tonnage of sun princess cruise ship

Sun Princess

The  Sun Princess  was built in 2024 and is among Princess’s 17 ships in its 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 of the other Princess ships.

Sun Princess Size

How big is the Sun Princess? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Sun Princess. Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

Sun Princess Capacity

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Sun Princess can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Princess Avg: 2,985 guests

Sun Princess Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Sun Princess is 5,189 guests . The average capacity for the 17 active ships in Princess’s fleet is 2,985 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Princess ships has a minimum of 826 guests and a maximum of 5,189 passengers.

Princess Avg: 1,164 staff

Sun Princess Crew Members: Staff on the Sun Princess include 1,550 crew members. That’s a guest to staff ratio of 3.3 to 1. The average Princess ship includes 1,164 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.6 to 1.

Sun Princess Passenger Capacity and Crew

vs Princess Fleet

Sun Princess Length

How long is the Sun Princess? From end to end, the Sun Princess length equals 1132 feet (346 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 17 active vessels in Princess’s fleet, measuring 988 feet (302 meters).

Princess Avg: 988 feet

The smallest Princess ship (in terms of length) measures 592 feet (181 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1132 feet (346 meters).

Our chart below shows the length of the Sun Princess vs all other active Princess ships.

Sun Princess Ship Length

vs all Princess Ships

Sun Princess Built Date

When was the Sun Princess Built? The Sun Princess was built in 2024 and joined the cruise line’s Sphere Class.

Princess includes 17 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998. The average Princess ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2008

Princess Avg: 2007

When was the last Sun Princess Dry Dock? The Sun Princess has not experienced dry dock improvements yet.

renovation date

Renovations included the following: The Sun Princess has not yet undergone refurbishment. There has not been a dry dock needed as the Sky is new, with a construction date culminating in 2024.

Sun Princess Info

Frequently asked questions, what is the sun princess ship class.

The ship belongs to the Princess class of ships known as the Sphere class.

What is the Sun Princess capacity?

We're often asked how many passengers are on the Sun Princess. The ship's capacity is 5,189. When comparing the occupancy to the average Princess passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 2,985 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Princess ships.

How old is the Sun Princess?

The Sun Princess was built in 2024. Princess includes 17 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998. The average Princess ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2011

Is the Sun Princess a good ship?

Each of Princess's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Sun Princess is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

How long is the Sun Princess?

From end to end, the Spectrum of the Seas length equals 1,132 feet (346 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 17 active vessels in Princess fleet, measuring 988 feet (302 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.

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Sun Princess ®

Sun Princess®

Now shining in europe and the caribbean, plan a vacation that's out of this world.

Come feel the love on the cruise vacation of your dreams. Because here, the sun revolves around you.

Now Sailing the Mediterranean & Caribbean

Sun Princess in the Aegean Sea

Don't miss out—reserve your spot on Sun Princess today.

Designed to shine for you

Panoramic views from the sphere.

Enjoy ocean views in every direction while relaxing and dining in the Piazza.

The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in. Photo by James Morgan

The Dome brings entertainment to a whole new level

Multilevel and multipurpose; pool by sunlight, stage for shows by the renowned Cirque Éloize by starlight.

Santorini-inspired terraces offer a serene pool experience during the day. Photo by James Morgan

Photo by James Morgan

Feast your senses— and then some

You'll love the elevated dining experience on Sun Princess with over 30 restaurants and bars.

Umai Teppanyaki offers a fusion of top cuisine and showmanship.

Craft cocktail Smoke & Mirrors served up at Spellbound by Magic Castle

Sanctuary Suites: Plenty of space to unwind

Kick back in our exclusive sanctuary collection—reimagined for sun princess. all of our suites are part of the sanctuary collection with access to all of its wonderful amenities. the all-new sanctuary collection debuts this october when sun princess begins sailing from fort lauderdale.* *for sailings october 14, 2024 and after..

Wake up rested in your Sanctuary Suite, Sanctuary Mini-Suite, or Sanctuary Balcony stateroom.

Enjoy premium cocktails plus specialty coffee, bottled water, fresh juices and mocktails.

Indulge in a gourmet meal in the Sanctuary Exclusive Restaurant.

Kick back at the Suite Lounge.

Decompress at the spa-like Sanctuary Club.

Suites with plenty of space to unwind

Spread out in our most expansive stateroom and balcony, with two bedrooms and access to Sanctuary areas.

Expansive and stylish Sky Suite

Wash away the day in your large bathroom

Sink into your dream bed

Elegant Sky Suite dining area

Grand Suite

Enjoy a spacious place to relax and recharge for up to four guests, with added perks like priority services at check-in and other Sanctuary benefits.

Elegance in every detail of the Grand Suite

Enjoy more living space, with a separate seating area

Take in ocean views from your private balcony

Chic bathroom with tub and separate shower

Vista Suite

Relaxation awaits in your Vista Suite

Sleep like royalty

Spacious private balcony with luxury balcony furniture

Pamper yourself in your large bathroom

Signature Suite

Enjoy more living space, including a separate seating area with a sofa bed. Plus, you'll have access to enhanced amenities like priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary mini-bar in suite, and much more.

Every comfort considered in your Signature Suite

Refresh and rejuvenate in your stylish bathroom

Sanctuary Mini-Suite

As you sip your complimentary glass of bubbly, take advantage of extra space and the option to upgrade for exclusive dining.

A haven of relaxation in the Sanctuary Mini-Suite

Sanctuary Balcony

This inspired stateroom offers the added indulgence of a large private balcony. The perfect setting for cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Spectacular views and a separate sitting area

Elevated accommodations for Sun Princess

Create unforgettable memories in accommodations designed for the whole group.

From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel welcomed and at home in one of our many accommodation options.

All new Cabana Mini-Suites

Take in the sea air from your balcony and private indoor-outdoor cabana. Deck 9 cabanas include access to an exclusive sun deck.

Your personal oasis at sea

Take in views in your huge private outdoor lounge space

Seamlessly order food and drinks to your cabana

Step into serenity in your outdoor space

Deluxe Balcony

A front row seat for beautiful scenery.

This inspired stateroom offers the added indulgence of a private balcony with well-appointed outdoor furniture and a relaxing view of the scenery that surrounds you, whether a rainbow-colored sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also the perfect setting for cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins.

†Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow ® in the Princess ® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow ® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow ® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

Our largest-ever casino

We've leveled up our Vegas-caliber gaming with our expanded Princess Casino, featuring the first “Buffalo Zone” at sea.

Enjoy a game of Craps aboard Sun Princess

Challenge opponents to a game of Roulette

Expanded Princess Casino

Play all your favorite betting games

Activity type

Entertainment that lights the night

Take in a show in venues designed to match our spectacular performances.

Shows as varied as the stars

Get ready to be mesmerized by our new and enhanced performances for Sun Princess.

Feel uplifted by the beauty and joy of living life in full color.

Get swept away by this dazzling world of color, emotion, and music.

Come Fly Away

Join this celebration of the pursuit for love.

Spellbound By Magic Castle

Delight in this one-of-a-kind experience that features magicians, themed rooms and theatrical cocktails.

More Sun Princess Shows

Vallora, A Pirate Quest

Follow the intrepid heroine through a pirate adventure, set to '80s nostalgia.

Talented performers bring a medley of popular songs to life, dancing on a vibrant set.

Viva La Música

At this exciting musical experience, a couple invites guests to join them on the floor for an immersive dancing experience.

Stage Struck

Revel in this celebration of musical theater that revisits old favorites.

Flavors that shine through

Whether you live to eat or eat to live, you'll love it all, with exciting new options and favorites made even better.

Love by Britto

This unique dining experience features world-renowned artist Romero Britto's showcase. You'll enjoy his art against the backdrop of a boutique restaurant with a menu by exquisite chef Rudi Sodamin.

So much more to eat, drink, and experience

Take your journey farther with a package.

Save on drinks, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, and more when you add a package to your booking.

Princess Premier®

Sail as carefree as possible for only $80 per day per guest.

Princess Plus®

Save on the things you'll probably do anyway for only $60 per day per guest.

Complimentary dining

Always included, these elevated spaces offer something to please every palette. A few favorites:

Three-level Dining Room

Three stories, an elegant design, multicourse meals guests rave about and a different experience for each level.

Taste food from around the world and dine inside or outside.

The Promenade & more

Snacks for the in-between times that are always a special treat

Specialty restaurants

Award-winning, multi-course meals perfect for celebrating a special occasion (or just being together). Highlights include:

Crown Grill

This favorite goes next-level with a theater- style kitchen where chefs prepare top cuts of beef.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

The Catch by Rudi

A celebration of all things ocean, from the menu to the setting, from Chef Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts.

Casual dining

Relaxed, sit-down meals at a variety of eateries, with something for everyone. Highlights include:

O'Malley's Irish Pub

Everything you'd expect from an Irish pub: great food, great drinks, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Alfredo's Pizzeria

Voted "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY with an open kitchen to watch the chefs at work.

Meet the seasoned Sun Princess crew

Captain Paolo Arrigo is currently helming Sun Princess. Captain Arrigo joined Princess Cruises as a deck cadet in 1996 after serving for a year in the Italian Coast Guard. After moving up through the ranks, serving as first officer, safety officer and staff captain, Arrigo was named captain at Princess Cruises in 2017. His extensive maritime experience and easy rapport with guests and crew made him a natural choice to serve as captain of the reality-based television program, The Real Love Boat. He calls Messina, Italy home.

Fun facts about our crew

1500+ staff

Longest tenure: 24 years

57 nationalities

Total days at sea: 14,362

27 languages

Guests served: 27,482

Cruise on our next-generation ships to Europe and the Caribbean

Now booking: Sun Princess

Want to get on board now? The Sun is out in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Now booking: Star Princess

• 9- to 21-day cruises to the Greek Isles and Turkey, France & Italy or Greece & Italy
• 5- to 14-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean

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© 2024, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Site content may not be reproduced without express written permission.

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Sun Princess Cruise Ship, USA

The Sun Princess cruise ship is expected to enter service in February 2024.

Vessel Type

Cruise ship

Gross Tonnage

Guest capacity, maiden voyage.

Princess Cruises

Sun Princess is a new Sphere-class cruise ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises, a brand owned by Carnival. It will be the biggest in Princess Cruises’ fleet and the first ship in the cruise operators’ fleet to be dual fuelled and powered primarily by liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel technology.

Sun Princess is being built as part of Carnival’s focus on green cruising, involving a total of 11 new ships to be powered by LNG fuel.

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Fincantieri, a shipbuilding company based in Italy, is constructing the vessel at its Monfalcone yard. The vessel is scheduled for debut in February 2024.

Sun Princess design and features

The Sun Princess will be 345.3m long, with a gross tonnage of 175,500GT. It will have a total of 21 decks and accommodate up to 4,300 guests. It will feature expansive venues, multi-storey dining rooms, and next-level stateroom accommodations.

A suspended glass Piazza will be located at the centre of the ship featuring a European square-inspired hub, with vibrant lighting and dynamic views. Spanning three stories, it will be interconnected with many of the ship’s restaurants and bars.

The ship will also feature the Dome, a multi-level venue with a glass-enclosed dome and covered deck, whose design is inspired by the terraces of Santorini.

The ship’s interior design offers outward views and features bright decor and finishes. It will also feature more vantage points offering views of the destinations.

Sun Princess accommodation

The dual-fuel LNG cruise ship will feature a total of 2,157 staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms. The ship will also offer a selection of staterooms with full wheelchair-turning space and a roll-in shower equipped with grab bars and a fold-down bench seat.

Princess Cruises’ Reserve Collection will debut on the Sun Princess, offering premium location mini-suites and cabanas and exclusive access to a private restaurant, including additional luxuries.

The Sun Princess exclusive Signature Collection staterooms come with premium stateroom amenities and suites, including access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge, and the private Signature Sun Deck.

With a total area of 1,262ft 2 Signature Sky Suite is the largest among the suites and will accommodate up to five guests. The suites will feature an expansive stateroom and balcony, two bedrooms and bathrooms, a separate seating area, and a sofa bed.

The Signature Penthouse Suite with a balcony will have an area ranging from 304ft 2 to 636ft 2 . Each suite in the category will feature a living space, a separate seating area with a sofa bed, and enhanced amenities, as well as access to Signature areas such as the Sky Suite.

With an area of 329ft 2 , the The Cabana Mini Suite will feature a balcony, a private cabana, and an extra-large private lounge space. The Mini Suite, with an area of 303ft 2 including a balcony, will feature a separate seating area with a sofa bed.

The Deluxe Balcony stateroom, with an area of approximately 235ft 2 , including a balcony with outdoor furniture, will feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, twin beds, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, and more.

The Premium Oceanview stateroom will have an area of 212ft 2 and will feature either a queen or two twin beds, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a bathroom with shower, and complimentary 24-hour room service.

The Interior staterooms will be the most affordable option, with an area ranging from 136ft 2 to 145ft 2 , and will feature either two twin beds or a queen-size bed. The rooms will also include basic amenities such as a flat-screen TV and an in-room refrigerator.

Sun Princess dining and bars

The Horizons Dining Room will be a three-storey dining room, featuring a wide range of dining options at each level. It will feature stunning views with natural light and a decorative sculpture stretching from deck six to deck eight.

The Crown Grill speciality restaurant will feature a modern, sleek design, and theatre-style kitchen. Offerings will include premium aged beef and fresh seafood items. The restaurant will feature an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting, and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef chops and seafood.

Guests can watch pasta being made fresh in the all-new Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, with sweeping circular windows. The restaurant will feature an interior design with intimate bistro-style nooks and a dramatic circular dining room.

The International Cafe, to be located on the top deck of the Piazza, will offer an array of small-bite meals, treats, and gourmet beverages. Offerings will include freshly baked croissants, pies, quiche, and a wide variety of salads and sandwiches.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria will be a sit-down venue located on the top deck of the Piazza and will serve freshly prepared individual-size pizzas. It will feature an open kitchen design, allowing guests to watch as pizzas are being prepared in a woodfire-style oven. Guests can enjoy their pizza either alfresco or in the Piazza.

The Gelateria will offer sweet treats of fresh gelato in a variety of classic flavours or with a combination of choice toppings.

The Crooners bar will be located on the second level of the Piazza and will feature warm tones and a vintage vibe, with live music and cocktails. The Good Spirits at Sea will offer a mix of dining and beverages in one place, with farm-fresh, local ingredients and cocktail creations. The Wheelhouse bar will feature a compass-like structure extruding from floor to ceiling.

Entertainment venues on the Sun Princess

The Dome on the cruise ship will feature an indoor and outdoor pool during the day. The pool will be transformed into a stage at night to serve as a South Beach-style entertainment venue with state-of-the-art lighting effects.

The Princess Arena will be a configurable performance venue, with an LCD panel that brings productions to life.

The Princess Live will offer entertainment throughout the day, with multiple events such as trivia, game shows, the Daily Wake Show, and live concerts, including late-night comedy.

Guests will be able to indulge in a game of slots or other table games at the Princess Casino. On-board retail shopping will also be available at the Shops of Princess.

Wellness and relaxation venues

The Lotus Spa will be two stories tall, with features including a salt room, aromatic steam room, the Enclave, and hydro pool.

The Sea View Terrace and Bar will be located at the bow of the ship and feature a two-deck bar and a modern lounge space.

The Wake View Terrace, located towards the aft of the ship, will feature an infinity pool, a South Beach-style resort deck, and day and night entertainment, including a full bar.

The Sanctuary will be an adult-only retreat with beverage services and an al fresco massage. The Signature Sun Deck will be a private area of the Sanctuary for Signature booked guests.

The Cabana Deck is an exclusive outdoor space, with comfy furniture and premium access for guests of the Cabana Mini-Suite.

Sun Princess itinerary

Sun Princess is scheduled to commence her maiden cruise season in February 2024. She will sail for a season of Mediterranean cruises, which will be followed by Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale later in 2024.

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Sun Princess Cruise Ship Review: What We Love—and What Needs Work

May 8, 2024

Sun Princess , the latest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, is the line’s largest ship to date, weighing in at 177,882 gross tons and able to accommodate 4,300 passengers. By comparison, the company’s Discovery Princess , which made its maiden voyage in 2022, is a mere 145,000 gross tons and can sleep almost 1,000 fewer cruisers. 

Sun Princess , the first in the line’s Sphere class of ships, is a 21-deck, next-level Love Boat with an innovative design aimed at bringing the outdoors inside and connecting passengers to the sea—and giving them some spectacular views. 

Additionally, the ship’s grand total of 30 dining and drinking venues outnumber the food-and-beverage offerings on any other Princess vessel, while a number of upgrades to suites, staterooms, entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions seem geared toward attracting more families and expanding the line’s appeal to a younger, hipper demographic. 

To find out what works—and what needs work—on Sun Princess , I took a weeklong cruise (at the invitation of the cruise line) from Rome to Barcelona, where the ship had its naming ceremony in April 2024. 

