Cruise on the Sun Princess Ship
Introduction
This article features a description of the Sun Princess ship by Princess Cruises, which is the first ship in this class from the company's fleet. Launched in late February 2024, it has since been sailing in the Mediterranean, primarily between Athens, Barcelona, and Rome. The ship was built in shipyards in Italy. It has 21 decks, 2,157 cabins, including 80 suites, 51 accessible cabins, and 100 connecting cabins.
Additional articles about this ship and the second in this series:
♦ Mediterranean cruise with a pampering Sanctuary level on the Sun Princess ship
♦ An article about the second ship in this series, the STAR PRINCESS , which is the newest of Princess's fleet, launched in November 2025 and since offering week-long itineraries in the Caribbean.
I joined the first cruise of the Sun Princess leaving the Mediterranean and sailing from Barcelona to England. A 9-night cruise along the southern coast of Spain, and I also continued with it from England on its first transatlantic cruise: 16 nights to Florida (which extended to 18 nights due to a hurricane in Florida).
This is the company's largest ship at 177,800 tons, with 4,300 passengers at full double occupancy and about 1,600 crew members. It is environmentally friendly and runs on liquefied natural gas. It is the first in the Sphere class and includes several new areas not found on the company's other ships, such as a round theater named Princess Arena, a unique area called The Dome with a huge round glass ceiling, housing a partially indoor pool
serving both as a recreation and events area and for circus shows, and the highlight, The Piazza in the center of the ship, which is round and impressive over three decks—a multi-purpose area for shows, entertainment, and dancing. The ship features five pools, nine jacuzzis, and 30 restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Entertainment on Board
Music and dance lovers will greatly enjoy a cruise on the Sun Princess. Every morning begins on the impressive three-deck central atrium "The Piazza" with an hour of Zumba. Later in the day, there are line dances, Latin dance classes, musical trivia, dance music with a DJ or live music, various musicians, and much more. There is never a dull moment, and this is of course in addition to the daily music shows held in the various lounges. You can also watch the rehearsals and training sessions of the entertainment crew, which also take place in the central atrium.
The entertainment program on the ship is much richer and more successful than on Princess's other ships, featuring an especially large troupe of dancers and singers and a team of circus artists and jugglers. The shows are high-budget with a wealth of effects and the use of cutting-edge technologies.
There is a variety of venues: the round theater called the Arena, The Dome on decks 17-18 with a glass dome,
"Princess Live" - a more intimate lounge, and "The Piazza" - the 3-deck central space. All are beautiful and well-designed, but: too small, with 200 to 900 seats in each. When the ship has 4,500 passengers at double occupancy and each show runs a maximum of 3 times (some events only once) - only half or a quarter of the passengers can watch the main shows and events, and the majority are forced to stand. This results in people standing outside the hall entrance and waiting in long lines an hour or even more before a show. All this for a 30-45 minute show... There are plenty of lovely trivia game shows, but again, if you don't arrive at least 45 minutes before the game time - there is no seating.
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Lounges and Shows
Theater Hall – Princess Arena
The ship features a main round show lounge called the Arena, where various shows are held daily, some produced by the ship's singer and dancer troupe and some by guest artists.
Dome The "Dome"
The highlight of the ship's shows are the circus performances held in "The Dome" - a huge dome that is the ship's trademark, serving by day as an indoor pool and covered sunbed area (suitable for all weather) and turning in the afternoon and evening into an event or show venue. A particularly successful show combining circus with digital art is called Art Beat, blending acrobatics with dance and art displays on a state-of-the-art screen. A very impressive and enjoyable show performed several times during the cruise.
"The Piazza"
A large 3-deck central space in the heart of the ship where many daytime activities take place, including dancing, trivia, live music, ceremonies, and more.
The two most impressive ceremonies held here are:
Cruise Opening Ceremony
On most cruises with most companies, on the second evening of the cruise, the captain introduces his crew, the various department heads from the staff captain to the executive chef, complimentary champagne is served, and a small event takes place in the ship's central space. Princess Cruises has a tradition of "Champagne Waterfalls" on this evening. On the Sun Princess, they went a step further and hosted a full show that, in addition to introducing the captain and his crew, included dancing, juggling, and acrobatics. An impressive show in The Piazza, one of the new and successful locations on the ship.
Cruise Closing Ceremony
Usually towards the end of the cruise on the final day, a ceremony is held with the captain, cruise director (responsible for ship entertainment), and representatives from all employee departments, accompanied by a parade or song and a speech by the master or one of the senior staff. On the Sun Princess, such a ceremony is held with a prelude performance by one of the ship's acrobats. It is always wonderful to see the diverse staff coming from so many countries and cultures, providing heartfelt service at the highest possible level. This ceremony is meant to say thank you and say goodbye to them (until the next cruise)...
How true were the captain's words at the ceremony when introducing the staff, noting that the ship has workers from over 90 different countries who get along wonderfully together, and wishing the world could see and learn how to live in peace and harmony even among such diverse and distant cultures. More relevant than ever. Throughout the cruise, I felt like I was living in a parallel world - pampering, relaxed, and tranquil, so contrasting to the unimaginable reality in Israel today.
