We are thrilled to be partnering with Princess Cruises to take you on board the newest ship in their fleet, the Sun Princess, as it embarked on its second voyage through the Mediterranean. This stunning cruise ship is a work of art, and we are so excited to share every detail about what you can expect when cruising on this new and highly anticipated ship!
Everything You Need to Know About the Sun Princess Cruise Ship
Table of Contents
- When Was the Sun Princess Built?
- How Big is the Sun Princess Cruise Ship?
- What Makes the Sun Princess Unique?
- What are the Rooms Like on the Sun Princess?
- What Are the Dining Options on the Sun Princess?
- What Are the Entertainment and Activities Offered on the Sun Princess?
- What Amenities are on the Sun Princess?
- What We Loved About the Sun Princess
When Was the Sun Princess Built?
Construction of the Sun Princess began almost seven years ago in the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
She made her maiden voyage on February 28, 2024, setting sail from Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy, and embarking on a 10-day one-way Mediterranean cruise.
The Mediterranean was a sentimental choice for the inaugural sail as it marks the 40th anniversary of the first Princess cruise ship to set sail in the Mediterranean in 1985.
The Sun Princess is Princess Cruises’ newest ship, but it is the third ship to carry the name. The first Sun Princess cruise ship made its debut in 1974 and served as the filming location for the pilot episode of the beloved TV series, “The Love Boat”.
The second Sun Princess was in operation from 1974-2020 before retiring and passing the name onto the newest ship in the Princess fleet.
How Big is the Sun Princess Cruise Ship?
The new Sun Princess is the largest Princess ship ever built and is also the largest cruise ship ever built in Italy.
It boasts 21 decks and has 2,150 staterooms with a max capacity of 4,300 guests. It is 1,133 feet in length with a gross tonnage weight of 177,500.
In comparison, the Discovery Princess from the Royal Class was previously the largest Princess ship. It weighs in at 145,000 gross tons with a length of 1,083. The Discovery Princess has 19 decks and 1,830 guestrooms with a maximum guest capacity of 3,660.
What Makes the Sun Princess Unique?
The Sun Princess is the first ship in the new Sphere Class. The second ship, the Star Princess, will follow not too far behind with a scheduled embarkation date in August 2025.
The sleek design boasts soaring windows and sultry curves that offer a new level of elegance and refinement.
The addition of so many windows also makes the ship feel light and spacious as sunlight streams through almost every deck.
Not only does the new Sphere Class offer an elevated experience, but it also features the first liquified natural gas (LNG) system on a Princess ship.
This advanced fuel technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has far less environmental impact than other ships.
The Sun Princess was also designed with a state-of-the-art balancing system so that the movement of the ship is much less noticeable.
We had stormy weather for one of our days at sea and we could feel some motion, but the rest of the time it almost felt like we weren’t moving at all. It was a game-changer for my husband who is prone to sea sickness!
Along with new and innovative design features, the Sun Princess is also debuting new restaurants, event spaces, and entertainment. We’ll cover this in more detail below.
What are the Rooms Like on the Sun Princess?
Accommodations on the Sun Princess include everything from budget-friendly interior cabin rooms to the luxurious Signature Sky Suite. It is easy to find a room to suit your budget and your needs!
The Cabana Mini-Suites are a new addition to the Princess cruise ships. These spacious staterooms include a private cabana and access to an exclusive deck right out your back door.
We stayed in a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom. One added perk of the Sun Princess is that every balcony room is a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom boasting a larger room with a sofa bed and a larger balcony.
I would highly recommend booking a room with a balcony, it is such a game-changer! There is nothing quite like enjoying a quiet breakfast on the balcony or soaking in the sunset right from the privacy of your room.
One of my favorite moments of the trip was eating fresh pastries and fruit on the balcony while taking in the sights of Sicily.
The well-appointed rooms are spacious and beautifully designed with maximized storage space. We loved that there was plenty of built-in closet space and drawers so that we could unpack for the duration of our 10-day voyage. There was even space to store our empty suitcases.