Read on to find out where the Sun shines brightest—and where its light is dimmed.  

Sun Princess Quick Facts

Launched : February 2024 Passengers : 4,300 (double occupancy) Crew : 1,600 Size : 177,882 gross tons, 1,133 feet long, 139 feet wide Booking : Princess.com , 800/774-6237

1. The ship’s unique design—and dazzling views

The ship’s most striking design elements are its two “sun-inspired” concepts:

• a nine-deck-tall bubble in the middle of the vessel ( visible on the ship's exterior ) that has lots of windows to give wraparound ocean views and centers on the Piazza (pictured at the top of this story), an open and airy central atrium that spans three levels; 

• and the Dome  (pictured above), a glass-enclosed structure that sits at the top of the ship and is being dubbed the first-ever geodesic dome at sea.

Due to its placement and design, the multilevel glass dome (decks 17 and 18) shows off expansive ocean views from its indoor and outdoor areas, where you’ll find cushy lounge chairs, an indoor-outdoor pool, and the Sea View Bar . Outdoors, the spacious terrace also offers seating with a view, and because the terrace is partially covered, there’s shade that makes this a perfect spot for relaxing during days at sea.

You’ll find some of the best views from inside the ship around the Piazza, including at International Café (deck 9), Bellini’s Cocktail Bar (deck 7), Alfredo’s Pizzeria (deck 9), and Makoto Ocean (deck 8), a new collaboration with renowned Japanese chef Makoto Okuwa. 

Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons , the beautifully designed main dining room (decks 6, 7, and 8), supply a look at the ship’s wake from the back of the vessel. Step out onto the Wake View Terrace (deck 8) and you’ll feel like you’re in an exclusive area (though it’s not), with loungers, a bar, and an infinity pool suspended over the back of the ship. 

2. Elevated staterooms and suites

As visually appealing—and view-enhancing—as the spherical atrium and geodesic dome are, it’s worth noting that the ship’s interior décor has a more modern and upscale feel than other Princess ships, thanks in part to a subtle color scheme with natural wood tones in staterooms and suites . 

I stayed in a Cabana Mini-Suite (pictured above),   a new stateroom category for Princess that comes with a larger balcony than the next cabin category down (Deluxe Balcony) as well as more space (329 square feet compared to 235) and a few other perks, such as access to an exclusive outdoor lounge area on deck 9. At lower price points, there are Premium Oceanview and Interior staterooms, neither of which have balconies. (And at the other end of the price spectrum, Princess has launched with this ship a new set of luxury accommodations and amenities the line calls the Sanctuary Collection .)

Passengers on previous Princess ships will note that changes on the Sun involve   closets (no longer walk-in) with frosted glass doors, lots of storage, plenty of hanging space, and large drawers. You’ll also find a plush robe and slippers inside. 

In the bathroom, another welcome addition awaits: a glass door to the shower—goodbye, shower curtain! Bath and skin care products are by Beekman 1802. 

On the tech front, there are plenty of U.S. electrical and USB/USB-C outlets in the room. A thoughtful touch you’ll discover after dark: a motion-detecting nightlight. 

3. Tech that works

While we’re on the subject of staying connected, the Wi-Fi on Sun Princess was some of the fastest and best I’ve experienced at sea. Glitches were nil and I never had trouble doing anything online that I wanted to do—a first at sea for me. 

That said, connectivity comes at a price. The line’s MedallionNet Wi-Fi is available to purchase pre-cruise for $24.99 per device per day. For four devices, the cost (pre-cruise) is $44.99 per day. That's competitive with what you'll find on other cruise lines . 

[It might be more cost-effective to purchase a package such as the Princess Plus option, which goes for $60 a day per person and comes with Wi-Fi for one device, a beverage package, and other perks.]

In addition to being impressed with the quality of the Wi-Fi, I found that Princess’s Medallion technology worked flawlessly. I was “Ocean Ready” when I checked in, having completed my paperwork on the Princess app days before, so it took just minutes to receive my Medallion—a quarter-sized, wearable doodad (pictured above) to be used in many of the ways that key cards are employed on other ships.

The device makes ordering stuff like lattes or glasses of wine seamless (you don’t have to hand over a card every time), and you don’t have to fumble around in your pockets or handbag for a key to get into your stateroom, either; as long as you’ve got the Medallion on you, the door will unlock automatically as you’re coming down the hallway. 

4. New flexibility in complimentary dining

The ship’s complimentary dining venue—the three-level Horizons (pictured above)—features a unique and new-to-Princess flexible dining concept, offering guests a choice among traditional, reservable, or walk-in anytime dining.

Americana Diner on deck 8 is the anytime option, serving casual comfort food such as an all-day breakfast, old-fashioned chipped beef on toast, buffalo wings, chicken parmigiana, pub-style fish and chips, burgers, milkshakes, and apple pie. 

Alternatively, guests can have the classic cruise dining experience, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same table with the same dining companions for every meal, on deck 6. For a quiet evening for two, make a reservation on deck 7 for a leisurely meal amid the space’s panoramic aft views from two-story windows. 

The three new complimentary dining options have been such a hit that Princess is rolling out this enhancement across the fleet. 

5. Exciting new specialty restaurants—and solid standbys

Sun Princess maintains an impressive roster of new dining venues for cruising foodies along with longtime Princess faves, such as the Crown Grill steakhouse (deck 7), where I had one of the best meals of my cruise, thanks to well-prepared staples such as surf and turf and baked Alaska with cherries jubilee.

A fun addition is the line’s first Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, Umai Teppanyaki (pictured above; deck 8), which shares space with Umai Hot Pot . Lively meals here are overseen by talented, spatula-wielding chefs whose bag of showy cooking tricks don’t overpower the fresh, flavorful results. 

Another favorite: The Catch by Rudi (deck 9),   a collaboration with award-winning master chef Rudi Sodamin, the line’s head of culinary arts. The menu features fresh seafood and showstopping desserts, such as a piled-high croquembouche.

On the other side of The Catch, The Butcher’s Block by Dario is a carnivore’s delight, with one meat course served after another—the Florentine steak is the mouth-watering highlight—engineered by Dario Cecchini, the “world’s most famous butcher.” 

Dining at any of the specialty restaurants comes at an additional cost unless you’ve sprung for the Princess Premier package, which includes a dinner at two specialty restaurants and a long list of other amenities, including Wi-Fi for up to four devices, a premium beverage package, reserved seating for theater shows, unlimited fitness classes, and more. The package costs a pricey $80 per day per person, so before you purchase make sure you’ll actually use the various components to make it worth your while. 

6. A magical evening at Spellbound

Sun Princess 's immersive dining-and-entertainment experience is an exclusive collaboration with L.A.’s Magic Castle, a club for expert magicians and their most devoted fans. On the ship, the evening begins with dinner in a private room at the back of the Horizons dining room. Afterward, guests are led by a caped and top hat–sporting gatekeeper through a nondescript door into a seabound version of the Magic Castle, a sexy and mysterious space where bartenders serve elaborate cocktails in cages and smoky boxes as a wandering magician performs close-up card tricks.

After drinks in the lounge, guests are ushered to a performance area for a display of more masterful magic from a headliner "handpicked from around the world," according to Princess (performers change about once a month). The top-notch skills of the magicians, the inventive drinks, and the overall floating-speakeasy vibe add up to an experience that's mesmerizing in every sense of the word. 

The price for the evening, including dinner, drinks, and entertainment, is $149 per person—not too bad, considering all that you get. There are three seatings each night and space is limited. I recommend booking one of the earlier seatings, at 5pm or 7pm, so you can linger at the bar after the show.

7. Expertly mixed cocktails at a huge variety of bars

The fact sheet for Sun Princess lists 12 different bars, but that doesn’t include one of my favorite spots, O’Malley’s Irish Pub (deck 7). It’s classified as a restaurant since it serves pub fare, including bangers and mash, a Guinness-braised beef stew, and drunken mussels. Situated just off the Piazza, the space is handsome and the food is hearty, but perhaps the best thing about O’Malley’s is that it's glass-enclosed, so you can enjoy your traditional Irish fare with a side of traditional Irish music without being disturbed by noise from the lively atrium.

I’m also a fan of the sophisticated air and ocean views of  Bellini’s Cocktail Bar (deck 7) for a glass of champagne or a well-made Aperol spritz. For more complicated cocktails, the expert mixologists at Good Spirits at Sea (pictured above; deck 7) prepare tasty drinks inspired by destinations around the world during the space’s Cocktail Experience. Check the ship’s daily schedule for times. 

Outside, some of the best spots to toast the view are the Wake View Terrace Bar (deck 8), the Sea View Terrace (deck 17), and the Sun Bar (deck 18).

1. Noise levels in The Piazza 

With the focus on attracting a younger demographic and new-to-cruising guests, Princess has amplified the amount of games and entertainment in the Piazza, installing a three-story LED screen, pumping out lots of music, flashing a lot of lights, and scheduling activities around the clock. 

Throughout the day, this area hosts game shows, dance classes, Zumba classes, live music of all genres, parties, a silent disco, and much more. Seating along the glass periphery on all three levels of the Piazza makes it easy to watch, listen, and play along. 

But all this action makes a lot of noise—and the commotion can feel inescapable, especially when you’re trying to have lunch at Alfredo’s Pizzeria during a dance class (one, two, cha, cha, cha), or enjoy a quiet pre-dinner cocktail at Crooners (where the live music at the bar has to compete with the noise from the Piazza), or eat your sushi in peace at the specialty Makoto Ocean restaurant.

2. Not enough seating in the Princess Arena

The Princess Arena (deck 7) is the line’s most technologically advanced theatrical space, offering three different configurations for shows (the ship's April 2024 naming ceremony is pictured above). But since the venue can accommodate only 990 spectators, it fills up quickly when the ship is at its full capacity of 4,300 passengers—well over four times the number of people the theater can hold.  

The only production show that was ready for our sailing, Vallora, A Pirate Quest , was sold out when we arrived about 45 minutes before the performance, so we (and many other guests) were turned away. Two nights later, we took advantage of the reserved seating that comes with the Princess Premier package so we could catch the swashbuckling production. That worked, but even with the package, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis—and when seats are gone, they’re gone. 

That means that if you have your heart set on seeing a popular show during your cruise, you could be out of luck, especially when the full slate of productions isn’t available.

In addition to Vallora , future passengers can expect two new shows— Stage Struck and Viva La Música , neither of which was ready during my voyage—and Fiera! , a reimagined Princess staple. 

3. Not enough seating in The Dome and Princess Live!, either

The same seating issue applies to The Dome, where evening acrobatic performances are staged by Québec’s renowned Cirque Éloize. This space has seating capacity for just 250 people, leading to more potential for disappointment—and cramped quarters. On the night I attended, crew members brought in extra chairs to squeeze in more people, but that can make things feel crowded and create terrible sight lines. My view of the performers, for example, was almost completely blocked by the person seated in front of me. 

Similarly, the venue on deck 7 known as Princess Live! (pictured above) often has only standing room available for its lineup of live music, comedy, trivia, and lectures. Not to mention that the spot’s close proximity to the Piazza means that punchlines are often drowned out by noise from the ship’s central gathering area. 

4. Smoke from the casino

To an unusual degree, cigarette smoke wafting down the corridor from the casino (deck 8) toward the Piazza was an issue on my sailing. Many guests commented on the noxious smell—something I don’t recall encountering on other cruise ships. Maybe Princess needs to take a second look at the ship’s air filtration systems? 

5. The Eatery is congested.

With the ship at full capacity, I found The Eatery buffet (deck 9) to be congested, especially in the morning on port days when everyone was trying to grab breakfast before getting off the ship. Finding a place to sit can be challenging. Pro tip: Try looking near The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (pictured above) at the back of the ship. Seating options should be better on warm days when more passengers opt to eat outside on the deck. 

To avoid the morning madness in The Eatery, consider room service, especially if you have an early excursion. If you have a leisurely morning planned, go for breakfast in Horizons. You can also grab a quick bite and a latte or cappuccino at International Café. 

Related : 10 Tips and Tricks for Dining on a Cruise

With Sun Princess , the cruise line is making a stronger push to appeal to families with kids. A central piece of the strategy is a top-deck activity zone called Park19 (decks 19 through 21). 

The area was not yet open during my sailing. When it’s complete and passes muster with the regulators at sea, Park19 will feature Sea Breeze, a ride that takes cruisers suspended in harnesses around an electric track at speeds up to 11 mph. Park19 also has a climbing wall that leads to an observation deck with 360-degree views. Additionally, you can try out a ropes course, set the kids loose in a splash zone, or hit a multifunction sports court for fitness classes, ping-pong, and other activities. 

Park19 joins other expanded family offerings onboard, including kids clubs for three different age groups (preschoolers to teens), more connecting staterooms and suites for families traveling together, and a bunch of dining options for younger palates at The Eatery (deck 9) and on the Lido Deck (deck 16). 

Still, Sun Princess doesn’t match the extensive kid-centered activities on other megaships, where you’ll find go-kart tracks, 10-story slides, futuristic arcades, and elaborate stage shows for youngsters. It will be interesting to see whether Princess’s expanded but still comparatively modest pitch for family travelers is enough to compete with rival lines that are better established in the kid-friendly game. 

Altogether, Sun Princess is a good-looking, cutting-edge vessel with many top-notch dining and beverage experiences. The outward-facing design and light-filled spaces feel modern and upscale, and have a way of showcasing the ocean views as more ships should do. 

An effort to liven up the Princess image, though, won't always impress loyal fans of the line. Too often, especially in the central Piazza area of the ship, a nonstop frenzy of activity generates more noise than anything else. And it’s not yet clear whether an expanded slate of kid-friendly activities will be enough to compete with rivals that go all out in that regard.

What’s more, as impressive as the ship’s design is, the crucial matter of providing enough seating in theaters and other performance spaces appears to have been overlooked. While I was on board the ship, Princess announced a delay in the delivery of its next vessel, Star Princess , by about two months. Here’s hoping the delay will be used to address some of the capacity issues in the Princess Arena and The Dome. 

Some relatively small fixes would go a long way toward pushing this next-level Love Boat to, well, the next level.

After sailing in the Mediterranean and Europe this summer, Sun Princess will debut in the U.S. in October 2024 with 7- and 14-day Caribbean itineraries sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida . Visit Princess.com for more information . 

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Sun Princess

Former name: hull 6310.

Cruise line Princess Cruises

• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
• Piraeus-Athens (Greece)

Sun Princess current position

Sun Princess current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 39.43341 N / 14.89625 E) cruising at speed of 19.1 kn (35 km/h | 22 mph) en route to Souda-Chania. The AIS position was reported 5 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Sun Princess

Sun Princess current cruise is 21 days, round-trip The Best of the Mediterranean . The itinerary starts on 15 Jun, 2024 and ends on 06 Jul, 2024 .

Specifications of Sun Princess

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Sun Princess Itineraries

Sun princess review, review of sun princess.

The 2024-built Sun Princess cruise ship is the first of two SPHERE class vessels currently under construction at Fincantieri 's yard in Monfalcone Italy . Princess' SPHERE class represents the fleet's first dual-fuel (MDO and LNG ) powered ships. The sistership Star Princess is currently scheduled for delivery in August 2025.

The vessel (IMO number 9863118) will be Bermuda- flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Hamilton . During its construction/currently, the vessel is Italy-flagged (MMSI 247476700).

Note : This is the third cruise ship named "Sun Princess", following Sun Princess (1974-88/1970-ordered as "Seaward" for NCL-Norwegian /1972-built as "Spirit of London"/1974-acquired by P&O Princess/2016- scrapped as "Ocean Dream"/IMO 7211517) and the old Sun Princess (1995-2020/now Pacific World for Peace Boat) .

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills CA. A former subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (1977-founded), in 2003, the company merged with Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruise Lines Ltd's assets is the Caribbean private island resort Princess Cays (on Bahamas Eleuthera Island's southern end), located approx 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau .

In July 2018 were ordered two new-class (larger than Royal-Class) liners with GT-tonnage/volume 175000 tonnes and passenger capacity 4300. These are the fleet's first dual-fuel (MGO and LNG/primarily) powered ships. The shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri (Monfalcone Shipyard) was signed on March 27, 2019, with scheduled deliveries in 2023 and 2025. Both contracts were signed by Jan Swartz (Princess' President) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO). Princess Cruises in 2018 had 5 new ships on order with Fincantieri. The 2024-2025 SPHERE liners are Carnival Corporation's 10th and 11th LNG-powered ships .

Decks and Cabins

Sun Princess staterooms (2162 total) include 469x suites, 949x Standard and 100x Cove balconies, 186x Oceanviews, 460x Interior. Of all staterooms, 100x are interconnecting (for families) and 55x are handicap/wheelchair-accessible. All balcony staterooms (1518, or ~70% of all) are with triple/quad occupancy, being fitted with sofabed.

