princess cruise december

Hawaii Cruises: Cruise to Hawaii with Princess

Catch the aloha spirit the moment you come aboard a hawaii cruise.

Hawaiian Islands Cruise with More Value

Why settle for seeing just one island on a Hawaii resort-based vacation when you can cruise in style and explore multiple island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value, and you’ll visit popular Hawaiian islands — Oahu , Kauai and the Big Island ( Hilo and Kona ) — without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to our immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm — and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.

Watch Hawaiian Cruise video: Hawaii video

Sail to Paradise on Hawaii Cruises

Our Hawaiian cruises offer an intoxicating mix of island adventure and carefree cruising. You'll venture to four dazzling islands — including a full day and late evening in Honolulu to see the sights and experience its famed nightlife. And there’s so much to do while you’re at sea, like enjoying live entertainment, world-class cuisine, island-inspired activities and endless ocean views — plus it's all included in your cruise fare! Discover why the Travel Channel named us "Best Cruises to see Hawaii."

View Hawaiian Cruises

Want more ways to see the islands? We also offer longer sailings ranging from 19 to 111 days .

Photo: Wailua Falls, Kauai

Aboard Hawaiian Cruises: Aloha Spirit

Step on to a Princess Hawaiian cruise and you’ll be immersed in the color, culture, and flavors of Hawaii through our unique "Aloha Spirit" onboard program. Join in on our colorful King Kamehameha Festival, learn to play the ukulele, dance the Hula, weave a flower lei, see folkloric performances, indulge in tantalizing island fare and so much more. We make cruising to Hawaii just as fun as being there!

Learn more about our Aloha Spirit program

Photo: Fresh flower lei-making on board

Cruising to Hawaii is Easy

With convenient roundtrip cruise departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver, it’s easy to cruise to Hawaii in style and avoid the hassle of a long, boring plane flight to paradise. And if you’re on the West Coast, it’s even easier to sail — local residents can drive in and sail on the same day!

Want to explore the West Coast? You can also take advantage of Princess transportation, hotel, and sightseeing packages to discover these cosmopolitan cities.

Learn more about hotel packages

Hawaii Cruise Articles and Videos

2023-2024 Hawaii Cruises

Your island paradise awaits

8 Best Beaches in Hawaii

Oahu’s famous waves, Kauai’s hidden shores and the Big Island’s black sand. Discover the 8 best beaches in Hawaii and see them for yourself with Princess.

Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

Aloha! Embrace the culture of the islands by learning these Hawaiian words and sayings. They'll serve you well during your next Princess Hawaiian cruise.

Best Hawaiian Cruise Destinations

From the emerald mountains of Kauai to the white-sand beaches of Maui, discover the best Hawaiian Islands to visit when you sail with Princess.

5 Top Hawaiian Staple Foods & Ingredients

Discover the gastronomic array of Hawaiian staple food during your next visit. Hawaiian food and ingredients have influences unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Hawaii Cruise Excursions Bring the Luau to You

Plan your Hawaiian excursions. Princess cruise excursions are pure magic, offering luaus, beautiful beaches and glimpses into Hawaii's unique culture.

See all Hawaii cruise articles and videos

Let Princess Get You There

Cruise Plus ® Hotel Packages

Relax and let us handle the details in any one of our departure ports with Princess Cruise Plus ® hotel packages and transfer options. All Cruise Plus ® offerings provide the same high level of service you’ll experience on your Hawaii cruise, so you can enjoy the peace of mind of a hassle-free transition before or after your voyage.

Photo: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

View Hotels

Learn more about extending your stay

Military Benefits

In appreciation of the brave men and women of the American and Canadian militaries for their service, Princess Cruises® offers up to $250 free onboard spending money for veterans as well as active, retired or disabled military personnel. This special military benefit can be used towards a wide variety of amenities and experiences, including Lotus Spa ® treatments; dining in our specialty restaurants ; gifts , jewelry and clothing in our onboard boutiques ; and Princess Cruises shore excursions .

Photo: USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii

Learn more about our military benefits

Princess Cruises December 2024

• Help Center
• 1-866-921-7925

Start Searching

• Packages  
• Hotels  
• Cruises  
• Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Princess Cruises

Do more of what you love with princess®, quality, contemporary cruising.

• Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Sailing

Cruise in sophisticated style to exciting destinations.