And when it comes to clothes, you’ll be happy to know that laundry rooms are available on each deck and the washers and dryers are free of charge. Detergent and dryer sheets are also available at no cost!
You are going to fall in love with the new design of the bathrooms as well. They have done away with shower curtains and now feature glass shower enclosures. The water pressure and temperature are amazing too, you would never guess you were showering on a cruise ship!
If you’ve ever sailed with Princess before, you know how comfortable their beds are. They have utilized the help of a board-certified sleep expert to design the beds and they are so dreamy.
With a two-inch pillow-topped mattress, luxurious Jacquard-woven linens, fluffy duvets, and cloud-like pillows, you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep every night of your trip!
Princess also has a reputation for offering the friendliest and most attentive service at sea and we experienced just that on the Sun Princess.
The rooms are cleaned daily by your designated room attendant who will greet you by name. As an added touch, guests will be treated to a turn-down service every evening.
What Are the Dining Options on the Sun Princess?
Of all the cruise lines, Princess Cruises is known for offering some of the most delicious food served in the most beautiful spaces.
You won’t find stereotypical “cruise ship food”, instead, you will find elevated cuisine masterfully crafted by some of the top chefs in the industry.
Sun Princess features reimagined versions of some of the most popular Princess restaurants, as well as introducing new and exciting dining options that are exclusive to Sun Princess.
With 29 dining options including restaurants, bars, lounges, cafes, dining rooms, and eateries, you are bound to find something you love! Keep reading as we share some of our favorites.
Horizons Dining Room
The 3-story Horizons Dining Room is the ship’s main dining room, and she is GORGEOUS!
The soaring floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the ship’s wake. From almost any table in the room, you will be spoiled with endless views of the horizon.
Meals at Horizons Dining Room are included at no additional charge and guests will be treated to a multi-course culinary experience.
In the past, Princess ships have had 3 separate dining rooms. However, on the Sun Princess, the dining rooms are combined into one sprawling space with each floor of the dining room serving a different purpose.
Deck 6 is more formal and designated for reserved dining only. Deck 7 is open to guests without reservations, and Deck 8 has a more casual approach and feels like your favorite neighborhood diner.
The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We especially loved the “lunch bites” menu where guests can sample a variety of dishes in small portion sizes.
The extensive dinner menu will leave you full and satisfied. With so many options, even our pickiest child always found something he loved!
The Eatery
If you are looking to grab a quick bite to eat, head to The Eatery. This casual dining experience offers a variety of options with tastes from around the world.
Everything we tried was delicious and the Caprese Panini was my go-to for a quick lunch!
We love that The Eatery ventures away from the traditional cruise ship buffet. Instead, the food is plated and served by the restaurant staff.
This greatly reduces the spread of germs and helps keep everyone on board healthy and happy!
Lido Deck 17
The food court on Lido Deck 17 was our boys’ favorite spot to grab a quick meal or snack.
You’ll find several different food counters surrounding the pool that offer burgers stacked high with fresh toppings, crispy fries, chewy thin-crust pizza, over-the-top ice cream sundaes, loaded nachos, tacos, gourmet salads, and so much more!
It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and sip a pina colada while lounging by the pool.
Umai Teppanyaki
Umai Teppanyaki was our family’s favorite specialty dining option. This Japanese Teppanyaki Grill is a new dining concept on the Sun Princess, and it is more than just a meal, it is an experience.
The chefs will put on an entertaining and interactive show as they cook your meal right before your eyes. They’ll wow you with their tricks, have you laughing at their jokes, and even toss food for you to catch in your mouth!
The delicious food is cooked fresh to order, and the whole experience is one that you’ll always remember.
Umai Hot Pot
Umai Hot Pot shares a restaurant space with Umai Teppanyaki and offers a unique hands-on dining experience.
Each table is outfitted with a pot in the center of the table where guests can cook their meats, vegetables, and noodles in the boiling savory broth.
Our boys loved being able to play chef for the night and cook their dinner. Everything is so flavorful and tasty, and it was fun to try something new.
Just be sure to save room for the mochi ice cream for dessert, it was our favorite treat!