Unlike the preceding ROYAL Class, the new Princess SPHERE ships have oceanview cabins, each fitted with a large non-opening Picture Window.

Exclusive for the SPHERE ships, Sun Princess has new types of Suites (Signature Collection Suite/categories Sky, Owner's, Penthouse, Signature) providing premium amenities and bonus perks like exclusive facilities access - Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge & Bar, and Signature Sundeck (part of The Sanctuary).

Club Class staterooms (called on the SPHERE ships "Reserve Collection Staterooms") are Mini-Suites, among which are the resort-style "Reserve Collection Cabana" cabins featuring a balcony-cabana combo (veranda accessed via a large outdoor patio lounge).

The boat has 20 decks , of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 10 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Details on the new Princess SPHERE class were revealed in September 2022.

The new ship platform features iconic design elements, including The Dome (a unique entertainment space on top-deck covered by a glass roof) and a suspended glass (in the Piazza Atrium/midship) projecting live sea views as well as recorded UHD media.

The 4300-passenger ship Sun Princess also has new/fleet-first entertainment venues, 3-deck MDR restaurants (Main Dining Rooms), new-design staterooms, a total of 29 bars/lounges and dining venues.

The 3-story-high Piazza Atrium (spreading on decks 7-8-9 midship) is an iconic architectural concept for large-sized cruise liners. The outward-looking space is suspended and with comfortable seating (on all three levels) providing 360-degree unobstructed outside views. The huge LED screen in the middle is movable to allow live entertainment. From The Piazza are accessed Coffee Currents (new for Princess coffee shop), Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Crooners Bar, Ocean Front Lounge, International Cafe, Alfredo's Pizzeria as well as the Lobby's guest services desks (Shore Excursions, Future Cruise, Reception).

The Dome is a glass-roof-covered sundeck (spanning two floors /decks 17-18 forward) and is the first true glass-enclosed space on a cruise liner. During the day, The Dome serves as a pool deck (having a large indoor/outdoor swimming pool). At night, the swimming pool is covered to become a stage as The Dome transforms into an entertainment venue with superior sound and lighting effects and live aerial performances.

As Princess SPHERE ships' coordinating architecture company Fincantieri contracted TDoS/Tillberg Design of Sweden (1964-founded company specializing in cruise ship design as well as hospitality projects). TDoS was contracted to provide an architecture based on light interiors and transparency. Curiously, the ever-first Atrium (midship-positioned open-floor designed area) on a cruise ship (1969-built Sea Venture) was designed by Robert Tillberg.

The new Sun Princess has the fleet's first Park19 - a 3-floor (aft on decks 19-20-21) family-themed activity zone offering 9x outdoor fun activities. Park 19's main facilities include

• Sea Breeze (the first-at-sea Rollglider/on Deck 20) allows guests (seated and harnessed) to glide above the sea at speeds of 11 mph (18 kph) along a suspended track. The electric ride sessions are in 60-90 seconds and are ADA-accessible.
• Coastal Climb (Ropes Course/obstacle course with a large climbing structure) interlinks Decks 19-20.
• The Lookout (observation deck at the top of Coastal Climb's climbing structure) provides 360-degree unobstructed top-deck views and is the ship's highest passenger-accessible area.
• The Net (above Deck 19) is a trekking facility that groups several unstable bridges and climbing cargo nets as well as a Z-shaped balance beam.
• Infinite Horizon (Deck 19) is for height lovers. The space provides views of 10 decks down (decks 19 to 9) and features cantilevered tilted walls. Like The Lookout, Infinite Horizon provides stunning views from high vantage points.
• Hammock Area is a family-themed relaxation deck fitted with numerous relaxing hammocks.
• Splash Zone (Princess Cruises' first aquapark) is for kids and has a splash area with Pop Jet fountains.
• Recreational Court houses the multi-sports court (for playing basketball, football, tennis) as well as deck games (Table Tennis, Ping Pong, Shuffleboard). Recreational Court also serves open-air group classes (Xponential Fitness, morning yoga and meditation, wellness activities).
• Jogging Track (facility for walking/jogging/running) is on Deck 19. Around 7-times Jogging Track's length (240 m / 790 ft) equals 1 mi/1,6 km.

Park 19's children's facilities (spreading across decks 6-7) are complimentary and include Firefly Park (Kids Center for small children/toddlers and babies aged 6 months to 3 years), Neon Grove (club lounge for tweens/children 7-14 years old) and The Underground (teen club lounge). Firefly Park is midship on Deck 6, while Neon Grove and The Underground are forward on Deck 7.

Serving as a nursery/group babysitting venue, Firefly Park has a dedicated playground and offers after-hours babysitting (between 10 pm - 1 am). The babysitting service costs US$5 (per hour/per kid) and is available for children ages 3 to 12.

Another new venue is the Spellbound by Magic Castle - a Victorian era/19th-century British Empire-inspired bar lounge themed after Hollywood's Magic Castle in Los Angeles (reservations-only private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts). Located on Deck 8 (forward-portside, adjacent to Princess Casino), Spellbound is served by professional mixologists and with live performances from world-class magicians. Spellbound's experience also features magical artifacts, vintage artworks, the Music Room (with interactive special effects), the Parlor Bar (where guests can interact with professional illusionists), and the Spellbound Theater (30-seat show lounge).

The "Royal Afternoon Tea with Royal Chef Darren McGrady" is a new British dining experience offered on select sea days at Good Spirits At Sea Lounge (deck 7), and reservations are required. During the event, via visual media, Darren McGrady (personal chef of the late Queen Elizabeth II) shares his experiences and stories, interacting with the live host while passengers enjoy a premium Afternoon Tea service with traditional fixings (scones with clotted cream and jam, tea sandwiches, gourmet cookies and pastries). Tea pairings include premium brands (like Earl Grey and English Breakfast), along with more exotic brands (like Lapsang Souchong, Assam, Matcha). "Royal Afternoon Tea" at Good Spirits At Sea Lounge is priced at US$30 per person. Good Spirits At Sea Lounge is also home to premium wine tastings (hosted by renowned winemakers and with professional sommelier service) which are priced at US$40 pp.

Kai Sushi Bar also serves dishes by Chef Makoto Okuwa (Edomae-style sushi master) and is at cover charge (US$39 per person).

Follows the complete list of Sun Princess restaurants and food bars.

• 3-deck Main Dining Room (Horizons Restaurant, aft on decks 6-7-8)
• Signature Restaurant (aka Suite Dining Room)
• Reserve Collection Restaurant (fka Inclusive Restaurant)
• Ocean Front / Kai Sushi Bar (specialty seafood bar with a la carte menu/sushi, sashimi)
• O'Malley's Irish Pub
• The Catch by Rudi (specialty seafood restaurant by master chef Rudi Sodamin)
• Crown Grill (steakhouse)
• Sabatini's Italian Trattoria
• World Fresh Marketplace (Lido restaurant)
• Alfredo's Pizzeria
• Promendade's fast food bars (slice pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fresh-baked bagels, ice creams)
• "Love by Britto" (68-seat specialty restaurant/aft on deck 17)
• Butcher's Block by Dario (midship on deck 9)

"Love by Britto" (capacity 68 seats) is a boutique restaurant/specialty dining venue via partnership with Romero Britto (1963-born Brazilian artist/painter, sculptor). The artworks and interior design were developed by Romero Britto and marked by bold patterns and vivid colors. The menu is prix fixe and crafted by Rudi Sodamin (Austria-born and France-trained master chef and culinary pop artist). The 7-course dinner menu includes a Champagne flute (upon arrival). Starters include "Oysters with Champagne Pearls" and "Grilled Fig with Prosciutto and Roquefort" (Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Blue Cheese), Tuna and Avocado (with Pomegranate and Togarashi). Soups and main dishes include Asparagus and Watermelon Cocktail (with Vodka), Wild Mushroom Cappuccino Soup, Beet and Fig Salad (with Goat Cheese), Lobster Thermidor (lobster meat cooked in a wine sauce), and Beef Tenderloin (with Truffle Jus). The top-quality food ingredients include premium meats, lobster, caviar, truffles, gourmet desserts (always accompanied by chocolate fondue) including Chocolate Lava Cake (with Fresh Berries and Raspberry Cream), Pink Champagne Granita (with Rose Petals) and various Petits Fours. Besides Britto's artworks, the gourmet dining experience is enhanced by dinnerware (featuring Britto's art), heart-shaped cutlery, and heart-folded napkins. The Love by Britto is priced at US$79 per person, with reservations available through the Princess app.

On Lido Deck (deck 17) are the ship's swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzies/whirlpools with a spacious sundeck served by 3 Poolside Bars (open-air venues for fast food and beverages) - 1 forward (Sea View Bar) + 2 midship (Coffee & Cones, THE MIX). Adjacent to The Dome are lined up the fast food venues Lido Slice (pizza), Lido Tacos, Lido Grill, Lido Greens (salads) and Lido Bar. Aft (with stern views/of the ship's wake) is the Love by Britto Restaurant.

Umai Teppanyaki (deck 8) is a new for Princes Cruises specialty restaurant serving Japanese traditional grilled cuisine using an iron griddle to cook the food.

Crown Grill (fka Sterling Steakhouse, open 6-11 pm) is a dinner-only specialty restaurant (at surcharge PP) serving grilled food (steaks and seafood). The ship's Steakhouse features circular seating, modern artworks, leather booths, open kitchen (guests enjoy the views of their food being prepared in the fleet's biggest show galley/kitchen).

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is a specialty dining venue that also appeals to families with its handmade pasta dishes. The restaurant has a circular main room (with bistro-style nooks) and a separate pasta room where guests can witness the pasta-making process.

Alfredo's Pizzeria (Indoor-Outdoor Dining venue) has an open kitchen allowing passengers to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand/serve them straight out of the oven. New to the kitchen is the professional, open-mouth oven reaching 970 F (520 C) degrees.

World Fresh Marketplace (with Outdoor Dining Area and Eat Street) is the ship's complimentary, self-service Lido buffet restaurant (aft on deck 9). The Lido restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and has both indoor and outdoor seating (on the Terrace). The Marketplace offers different themed cuisine for lunch and also dinner specials. The restaurant's annexes include Crab Shack (seafood bar), Fondues (cheese bar), The Pastry Shop (self-service patisserie, with complimentary desserts), and the food counter "East Meets West".

"Butcher's Block by Dario" is the fleet's first butcher shop (impromptu bistro) via partnership with Dario Cecchini (1955-born, 8th generation butcher from Panzano in Chianti, Italy). The venue features a large shared table and offers premium beef and steak meats, including signature cuts from "the world's most famous butcher". Exclusively for Princess Cruises, Dario Cecchini also designed a new menu for the Crown Grill/steakhouse also serving the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (steak dish prepared with meat sourced from Cecchini's Panzano shop/Antica Macelleria CECCHINI).

In April 2024 Princess Cruises announced that starting September 14th (2024) fleetwide would be introduced 3 distinct main dining/dinner table service options - Traditional, Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime. By the new program (introduced with Sun Princess) on each ship are allocated 3 separate dining rooms - one for Traditional dining (offering early and late dinner seating), one with Reservable times, and one for Walk-in Anytime (open-seating). The new options are integrated with the OceanNow service, allowing anything to be ordered anytime, and delivered anywhere onboard.

Follows the complete list of Sun Princess lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Princess Arena Theater (2-deck show lounge with capacity 1000+ seats)
• Two Teens & Tweens Areas (located forward on deck 7) are named The Underground and Neon Grove. These exclusive club lounges are both fitted with comfortable seating (sofas and chairs), video gaming consoles (PlayStation 5/PS5 and Nintendo Switch), table games (hockey, foosball, skeeball) and provide complimentary supervised activities like scavenger hunts, fun competitions, dance parties, movie nights.
• Good Spirits At Sea Lounge (fka Explorers Lounge)
• Cabana Decks (two exclusive sundecks for the Reserve Collection Cabana Mini-Suites positioned portside and starboard/forward-midship on Deck 9 )
• Future Cruise (loyalty program information, onboard booking)
• Shore Excursions Desk (booking, information)
• International Cafe (24-hour patisserie and specialty coffee bar- sandwiches, salads, pastries, cookies)
• Wheelhouse Bar & Lounge
• Princess Casino (age limit 21+ years, 200+ slots and video poker machines, gambling tables) is served by Magic Hour Bar.
• Crooners Bar & Lounge (piano bar with 2 glass grand pianos; cocktails, extensive Martini selection, also used for seminars and lectures)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery (also hosts art auctions)
• aft sundeck with an Infinity Pool and 2 Jacuzzies (whirlpool hot tubs)
• Family Space and Kid's Center are youth facilities served by a dedicated Guest Services Desk (deck 6 midship)
• Sun Deck with 4 Jacuzzies and a Bar
• Fitness Center (Gym with a separate Aerobics Studio for classes), Beauty Salon, Juice Bar
• Rollglider Track, Ropes Course, Jogging Track, Sports Court

Sun Princess' Casino (Deck 8) is the fleet's largest in both space/size (50%) and number of gaming positions/machines (30%). The gambling complex offers a diverse selection of entertainment, the latest and most popular slot machines, video poker games, and live table games with progressive jackpots. The venue encompasses ~836 m2 (9000 ft2), has 3-m/10-ft high ceilings, 227 slot machines, 13 live tables, and a high-limit slot area, comfortable seating, and provides interactive audio-visual experiences.

Lido Deck (deck 17) houses 3 Swimming Pools (1 forward + 2 midship) and a total of 4 Jacuzzies/whirlpool hot tubs (2 forward + 2 midship) which are served by 3 Poolside Bars/open-air venues for fast food and beverages (1 forward + 2 midship).

Promenade Deck (deck 9) is an open-air space (running from midship to aft/stern, portside and starboard) with outdoor seating/alfresco dining areas.

"The Shops of Princess" is a 2-deck shopping complex (midship on decks 7-8) consisting of top-luxury boutiques selling designer high-end brand merchandise (jewelry, leather goods, watches, perfumes, cosmetics). The onboard brand stores include Cartier, Bvlgari, Chopard, Burberry, Gucci, Montblanc, Rado, Princess Shop (cruise brand's logo merchandise), Bazaar (new shop selling destination-specific goods). On the new Sun Princess is offered merchandise from 200+ brands, including 25 first-at-sea retail brands. On Deck 8 are "The Premium Watch Lounge" (), "The Fine Timepieces Boutique" (selling premium collection watches from Rolex, Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, among others) and "The Beauty & Wellness Boutique" (shop selling premium cosmetics and skincare products from Chanel, Dior, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Comfort Zone, Neom Organics, This Works, Rituals, REN Skincare). Exclusively for the Sun Princess ship, the company signed a partnership with Diamonds International (the world's largest chain of tax- and duty-free jewelry stores) to present its premium collections of custom-made items (jewelry and watches) using premium-quality gemstones and rare diamonds. Diamonds International's top collections also present exclusive designer brands like Safi Kilima Tanzanite, De Beers Forevermark, Crown of Light Diamonds.

Princess Live! Lounge & Bar (deck 7) is a TV studio for the Princess Cruises' shipboard live TV show programming (spots and music performances) filmed each day to be broadcast to the passenger staterooms. The venue is redesigned and expanded (combines the design elements of Princess Live! and Explorer's Lounge), with full bar/beverage service, a stage (with a large LED screen) and is served by the Gelateria (fka Affogato Bar). During the day, guests enjoy participatory activities like trivia, game shows, the Wake Show.

Sea View Terrace (fka The Beach Club) is a bow-facing observation lounge (forward on deck 16) with a glass-roof cover and direct stair access to The Dome (sundeck area on deck 17).

The ship has a 2-level Signature Lounge (aka Suite Lounge) exclusive to Suite passengers. The Suite Lounge (aft on decks 15-16) provides complimentary snacks and beverages, comfortable seating, restrooms, and is directly accessed by two lifts/elevators.

Lotus Spa is a wellness complex on two floors (midship on decks 5-6). The lower level (deck 5) consists of Relax Room, Treatment Rooms (for massages), Showers and Changing Rooms (male/female). The upper level (deck 6) is "The Enclave" grouping a Thermal Suite (3 times bigger than the traditional Lotus Spa), Hammam/Oriental Steam Room, Caldarium/aroma steam room, Laconium/sauna, aromatic Sensory Showers, Hydro-therapy Pool (with 3 Whirlpools and cascading rain shower), Male/Female Change Rooms.

The Sanctuary (aft on Deck 18) is the ship's adults-only sundeck/recreation area with luxury chaise lounges, its own swimming pool and a spa pool/hot tub, and is served by the open-air Sanctuary Bar (light meals/steward service). The Sanctuary is also fitted with private 4-guest outdoor cabanas (spa massages, Royal Indulgence Package/surcharges PP apply).