Consistently a top choice for cruisers and industry experts, Princess offers quality, contemporary cruising with a balance of tradition and innovation. Spectacular ships sail to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and many more of the world's most fascinating places. Now you can do more of what you love with Princess® MedallionClass™ Vacations, offering a more effortless, personalized vacation than you could ever imagine. Enjoy Wi-Fi at sea, expedited boarding, drinks on demand, and more on select sailings. Discover the next wave of vacation travel, exclusively on Princess. The MedallionClass™ experience is currently available on the entire Princess® fleet.

Featured Deals

Cruise fare savings.

Princess Cruises Save on Select 2024 - 2026 Sailings Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Sailing Book by 5/31/24

Kirkland Signature and Buyer's Choice

Princess Cruises Exclusive Savings and Shipboard Credit Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Sailing

Princess Plus Cruise Deal

Princess Cruises Drinks, Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation and More Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Sailing

Sun Princess® and Star Princess®

Princess Cruises An Onboard Experience That Shines Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Sailing

Alaska Cruises and Cruisetours

Princess Cruises Discover The Great Frontier by Sea Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Sailing

Kirkland Signature Denali Explorer Cruisetour - Tour #26S

Princess Cruises | Sapphire Princess® Exclusive Rates, Shipboard Credit, and a Digital Costco Shop Card

12 Nights from $1,286*

Mexican Riviera Cruise

Princess Cruises | Discovery Princess® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Los Angeles

7 Nights from $478*

Eastern Caribbean with St. Thomas Cruise

Princess Cruises | Sun Princess® New Ship, Digital Costco Shop Card Round-Trip Fort Lauderdale

7 Nights from $758*

12 Nights from $1,814*

Grand Western Mediterranean Cruise

Princess Cruises | Island Princess® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Rome

10 Nights from $1,436*

Mediterranean with Greek Isles and Turkey Cruise

Princess Cruises | Sun Princess® New Ship, Digital Costco Shop Card Rome to Athens

7 Nights from $1,018*

Western Caribbean with Mexico Cruise

Princess Cruises | Regal Princess® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Galveston

7 Nights from $466*

Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise

Princess Cruises | Sapphire Princess® Digital Costco Shop Card, Vancouver to Whittier

7 Nights from $409*

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

Explore Princess Cruises Ships

Caribbean Princess

Costco member reviews.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Exciting adventures await aboard Caribbean Princess following her multi-million-dollar array of luxurious enhancements. From staterooms that offer a more restful sleep, to endless tempting new dining options, the newly reimagined Reef Splash Zone for kids and families plus other upgrades, you’ll find Caribbean Princess herself has come back new.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess® offers 90% ocean-view staterooms - with over 700 balconies and a wrap-around Promenade Deck. The ship features an array of dining options, such as the Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse, as well as a European-themed casino and Crooners martini bar.

Crown Princess

Highlights of the Crown Princess® include the piazza style atrium, Crown Grill, modeled after a classic steakhouse, the Sanctuary deck area, reserved just for adults, and Movies Under the Stars, the poolside movie theater.

Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess® is a luxury destination in itself. Take in the view from one of nearly 750 balcony staterooms. Indulge in a hot stone massage at the renowned Lotus Spa®, enjoy fine dining in a formal or relaxed atmosphere and make it a cruise to remember.

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess®, the third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass® and the final Royal-class ship, will continue to deliver an array of innovative new experiences. Enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary, and indulge your senses with world-class dining options from Michelin-star and renowned chefs. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents spectacular new productions that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theater.

Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess® is everything you expect from a modern, luxurious ship. Featuring multiple dining options, including Traditional and Anytime Dining, and specialty venues like the popular Sabatini's Italian restaurant. The Lotus Spa® offers a myriad of treatments, and the Lotus Fitness Center helps you stay trim from the delicious cuisine. Enjoy Movies Under the Stars® and choose from nearly 900 balcony staterooms.

Enchanted Princess

Enchanted Princess, the fifth in line of Princess Cruises Royal-class ships, shares all of their spectacular style and luxury, and introduces new attractions all her own. Get ready for exquisite, one-of-a-kind dining experiences and world-class entertainment venues hosting dazzling performances. Images of exterior of ship are an artist rendering.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess® is a consummate host at sea, rivaling the most luxurious resorts on land. Included among the myriad of features are more than 700 balcony staterooms and an entire deck of mini-suites, the Lotus Spa®, Movies Under the Stars®, and dozens of dining and entertainment options.