Crown Grill
Crown Grill is a well-loved specialty dining restaurant on other Princess cruise ships, so we were glad to see they brought it over to the Sun Princess as well!
The modern and classy dining room is the perfect spot to make reservations for formal night on the ship, or any night.
Crown Grill features the freshest seafood and the juiciest cooked-to-order steaks that will melt in your mouth.
The presentation is beautiful, and the food tastes just as good as it looks!
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
Sabatini’s is another timeless Princess favorite with homemade pasta that will transport you to the streets of Italy. I am still craving the lemon cream pasta and spaghetti with handcrafted meatballs!
The newly designed dining room is dripping with elegance and luxurious touches. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an intimate dinner with family or friends.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub
O’Malley’s Irish Pub is a fairly recent addition to the Princess ships that first opened on the Enchanted Princess.
The well-designed space will transport you to a lively pub in Ireland’s rolling countryside with live music and good times all around!
In addition to drinks, the cozy bar serves classic Irish pub fare like Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie.
Kai Sushi by Makoto
Kai Sushi serves masterful creations that are a work of art. The refined multi-course dining experience features Edomae-style sushi from the renowned Chef Makoto Okuwa.
The restaurant is adjacent to The Piazza where there is always something fun going on. The glass wall on the opposite side offers sweeping ocean views while you enjoy your meal.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria
Alfredo’s is another of our favorite signature Princess restaurants.
They serve up the most delicious pizza with classics like the Margherita Pizza and more creative pies like the Amici Perfetti with gorgonzola, mozzarella, sliced pear, and toasted pistachio.
Every pizza is hand-tossed and cooked to perfection which has earned Alfredo’s the title, “Best Pizza at Sea” by USA Today. We also love their salads and calzones, and don’t forget the tiramisu!
Just a heads up, if you have cruised with Princess before, Alfredo’s was previously included in the list of complimentary dining options.
However, Alfredo’s is now considered a specialty dining restaurant on all their ships and has incurred a nominal fee. We feel like the quality and taste are worth it!
The Butcher’s Block by Dario
Dario Cecchini is a world-famous butcher who hails from the village of Panzano in Tuscany, Italy. His family-owned butcher shop and restaurant have been passed down for eight generations and he has even been featured on the Netflix show, “Chef’s Table”.
Guests on board the Sun Princess can now enjoy prime cuts of meat and his family’s recipes through this exclusive partnership.
Before sitting down to eat, guests will enjoy an appetizer and drinks while listening to a presentation about the different cuts of meat and how they are prepared.
Dinner is then served at a shared family-style table where you’ll be able to sample the wide variety of cuts. The meal was both informative and delicious, and my meat-loving boys were in heaven!
Room Service
24-hour room service is the underrated MVP on this cruise ship! My boys’ favorite pastime on the ship was watching movies and ordering fries and cheesecake at midnight.
They were staying in the room next door and without fail, every morning we would come out to see an empty room service tray sitting outside their door. When I say they were living their best lives on this cruise, this is exactly what I mean!
We also loved utilizing room service for breakfast on days when we had early excursions.
Just leave your order out the night before with the scheduled delivery time and you can enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out to explore.
If you are looking for excursion recommendations at each port, see our guide 10-Day Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary.
What Are the Entertainment and Activities Offered on the Sun Princess?
Princess Cruises is known for its outstanding entertainment and its reputation continues on the Sun Princess with new shows and venues.
The Dome
The Dome is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue that has been unveiled on the Sun Princess for the first time ever.
The Sun Princess has been purposefully designed with an abundance of windows to let in the light and showcase the outside views wherever possible. The Dome is the perfect example of that vision.
The terraced villages on the Greek island of Santorini inspired this architectural marvel. You’ll find tiered lounging decks that are the perfect spot to relax with a book during the day. You can also take a dip in the indoor/outdoor pool.
At night, the pool is covered with a stage, and the space is transformed into a beautiful entertainment venue.
This will be the new home of the Cirque Éloize acrobatic show. The final touches were still being done during our voyage so we didn’t get to see the show, but I have no doubt it will be phenomenal!