In comparison to the fleetmates, some of the venues already available in the fleet are redesigned and expanded (like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Crown Grill/steakhouse, Sabatini's Trattoria, Princess Casino, Crooner's Bar, International Cafe, Good Spirits At Sea, Gelateria, Princess Live!), while others are fleet-firsts (like the Princess Arena, and the 3-deck high restaurant Horizons Dining Room/aft on decks 6-7-8).

The ship's live entertainment program includes new for the fleet production shows, a group of 13 professional dancers, and 8 cirque artists (performing at The Dome). Princess Arena hosts nightly the new productions "Vallora, A Pirate Quest" and "Viva La Musica", "Fiera!", as well as the musical "Stage Struck". The Dome hosts nightly "Cirque Eloize" as well as three new shows titled "Artbeat", "Blue" and "Come Fly Away". The Piazza (Atrium's base/lower level) hosts various musical performances and acts.

Itineraries

Sun Princess itinerary program starts with an inaugural Mediterranean season (2024 February/spring and summer) ending with a westbound Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the USA (RepositionCruises.com) for a Caribbean deployment based on homeporting in Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades (Florida USA) .

Due to delayed delivery, the Maiden Voyage (initially scheduled to depart from Barcelona on February 8, 2024) was canceled and rescheduled twice - for Feb 18th and eventually Feb 28th.

The original 10-day "Inaugural Grand Mediterranean Cruise" had to visit Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Spain), Messina (Sicily Italy), Piraeus-Athens (Greece), Kusadasi-Ephesus (Turkey), Santorini Island, and Naples, ending in Civitavecchia-Rome. The second 10-day Maiden Voyage (Feb 18-28, roundtrip from Civitavecchia) included visits to Messina, Corfu Island (Greece), Heraklion (Crete Greece), Kusadasi-Ephesus, Piraeus-Athens, and Naples.

The inaugural European season 2024 includes the following itineraries as themes.

• 7-day "Mediterranean with Greek Isles and Turkey" (between Rome and Athens)
• 7-day "Mediterranean with Greece and Italy" (between Athens and Barcelona)
• 7-day "Mediterranean with France and Italy" (between Barcelona and Rome)
• 9-day "Grand Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome)
• 10-day "Grand Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome or between Barcelona and Rome)
• 10-day "Grand Western Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome)

9- to 23-day "European Explorer" itineraries are between the Mediterranean and Southampton (England UK).

The Transatlantic relocation cruise (16-day "Iberian Passage" itinerary from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale) departs on Sept 23, 2024, and visits Portland England, Vigo Spain, Funchal Madeira Portugal, and Tenerife Canary Islands Spain.

The ship's inaugural Caribbean program (2024-2025) is based on the following ex-Fort Lauderdale roundtrip itineraries:

• 5-day "Caribbean Getaway" - visits Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk.
• 7-day "Eastern Caribbean with St Thomas USVI"
• 7-day "Eastern Caribbean" (Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Princess Cays)
• 7-day "Western Caribbean" (Cozumel Mexico, Belize City, Isla Roatan Honduras)

The Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are combinable into 14-day B2Bs/back-to-back cruises (Caribbean Adventurer).

Note: All 7-day Eastern Caribbean voyages visit the Bahamian private island resort Princess Cays/Eleuthera .

Sun Princess - user reviews and comments

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Other Princess Cruises cruise ships

• Caribbean Princess
• Coral Princess
• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Enchanted Princess
• Grand Princess
• Island Princess
• Majestic Princess
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Sky Princess
• Star Princess

Sun Princess Wiki

Princess Cruises' SPHERE-class ships are two units by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri , with the first one (Sun Princess) entering service in 2024 and the second one ( Star Princess ) in 2025. These are Princess' ever-largest vessels as well as the company's first LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas).

In July 2018 were ordered two new-class (larger than Princess' ROYAL-class) liners with GT-tonnage/volume 178000 tonnes and passenger capacity 4300 (lower berths). These are the fleet's first dual-fuel (MGO and LNG/primarily) vessels. The shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri ( Monfalcone Shipyard ) was signed on March 27, 2019, with deliveries initially scheduled for 2023 (Sun) and 2025 (Star). Both contracts were signed by Jan Swartz (Princess' President) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).

Princess Cruises in 2018 had 5 newbuilds on order with Fincantieri. The SPHERE-class units were Carnival Corporation 's 10th and 11th LNG-powered ships.

By GT-tonnage/volume (178K) Princess SPHERE is the largest Italy-built vessel so far.

The Sun Princess vessel (Fincantieri Monfalcone yard/hull number 6310) was originally scheduled for delivery (to Princess Cruise Lines Ltd) in January 2024 and to start passenger shipping operations on February 8th/Maiden Voyage. However, its delivery was delayed 20 days (February 28th).

The vessel's construction officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony on September 3, 2021, held at Fincantieri's Centro Servizi Navali (steel factory in San Giorgio di Nogaro, to the west of Monfalcone). Sun Princess was launched/floated out from drydock on March 8, 2023.

In February 2023 were announced the new ship's senior officers, including Masters/Captains (Craig Street and Paolo Arrigo), Staff Captains (Brian Whelan and Valerio Esposito), Hotel General Managers (Simona Stumberger and Ralph D'Souza), Chief Engineers (Gaetano Guida and Davor Pavlovic-Kalifo).

The ship's christening ceremony was held on April 24, 2024, at Port Barcelona. The special event was led by godmother Hannah Waddingham (1974-born British actress, singer and TV presenter) and Captain Craig Street (the vessel's Master). The naming ceremony was hosted by Michael Joseph Carbonaro (1976-born American actor and magician), and VIP guests/celebrities, including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Natasha Bedingfield, and John Padgett (Princess Cruises' President).

Inaugural cruise itineraries (2024)

The next tables show the ship's Maiden Voyage as well as the inaugural cruise itineraries by destination/homeport scheduled for 2024.

Prices are in USD and per person, based on double occupancy.

Due to prolonged shipyard work, two inaugural sailings were canceled.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE/ canceled ) 10-day "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary

(new MAIDEN VOYAGE ) "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary - 10-day, from $1400 pp

(inaugural "The Best of the Mediterranean" itinerary) 20-day, from $3100 pp

(inaugural departure from Greece) 14-day, from $2260 pp

(inaugural relocation voyage) 23-day from the Mediterranean/Europe to the UK, from $3260 pp

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing) 16-day from Europe/UK to Caribbean/USA, from $1480 pp

(inaugural Caribbean cruise) 5-day "Caribbean Getaway with Grand Turk" itinerary, from $540 pp

(inaugural "Caribbean EastWest Adventurer" itinerary) 14-day, from $1620 pp

Note: The "Caribbean EastWest Adventurer" is a B2B/back-to-back cruise that combines two 7-day itineraries - the "Eastern Caribbean with St Thomas" with the "Western Caribbean with Mexico".

Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

Sun Princess vs Sky Princess

The Princess Cruises Sun Princess is a fairly new ship, being built in 2024. Sun Princess is the first in a whole new class of cruise ship for Princess Cruises. It's the 3rd ship to be sailing under the Sun Princess name. It's 5 years newer than the Sky Princess , which was built in 2019. This ship is the second ship to sail under the Sky Princess name.

Comparison Overview

Number of passengers, food and restaurants.

• Bars and Drinks

Pools and Hot Tubs

Ship features and activities, cruise costs, onboard costs.

The Sun Princess is considered a large size ship. Coming in at 1,133 feet long and 126 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 3.1 football fields, as wide as 2.4 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 21-story building. Compared to the Princess Cruises Sky Princess, the Sun Princess is 24% larger in terms of overall tons.

Princess Cruises Sun Princess holds 17% more passengers than the Sky Princess based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, or what we call the "Space Ratio," the Sun Princess has more space per person compared to the Sky Princess. This means that you might have a bit more space to yourself on the ship, although there still could be some crowded areas like buffets, pools, etc.

Food is a big part of any cruise, and the ship you choose can make a huge difference in your food experience.

The Sun Princess has 22 different dining options like Spellbound by Magic Castle , Crown Grill , and Umai Teppanyaki . Of those options, 8 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 14 options have an additional fee.

The Sky Princess has 3 fewer dining venues. Some of its popular venues are International Cafe , Crown Grill , and Main Dining Room . 11 of these restaurants are complementary and the other 8 have an additional fee.

If you like having a variety of places to eat, the Sun Princess might be a better choice. It has 16% more dining options than the Sky Princess.

If you're looking to avoid extra money while on board, the Sky Princess might be a better choice then the Sun Princess. More of the dining options are included in the base cruise fare, potentially saving you money.

Restaurants on Princess Cruises Sun Princess & Sky Princess

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Both ships serve the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship.

There are also plenty of bars available on these ships. Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator.

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day for 7 days in a pool, a cruise isn't for you. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Princess Cruises Sun Princess has a total of 5 pools and 11 hot tubs. 1 of the pools and 1 of the hot tubs are exclusive access, which means there's either an extra charge to access them or you need to book a certain class of cabin to have access to them.

Princess Cruises Sky Princess has fewer pools than the Sun Princess and fewer hot tubs. There are fewer exclusive pools and hot tubs on the Sky Princess. If you like ships without extra charges or exclusive areas, this might be a better choice since everyone will have access to these areas.

Both ships have lots of activities to keep you busy throughout your cruise. Below you'll see a list of some of the major features on these ships. On both ships, 77% of the activities below are included in your cruise fare.

Princess Cruises is a premium cruise line. Premium cruise lines typically offer upscale food, accommodations, and service. These typically cost about $150 - $400 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year. Typically newer ships cost more, so a cruise on Princess Cruises Sun Princess will likely be more expensive than on Princess Cruises Sky Princess.

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you understand what you might spend onboard a Princess Cruises ship.

Princess Cruises offers two packages to bundle onboard expenses. The Princess Plus package includes daily gratuities, the basic beverage package, 2 fitness classes, 2 casual dining meals, and internet for $60 per day per guest. The Princess Premier package upgrades to the premiere beverage package, wifi for up to 4 devices per guest, two specialty dining meals, unlimited casual dining meals, unlimited fitness classes, and a photo package for $80 per guest per day.

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Cabins , Cruise Tips , New Ships , Princess Cruises , Sun Princess

Sun Princess – Staterooms and Suites Guide for the first Princess ‘Sphere’ class ship

Sun Princess was launched in February 2024 and is the first Sphere-class ship for Princess Cruises. This was the fleet’s first dual-fuel (MDO and LNG) powered and largest-ever ship, accommodating 4,300 guests.

What is new for Staterooms and Suites on Sun Princess ?

Sun Princess was built on a new and bespoke ship platform and there were significant changes to the stateroom and suites offerings for guests. There are 2,157 staterooms in total, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms.

The main differences to ‘Royal’ class are:

• All staterooms except Interiors now feature a sofa.
• All bathrooms feature showers with glass doors – flapping curtains are no more!
• For all Interior, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, the wardrobe space is now near the entrance door and moves away from the traditional walk-in closet
• For all Oceanview, Balcony and Mini Suite staterooms, the option to choose between two different room configurations with either the bed nearest the window or the sofa nearest the window.
• New category of Interior for solo occupancy
• New category of Balcony with a cove balcony
• New category of Mini Suite with a private balcony and cabana – an additional lounging area between the main cabin area and your balcony.
• Club Class renamed to Reserve Collection with it’s own restaurant. Reserve class mini suites will also have exclusive access to the Cabana Deck, an outdoor lounge space
• Suite Class renamed to Signature Collection with it’s own restaurant, lounge/bar and sun deck
• New lower category of Suite – Signature Suite – which is the same size as a Mini Suite and with a shower only
• Very few balconies will look directly down onto the sea as most seem to be inset and will either overlook the Promenade deck. Wake View Terrace or the bow.

Stateroom Categories on Sun Princess

Interior Staterooms

The most affordable option, these staterooms feature two twin beds or a queen-size bed and the basic amenities you expect, from flat-panel 4K TV to in-room refrigerator. Interior staterooms also feature an ottoman bench.

A significant new feature for a Princess ship: solo travellers can be accommodated in that there are currently 4 inside single staterooms available on Deck 10. These are slightly smaller than the standard interior and include a queen size bed.

Interior Stateroom Locations:

• Category IA/IB/IC/ID/IE/IF: Interior (Deck 5/6/9/10/11/12/14/15/16/17)
• Category IS: Interior Single (Deck 10)

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview staterooms feature a picture window and all the amenities of an interior room with the added benefit of ocean views that bring an airy openness to the space. Oceanview staterooms now include a double sofabed and a smaller couch under the window. They come in two different configurations, one with a bed by the window and one with a bed by the bathroom.

Oceanview Stateroom Locations:

• Category O2/O3/O5: Premium Oceanview (Deck 5/6/10/11)

Balcony Staterooms

All Balcony Staterooms come with a double sofabed and a private balcony with well-appointed outdoor furniture.

They come in two different configurations, one with a bed by the window and one with a bed by the bathroom. You can determine this by checking the deck plan. The bed headboard will be located in the deepest indentation along the dividing wall so, for example, 12322 below will have a sofa nearest the window and bed facing forward whilst 12326 will have the bed closest to the window and facing aft:

Premium Deluxe Balcony Staterooms will always have the larger balconies in the most sought after locations (and therefore cost more) but look out for select Deluxe Balcony Staterooms on decks 10/11/12/14 Forward and decks 10/11/12/14/15/16 Midship if you are looking for more balcony space.

A new lower Balcony Category is the Cove Balcony – these are located on Deck 6 under the lifeboats as in the image below:

These Cove balconies will be more sheltered with a cut-out metal surround set into the ship to protect the passengers from bad weather as they will be closer to the sea. Note this means they will directly overlook the sea as a result.

They will have a separate door and window rather than a sliding door – there may be some access restrictions during bad weather where metal covers could be used to protect the balcony door.

Balcony Stateroom Locations:

• Category D1/D2: Premium Deluxe Balcony (Deck 10/11/12/14/15/16/17)
• Category DA/DB/DC/DD/DE/DF: Deluxe Balcony (Deck 9/10/11/12/14/15/16/17)
• Category DG/DH: Cove Balcony (Deck 6)

Mini Suite Staterooms

A Mini Suite is substantially larger than a balcony stateroom and includes a separate seating area with sofa bed as well as two flat-panel TVs. A Mini Suite is perfect if you need a little extra space for your family or group and you will enjoy an extra perk of a complimentary glass of bubbly on embarkation day. They come in two different configurations, one with a bed by the window and one with a bed by the bathroom.

Note that Mini Suite staterooms will only have a walk-in shower unlike the tub/shower combination on Royal class but it will be an upgraded luxury shower.

Club Class accommodations onboard Star Princess, and all other Princess ships, will now be called Reserve Collection , which are the best-located Mini Suite staterooms. These premium accommodations include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.

Within the Mini Suite category are Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms with an additional lounging area with floor-to-ceiling glass (and an external door) between the main cabin area and your balcony. This will enable you to relax inside or out in complete comfort to incredible views.

There are also Cabana Mini Suite staterooms within the Reserve Collection. As well as having access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant, these Reserve Class Cabana mini suites will also have exclusive access to the Cabana Deck, an outdoor lounge space. Princess states the cabanas with access to the Cabana Deck are on deck 9.

A word of warning about the Reserve class Cabana mini suites on Deck 9 that are directly positioned next to the private Cabana deck – the balcony sections will be totally open and offer little privacy from the other Reserve class Cabana passengers using the deck facilities.

Category C2 Reserve class Cabana mini suites will have balcony glass tinted blue and will be double-height so you won’t be able to lean over the balcony rail. Also the balconies will be totally overlooked from above.

Note also that Cabana Mini Suites will be narrower than standard Mini Suites – they will be same width and bathroom size as standard rooms.

Mini Suite Locations:

• Category M1/M2: Reserve Mini Suite (Deck 10/11/12/14/15/16/17)
• Category MA/MD: Mini Suite (Deck 10/11/12/14)

Cabana Mini Suite Locations:

• Category C1/C2: Reserve Cabana Mini Suite (Deck 9)
• Category CA/CB: Cabana Mini Suite (Deck 10/11/12)

Launching first on Sun Princess will be a new level of Suite accommodations, the Signature Collection . Enjoy more living space, a separate seating area with sofa bed, enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

The lowest Signature Collection Suite is the Signature Suite which is approximately the size of a Mini Suite with a shower only but with all the other standard Suite amenities. There are 30 Signature Suites and they are 304 sq ft in size.

Penthouse Suites are the standard suite with a separate sitting and sleeping area. There are 2 televisions and 2 sliding doors leading out to the balcony provided with luxury furniture. And individual rooms for the toilet and bathroom which will include a walk-in shower and separate tub. There are 36 Penthouse Suites and they are 446 sq ft in size.

The Signature Owner’s Suite is a larger suite which builds on the amenities of the standard suite. It has a dedicated walk-in closet, a larger balcony and a separate dining area. There are 10 Owner’s Suites and they are 636 sq ft in size.

The Signature Sky Suite is the largest, most luxurious suite on Sun Princess. It can accommodate up to five guests and features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one with a full bath with tub and separate shower, a seating area and sofa bed.