Island Princess

Island Princess® is a fabulous floating resort designed to make your stay onboard truly memorable. This vessel has 90 percent ocean-view staterooms, with more than 700 balconies and a wraparound Promenade Deck. After being mesmerized by the scenery off the bow, become dazzled by the entertainment in the state-of-the-art lounges and choose from a myriad of dining options.

Majestic Princess

Sail aboard Majestic Princess® and enjoy the signature favorites you’ve always loved, like Movies Under the Stars®, the SeaWalk® and the Lotus Spa®, as well as exciting additions including two specialty restaurants with dinner menus crafted by two Michelin-star awarded chefs.

Regal Princess

Enjoy sweeping views from one of more than 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess® or stroll on the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship! From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, you'll find diversions for every mood.

Royal Princess

From its breathtaking piazza-style Atrium to the dramatic views from the glass-floored SeaWalk®, Royal Princess® is sure to delight. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, watch the mesmerizing Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show, or dine on tantalizing cuisine at venues like Crown Grill and more.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess® made her debut in 2008 and includes a piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and performing street entertainers. Enjoy an array of dining venues, including The Salty Dog Gastropub and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary. Additional amenities include Movies Under the Stars®, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining, Lotus Spa® with fitness center, a kids' and teens' center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.

Sapphire Princess

Swim in one of four sparkling pools, shop the boutiques or get a massage in the Lotus Spa®. Dine casually on pizza and burgers or more elegantly in one of the many formal dining rooms and specialty restaurants. And with nearly 750 balcony staterooms, there's a room with a view for you.

Sky Princess

Sky Princess offers the best of the incredible features found on sister ships Regal Princess®, Royal Princess® and Majestic Princess®; from the relaxing Sanctuary to the expansive three-deck Atrium, to some of the newest dining venues with updated décor and design throughout the ship.

Star Princess

A Star is born. The second of Princess' next generation of cruise ships, Star Princess®, arriving 2025. She'll feature the new Dome, out-of-this-world views in the Piazza, Signature Collection Suites and more.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess® is the first ship in the fleet to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). This cleaner burning fuel will significantly reduce air emissions and marine gasoil to minimize the environmental footprint. Offering more than 29 bars and restaurants and the most balconies on any Princess ship, this new Sphere class generation cruise ship boasts expansive venues, contemporary entertainment and next-level stateroom accommodations.

Explore by Cruise Line

Explore more travel, exotic voyages.

Set Sail to Exciting Destinations

Why Just Dream It? Cruise It!

Experience the Disney Difference

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

Member Value in Every Disney Vacation

Save on Rental Cars

Exclusive Costco Member Pricing

No Cancellation Fees

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

Sun Princess - December 7, 2024

Click For Interactive Map

December 7, 2024

December 7 - 21, 2024

Sun Princess

Princess Cruises

14 Night Caribbean East/West Adventurer

from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

The December 7, 2024 cruise on the Sun Princess departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. On this 14 Night Caribbean East/West Adventurer sailing, the ship will visit a total of 8 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Sun Princess sets sail on a Saturday (December 7, 2024) and returns on a Saturday (December 21, 2024).

Cruise Price by Cabin Type

The price of the December 7, 2024 cruise on the Sun Princess ranges from $1,619 for an inside cabin to $4,252 for a suite.

This is a 14 night cruise and price per night is noted below for each cabin type. An inside cabin will cost $115 per night, an ocean view cabin will cost $131 per night, a balcony cabin will cost $182 per night, and a suite will cost $303 per night.

$115 / night

$131 / night

$182 / night

$303 / night

The Sun Princess was built in 2024 and is amoung Princess's 17 ships in it's fleet. The Sun Princess is included in the cruise line's Sphere Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Sun Princess vs all other Princess ships.

All Itineraries

Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale has 23 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterways and swimming pools galore, but immersing yourself in this city doesn't require a drop of water. Dive into a culture as deep as any ocean, a culture characterized by Seminoles and Broadway shows, golf and whimsical water taxis, fine cuisine and tasty jazz. And just like the horizon here, the list of attractions goes on and on.