We also loved visiting the Cascade Bar on the bottom floor of The Dome where you’ll find a mesmerizing waterfall with an LED light show.
Park 19
Families are going to be thrilled with the all-new Park 19 entertainment zone that is new to Princess!
It features the Net Ropes Course, slides, a splash pad, the Coastal Climb structure, hammocks, and a game area with ping pong tables and lawn games.
One of the most highly anticipated features is the Sea Breeze Rollglider where guests can soar high on a track that circumferences Deck 19.
Park 19 wasn’t open quite yet during our cruise, but it will be opening soon and I know it will be a favorite hang-out for your kids!
Kids Clubs
The Sun Princess offers the Firefly Park Kids Club for ages 3-7 years, the Neon Grove Tweens Club for kids 8-12 years old, and the Underground Teen Lounge for ages 13-17 years.
Each designated area is decked out with age-appropriate games, activities, books, movies, and toys.
My boys are 13 and 15 and they had such a fun experience at the Underground Teen Lounge. It was a great opportunity to connect with friends their age.
They played foosball, had Mario Kart tournaments, enjoyed movie nights, participated in competitions and dance parties, and made fun crafts like t-shirts to take home as souvenirs.
One of their favorite competitions was going up to the bar on the Lido Deck and having a contest to see which team could make the best mocktail!
The clubs are closed when the ship is at port, but when they are open there is always something fun going on!
The Piazza
The three-story Piazza takes its inspiration from the European town squares and is the central gathering space on the ship.
The fun kicks off with a Sail Away Celebration in The Piazza and continues throughout the voyage.
The Piazza hosts silent discos, game shows, dance parties, competitions, karaoke, Zumba classes, family activities, musical performances, ballroom dance lessons, and so much more!
The spherical atrium boasts a massive LED screen and is surrounded on all levels with comfortable seating and places to eat or drink.
Relax with a drink from the Crooners Bar, or indulge in a slice of Oreo cheesecake from the International Cafe then sit back and watch the fun!
Princess Arena
The newly designed Princess Arena made its first debut on the Sun Princess.
Instead of a traditional theater with a stage in the front of the room, the Princess Arena has a stage in the center of the room that is surrounded by seating.
This allows guests to have a great view of the stage no matter where they are sitting.
The top-notch entertainment is on par with what can be expected on all Princess cruises. During our sailing, we were entertained by Magical Bones, a street performer turned professional hip-hop dancer turned magician.
He made it to the final cut on Britain’s Got Talent and has performed on shows such as Penn & Teller. He was so entertaining, talented, and funny!
Another favorite was an evening musical performance by the talented Nik Page. His impressive resume includes performing the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in London’s West End.
New innovative shows are in the works for the Sun Princess, including the mystical performance, “Vallora, A Pirate Quest”. Click the link to learn more about the shows and entertainment coming soon to the Sun Princess.
Princess Live!
The Princess Live Theater is a smaller venue that hosts more intimate shows, such as stand-up comedians, game shows, and informative presentations.
We were highly entertained by comedian Tony Daro who was a writer for Saturday Night Live and has written for Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman, Tina Fey, Bill Maher, Jay Leno, and more!
Spellbound by Magic Castle
Spellbound is a brand-new concept in collaboration with the famed Hollywood Magic Castle. We were fortunate enough to get an exclusive sneak peek during our voyage and I can attest that it is such a cool experience!
This Victorian-themed bar is hidden behind a nondescript door that gives off speakeasy vibes with a magical twist.
Once inside, you’ll find magic around every corner with sliding walls, the ghost of Isabella playing the piano, and bartenders with a few tricks up their sleeves.
There is attention to every detail, from the whimsical decor to the elaborate cocktails (and mocktails) crafted by skilled mixologists.
The evening culminates with an intimate magic show that will leave you speechless. It truly is an immersive and memorable experience!
Spots are limited so you’ll need to book reservations in advance. The price includes an exclusive dinner, unlimited drinks, and a show.
Sun Princess Casino
The Sun Princess Casino is the largest casino ever built on a Princess ship. The nearly 9,000 square foot space is filled with over 200 slot machines and 13 live tables for games like Blackjack and Roulette.