All Signature Sky Suites come with enhanced complimentary perks. Guests will also have access to private Suite Experience Managers, a Shopping Concierge and a Pre-Cruise Shoreside Concierge.

There are 4 Sky Suites, two more than on the last three Royal class ships and one is wheelchair-accessible. They are 1, 262 sq ft in size and have larger balconies but note that they no longer wrap-around.

In addition to premium stateroom amenities, Signature Collection suites include access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and Bar, and Signature Sun Deck, a private area of The Sanctuary.

The Signature Lounge is a two level lounge for the exclusive use of guests staying in suites, located aft of deck 15 and deck 16 with stunning views of the aft of ship.

Unfortunately, there are no forward facing Premium Suites (our favourite on Royal class) or aft-facing Suites with large wrap-around balconies.

Signature Collection Locations:

• Category S0: Signature Sky Suite (Deck 16)
• Category S2: Signature Owner’s Suite (Deck 10/16)
• Category S4: Signature Penthouse Suite (Deck 15/16/17)
• Category S9: Signature Suite (Deck 11/15/16)

Wheelchair-Accessible Staterooms

For guests with limited mobility, Princess offers a selection of staterooms that provide full wheelchair-turning space. These staterooms include a roll-in shower equipped with grab bars and a fold-down bench seat, an easy access closet and accessible writing desk.

Inside Stateroom Wheelchair-Accessible Locations:

• Category IA: Interior (Deck 10/14/15) x 3
• Category IB: Interior (Deck 5/6/16) x 8

Oceanview Stateroom Wheelchair-Accessible Locations:

• Category O3: Premium Oceanview (Deck 5) x 4
• Category O5: Premium Oceanview (Deck 11) x 2

Balcony Stateroom Wheelchair-Accessible Locations:

• Category DB: Deluxe Balcony (Deck 14) x 2
• Category DD: Deluxe Balcony (Deck 10/11/12/14) x 8
• Category DE: Deluxe Balcony (Deck 10/12) x 4
• Category DF: Deluxe Balcony (Deck 9/16) x 6

Mini Suite Wheelchair-Accessible Locations:

• Category M1: Reserve Mini Suite (Deck 12) x 2
• Category MA: Mini Suite (Deck 12) x 2

Cabana Mini Suite Wheelchair-Accessible Locations:

• Category C1: Reserve Cabana Mini Suite (Deck 9) x 2
• Category C2: Reserve Cabana Mini Suite (Deck 9) x 2

Signature Collection Wheelchair-Accessible Locations:

• Category S0: Signature Sky Suite (Deck 16) x 1
• Category S2: Signature Owner’s Suite (Deck 16) x 1
• Category S4: Signature Penthouse Suite (Deck 16) x 2
• Category S9: Signature Suite (Deck 11) x 2

Check out our page of actual pictures and video links of Staterooms on Sun Princess.

The inaugural season for Sun Princess began in February 2024 with Mediterranean itineraries and ends with a westbound Transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale for a Caribbean deployment based on homeporting in Port Everglades.  The 7-day Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries are now on sale.

Sun Princess will be returning to the Mediterranean for the summer of 2025, where she will be joined by the second ‘Sphere’ class Star Princess on 4th August 2025. These itineraries go on sale 1st June 2023.

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Thanks for the info. We are long-time Princess cruisers and are looking forward to the launch of Sun. My question: on the aft of decks 15 and 16 the deck plan shows “Suite Lounge”. Is this the same as the concierge lounge across from the Penthouse Suites on Regal/Royal/Enchanted and Sky?

Hi David, yes it sounds like it’s the equivalent of the Concierge Lounge. There is an unofficial deck plan which has more information on the Suite Lounge and states “Two level lounge for the exclusive use of guests staying in Suites. Located aft of deck 15 and deck 16 with stunning views of aft of ship.”

Thanks—that explains 15 and 16. I’ll book 15. As I mentioned, we’ve been around quite a while and probably bumped into in a concierge lounge at one point. Cheers

On the deck plan I noticed a “Firefly Park” on deck 6 near guest services. Any idea what this is?

This is noted as a Kids Area on an unofficial deck plan but yet to be confirmed by Princess

We are on the @0 day Sun inaugural Med cruise in Feb 24 and also the transatlantic on the Sun in Sept 2024. Woo hoo!

We just booked the 10 day grand Mediterranean cruise 4/17/2024. Category DC deluxe balcony. When will we know our cabin assignment?

The timescale for allocating guaranteed cabins varies on Princess – it could be months or weeks before or even at the pier. You may also be offered a chance to upgrade before you get your assignment.

We are booked on the March Sun Princess cruise in/out of Rome and are looking forward to the new ship experience.

Our preferred air carrier is American and beside early flights, they have an 1100am flight from FCO. Have you cruised out of Rome (Civitavecchia) before, and is an 1100am flight reasonable?

David Eberly

We have only arrived in Rome once and it depends on your method of getting to the airport from the port. We did the Princess transfer and that means waiting for other passengers to fill up the coach so an 11am flight would be risky. If you book a private transfer who can pick up from outside the ship then they can take you direct to the airport in well under 2 hours and this is more feasible. I always like to have contingency though so would always go for mid-afternoon flight.

Do you think that the forward deluxe balconies will have glass railings or metal railings (obstructed)?

It does look as though there is a chance that there will be metal railings if you look at the forward deck balconies under the bridge. Doesn’t mention them when booking though.

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Sun Princess: What’s Princess Cruises’ most ‘elevated’ ship really like?

--> BY Quentin Long

Last updated . 13 June 2024

Sun Princess is not only the biggest ship in the Princess fleet but comes with many firsts and innovations for the brand. But with innovation and firsts comes risks. We cruised from Athens to Barcelona to find out what Sun Princess is really like.

Princess Cruises describes Sun Princess , the first ship in their Sphere Class, as an elevated cruise experience with a greater focus on lifting the quality of all amenities, services and experiences. And to deliver this elevated experience they have both wielded the knife and waved a magic wand.

The Sun Princess is the biggest ship in the Princess fleet.

Wedding chapel, gone. Art gallery, gone. Plastic shower curtain that sticks to you, gone. In their place, there is an embarrassment of ‘new’ and ‘firsts’ and ‘mosts’:  

– More balconies than any other Princess ship. – A new geodesic dome that acts as both a sun deck and performance space where three of the four new cirque-inspired productions are staged. – A new small arena theatre-in-the-round style entertainment stage.  – A host of new restaurants. – A ‘first at sea’ magic show housed in a secret bar.  – A new kid-friendly active play area that includes a ropes course.   

In reality, Sun Princess is pushing the boat out (bad pun intended) on what a Princess Cruise really offers which raises two questions. Will they be able to keep their incredibly loyal customers happy? Will they attract new customers with the Sun Princess and more Sphere Class ships due in the coming years?  

This following review will help you answer those and other questions in detail, but for those who want the headline, here is the summary.

Sun Princess Review Summary

She is a sparkling, glorious new ship who’s decor and aesthetic is most certainly elevated. 

Princess is a traditional cruise brand, steeped in its Love Boat roots and Sun Princess doesn’t stray too far from these successful foundations, just some necessary tweaks and updates (shower curtains being exhibit A). 

The entertainment on board is smart and contemporary while the food a jump up in class for Princess, which is typically loved by passengers. 

For example, Sun Princess served up the the best steak I have had in any main dining room of any cruise ship. As the dining room is the bellwether for a cruise ship’s standard of culinary offerings, it is a very good sign.

The Medallion technology adds value to the experience and the elevated stateroom decor, space and design is a more sophisticated Princess experience.

The addition of more kid focused facilities will certainly please the multigenerational and Gramping (grandparents taking grandchildren and leaving the second generation at home) cruisers.

If this has piqued your interest, then you are ready for the more detailed review below:

Sun Princess – What we loved Sun Princess – What we would change Sun Princess – Who will love it? Sun Princess details

The Sun Princess offers an elevated cruising experience. (Image: Princess Cruises)

Sun Princess – what we loved

Medallion  .

It’s not new but the Princess Cruise’s Medallion (they confusingly call it Medallion Class which makes you think it is specific to some fancy suite class, but is across the entire fleet and all cabin classes) is a wonder.  

About the size of a 20-cent coin, The Medallion is a wearable disc. It will open your stateroom door upon your approach, and work as a credit card.  

The device also alerts staff to your name and assists with service. Staff will know your preferences for things like drinks or coffee orders. It can feel a little Big Brother the first time a barman who has never served you before addresses you by name, but after a while you like it.   

The Dome  

This geodesic dome is a ‘first’ and therefore obviously ‘new’ on Sun Princess .  It looks like a mega-fauna armadillo has climbed aboard and fallen asleep on the bow at decks 17 and 18. The unusual shape houses a multi-use day/night space.   

During daylight hours this tiered seating across both decks is a covered sunning space with a pool. The pool is a clever indoor/outdoor innovation that passes under the dome wall to emerge on the Sea View Terrace. It also connects the two most forward lounging spaces.  

At night the pool section under the Dome is covered to create a stage for a new series of productions. Intelligent design has imbedded the lighting and staging technology within the dome structure to facilitate aerial cirque performances across the entire space.   

The only challenge is the Dome only seats 250, so it is not unusual for guests to start claiming their seats 45 minutes before the show time to avoid missing out.   

Kick back in the Dome. (Image: James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

Princess Arena  

A 270-degree ‘keyhole’ performance space, the Arena seats 990 but feels far more intimate. The tiered plush seating feels very close to the stage even in the back few rows.   

Sabatini  

The Italian Specialty dining on board all Princess ships is excellent. And the highlight, without a doubt, is the Lobster Tortellini. It is so good I would happily eat at Sabatini ’s every night.  

Umai Teppanyaki  

The first Teppanyaki on board a Princess ship, Umai is not just a great meal. The space is a sophisticated enclave that could easily be in Tokyo.   

Add the highly entertaining chefs (“I am your fake Japanese chef for the evening”) who add a great deal of singing, theatre and giggling crowd participation to the experience – and it’s another not-to-be-missed meal.   

Umai Teppanyaki is a great spot for dinner with the family.

Spellbound  

A collaboration with LA’s Magic Castle, Spellbound is a dinner and show experience worthy of the additional charge. A magic show can easily become tacky and awkward, however this was quite the opposite.   

After a set menu (just a choice between three mains) dinner with drinks is served in a roped-off section of the Horizons dining room, guests are transferred to the speakeasy bar hidden off the Piazza on deck eight.  

Cocktails at Spellbound come with a side of magic.

The transfer is a little clunky but the bar and 30-seat theatrette where the magic (another bad pun intended) really happens is fantastic.

Entering via hidden doors, the bar area is a dimly lit Victorian mansion of curios and oddities style with deep velvety red sofa seating. The magic shows are entertaining, engaging and “how did they do that” high-quality illusion and conjuring.  

Wine list and cocktails  

Cruise wine lists can be so US-centric as to challenge an Australian palate, but not this one. It’s extensive, covering a significant range from across the globe. The Australian representation on the list is the best available at sea.

For wine lovers, the wine immersions, or experiences, particularly the Super Tuscan tasting, are excellent.   

There are some 200 new cocktails designed just for the Sun Princess . We thoroughly enjoyed the Houdini’s Escape at Spellbound and the Cartagena Cool at Good Spirits.  

Try a magical cocktail at Spellbound.

Sanctuary  

Again, not exclusive to Sun Princess , the Sanctuary Deck  is the adults-only (16 years and above) pool area on deck 18. Typically, the Sanctuary is at the forward of the ship, on Sun Princess it is at the stern.   

The exclusive quiet enclave with a private bar is pure relaxation. The most sought-after seating is at the very stern in the Signature Sun Deck where magnificent views of the wake are reserved for suite guests only.  

The Sanctuary Deck features an adults-only pool.

Sun Princess – what we would change

With anything that is this experimental, there are going to be tweaks over the coming reiterations of the Sphere class of ship.   

Let the (sun)light in  

The eponymous mid-ship spheres straddle the Piazza like Princess Leia’s buns and bring a lot of light into the centre of the ship. However, many of the other internal spaces – particularly the eateries – on the ship are inward-facing cul-de-sacs with no windows or little natural light.

The aft Port side of decks seven and eight are closed. Not utilising this space for the natural light seems like a missed opportunity.  

The Piazza is great for natural light. (Image: James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

Give us a sign  

The directional signage is not helpful when you are trying to find a location or outlet, particularly if you are looking for something that is not on your current deck. The ship navigator interactive screens help, but not when you are in the lift.   

Smoking Casino  

The Casino on level eight is very much in the heart of the ship and has an internal smoking space that leaks the smell of smoke into the forward lift well on deck eight and even up a few decks of stairs. It is not smoky, but the smell is noticeable on occasion.   

The Casino is located on level eight. (Image: James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

Lounging  

One of the secrets to big ship cruising is to find your space. Typically, there are two or three places in and outdoors that are quieter and allow some comfortable lounging in relative peace and quiet.  

We found this at the small outdoor area above the Wakeview terrace, outside of The Catch or Butcher’s Block, and the outdoor heated lounge area on the promenade of the International Cafe, also on deck nine.  

However inside, there was no great lounging space to be found that was relatively peaceful or quiet.   

The Dome, whilst technically indoors, is a very bright glass roof. Further, it’s cramped and more sun lounger than sofa.  

Cabana Mini Suites  

These resort-style staterooms are fantastic in theory but a little clunky in reality and don’t realise their full potential. There is a great stateroom in there, it’s just not quite figured out how to be great yet.

A Cabana Mini Suite is a totally new cabin type, adding a cabana to the stateroom and greatly expanding the outdoor area with a covered yet open room to the balcony.  

This creates a stateroom with four distinct areas (plus the WC); a lounge, the spacious queen-sized bed, the cabana and the balcony. 

The Cabana Mini Suite is a new cabin type. (Image: Princess Cruises)

The Cabana is separated from the bedroom and internal lounge by a sliding door and then the Cabana from the balcony by space-creating bi-fold doors.  

The Cabana has an outdoor two-seater lounge opposite a wall-mounted TV. The flooring is a polished hard surface that presumably can handle any weather. It’s designed for lounging in front of the screen with the bi-fold doors open – which would be a lovely afternoon if that’s what you want to do on a cruise. 

The ability to lounge in such an indoor / outdoor space is very appealing – I should be raving about it. I like it but I didn’t want to use it as much as it deserves.

The solution (I am spit-balling) is probably to upgrade the lounge to a more plush outdoor day bed and reorientate to the outside and view and not a wall-mounted TV. If I want to watch TV I can move the furniture.

It is a great innovation but as the first reiteration, it will be improved with future generations of Sphere class ships.  

The suite is designed for lounging and has its own balcony. (Image: Princess Cruises)

Sun Princess – who will love it?

Princess Cruise loyalists are lovers of a traditional style cruise. In practice, this is an overabundance of interactive staff-led activities like trivia, bingo, wine tasting, ballroom dance classes, Zumba dance classes, etc.  

Plus, themed evenings, often with a dress code and a photo op in your glammed-up gear. The dress code should not put people off, as formal is very much in the eye of the beholder.   

Guests will love the lively onboard entertainment. (Image: Quentin Long)

This is all present on Sun and is elevated, as claimed, with modern updated decor and both traditional and more lively entertainment.  

By ‘lively’ entertainment we mean not as sedate as other Princess cruises. For example, one of the late evening music performances is a rock show that plays the very best of the ’70s and ’80s. Think Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Eric Clapton ‘turned it up to 11’ in the Piazza. They drew a great crowd of both those who saw these rock legends live in the ’70s and others who came to enjoy them later via radio.  

The Spellbound show and the productions from Cirque Eloize (think Cirque De Soleil, light) are also examples of elevated and more contemporary entertainment.

Couples and intergenerational families will love the ship. (Image: Quentin Long)

The more traditional Princess loyalists were a little disconcerted with the size of the ship, but I would put that down to the unfamiliar. In time they would probably come around.

While families do cruise on Princess, the reality is more intergenerational and couples. The kid’s clubs and entertainment are acceptable, but would not suit eight to 17-year-olds on an itinerary with multiple consecutive sea days. They would need to be getting off and exploring ports most days.  

For non-Princess loyalists, Sun Princess suits active couples who want an easy and simple way to see new parts of the world with entertainment and options to upgrade their meal and beverage experiences without fuss.  

Upgrade your meals and beverages without fuss. (Image: Quentin Long)

Sun Princess details

Sun princess itineraries  .

The Sun Princess will be sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries in 2024 and 2025.   

Princess Cruises packages explained  

There are two package types onboard all Princess Cruises; Premiere and Plus.

