During the recent maiden voyage of Sun Princess from Florida, Princess Cruises President John “JP” Padgett, told Karryon what’s new and notable with the cruise line and what Aussie advisors need to know about the brand-new ship.
There’s a lot happening at Princess Cruises right now with the unveiling of their new ship-within-a-ship, Sanctuary Collection and the launch of their newest and largest vessel ever, the Sun Princess. For clued-in cruisers, Princess is banking on solid value while it delivers high-seas approachable luxury.
Padgett was appointed President of Princess Cruises in October 2021 after initially serving as Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Experience & Innovation Officer.
He’s behind the Princess Medallion, a wearable device that uses technology to streamline and personalise experiences and services while sailing. Fun fact: He holds 31 patents for design, technologies and processes and has originated over 100 trademarks.
Value meets evolution
As we sit for a chat on board Sun Princess, it’s clear he’s still driven by being an innovator and how harnessing reinvention and transformation provides not just positive experiences for guests but positive regard for cruising in general.
After some initial lamenting regarding the lopsided currency tango and how Aussies take a financial hit when partaking in US-based travel, we get to it.
“When I see someone buy a cruise from Australia, [I know that ] you really wanted this product because you had to absorb that exchange rate difference. It makes us want to serve you even more,” Padgett said, mentioning the quality of this “next-level Love Boat” and elevated experiences in the areas that most matter to guests.
“The F&B on this ship is second to none,” he added and indeed, a cadre of celebrity chefs have planted their flags here, including Dario Ceddhini, who serves an 800-gram tomahawk from his restaurant, The Butcher’s Block.
Padgett waxed poetic about the new public spaces, where everyone can enjoy the “iconic architectural elements”, such as The Dome, a glass-enclosed relaxation-slash-entertainment spot.
“The new venues on this ship are spectacular and the Piazza specifically takes it to the next level. There’s just more engagement, more vibe, more activity and guests love all of that,” he said.
All about the new Sanctuary Collection and AU access
On the subject of value and what’s spectacular, the unveiling of the new Sanctuary Collection is something the Princess team are incredibly proud of.
This insider’s ‘club’ grants suite guests (and some other room categories from the Deluxe Balcony upward) entry to private lounge areas and a dedicated dining room and everything else included in the Premier Package.
“We’re about 10 years late on this,” Padgett reflected with a laugh, but feedback on the ship concerning the collection is, as one travel advisor put it, something that “might convince me to change cruise lines to Princess”.
In terms of Aussies accessing the Sun Princess, which won’t be sailing Down Under, he sees no issues with the new ship gaining traction here.
“Fly-cruise is super important and at the end of the day, the Australian market was closed a year longer than anyone else,” he said.
Bundling “the best deal in travel”
Understanding the Australian market expects to get their money’s worth, Padgett aims to deliver that in spades with more than 50 per cent of guests taking up its packages, or bundling as Princess labels it.
This opt-in, tariff-based daily charge delivers additional benefits, such as unlimited Wi-Fi, specialty dining or alcoholic beverages for guests who desire those upgrades.
Padgett said he’s surprised these package options have had slower pick up in the Aussie market.
“Our bundles are the best value in all of travel, not just cruise. I’m looking for travel advisors to make sure they understand that. I thought that, like the UK, Australia would have the highest [uptake],” he said.
The Princess team is proud of the boutique experience and options they provide in a mega-ship category.
“We combine big-ship choice, big-ship options and then give that small-ship, yacht-class personalisation that just doesn’t exist anywhere else in the industry. The rest? You have to choose either/or and with Princess, you get both. Even within that, you can choose [your bundle] Standard, Plus or Premier.”
Read our firsthand cruise review of the new Sphere Class Sun Princess ship here.
For more info, advisors can call 1300 587 473 or visit onesourcecruises.com.au
