On Location: “To stay relevant, you have to evolve”: PAX unpacks the new Sun Princess

STORY BY DIANE TIERNEY

If there was one catchphrase to best describe the experience of cruising on Princess Cruises’ new Sun Princess ship, it would be its ability to “surprise and delight” guests.

The new 4,300-passenger ship has so many unique and different features from its 15 fleet mates, it beautifully introduces the line’s new Sphere Class of ships and next-gen evolution.

While the Sun Princess was christened in Barcelona in April, PAX participated in its North America debut from Fort Lauderdale, Florida from October 11-14 that included a stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

The ship is now cruising seven-day eastern and western Caribbean voyages until April 2025.

Sporting a new exterior style, the most striking feature includes a baseball hat design on the top deck – a turquoise glass visor over the bow and a bulbous glass cap behind.

The curves continue midship, looking like it swallowed a giant glass golf ball. All this glass captures an abundance of sunshine making for bright interiors and views of the sky.

“With this new generation of ships, we hope to keep the interest of our valued passengers, as well as attract the next generation and multigeneration groups,” said Marsha Patrick, director of sales for western U.S. and Canada at Princess, speaking to PAX on board.  

“To stay relevant, you have to evolve. While some aspects are familiar, there are others that are not, such as some deck layouts. Most of our guests are used to being able to easily find their way around our ships. It’s a bit frustrating for some, but others say it was time for a change.”

Making a splash

The ship has five large pools and nine hot tubs surrounded by comfortable furnishings for plenty of relaxation and socializing. Two large pools are located mid-ship with a giant TV for movies and sporting events.

An interesting indoor/outdoor pool is partially located inside the 250-seat glass Dome. When the indoor part of the pool is needed for a show, it’s covered by a stage.

An infinity pool is located at the aft for stunning panoramic wake views and another pool is positioned in the private access area called the Sanctuary.

For exercise and sports lovers, there’s a netted sports court and track on the top deck.

The “heartbeat” of the ship

The multi-level Sphere Atrium features the line’s signature piazza.

Patrick says, “The piazza has always been the heartbeat of our ships and on the Sun Princess, it's even more popular because of the great entertainment. What we learned from our other ships is that many guests would spend a lot of time standing and watching the performances. So we built more seating and they can sit and watch what’s going on.”

The area seats about 300 guests and performances range from live music and dancing to acrobats.

The 990-seat Princess Arena theatre is the line’s most technologically advanced and features large scale performances. Princess Live! seats 200 for smaller shows.

The line also went all in and created its largest casino and the Lotus Spa is now a two-storey space. An expanded shopping area features more than 200 premium brands.

New “ship within a ship” concept

There are 2,157 staterooms including 100 that are connecting and 51 that are accessible.

However, the home run of the ship’s staterooms is the line’s first “ship within a ship” concept called the Sanctuary Collection.

It has private access suites, designated dining room, two-storey lounge, pool, hot tubs and two bars, as well as many premium extras from beverage packages to reserved seating at shows.

While admittedly late to the concept that so many other lines already have, Princess has varying categories of suites in this area.

“We have 80 suites, 123 mini suites and 12 deluxe balcony suites at Sanctuary. This gives our trade partners the opportunity to offer the area to a large family or group at a more economical cost,” said Patrick. “There’s no butler service, but crew here have had certified butler training.”

Children need to be 16 and up for this area.

Culinary collaborations

The Sun Princess aims to be a foodie destination at sea and there are 29 restaurants and bars. 

While familiar favourites such as the 116-seat Sabatini’s and 132-seat Crown Grill remain, there are many new dining experiences and a strong focus on celebrity collaborations.

Love by Britto, the famous Brazilian artist, is a 68-guest boutique-style restaurant with a seven-course meal. Choices often have heart-shaped style presentations featured on colourful, bold dinnerware.

Chef Makoto Okuwa opens Makoto Ocean and is a sushi master who redefines traditional sushi with Japanese-inspired artistry for 70 guests.

World-famous butcher Dario Cecchini presents an 88-seat restaurant called Butcher’s Block by Dario offering the finest cuts of beef in a family-style setting.

Spellbound by Magic Castle is an immersive dining experience that includes a magician/comedian show, spooky surprises in themed rooms and dramatic cocktails.

The Catch by Rudi features Chef Rudi Sodamin who brings a unique seafood dining experience to 88 guests and is featured on four Princess ships.

Love Line Premium Liquors Collection is a collaboration with stars like Matthew McConaughey and Pitbull for an exclusive line of premium wines and spirits.

Spirits at Sea features Rob Floyd who is a renowned mixologist and presents cocktails inspired by global destinations. Blake Lively has her sparkling beverages on board.

Chef Darren McGrady, who served Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, hosts an entertaining High Tea presentation and Q&A. Model Tyra Banks’ Smize ice cream is also available.

Entertained through the night

The entertainment lineup includes three new large-scale production shows showcasing four lead vocalists and 13 dancers.

Smaller shows feature eight incredible acrobats who perform death-defying feats. Sailaway parties, game shows and silent discos round out the entertainment offerings.

“The younger generations want to be entertained through the night, so that's what we're trying to do better. Our target market is about 35 years and up,” said Patrick.

Childcare centres have activities designed for those ages three to seven, eight to 12 and 13 to 17. Parents with children six months to two years old can enjoy the play area under their own supervision.

Support for the trade

“For travel advisors, we provide a great locked-in rate if they want it, as well as updating our rates weekly to stay current. We also offer a $150 onboard credit to Canadian military. We have offered Canadian dollars at par, such as when we launched roundtrip sailings from Vancouver to Alaska in 2023. Our training tools are on our Travel Advisor hub and there are toolkits for social media and other assets that are ready to go,” said Patrick.

Advisors can also participate in the Princess Academy and earn a free cruise that doesn't expire.

“We’re doing more marketing with a day-cost comparison to hotels and showing how cruising can cost as little as $79/day and includes accommodations, food, entertainment and more. That really speaks to the consumer about the value of cruising with us,” said Patrick.

Diane Tierney has been on 92 cruises to 57 countries and has 140,000 followers on Instagram at Cruiseguru.

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