Princess Cruises Princess Plus Package

The Princess Plus package is the entry-level package and includes:  

– Wi-fi for one device. – Beverage Package including the post mix soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, cocktails, wine and spirits up to $22 (onboard this is US$15) plus 25 per cent off any bottle of wine. – Premium desserts are available at the Gelataria and some coffee outlets, thinks sundaes etc. – Fitness Classes, which incur a charge for non-package guests, are included. – Casual dining twice at the non-complimentary casual outlets (but not the Specialty Dining) like Alfredo’s Pizza or Kai Sushi. – OceanNow delivery, which translates to room service but anywhere you may be on the ship.

Princess values the package at $170 a day and charges $65 per day per person.   

Princess Cruises Princess Premier Package

The Princess Premier package ups the levels of the Plus package, with a few additional extras. The package includes:  

– Wi-fi for four devices. – Premier Beverage Package which is the same as the Plus Package but wine and spirits up to $30 (onboard US$20). – Specialty Dining on two occasions. – Reserved Theatre seating for the production shows. – Casual Dining as often as you like. – Photo package which delivers endless digital versions of your pictures plus three prints. – Premium Desserts, as per the Plus package. – Fitness Classes, as per the Plus package. – OceanNow, as per the Plus package.  

Princess values the package at $313 a day and charges $95 per day per person.   

Sun Princess suites and staterooms  

There are 2157 staterooms onboard Sun Princess , including 80 suites. There are 51 wheelchair-accessible staterooms.  

The suites are all considered part of the Signature Collection, which comes with access to the private Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and Signature Sun Deck. The Cabana Mini Suites have access to a private outdoor deck.

There are seven major types of suites and staterooms.   

Sit back and relax in the Signature Lounge. (Image: James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

1. Sky Suites

The premier room type onboard with two beds and two bathrooms with concierge and your-wish-is-my-command service. The Sky Suites are 117 square metres.  

The Sky Suite comes with two bedrooms and bathrooms. (Image: Princess Cruises)

Typically, a one-bed spacious suite with balcony sitting and lounge spaces. They range in size from 28 to 59 square metres.

3. Cabana Mini Suites

As described above, a resort-themed stateroom with expanded outdoor space. They are typically 30.5 square metres.  

4. Mini Suites

The suite without the Cabana and a slightly more spacious floor plan; typically 28 square metres.  

The Mini Suite is another great accommodation option. (Image: Princess Cruises)

5. Deluxe Balcony

Judging by the floor plan, this is the Cabana Mini Suite without the additional cabana space. Typically, 21.8 square metres.  

6. Premium Ocean View

Similar floor plan to the Deluxe Balcony except the balcony is now a window with a recessed bench seat. Typically 19.7 square metres.  

Cosy up on the bench next to your window in the Premium Oceanview Suite. (Image: Princess Cruises)

7. Interior Stateroom

The most compact and affordable of the staterooms, the twin beds and a WC are squeezed into 12.6 or 13.5 square metres.  

Sun Princess restaurants

There are 30 different bars and restaurants onboard Sun Princess . The Signature Collection guests have exclusive access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant and the Signature Restaurant. 

INCLUSIVE DINING

The food outlets included in the cruise fare are:  

The Eatery – The buffet on deck nine seats 742. There is no self-service, all meals are delivered across the counter by staff.   

Horizons Dining Room – The main dining room, spread across three decks; six, seven and eight.  

Horizons is the main dining space onboard. (Image: James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

The Lido – Four outlets on the pool deck 17 serve salads (Lido Greens), burgers and hotdogs (Lido Grill), pizza (Lido Slice) and kebabs and tacos (Lido Tacos).  

Promenade dining – On the outside of deck nine, the alfresco options serve burgers and hot dogs (Promenade Grill), ice cream and pizza (Promenade Slice).   

SPECIALTY DINING

These restaurants all have an additional charge:

Alfredo’s Pizzeria – The specialty pizza place with an open oven on deck nine within the Piazza precinct.  

Grab a bite to eat at Alfredo’s. (Image: James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

Love By Britto – This brand-new establishment is a collaboration with a Miami artist and serves up avant-garde, love-themed dishes. It will be launching in June 2024.  

Makoto Ocean – The sushi house on deck eight in the Piazza precinct (it used to be called Kai Sushi).   

O’Malley’s Irish Pub – A first for Princess, O’Malleys is pub food with lively Irish singing and music, on deck seven in the Piazza precinct.  

Sabatini’s – Located on deck eight, Sabatini’s is the Italian eatery found on all Princess Cruises, and a deserved crowd favourite.  

Crown Grill – The signature steakhouse restaurant across all Princess Cruises, found tucked in behind O’Malley’s and opposite Princess Live on deck seven.  

Crown Grill is the ship’s signature steakhouse. (Image: James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

The Butcher’s Table – This new concept launched on Sun Princess delivers six different small portions of Tuscan meats served with chianti and Italian sides. It is found on deck nine aft.  

The Catch by Rudi – A specialty seafood restaurant that shares a space with the Butcher’s Block on deck nine aft.  

Umai Teppanyaki & Hotpot – One of our favourites, this lively eatery is also great food. The restaurant is hard to find near the mid-ship lift well on deck eight.  

Umai Teppanyaki is a fun foodie experience. (Image: Quentin Long)

Sun Princess bars

There are 12 bars onboard. Below are bars to note.  

Bellini’s – As you would expect the Italian-inspired cocktail bar in the Piazza precinct on deck seven.  

Crooners – The crowd favourite and on all Princess cruises, Crooners is found on deck eight in the Piazza precinct.   

Good Spirits – Tucked in behind Princess Live on deck seven, this is a secret space serving up a significant collection of cocktails thanks to a collaboration with Rob Floyd, a US celebrity mixologist.  

Sea View Bar – At the bow of the ship outside the Dome, this is often an overlooked bar well worth an afternoon sunsetter.  

Wake View Terrace – The small sun deck space with an infinity edge pool on deck eight is a sought-after spot, so grab your spot at about 4pm and then enjoy one of the great vistas, the wake, with a drink.  

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Sun Princess: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on Princess Cruises' Newest Ship

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As a travel writer who cruises with all the major lines, I was excited to travel through the Mediterranean on the new Sun Princess cruise ship in May 2024. I traveled with my mother to celebrate her 76th birthday shortly after the new ship's February debut in Rome . The itinerary we sailed was a unique, one-way offering that departed from Athens, Greece , with visits to ports like Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Naples, Italy .

A true marvel of modern engineering and ship architecture, Sun Princess boasts a maximum guest capacity of 4,300 and room for 1,600 crew. The Sphere-Class vessel is 1,133 feet long and 200 feet high, with a breadth of 139 feet and 21 total decks. There are 2,157 staterooms, including 80 unique suites with extra space for guests.

Standout features include a three-floor main dining area, the Princess Arena with capacity for 990 guests and a 250-person entertainment space known as The Dome. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Sun Princess cruise ship, including my own take on the dining and entertainment options available to cruisers.

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Sun Princess itineraries for 2024 and 2025

While Sun Princess is scheduled to cruise the Mediterranean through September 2024, the ship will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida , by October for the winter cruise season.

From this new homeport, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises with the stops in Honduras, Belize , Mexico, the Bahamas , the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos through March 2025.

Sun Princess will then embark on a 14-day Spanish Passage voyage in March 2025, which ends in Barcelona, Spain , and repositions the ship for its summer in the Mediterranean. At that point, cruisers can book a range of lengthy Mediterranean options over various dates, which include stops in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain and more.

Who should sail on Sun Princess?

While most people may think of Princess Cruises as a cruise line for baby boomers, Sun Princess aims to attract a younger, livelier crowd. This is immediately apparent when walking around the ship's common areas; Sun Princess boasts bold color schemes, endless windows, sparkling lights and a more modern central piazza than other Princess ships.

While my Mediterranean sailing largely consisted of adult travelers, Sun Princess will likely attract more families on its Caribbean itineraries. The ship's layout is ideal for parents with children of all ages, and amenities geared specifically toward kids abound. It all starts with the ship's Park19 family area, which features a huge climbing structure, a splash zone, a recreational court, a jogging court and more. Sun Princess also has three dedicated youth clubs: Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3 to 7, with a separate play area for babies and toddlers 6 months and older), Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8 to 12) and The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17).

What's interesting about Sun Princess is that it still has so much to offer more mature travelers, including couples who want to enjoy a romantic, upscale vacation. This is shown in the ship's elevated dining venues, expansive casino and luxurious spa. Sun Princess also offers the Sanctuary Collection of rooms and suites, which offer more amenities and spaces to relax on the ship.

Travelers who book a room in the Sanctuary Collection get their pick of a nicer selection of rooms, a premium beverage package, access to a private restaurant and pool deck and a more personalized experience overall. Think of the Sanctuary Collection suites as an alternative to MSC Cruises Yacht Club cabins – the biggest difference being that the venues available to cruisers in these cabins are spread throughout the ship.

The stateroom

I stayed in one of the new Cabana Mini-Suites on the Sun Princess, which I would book again in a heartbeat. These rooms are a take on the classic balcony cabin most cruisers expect, but with a twist. In addition to an outdoor balcony, Cabana Mini-Suites have a separate indoor-outdoor cabana-like area with a flat-screen television.

This extra space means the new Cabana Mini-Suites are much longer from one end to the other than a traditional balcony stateroom. The additional space is nice to have whether you want more room for storage or a separate place to read or relax while your cabinmate naps. My mom sat in our cabana area and read several times while I showered and got ready for dinner, and she even took a nap out there while I worked on my computer in our stateroom.

Regardless of the stateroom you book, know that Sun Princess cabins feature soft, neutral tones and plenty of closet space. Power outlets are abundant, and there are all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. Cabin types on Sun Princess include the following:

Interior Cabins (136 to 145 square feet)

Basic interior rooms offer a queen bed or two small twin beds, a flat-panel television, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. These are the most affordable cabins on the ship, and they work best for guests who just want a place to relax and sleep.

Premium Oceanview (212 square feet)

Ocean-view cabins have slightly more space than interior rooms, but they still lack a balcony. These rooms feature a queen bed or two twin configurations, a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Deluxe Balcony (235 square feet, including balcony)

Balcony cabins offer more space than ocean-view rooms due to the addition of a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. Balcony cabins can also come in a queen bed or two twin configuration and have a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Mini-Suite (303 square feet, including balcony)

Mini-Suites are essentially large balcony cabins with more storage space, more closet space and more floor space. These rooms have all the amenities of other cabins but include two flat-screen televisions (one for the bedroom area and another for couch viewing).

Cabana Mini-Suite (329 square feet, including balcony and cabana)

These rooms add the indoor-outdoor space of the cabana adjacent to the outdoor balcony. The cabana area has seating for several people and its own flat-screen television (in addition to the in-room TV).

Signature Suites (304 to 636 square feet, including balcony)

Signature Suites range in size and include larger balconies with premium furniture, two flat-screen televisions, a more spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and dedicated sleeping and living areas.

Signature Sky Suites (1,262 square feet, including balcony)

Princess Cruises Signature Sky Suites are the largest staterooms across all Princess vessels, and they have all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Standout features of Sky Suites include separate living and dining areas; huge, luxurious bathrooms; and Nespresso coffee machines.

(Note: Sanctuary Collection rooms are dotted throughout the ship and consist of balcony-, mini-suite- and suite-category accommodations.)

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Best amenities on Sun Princess

Since my itinerary on the Sun Princess cruise ship included multiple port stops, I didn't get to experience everything the ship had to offer. However, what I did experience was worth it – from the nonstop entertainment in the piazza to over-the-top dining features. Some of my standout experiences include:

Part dinner and part magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle is bookable for an additional charge. The experience begins with a small group dinner with drink pairings, then moves to a hidden bar area of the ship, where the magic begins. The bar itself features magical artifacts and vintage curiosities, a "ghost" pianist, and an incredible drink menu designed to wow and delight guests. Some drinks were served in cages, golden owls and elaborate chests with dry ice.

Magic came in the form of intriguing card tricks and disappearing acts at the bar, plus a separate stage area where crowd participation helped facilitate the illusions. I don't want to give anything more than that away – you must simply experience it for yourself. Though I thought Spellbound was slightly cheesy at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and show and feel it was worth the added cost.

The Dome on the Sun Princess is part pool area and part stage. Guests can swim in a unique indoor-outdoor pool by day and watch entertainers dance in the evening, with alluring lighting effects and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

I watched an acrobatics show in The Dome from the comfort of a padded lounge chair and thought the venue was the place to be.

Princess Arena 

The Princess Arena is a circular stage area that holds up to 990 guests. Shows on offer include multifaceted stage productions and acrobatic features with plenty of surprises.

Fitness center

The Sun Princess' fitness center was huge and featured a range of treadmills, stair climbers, weights and machines to choose from. I never had trouble securing a treadmill at any time, even though I've had to wait and fight crowds for machines on other cruise ships.

I also loved the expansive walking track on the ship, which was constantly in use by both serious exercisers and cruisers walking leisurely to enjoy the views. I used the walking track every morning for at least an hour; I found it much more spacious and usable than other ship walking tracks, which are often congested and never quite wide enough.

The ship also features a Fitness Studio with guided classes, but I did not use it during my trip.

Sun Princess features five large pools and nine hot tubs. There are two pools on the lido deck, plus an indoor-outdoor pool in The Dome, a Sanctuary pool (for Sanctuary Collection guests only) and a wake-view infinity pool.

Medallion services

Princess MedallionClass is one of the coolest and most convenient amenities at sea. In place of a traditional cruise card, Princess gives you a small wearable device to bring with you around the ship and on shore. The medallion tracks your physical location on the ship, which allows you to order services and deliveries on board no matter where you are. Medallion delivery options range from food and drinks to extra pillows or bottled water.

I ordered room service through my medallion multiple times and hot, fresh food arrived in my cabin in less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, drinks were delivered to our cabin and elsewhere on the ship in less than five minutes.

MedallionNet

Princess' Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet) is the fastest internet service I have ever used on a cruise ship. The internet was fast and reliable enough for me to complete some work while on board, which is not the norm on cruise ships.

Best dining venues Sun Princess

Sun Princess features 30 dining and bar options, many of which are included in the base cruise fare. Complimentary dining venues on Sun Princess include three traditional dining rooms, The Eatery (a take on the classic buffet, but with staff service), a café for coffee and light bites, The Lido (serving up salads, pizza and more) and the Promenade Dining grill.

Specialty dining options for an extra charge range from O'Malley's Irish Pub to a sushi spot to steak, seafood and Italian restaurants. For an extra special experience, head to Love by Britto to indulge in fine dining, or opt for Umai hot pot or teppanyaki venues. Meanwhile, bars on Sun Princess include Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Sea View Bar, The MIX and more.

My personal favorite dining experiences included:

My Spellbound dinner was excellent, even though the menu is fairly brief. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and seafood entree, followed by a vegan dessert (I'm allergic to dairy and the ship happily accommodated). What stood out for me with Spellbound, at least food-wise, was the eclectic selection of drink pairings offered with the meal. It started with a caprese salad cocktail that tasted like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a strange, delicious way, then moved on to the spooky concoctions offered in the Spellbound bar.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill, a specialty dining venue, is not unique to Sun Princess, but it is the cruise line's most popular steakhouse brand. My mom and I had a delicious meal here for her birthday that included a Mediterranean-style spiny lobster cake, Chilean sea bass and a huge (surprise) birthday cake delivered to our table.

The Catch by Rudi

The Catch by Rudi is the ship's specialty dining seafood restaurant. Here, I dined on a delicious shrimp cocktail and the catch of the day (a grilled dorado filet). Everything was fresh and the meal was exceptional from start to finish.

I loved The Eatery, the ship's buffet-style dining option. The main difference between this venue and more traditional cruise ship buffets is that you're served by staff instead of serving yourself, which I prefer. The Eatery featured a rotating selection of exceptional main courses (seafood, chicken, beef and ethnic options), salads, appetizers and delicious desserts. It even had a vegan section and an easy-to-find selection of gluten-free offerings.

Best excursions on Sun Princess

The best excursions on Sun Princess vary depending on where you're going on your cruise – the Caribbean or various Europe destinations. Here's an overview of some excellent excursions offered aboard Sun Princess, a few of which I did myself.

Corfu, Greece 

Catamaran Coastal Cruise & Swim: This easy excursion lets you see Corfu from the sea and get out into the water for some snorkeling and swimming. I picked this excursion so we could relax for one day and avoid a lot of walking, and it delivered. A delicious lunch with an open bar was served on board as we sailed around the island taking in some of Corfu's most beautiful sights.

Naples, Italy

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Cruise: No trip to this region of Italy is complete without a stop in the Amalfi Coast . This excursion was a long one (eight to nine hours) with lots of walking and bus time, but the views of this dynamic coast and time spent in Amalfi and Sorrento made the travel time well worth it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Island Vibes & Beach Swim: This relatively short excursion includes a narrated bus trip throughout the island of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the island's top sights. A beach break at picturesque Governor's Beach is included.

Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: Princess Cruises' private island offers a range of bookable activities, from banana boat rides to snorkeling tours. This coastal cruise is another option that takes you along the shores of Eleuthera in a 40-foot Reef Princess boat.