Everyone from first-time gamblers to high rollers will have fun trying their luck at this Vegas-style Casino!
What Amenities are on the Sun Princess?
Swimming Pools
The Sun Princess has 5 different heated swimming pools and 9 hot tubs.
You’ll find 2 pools on the Lido Deck, an indoor/outdoor pool at The Dome, an adults-only pool at The Sanctuary, and our favorite pool, the Wake View Pool.
The Wake View Pool is located on Deck 8 at the back of the boat. Two hot tubs anchor this clear infinity pool that offers unobstructed views over the ship’s wake and across the vast ocean.
I’ll let you in on a little insider’s secret. For a cool view, take the glass elevator from the Wake View Terrace up to Deck 17.
There is a door by the Love by Britto Restaurant that you can take out to a small deck with a great view of the pool from above.
Not very many people know about this spot so you’ll probably have the deck all to yourself!
We were happy to see that the Sun Princess still hosts “Movies Under the Stars” on the Lido Deck by the pool.
Guests can soak in the hot tub or cuddle up under a blanket with freshly popped popcorn and enjoy watching an outdoor movie on the big screen.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is an exclusive adult-only retreat with a pool, hot tub, cushioned lounge chairs, poolside cabanas, and a bar.
There is an extra charge to utilize this space and reserve the cabanas, but if the Lido Deck pools are too crowded it’s worth the splurge.
Sea View Terrace
The Sea View Terrace is new to Princess and is one of our favorite places to hang out.
This lounge area and bar are located on the very front of the ship where you’ll find walls of glass overlooking the ocean.
The deck is lined with lounge chairs where you can soak in the views of the cities while at port or the sun sinking below the horizon when you’re at sea.
Lotus Spa & The Enclave
The Lotus Spa isn’t new to Princess, but the sleek two-story design is! This beautiful space exudes luxury and class with an invitation to relax and unwind.
I would recommend booking a signature spa treatment during one of the days At Sea. One of the highlights of the cruise for me was getting a deep-tissue massage while floating through the Mediterranean!
You can also reserve a day pass for The Enclave at The Lotus Spa where you can enjoy the thermal suite complete with a hydro-therapy pool, wet and dry saunas, heated stone beds, and an aroma steam room.
Fitness Center
The fitness center is equipped with treadmills, weight machines, and fitness equipment. They also offer a variety of fitness classes which are included for free with the Princess Premier Package.
There is also a jogging track around Deck 19 that is perfect for an early morning jog or sunset walk with ocean views.
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What We Loved About the Sun Princess
This was our second cruise with Princess, and we understand why they have such a loyal following! The service, food options, accommodations, amenities, and quality of entertainment are always top-notch. You can click the links to read all about our first experience on an Alaska Cruise with Royal Princess.
Overall, we were so impressed with the new elevated design of the ship, it truly is magnificent.
We also loved the variety of dining options and appreciated that they stepped outside the box to introduce new and innovative restaurants like a Japanese Teppanyaki Grill and Hot Pot.
As a family, we were especially thrilled to see the new addition of Park 19. It was unfortunate that the park wasn’t quite ready to open during our voyage, but guests can expect it to open soon.
The upcoming productions and shows promise to be an exciting addition as well. We wish we could have seen them on our voyage, but the shows that we did see were on par with the caliber of entertainment you can expect on any Princess cruise ship.
We felt like there were plenty of activities scheduled throughout the day and ample spaces to relax if you wanted to unwind.
The service is exceptionally friendly and professional as each member of the staff does their part to ensure that each guest has a positive experience.
We still love the convenience of the Princess Medallion that serves as your ID when getting on and off the ship at each port.
It also allows for touchless entry into your stateroom and stores your credit card information for touchless payments. The Medallion even acts as a tracker in case you need to locate one of your shipmates. We used this feature all the time when tracking our boys around the ship!
If you order food or drink on the Princess app, the servers can also track your location and deliver it to you anywhere on the ship.
If you are interested in booking a cruise on the Sun Princess, check the calendar for upcoming cruises in Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond!
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