense.”
It turns out there’s a lot to like about this next-level Love Boat in the Princess fleet. Itineraries focus on the Caribbean, Europe, and the Trans-Atlantic.
Find out more at www.princess.com