Overall impressions of Sun Princess

If you're considering a cruise on Sun Princess, you should know that this isn't your traditional Princess ship. The look and feel of this vessel are younger and livelier compared to other Princess ships I have sailed on. Gone are the hallways filled with cruisers knitting and playing cards; in their place, you'll find dancing, entertainment, music and activities around the clock.

When it comes to Sun Princess dining, every meal I had on board was either very good or excellent. You don't even have to opt for an extra-cost specialty dining venue to get a good meal. The Eatery and the regular dining rooms feature fresh, seasonal foods that are more than enough for the average palate to enjoy.

Caribbean itineraries on offer later this year (and into 2025) start at around $660 per person for an interior cabin, and Princess features an endless roster of sales throughout the year. If you're looking for a new cruising experience and want to give Princess a try (or another chance), Sun Princess is more than worthy of your consideration.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers all aspects of family travel, including all-inclusive resorts and cruises with both boutique and major cruise brands. Johnson has traveled to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has cruised in destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, and the Middle East. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who runs the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

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All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Here’s everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises fleet.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Sailors of all ages love Princess Cruises for its quality, service, value, and serene style of cruising.  What’s more, the 2023 T+L World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line   — which is also a WBA Hall of Fame Honoree — tends to steer clear of splashy entertainment (for example, you won’t find go-karts, water slides, or ziplines on board most ships) in favor of more refined activities. Discovery at SEA programming is a standout offering: In partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can partake in nature-centric onboard activities and shore excursions. Most Princess ships boast a majestic atrium modeled after an Italian piazza, and it’s here where you’ll find some of the best drinking, dining, and shopping venues on board. 

According to travel advisor and cruise specialist Jennaca Boose of Marvelous Mouse Travels , Princess’ fleet of 15 ships — 16 if you count the upcoming Sun Princess , which will make its long-anticipated debut this year — is family-friendly, and each vessel is “equipped to entertain all ages;” however, some cater towards specific age demographics better than others. For example, she says, travelers sailing with younger children will especially love Royal Princess and Regal Princess , which “have even more to offer” beyond the kids club, such as “outdoor play areas with jungle gyms and a separate teen space with a hot tub.” Meanwhile, says Boose, cruisers craving an intimate onboard experience may consider sailing aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess , which are two of the line’s smaller ships. 

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the line ​​offers dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries across the globe, including Alaska, Mexico, Japan, the Mediterranean, and many more. “Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive cultural itinerary,” says Boose, “Princess has a ship for you.” Without further ado, keep scrolling for a breakdown of each ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to help you narrow down which vessels would be best for you. 

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and flashiest — vessel to date. Set to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this 20-deck mega-ship is sure to make waves following its early 2024 debut. The Park19 family zone will offer nine fun-filled activities, including the Sea Breeze (the first Rollglider at sea), The Lookout (an open-air observation deck), and Coastal Climb (a climbing structure for adventure enthusiasts of all ages). There’s also a two-deck arena, the multi-level Dome entertainment space, and the brand-new Spellbound, a Victorian-themed bar where guests can watch magicians while sipping theatrical cocktails.

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

For an elegant onboard experience complete with world-class specialty dining that’ll entice any gourmand, spectacular live entertainment in the lavish Princess Theater, and the largest balconies at sea (spanning over 1,000 square feet) found in one of the ship’s splurge-worthy Sky Suites, look no further than Princess’ final Royal-class ship. Spend sea days soaking up the sun — and the ocean views — by the infinity Wake View Pool.

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

The elegant Enchanted Princess is a haven for relaxation-seekers with four sparkling pools (including the infinity-edge Wake View Pool), 10 hot tubs, and a serene spa offering Asian-inspired treatments. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the sprawling Sky Suites, best known for their expansive balconies offering 270-degree sea views. Other honorable mentions include the Sanctuary, Discovery at SEA, movie screenings under the stars, and the SeaWalk, a 60-foot-long glass-enclosed hallway with floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas.

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

The snazzy Sky Princess made its grand debut in 2019; fast-forward five years later, and the ship has retained its allure. The three-story atrium is the beating heart of the ship, dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants galore. Check out Chef’s Table Lumiere, or try your luck at the casino for the ultimate splurge. Finally, for the best ocean views, book one of the Sky Suites.

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

This Royal-class ship was initially designed for cruises from Shanghai, which means passengers can expect Chinese-inspired decor along with the fantastic specialty restaurant, Harmony, which features mouthwatering Asian menu items like wok-fried lobster, spring rolls, and more. Also unique to Majestic Princess is the adults-only Hollywood Pool Club, a perfect spot for grown-ups looking to soak in style. Meanwhile, don’t miss the dazzling casino and incredible SeaWalk, where panoramic ocean views await.

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

This 2014 mega-ship definitely delivers in terms of onboard attractions. A few fan favorites include movies under the stars (best enjoyed with popcorn and candy in hand, of course), original productions, an outdoor musical fountain show, and Princess Live!, where passengers will find interactive culinary shows along with late-night comedy and game shows that can be viewed in-person or from the comfort of one’s stateroom. Last but not least, don’t forget to snap a selfie on the SeaWalk.

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

Prepare to receive the royal treatment (pun intended) aboard the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess . The ship’s dazzling common spaces, including the grand atrium and the SeaWalk, are sure to impress design lovers, while the drinking and dining options, including the extravagant Chef’s Table Lumiere — available only on Royal-class ships — will delight culinary connoisseurs of all ages. 

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

Entertainment options abound on the 19-deck Ruby Princess , from movies under the stars and basketball to golfing and (hopefully) winning big at the casino. While party-going cruisers can dance ‘til the wee hours of the night at Skywalkers, serenity-seeking travelers may choose to hit the sack early before waking up to enjoy the spa or The Sanctuary.

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

Last refurbished in 2019, Emerald Princess features something for families of all ages, including  reimagined Camp Discovery youth and teen centers and the serene Sanctuary, a kid-free slice of paradise in the middle of the sea. Passengers can also perfect their swing at the putting course, enjoy poolside movie screenings, unwind at one of several swanky bars and lounges, including the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, hit the spa, or dance the night away at the onboard club. In summary, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored on this ship.

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

Despite its 3,000-plus passenger capacity , Crown Princess never feels super crowded thanks to abundant onboard amenities and activities. Highlights include three main dining rooms, a three-story atrium, and, of course, ample activities and programming, which run the gamut from basketball courts and pajama movie nights for kids to karaoke and an onboard nightclub.

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

Best known for its Asia itineraries, Diamond Princess is sure to wow cruisers of all ages with its unique onboard features. Wellness-seekers need not miss the Izumi Japanese Bath, where guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience coupled with breathtaking ocean views. There’s also the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, Broadway-caliber entertainment, ample restaurants (including five main dining rooms), a nightclub, and so much more.

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

This massive 18-deck ship was last refurbished in 2019 to bring it up to par with the line’s latest vessels. The European-inspired piazza , boasting street performers, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a striking spiral staircase, is the beating heart of the ship. Plus, as part of the line’s partnership with Discovery, guests can enjoy nature-filled activities and lectures.

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

Those craving a traditional cruising experience need not look further than the 20-year-old Sapphire Princess . With an onboard nightclub, five main dining rooms (plus many other bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge), this 2,670-passenger ship is among the line’s buzziest. After dancing the night away, adults can spend the day relaxing at The Sanctuary, while families will surely appreciate the dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

Island Princess was purposefully built to sail through the Panama Canal. This 2,200-guest, 20-plus-year-old ship offers a more refined onboard experience compared to the line’s newer, flashier vessels. Sea days are well spent at the spa, in swimming pools, or sipping cocktails in the massive atriums; come nighttime, watch movies under the stars (a Princess staple) or catch live musical performances before hitting the sack — and getting ready to do it all again the following day.

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

Coral Princess is Princess’ smallest ship; however, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience on board. Guests can make themselves right at home in the piazza-style grand atrium, where prime people-watching awaits. For some R&R, grown-ups can head to the tranquil, adults-only Sanctuary while the kids are at play at the children’s centers.

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

Princess’ oldest ship underwent a major renovation back in 2019, adding fan-favorite restaurants like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. Catch a Broadway-style show, relax at The Sanctuary, or partake in nature-centric activities as part of the line’s Discovery at SEA programming.

Related Articles

Princess Cruises reveals 1st details of giant new ship on order for 2024

Coming to a port near you in the next few years: Cruise ships topped with giant glass domes.

That's the word from Princess Cruises , which is unveiling the first details of a new, bigger class of vessels that it plans to start rolling out in 2024.

Princess says the first ship in the series, to be called Sun Princess, will have a giant geodesic dome at its top that covers a multideck pool and lounge area — billed as the first of its kind at sea.

The ship will also have a more elaborate version of the multideck interior piazzas that are a Princess Cruises signature space and new, elevated suite offerings. Other design details announced Thursday include plans for a lighter, brighter decor than on other Princess ships.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

At 175,500 tons, Sun Princess will be about 21% bigger than the biggest ships currently in the Princess fleet . It'll rise 21 decks high and accommodate more than 4,000 passengers, assuming two passengers per cabin.

While not the biggest cruise ship in the world , it'll be among the larger vessels at sea when it begins sailing.

Sun Princess already is under construction at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and is scheduled to debut in the first half of 2024.

Here is a look at everything Princess has announced so far about the vessel, which will be the third to hold the Sun Princess name. Princess operated two other ships that went by the name Sun Princess from 1974 to 1988 and from 1995 to 2020, respectively.

The line plans to announce more details of the ship over the next few months.

Sun Princess will have a bigger version of the Piazza areas that serve as central gathering points on Princess ships. Spanning three decks, the Piazza on Sun Princess will have an LED screen at its center that can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming — something new for the line.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

The Piazza also will be adjacent to a new coffee shop, to be called Coffee Currents, and a new cocktail bar called Bellini's. It'll also open onto such signature Princess venues as the Crooners Bar and Alfredo's Pizzeria.

By far the most unusual new feature announced so far for Sun Princess is The Dome. Inspired by the terraces of Santorini, Greece, it's a multilevel deck area covered with what the line is saying is the first true glass dome ever constructed on a cruise ship.

The Dome will cover an indoor-outdoor pool area and water feature that will be a place to lounge during the day. But at night, the area beneath The Dome will transform into a nightspot with a vibe similar to Florida's South Beach. The pool will be covered to become a stage; the space will feature state-of-the-art lighting effects and be rigged to allow for aerial performances.

An elevated suite offering

Sun Princess will feature a new level of suite accommodations called the Signature Collection, which will come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck. It's Princess Cruises' first move toward offering the sort of "ship-within-a-ship" upscale suite areas that have become a mainstay on some giant vessels operated by the likes of Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean .

The Signature Sun Deck will be a private area reserved for Signature Collection suite passengers within the Sanctuary, the extra-charge adults-only area found on Princess ships.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite on your next cruise

Sun Princess also will have a new category of accommodations called the Reserve Collection, which will comprise the best-located minisuite staterooms. Similar to what formerly was called Club class at the line, the Reserve Collection rooms on Sun Princess will come with access to an exclusive Reserve Collection Restaurant.

Sun Princess will have 50 suites in all, among a total of 2,157 cabins. In addition, 100 rooms on the ship will connect to adjacent cabins to create a larger complex for families and groups.

Initial Sun Princess itineraries

Princess on Thursday said the vessel would debut in the Mediterranean in February 2024 and remain there through the summer of 2024. It'll then reposition to Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades in the fall of 2024 to operate voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Sun Princess's first three inaugural voyages will be:

• A one-way, 10-night Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona to Rome starting on Feb. 8, 2024.
• A roundtrip 10-night Mediterranean sailing out of Rome starting on Feb. 18, 2024.
• A one-way, 10-night Mediterranean sailing from Rome to Barcelona starting on Feb. 28, 2024.

The three sailings are available for booking today for Elite members of the Princess Captain's Circle loyalty program . All other travelers will be able to book the sailings starting at 3 p.m. on Friday.

Related: The TPG Caribbean cruise guide: Everything you need to know

An as-yet-to-be-named sister ship to Sun Princess is on order from Fincantieri to debut in spring 2025.

The new class will be called the Sphere class.

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Featured image courtesy of Princess Cruises.

Protect Your Trip »

The 26 best new cruise ships for 2024.

Check out these exciting new vessels before booking your next cruise.

The Best New Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will be the world's biggest new cruise ship.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with passenger numbers projected to reach 37.2 million by 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise lines are responding to this growth by building new (and often, larger) vessels with all the bells and whistles, including technological advancements that are more environmentally friendly and create the capability to use alternative fuels.

U.S. News has compiled this roundup of new cruise ships that have just set sail or are scheduled to launch later in 2023 and in 2024, plus a preview of new ships coming in 2025 and beyond. The list includes everything from expedition and luxury yacht-style vessels to reimagined ships and megaships – plus the debut of a brand-new cruise line.

• New ships for 2023
• New ships for 2024
• New ships for 2025 (and beyond)

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Top feature: Luxurious, distinctive spaces

Fares begin around: $2,899 per person (double occupancy) for a 10-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises ' new Allura class and the line's first new ship in 10 years. The 1,200-passenger, all-veranda vessel features a fresh interior design inspired by nature. The elegant new signature spaces include the dramatic Grand Staircase, the reimagined Martinis bar, the clubby Grand Lounge and 180-degree ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons.

Another highlight of the new ship is the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Elevated dining concepts on Oceania Vista include the new venue Ember, wellness-inspired cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen and The Bakery at Baristas, which specializes in French and Italian pastries.

Book an  Oceania  cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Top feature: Italian-style ship

Fares begin around: $419 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night cruise to the Bahamas

Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Panama Canal

Originally built for the Chinese cruise market in 2019, Carnival Venezia first sailed throughout Asia under the Costa Cruises brand. It headed to Europe in 2020, then was reintroduced as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in 2023. The rebranded ship, now homeported in the U.S., features Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept, with Venetian-style artwork and the Piazza San Marco atrium – not to mention Italian-inspired beverages and dishes at venues like Frizzante, Amari, Marco Polo, the Canal Grande Restaurant and La Strada Grill.

The 4,090-passenger ship has classic Carnival favorites, too, like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88 and the Serenity Bar. Guests will also find Carnival's Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, three kids clubs, the outdoor SportSquare and onboard water park WaterWorks.

Find a  Carnival  cruise on GoToSea.

Resilient Lady: May 2023

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Top feature: New and exciting entertainment offerings

Fares begin around: $2,550 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to the Greek islands

Sails to: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific

Virgin Voyages' third adults-only ship , Resilient Lady , debuted with its MerMaiden voyage sailing the Greek islands in May 2023. The new 2,762-passenger ship offers the same features as its sister ships, including more than 20 dining venues with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, an impressive fitness and wellness program, and superyacht-inspired cabins.

The immersive entertainment is one highlight on the new Virgin ship, with shows like rock 'n' roll "Persephone," a concept from the Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes produced by Kaleidoscope Immersive. The Supper Club Series featuring Another Rose is a new show by Randy Weiner of theatrical performance "Sleep No More." The evening with the Supper Club includes a dining experience with cabaret and acrobatic performances in a tale of ill-fated love.

Explore  Virgin Voyages  deals on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Top feature: Commitment to sustainable cruising and environmental stewardship

Fares begin around: $219 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Northern Europe cruise

Sails to: Northern and Western Europe

The LNG-powered MSC Euribia has several features that exemplify the line's commitment to sustainable cruising , including an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system and energy-saving equipment like smart heating, air conditioning and ventilation. MSC Euribia's hull, decorated with the hashtag #SaveTheSea, was designed by artist Alex Flämig and is also a symbol of MSC Cruises ' dedication to preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

One of the most striking features on MSC's fifth (and final) Meraviglia-class ship is the two-story Galleria Euribia. The 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade – lined with shops, restaurants and bars – sits beneath the longest LED dome at sea. Another highlight is the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship. The new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor areas, and Big Band at Sea: a 19-piece in-house group of musicians and entertainers. MSC Euribia can accommodate up to 6,327 passengers.

Compare  MSC Cruises  on GoToSea.

Viking Saturn: June 2023

Courtesy of Viking

Top feature: "Residential design" (found on all Viking ocean vessels)

Fares begin around: $2,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Mainland Europe, British Isles, Iceland, Mediterranean and India

The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

Book a  Viking Ocean cruise on GoToSea.

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Top feature: Indulge Food Hall

Fares begin around: $629 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night Greek islands cruise

The line's second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva mirrors the elevated design of sister ship Norwegian Prima . The new ship features six complimentary dining venues, including globally inspired dishes at Indulge Food Hall, pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill and 270-degree ocean views at the beautifully redesigned main restaurant, Hudson's.