Ft. Lauderdale has 23 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterways and swimming pools galore, but immersing yourself in this city doesn't require a drop of water. Dive into a culture as deep as any...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Located approximately 35 miles north of Honduras in the Caribbean, Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands group. Plenty of great snorkeling and diving is found at the coral reefs off Roatan's coast.

Belize City

Belize City is the country's chief seaport, so snorkeling and diving is big here...bring a suit! Travel to a city previously inhabited by the Mayan people at Altun Ha, ancient temple of the Sun God. Or visit the Belize Zoo or Baboon Sanctuary. Gales Point is a great place to view manatees!

Belize City is the country's chief seaport, so snorkeling and diving is big here...bring a suit! Travel to a city previously inhabited by the Mayan people at Altun Ha, ancient temple of the Sun God...

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island in 300 A.D. Residents still speak Maya, and sometimes wear traditional Mayan clothing. Nearby stand the great pyramids and temples of their ancestors.

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island...

Princess Cays

Princess Cays is a private beach resort located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. It is owned by Princess Cruises and is exclusively available to their guests. The resort covers over 40 acres and features pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and a lush tropical landscape. The beach is surrounded by coral reefs, making it an ideal location for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Princess Cays is a private beach resort located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. It is owned by Princess Cruises and is exclusively available to their guests. The resort covers...

Grand Turk Island

• Princess Cruises

Delayed Embarkation: Crown Princess December 12, 2023

By disneyochem , December 11, 2023 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

disneyochem

Just received this information from Princess about the December 12 10-day Mexican Riviera cruise out of SF.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

DELAYED EMBARKATION

Please be advised that due to an increased amount of silt buildup at our assigned cruise berth and severe low spring tidal levels in San Francisco Bay, Crown Princess will not have the necessary under-keel clearance necessary to berth on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, in the early afternoon. As a result, your embarkation has been delayed. Check-in will begin at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, December 12, and embarkation will begin at 8:30 PM. Please do not arrive early as seating in the terminal is limited. Guests who arrive early may leave their luggage and enjoy the surrounding area. All guests must be aboard by 10:30 PM.

Please keep any essential items such as passports and other travel documents, medication, baby formula, and pajamas in your carry-on baggage as checked luggage will be delivered to staterooms late at night.

In recognition of the delayed start to your cruise and to offset any expenses you may incur due to the delay, all guests will receive a $25 onboard credit.

Thank you for your attention to this notification.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

We were able to move our checkout time from the hotel to 1:00pm, not much but better.  Weather looks to be in the high 50's, partly cloudy.  At least it doesn't show rain 🙂

16 minutes ago, marden1970 said: We were able to move our checkout time from the hotel to 1:00pm, not much but better.  Weather looks to be in the high 50's, partly cloudy.  At least it doesn't show rain 🙂

We changed our train tickets.  Was scheduled to be in the City by 11am.  Now we’re arriving around 9 pm.

I think it’s going to be a zoo…..

28 minutes ago, disneyochem said: We changed our train tickets.  Was scheduled to be in the City by 11am.  Now we’re arriving around 9 pm.   I think it’s going to be a zoo…..

That timing would make me a little nervous in December for trains. We have already had delays here in Oregon due to weather 

1 minute ago, memoak said: That timing would make me a little nervous in December for trains. We have already had delays here in Oregon due to weather     

Always nervous when traveling by train!  We’re in the East Bay so our train ride is only one hour.  If necessary, we’ll Uber in or drive depending on the train status when we’re ready to board the train.

Wow, not only does this change plans for everyone boarding but, think about all the disembarking passengers missing flight home.

At lease everyone has a 2 day notice to make changes.

8 minutes ago, AZjohn said: Wow, not only does this change plans for everyone boarding but, think about all the disembarking passengers missing flight home.   At lease everyone has a 2 day notice to make changes.

The people disembarking in the morning of December 12th will still do so. They will be off before the very low tide apparently.  When the tide comes back up the embarking folks will board as described in the post above.

What a hassle for everyone.  Looks like the port of San Francisco needs to get a dredger out there ASAP!!

Good luck everyone and have a great cruise to Mexico!

Has there been any word on revision to the transfer bus schedule from SFO airport to the ship?  All information on the Princess web site points to transfer buses starting at 10:30AM.

