Combining luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and entertainment that pushes the boundaries of what cruisers expect, the Sun Princess is the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet (until October 2025, when the Star Princess will debut). Launched in 2024, it marked the debut of the line’s Sphere Class, a new generation of ships designed with more space, more light, and new venues not found anywhere else in the fleet.
At over 4,300 passengers and 21 decks, it’s also the largest ship Princess has ever built. For travelers who thought they knew what to expect from a Princess cruise, Sun Princess delivers something different, with a design and lineup of experiences aimed at both longtime loyalists and first-time cruisers.
Overview of the Ship
As the largest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet, the Sun Princess boasts impressive specifications and features. With a capacity to host over 4,300 passengers, this ship redefines luxury cruising. From its state-of-the-art design to the innovative amenities that other ships in the line don’t have, the Sun Princess provides a top-notch cruising experience.
With 21 decks, an expanded spa, multiple dining and drinking experiences, and unique entertainment venues, the Sun Princess is a new experience even for seasoned Princess cruisers.
Sun Princess Accommodations and Cabins
The Sun Princess offers a variety of staterooms and suites to suit every traveler’s needs. In addition to traditional interior rooms and options with balconies, the Sun Princess offers several new classes of rooms to its cruising experience.
There are three categories in the Sanctuary Collection – Deluxe Balconies, Mini-Suites and Suites. The Cabana Mini-Suites provide additional space with an attached private cabana area whose sliding doors expand outdoor access. The Sanctuary Mini-Suite has more square feet than a traditional balcony cabin and offers access to the new Sanctuary Collection.
Another change is that on the Sun Princess, there’s no need to rush to reserve a spot because the Sanctuary Club and an exclusive restaurant are available to any guests staying in suites that are part of the Sanctuary Collection. However, that now means, unlike in years past on other ships, the Sanctuary area isn’t available to anyone who isn’t staying within that class of rooms.
All staterooms, no matter if it’s an interior cabin or a full suite, are equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen televisions, plenty of storage space, a safe for valuables and, unique in the cruising world, shower doors instead of a curtain that traditional rooms have. Even the toiletries are a step above, with the hand soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion made by Beekman 1802.
Dining Options on Sun Princess
Dining on the Sun Princess is a culinary adventure. With more than 30 dining and drink locations, there’s always a place to grab a snack or meal. As with other Princess ships, some venues, such as the Main Dining Rooms, have no additional costs. The Sun Princess also has what they refer to as Casual and Specialty dining spots. These locations, such as The Butcher’s Block by Dario, Umai Hot Pot or O’Malley’s Irish Pub, have an extra dining fee per person.
Guests with the Princess Plus® or Princess Premier® package can enjoy Specialty and Casual restaurants at no additional fee since some of those meals are included in the package price. Anyone who doesn’t have a package or has used their allotted amount will have the charges applied to the credit card on file for their room.
While the specialty restaurants are fun, one can eat all day without paying any additional fees on the Sun Princess. Three venues on the pool decks serve tacos, salads and pizza for free. The Eatery (or buffet) is extensive and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Main Dining Room has three levels and provides spectacular wake views. There is also free popcorn during Movies Under the Stars, and The International Cafe, which serves pre-made sandwiches, snacks and desserts, is open 24 hours.
Sun Princess Onboard Activities
Since the Sun Princess is such a large ship, many activities occur throughout the day and evening. Passengers will find traditional cruising offerings like bingo, game shows, live music, and trivia. There is also a large casino on board as well.
Multiple pools are available, but unlike other Princess ships, there is no adult-only pool on the Sun Princess. Adults on this ship looking for a getaway where children aren’t allowed will need to book time in the Enclave thermal area of the Lotus Spa. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center that offers a variety of fitness classes for an extra fee (unless included in the Plus and Premier packages).
There are several experiences onboard the Sun Princess not seen anywhere else. The first is Spellbound. A private experience for a limited few who reserve a space each night, this dinner and drink experience centers around magic, and guests even need to be escorted to a hidden door to enter.
Another fun activity is to experience a show inside the Dome where acrobats fly through the air at night during special shows. During the day, the Dome is an enclosed area where guests can relax on cushioned loungers and enjoy the indoor/outdoor pool. At night in the Dome, enjoy a free show where acrobats fly through the air doing aerial tricks never experienced on a cruise ship.
Family and Kids’ Activities on the Sun Princess
The Sun Princess is a family-friendly ship with a wide variety of activities for children under 17. The ship’s kids’ clubs are supervised and divided into age groups, with separate areas on different decks:
- Firefly Park – for the youngest guests ages 6 months to 7 years old and their families. After hours group babysitting is available.
- Neon Grove (pre-teens) and Underground (teens) – two separate areas for these groups to hang out and relax with video games, air hockey, and group activities including scavenger hunts and dance parties.
In addition to the kids’ clubs, the ship offers Movies Under the Stars at a screen overlooking one of the swimming pools, family game shows and other family-friendly activities.
One area that never opened, though, was the highly anticipated Park19. Located on the 19th deck, Park19 has several features, including a RollGlider that would take guests over the edge of the ship, along with a hammock area, jogging track and other fitness activities.
Touted as a standout addition to the Princess line, it was a feature that got many families to book trips. Unfortunately, while completely built, the area never opened to guests when the ship launched in February 2024. Princess Cruises later announced that they will not open the RollGlider, Coastal Climb wall or aerial Ropes Course portion of Park19. The area has become a track and sports area with seating, but little shade to escape the sun.
Destinations of the Sun Princess
The Sun Princess began its journey sailing through the Mediterranean, France and Spain and will continue visiting those ports during the late spring, all summer and early fall. When weather gets cooler in Europe, the ship transitions its home port to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in October, where it sails in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