The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet; it was designed by one of Italy's leading designers, Piero Lissoni. Guests will also find updated styling at Mandara Spa. There's no shortage of entertainment on Viva; it's home to the first free-fall dry slide in the world, a three-story racetrack, high-tech mini-golf and the musical "Beetlejuice." Viva has the capacity to carry up to 3,099 guests.

Find a  Norwegian Cruise Line  itinerary on GoToSea.

Explora I: August 2023

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

Top feature: Luxury details and design, with a focus on sustainability

Fares begin around: $3,000 per person (double occupancy) for a six-night cruise to the Caribbean and Columbia

Sails to: Mediterranean and Western Europe, Caribbean and Central America, U.S. (including Hawaii) and Canada, Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Explora I is the first of six luxury vessels for new cruise line Explora Journeys. Owned by the Aponte family and MSC Group, the elegant 922-guest ship combines Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, offering suites and residences that are comfortable and spacious enough to be considered "homes at sea."

Guests can explore 14 decks offering nearly 27,000 square feet of outdoor space. Lounge at four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), book a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa, work out at the fitness center or browse the boutiques. There are also six dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen for culinary classes and private dining. Regional wine pairings will accompany the onboard dining experience, which includes Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as classic steakhouse offerings.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Silver Nova: August 2023

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Top feature: Ship's asymmetrical deck plan, which offers more open spaces and higher ceilings

Fares begin around: $3,850 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Central and South America

Sails to: Caribbean, Central America, South America, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Silversea Cruises' newest ship is the 728-guest Silver Nova . The 12th vessel in the fleet is ultra-luxurious and offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Two highlights are the ship's asymmetrical design and aft suites, which have 270-degree views. Silver Nova's nine dining options include S.A.L.T. Kitchen's destination-inspired menus, Silversea 's classic dining experience at Atlantide and French cuisine at La Dame. Silver Nova is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly vessel yet.

Explore  Silversea  cruises on GoToSea.

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Top feature: "Journey in Jewels," the first Fabergé egg at sea

Fares begin around: $3,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Central America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises' third Explorer-class vessel when it launches late this fall. While Grandeur is similar to its two sister ships, Explorer and Splendor , the new vessel features updated lounges, restaurants, spa spaces and suites. The line's signature Regent Suite – coming in at an impressive 4,443 square feet – has also been redesigned by Miami firm Studio DADO.

A few additional standout spaces include the art nouveau design of the Observation Lounge (located at the bow of the ship) and the reimagined Serene Spa. The stunning new Compass Rose is the ship's main dining room. Meanwhile, the onboard art collection is also notable: Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with the first Fabergé egg at sea.

Compare  Regent Seven Seas  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Top feature: 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the redesigned Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud

Fares begin around: $756 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Sails to: Europe, Caribbean

The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, Celebrity Ascent , will accommodate up to 3,260 passengers and offer the same features as other ships in the series. There are 32 bars, lounges and restaurants, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

Other favorites from the Edge-class ships will return on Ascent, such as the multideck Sunset Bar and an open-air Rooftop Garden with floating pools that are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. It's also home to Celebrity's Magic Carpet, a multipurpose 90-ton deck that moves up and down the side of the ship between Decks 2, 5, 14 and 16; it's used for everything from tendering passengers to hosting happy hours and private functions and late-night parties. Guests will also find Celebrity 's innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms and the exclusive ship-within-a ship concept of The Retreat.

Book a  Celebrity Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Top feature: Two new ocean-themed zones, Currents and The Shores

Fares begin around: $669 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Western Caribbean

Carnival's newest ship in the Excel class, Carnival Jubilee , will offer six zones (fun themed areas) for up to 6,631 passengers. The LNG-powered vessel features two new zones: Currents and The Shores. Currents is an immersive space with innovative technology such as LED windows and a wave-shaped LED Ceiling. Located on Decks 6 and 7, the space offers new venues for imbibing, dining and listening to live music, such as casual bar Inks, Ph.D and stylish lounge The Golden Mermaid. This is also where you'll find Emeril's Bistro 717.

The Shores, located on Deck 8, features a three-deck-high art installation of a school of fish, a boardwalk, and vibrant colors throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining and bar venues include Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina del Capitano and Marina Bar. Enjoy other returning Carnival favorites on Jubilee such as the BOLT sea coaster, Waterworks, SportSquare, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

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Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Top feature: Largest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 7,600 passengers

Fares begin around: $1,930 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class vessel in the Royal Caribbean International fleet – and the first new class of ship since 2014. When the massive vessel debuts in January 2024, it will replace Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship at sea (Icon of the Seas is 6% larger). The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods – including the new Surfside neighborhood, a colorful space geared toward family fun with kids clubs, Splashaway Bay, themed eateries and bars, adjacent staterooms and more.

There are four additional new neighborhoods as well. Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest water park at sea, while Chill Island boasts the line's first swim-up bar and The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. AquaDome, the impressive glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship, is home to the AquaTheater, panoramic ocean views, a waterfall, and bars and restaurants.

Sun Princess: February 2024

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Top feature: Princess Cruises' largest ship and the first in the line's Sphere class

Fares begin around: $577 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean

Sun Princess will have many new attractions when it launches in early 2024. It has the most balconies on any Princess Cruises ' ship, and you'll find exciting new dining, activity and entertainment offerings. One notable highlight is Park19, a top-deck space with activities for kids of all ages, including the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first ride of its kind on a cruise ship. This new attraction soars 19 decks high and offers unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cruisers can enjoy additional spaces like a two-story dome that is a pool during the day and a stage for shows at night; the European-inspired Piazza, which offers ocean vistas from nearly every angle; the Princess Arena, a high-tech performance space; the elegant three-story Horizons Dining Room; and the new Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool. There are also new styles of accommodations and expanded offerings for young children, tweens and teens. Sun Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers.

Queen Anne: May 2024

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Top feature: The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable roof

Fares begin around: $1,199 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, British Isles, Australia, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean

When Queen Anne launches in spring 2024, it will be Cunard Line's 249th ship since the company's inception in 1840, and the line's first new vessel in 14 years. The 3,000-passenger ship will feature a fresh, modern design, yet still give a nod to the Cunard's art deco past.

Once on board, guests will discover new entertainment venues like the Bright Lights Society show bar and more wide-open spaces throughout the ship, as well as Cunard 's first two-story theater. New international dining options include Japanese restaurant Aji Wa with sushi and omakase menus, plus Indian cuisine at Aranya. Queen Anne also offers an extensive health and wellness program in collaboration with health group Mareel that features a large thermal suite, a spa pool and a top-deck wellness studio.

Find a  Cunard  cruise on GoToSea.

Utopia of the Seas: July 2024

Top feature: Three- and four-night ultimate weekend getaways

Fares begin around: $471 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night Bahamas cruise

Sails to: Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island)

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth (and final) Oasis-class ship when it debuts in summer 2024. With a capacity of 5,668 passengers, the vessel will join the line's other Oasis- and Icon-class ships as the largest cruise ships sailing on the high seas. The ship will have the same eight neighborhoods as other Oasis-class ships, including Central Park, The Boardwalk and the Pool & Sports Zone.

The 40-plus food and beverage options will include new additions like the Pesky Parrot bar and a themed "mixed reality" dining experience that takes place on a train. A reimagined playscape is another addition, with nets, games, puzzles, slides and climbing walls for junior cruisers. The line's Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide with 10 stories of thrilling twists and turns – will now stretch an additional 43 feet, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Explora II: August 2024

Top feature: Luxurious cabins

Fares begin around: $4,500 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean and Central America, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, India, Indian Ocean and Africa

As sister ship to Explora I, Explora II will offer the same transformative travel experience for 922 guests. The luxury vessel will feature 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces. Cruisers can take advantage of 11 culinary options across six dining venues, a dozen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen. Guests will also have access to four pools, 64 private cabanas and wellness facilities.

Silver Ray: Summer 2024

Top feature: One of the most spacious ships ever built; extraordinary space-to-guest ratio

Fares begin around: $4,000 per person (double occupancy) for a nine-night cruise to South America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and Central America

Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, is scheduled to set sail in summer 2024. The 728-passenger, low-emissions vessel will offer the same advanced hybrid fuel technologies as its sister ship, Silver Nova. It will also have Silver Nova's horizontal layout and asymmetrical design, creating more open public areas and providing suites with 270-degree views. In addition, guests on board the luxury vessel will have their choice of eight dining venues and a wide selection of bars and lounges, including The Marquee, a new alfresco restaurant.

Viking Vela: December 2024

Top feature: Larger than Viking's other ocean vessels, carrying up to 998 passengers

Fares begin around: $4,999 per person (double occupancy) for a 12-night northern lights cruise

Sails to: Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland

Measuring 748 feet long and 101 feet wide, Viking Vela will be the line's largest ship when it debuts at the end of 2024. It will accommodate 68 more passengers than its sister ships, but feature Viking's signature veranda staterooms, public spaces, amenities and dining venues. Seasoned Viking cruisers can look forward to favorites like The Nordic Spa, the Wintergarden, Mamsen's, the Explorers' Lounge, the Sports Deck, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table.

Disney Treasure: December 2024

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Top feature: Debut of new Disney Parks-inspired onboard venues

Fares begin around: $4,028 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line's private island)

Fans of Disney Cruise Line will find many familiar venues, attractions and restaurants on the new Disney Treasure, sister ship of Disney Wish . However, there will also be plenty of new features, including the theme of the ship: adventure. The Grand Hall, inspired by the movie "Aladdin," is designed with dark shades of blue, turquoise and gold and features a golden statue of a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Plaza de Coco replaces Disney Wish's "Frozen" dining experience with a two-night Mexican, "Coco"-themed theatrical dinner show. Meanwhile, "Disney The Tale of Moana" – a Broadway-style production based on the film "Moana" – will be exclusive to Disney Treasure. Adults will also find new lounges, such as the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Society and the Periscope Pub, which is inspired by "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Disney Treasure can carry up to 4,000 passengers.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

MSC World America: Spring 2025

MSC's new futuristic ship – and sister ship to MSC World Europa – will be based in Miami and sail the Caribbean. The LNG-powered, 6,762-passenger ship will offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and many of the attractions found on World Europa, such as the MSC Luna Park Arena and World Galleria. There will also be more than 30 dining venues, bars and lounges, as well as the line's private enclave, MSC Yacht Club.

Oceania Allura: June 2025

Oceania Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania's fleet, the second vessel of the line's Allura class and the sister ship to Oceania Vista. The 1,200-passenger Allura will offer the same upscale amenities as Vista, as well as a new Chef's Studio and one of the highest space-to-guest and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Allura is scheduled to debut in June 2025.

Star Princess: August 2025

Star Princess is scheduled to set sail in 2025 as the sister ship to Sun Princess. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered ship will offer the same features as Sun Princess, including the Dome, the Piazza and the line's Signature Collection Suites. The vessel will also have 29-plus restaurants and bars.

Star of the Seas: Summer 2025

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce Star of the Seas – the second Icon-class vessel and sister to Icon of the Seas – in summer 2025.

Disney Cruise Line: 2025

Disney purchased the former Global Dream from Genting's Dream Cruises in 2022, when it was still being built at the German shipyard MV Werften. Disney plans to base the ship in Singapore for at least five years, offering Disney vacations to the Southeast Asian market. When it launches in 2025, the vessel will be the line's seventh ship and is expected to carry 6,000 passengers. Another newly built, currently unnamed Disney ship is planned to debut in 2025, as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 2025 and beyond

The third Prima-class ship is expected to be approximately 10% larger than the first ship in the class, Norwegian Prima (143,535 gross tons). The following ships for the line are anticipated to be even larger, with the fifth and sixth Prima-class vessels (debuting in 2027 and 2028) weighing as much as 171,000 gross tons.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's fifth Edge-class ship will be more eco-friendly, thanks to the addition of a new tri-fueled engine model and the capacity to store three different kinds of fuel, including methanol. The effort toward net-zero emissions and more sustainable cruising is a partnership between Royal Caribbean, the French shipyard Chantiers de L'Atlantique and the technology firm Wärtsilä. A debut date for this ship has not yet been announced.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. She used her extensive experience with cruises to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• The Best Cruise Lines
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Transatlantic Cruises

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What Happens to All the Food Waste on a 4,300-Passenger Cruise Ship?

Cruise writer fran golden headed into the belly of the recently launched “ sun princess” to see how cruise ships are changing the way they process uneaten leftovers..

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Biodigesters and food dehydrators have been installed on Princess Cruises’ newly launched Sun Princess to process food waste in a more eco-friendly way.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

In a lower deck aboard the 4,300-passenger Sun Princess , the largest and newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, I’m touring a back-of-house area where giant stainless steel “stomachs” are grinding and using bacteria to digest food waste, turning thousands of pounds of leftovers into a thick, bio-friendly opaque slurry. Meanwhile, another big machine, referred to as the “Hungry Giant” by crew, is taking bones, fruit rinds, and other objects that would destroy your home garbage disposal, dehydrating them, and turning them into what looks a lot like coffee grounds.

The smells in the disposal areas are what you would expect of what’s left in the garbage after guests have had their fill at the ship’s 30 restaurants and bars. The sounds are a lot like a coin laundry. Together, the innovative technologies are dramatically reducing the impact of food waste on the ocean and what is offloaded to landfills.

Reducing food waste starts with what’s on the cruise ship menu

Princess Cruises’ parent company, the nine-brand Carnival Corporation , is focused on reducing food waste as part of its sustainability efforts—a common effort among cruise lines, which are collectively aiming for the same ambitious climate goals over the coming years . Aggressive actions begin with minimizing the sheer amount of leftovers, including using AI technology to monitor and analyze guest dining trends. Crew members also manually keep track of and report what they see getting left behind, so that unpopular food items might be taken off menus.

Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises, who, like me, was aboard the Sun Princess in late April for a cruise from Rome to Barcelona, says eliminating food waste begins with which foods are served and how.

The hope is that having tempting food options throughout the ship reduces waste because passengers are more likely to clean their plates.

On the new ship, which features a stunning glass dome above an indoor/outdoor pool and an intimate theater for circus performances, as well as an entire family-friendly amusement area on top, guests can dine on designer sushi and beef cuts in innovative, specialty restaurants (for an added fee). Or they can indulge on dining room menus that have been revamped in collaboration with chefs from the Culinary Institute of America (with a team of chefs from the prestigious culinary school coming aboard to train the galley team in preparing the dishes). There’s also an all-American diner that serves all-day breakfast, among numerous other options.

Kohen contests that having tempting food styles and cuisines throughout the ship reduces waste. “You eat what you desire at the moment,” Kohen says.

Behind the scenes, waitstaff and kitchen crew separate what is leftover from meals into color-coded containers (veggies here, meat with bones there), which are then weighed so that food waste amounts can be tracked. Says Kohen, “On this ship, we are doing more to reduce food waste than any hotel in Las Vegas.”

New cruise ship food waste disposal methods

With thousands of passengers and crew aboard, there are, of course, leftovers, and that is where the innovative biodigester machines come into play. Carnival Corporation officials first spotted the machines being used in hotels and event spaces a few years ago and realized that they could be adapted for use at sea.

A room of biodigesters on the Sun Princess

Photo by Fran Golden

The biodigesters—there are 13 on Sun Princess alone—work like human stomachs, using a natural process involving bacteria to break down uneaten food, both reducing the original volume to just a small fraction and reducing the demand on the ocean in terms of food waste decomposition. The company also replaced plastic balls that were used to grow and spread bacteria for the digestion process with the more natural alternative of peach pits. The resulting mixture is mostly decomposed when it is released at sea—as allowed by international law, cruise ships may dispose of ground food waste at sea, no closer than 12 miles from land.

The machines digest food 24 hours a day. “The bellies need to be fed all the time or they do not work, like your own stomach,” says Biagio Del Vecchio, environmental officer on the Sun Princess .

For solid foods that are harder to break down, such as bones, animal fats, and skin from fruits and vegetables, Carnival Corporation recently added dehydrators—there are more than 60 in the Carnival fleet of over 85 ships. The dehydrators use heat to remove excess water from leftover food, producing a mostly dry mass that looks like coffee grounds, which can be easily offloaded on shore. Carnival Corporation says the dehydrators can reduce the amount of food waste offloaded by up to 90 percent. While the odorless grounds are currently sent to landfills, there are plans to see if they might be repurposed by other companies, perhaps burned as a sustainable energy source or used as a fertilizer.

A sign indicating what can and can’t be processed by the biodigester

The results

With the food waste management technology and other measures, Carnival Corporation says it has accomplished a more than 40 percent reduction in food waste per person, relative to a 2019 baseline, and is already ahead of its 2025 goals. The company is targeting a 50 percent reduction per person, relative to the 2019 baseline, by 2030.

The Sun Princess , which is sailing the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter, is also the first in the Princess Cruises fleet to operate on liquified natural gas (LNG), considered the cleanest-burning fossil fuel currently available at scale. The ship is also adaptable to alternative fuels as they become available, showcasing that progress is definitely possible, including on some of the world’s largest cruise ships.