58 minutes ago, disneyochem said: Always nervous when traveling by train!  We’re in the East Bay so our train ride is only one hour.  If necessary, we’ll Uber in or drive depending on the train status when we’re ready to board the train.

Ok do you are on BART not Amtrak. I had thought you were coming from further away 

17 hours ago, marden1970 said: We were able to move our checkout time from the hotel to 1:00pm, not much but better.  Weather looks to be in the high 50's, partly cloudy.  At least it doesn't show rain 🙂

If it was me, I'd go early, drop off my luggage, and then go tour Alcatraz island.  There is a lot to do in the Embarcadero besides that but I love Alcatraz. 😄  There is also the Walt Disney Family Museum about 15 minutes away and Fisherman's Wharf right there.

QueenRetired

So, I  couldn't change my flight. Going to be in the city by noon. Where are we suppose to leave our luggage until embarkation. If the passengers demarcation is occurring on the morning of Tues Dec 12, 2023 then why can't the embarkation still occur  at the normal  time? Let the passengers on and don’t sail until 2230hrs. Why make us wait in the cold in SF.

NightReader

I've been wondering the same thing.  Have you found an answer? My travel agent said to go at 10 and drop off luggage at terminal and enjoy the piers but stay close... 

Nope yours is the first response. Drop off luggage at terminal? Is that with the porters? It's going to be cold by the water and I hope they'll allow us to board instead of hanging out by the pier. I'm from the Bay Area and hanging out before boarding is not something I want to do.

East-Bay-Sashay

4 hours ago, QueenRetired said: If the passengers demarcation is occurring on the morning of Tues Dec 12, 2023 then why can't the embarkation still occur  at the normal  time?

My understanding is immediately after disembarkation, the ship will move to deeper anchorage until at least 6:30pm. They've told existing passengers who are continuing on that they can leave the ship, but if they don't return by 11:30 a.m. they will not be able to reboard until 8:30 at earliest.  

Okay. SMH. I have been cruising since  1999 and have never had this happen. Yes this is my very 1st time leaving from SF port. Oh well it is what it is and I'll have to figure out how to occupy 8hrs in SF. I don't want to be in SF for that length of time. 😔 . I'm hoping to be in the terminal relaxing. Thanks for the info

I saw on the news that they set up a lounge for people who came early to hang out, if they didn't want to go touristing to fill the time.

On 12/12/2023 at 1:22 AM, QueenRetired said: Okay. SMH. I have been cruising since  1999 and have never had this happen. Yes this is my very 1st time leaving from SF port. Oh well it is what it is and I'll have to figure out how to occupy 8hrs in SF. I don't want to be in SF for that length of time. 😔 . I'm hoping to be in the terminal relaxing. Thanks for the info

This may sound really stupid but why couldn’t they have done regular checkin then tender people to the ship in the bay so they could have cocktails and dinner and come back to the pier for luggage

5 minutes ago, memoak said: This may sound really stupid but why couldn’t they have done regular checkin then tender people to the ship in the bay so they could have cocktails and dinner and come back to the pier for luggage

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but neither Pier 27 or 35 have docks that can accommodate tendering. 

It looked like the ship was in the anchorage south of the Bay Bridge, which is probably 4 to 5 miles from Pier 27. In addition, the area between Pier 27 and the bridge has lots of ferry traffic. Can’t imagine they would want or could run tenders in that scenario. 

charliedalrymple

On 12/15/2023 at 9:50 AM, MacMadame said: I saw on the news that they set up a lounge for people who came early to hang out, if they didn't want to go touristing to fill the time.

I can understand not wanting to roam the city to fill the time. San Francisco used to be one of our favourite cities, but we were there last year and I'm sad to say it has really gone downhill. Don't think we will be going back.

Stuff happens. Being in SF instead of on a ship is a blessing, I'd think, as in Seattle. Miami evidently closed its port entirely this weekend due to storms. My weirdest freak disembarkation delay was due to a HAL ship being surrounded by ecoprotesters in Kiel, Germany in rubber rafts and kayaks, so the ship was delayed for 8 hours or so, until the kids got bored and paddled home. Arrival was delayed by 5 hours or so, so those without HAL flights were on their own. 

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:20 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 07:36 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 12:53 AM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 07:17 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 10:08 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

When is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region.

There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel