Reviewed by: Malcolm Leyland
Date: April 2024
Cruise line and ship: Princess Cruises – Sun Princess
Size of ship: 177,882
Guest Staterooms: 2,157 – featuring 80 suites
Passenger Capacity: 4,300
Year built: launched February 2024
Currency onboard: Unless noted, onboard currency is in U.S. dollars. However, on select Australian-based itineraries, the onboard currency is in Australian dollars.
Stepping aboard the brand new Sun Princess, I knew this was going to be a special trip. From the moment my feet landed on the deck I could see the ship was a marvel of modern design and there was a lot to explore.
The Piazza, with its three-storey LED screens that moved to change the space, had natural light that engulfed a space full of bustling activity and memorable views out to the water. The new Sphere Class vessel was immediately showing a new direction for ship design from Princess.
During a quick stop in the cabin for a much needed refresh, I was again surprised by all the touches that Princess included. Easy to reach USB sockets, automatic night lighting, light and bright colours and glass shower screens. Not to forget the amazing medallion that unlocks your door as you approach…that never gets old!
We went behind the scenes to see how it all comes to life and had a bridge tour from the Captain himself. Our first day began as a relaxing sea day, with a leisurely exploration of the ship’s many nooks and crannies.
The Sun Princess is a true marvel, boasting an array of amenities that cater to every whim and fancy. From the expansive pool decks that offer amazing ocean views to the tranquil Lotus Spa where relaxation reigns supreme, every corner of this ship is designed to delight.
I couldn’t help noticing that so much natural light was flowing into the ship, illuminating an already bright decor. I truly felt a connection to the ocean, even from within.
We made stops in Corfu, Bar, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples with every port offering up a huge array of things to do. The Sun Princess really stood out in these ports and could be seen from very far away.
On our departure in Bar, Montenegro, a huge group of locals came out to farewell the ship and our captain didn’t disappoint them, playing the Love Boat theme through the ships horn. This was met with huge cheers and waves for what was a really special moment for us and them!
It would be wrong of me to not mention the incredible food found onboard Sun Princess. From breakfast in the cabin, or breakfast to go, to sit down and relaxing to eat, nothing was too hard. Not one of the meals was amiss.
The main dining room occupies three-storeys and offers some fantastic views of the ocean. The top level runs as an American-style Diner that proved to be very popular and absolutely delicious, whilst the other 2 levels were for more traditional dining options.
I was able to try casual dining options with Alfredos and O’Malley’s Pub, both of which were exceptional. Each restaurant charges a small $15USD cover charge for 3 courses, included with Princess Premier and 2 seatings with Princess Plus.
All the usual Princess offerings are found onboard as well, combining all the new experiences with the tried and tested with over 30 options to choose from! I was also extremely lucky to be able to tour the galley whilst onboard and very impressed at how so much of the food onboard is made from scratch. The technology to keep the food fresh and the temperature just right was also mind boggling. Princess have spared no expense to ensure their guests have the best quality meals and keep food waste to a minimum.
A cruise ship wouldn’t be a cruise ship without a vast array of speciality dining options and Sun Princess was fully loaded in this department. New to the ship and in collaboration with Magic Castle, Spellbound combines a dining experience and magic show that hasn’t been seen before on a cruise ship.
After a themed three-course meal, we were whisked away behind a secret door in the main atrium. Beyond this door we were treated to all sorts of magical surprises a plenty and left wondering – just how did that happen? Not to forget some truly incredible, one-of-a-kind crafted cocktails too! A truly unique experience and not something I would have expected onboard a cruise ship.
Later in the cruise our group also experienced Umai Teppenyaki which, like Spellbound, is new to Princess. While dinner was incredible, the standout was our chef, putting on a great show for all of us, full of laughs and memories that are long lasting.
The entertainment onboard was another highlight. From Broadway-style shows to dazzling acrobatic displays in the Dome, there was never a dull moment. Of particular standout were the nightly live performances in O’Malley’s that had everyone jigging along. On another night, we laughed until our sides ached at a hilarious comedy act. Each performance was top-notch, showcasing incredible talent and leaving us wanting more.
One of the most heart warming aspects of our cruise was the exceptional service. The crew members were not just staff, but part of the family, always ready with a smile and eager to ensure our experience was perfect.
Their genuine warmth and attention to detail made us feel pampered and cared for every step of the way. Princess really turned it on during this cruise and I really felt I could have been on a 700 passenger cruise ship, not one with more than 4,000. My room steward had even noticed I had forgotten to put my coffee order in before going to sleep and had made sure it was delivered right on time.
As our journey on the Sun Princess came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. The cruise had been a whirlwind of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments, offering a gateway to a world of wonder and delight.
Every aspect of this cruise was designed to captivate and enchant. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, excitement and a touch of magic, Sun Princess is the perfect choice.
Link to Bridge Tour video – https://youtu.be/bZau-dSz_RE