"Princess Live"
A small and intimate lounge for trivia, game shows, and more. Daily events include trivia, a TV game show, and frequently bingo and various lectures.
Casino
The ship features a large and spacious casino on deck 8 with a variety of gambling tables and electronic slot machines.
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Pools, Jacuzzis, and Sports on Board
The ship has five pools (one exclusively for guests belonging to the "Sanctuary" category - suites and some mini-suites, who also have a private dining room with upgraded food), one of the pools is covered, some are heated, there are various jacuzzis in different sizes, a fairly short walking track, a tiny outdoor sports court, a single ping pong table, meaning sports enthusiasts will mostly have to settle for the gym, which is large, modern, and features a selection of classes (free for those who purchased a Plus or Premier package).
The transparent pool at the ship's stern:
The Spa on Board
In the spa of the Sun Princess, similar to other Princess Cruises ships and other lines, there is a paid area called The Enclave featuring a warm hydrotherapy pool, dry sauna, steam sauna, solarium, sensory showers with streams, scents, and lights, and of course a changing room and lockers. You can purchase a daily pass or a pass for the entire cruise at a more economical daily rate. A particularly successful spot for chilly or windy days when it is unpleasant to be on the outdoor decks, and for those who love jacuzzis and pampering.
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Dining Rooms and Restaurants
The ship offers a large selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes, more than any other ship in the company fleet, some complimentary and some requiring a fee.
The food - of good quality, though in the dining rooms the selection is narrower compared to the past. Fewer alternatives and fewer fixed dishes available to order every day, but high quality, delicious, and on formal dining nights also includes dishes like filet mignon, lamb chops, or lobster, which many cruise lines no longer serve in the regular dining rooms included in the cruise fare. Service is excellent but quite slow. But hey, what's the rush? We came to vacation and pamper ourselves...
Buffet
There are two buffets: one on deck 9—a refreshing innovation on a central deck of the ship—a large and successful buffet, with diverse food entirely served by staff (preventing anyone from touching it directly, much more hygienic and pleasant), and plenty of comfortable seating both indoors and on the nearby outdoor deck. Nearby is the "International Cafe," a cafe with light meals open 24 hours a day.
The menu changes several times a day with delicious sandwiches, quiches, cakes, cookies, and quality coffee and tea. Food - fast service and free. Coffee and tea - an additional charge for those without a drink package. During meal times - quite busy and with a line.
On deck 17, the pool deck, there is a smaller outdoor buffet with an American stand (burgers, hot dogs, etc.), Mexican, pizzeria, and more.
Dining Rooms
There are several dining rooms, some with flexible dining times and some with fixed dining times.
Restaurants
Of course, there is also a variety of specialty restaurants with a surcharge. There are restaurants like on all Princess ships - the steakhouse Crown Grill, and an Italian restaurant named Sabatini's. There is also an Asian restaurant plus a sushi bar, a seafood restaurant, an Irish pub with a limited menu but plenty of atmosphere and live music, and a restaurant unique to the "Sun": Love By Britto.
Love by Britto Restaurant
A unique chef restaurant—the first on Princess Cruises ships named Love by Britto, located on deck 17 aft overlooking a lovely view.
The restaurant and food - inspired by the artist Romero Britto, known for his colorful, heart-filled creations. A 7-course small, beautifully designed menu is served, with choices available for most courses. All dishes are extremely delicious and each one prettier than the last. A feast for the palate and eyes. One of the best chef restaurants I've eaten in. The restaurant is also known for its uniquely delicious cocktails.
The meal incurs an additional charge of $79 per person and reservations are required in advance. It is a small, intimate, and of course very popular restaurant.
UMAI Asian Restaurant
The Umai restaurant actually consists of two restaurants:
A Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant where the chef prepares food in front of the diners' eyes with songs and tricks. Both delicious and entertaining. The only difference from a regular Teppanyaki restaurant is that no fire is used for safety reasons.
The second restaurant is a Chinese "Hot Pot", where you cook vegetables, various meats, and seafood yourself in ready-made flavorful soups. The cooking "work" is not too hard, and the waiters help and constantly bring additional supplies of sauces, vegetables, and extra meat. The dessert in both restaurants is delicious Mochi ice cream. Both restaurants have a surcharge of about fifty dollars per person but are included in Princess's "Premier" package.
Italian Restaurant – Alfredo's
Pizza lovers will be glad to know that on the Sun Princess, similar to ships in Princess's previous "Royal" class, there is a quality pizzeria named Alfredo’s Pizzeria with a three-course menu: starter, pizza, and dessert. This is a restaurant with an extra charge of $15 (as of today...) open from 11 AM until late evening. Additionally, in two areas of the outdoor buffet on both deck 9 and deck 17, there are pizza stations (also wood-fired) which are quite good - free of charge, and in the indoor buffet a varied focaccia station rich in toppings.
Alfredo's Pizzeria best demonstrates the "evolution" of cruises, more accurately how inclusions decrease and prices rise. This is true in this case for Princess but well reflects all lines.
Until August 2023, the pizzerias on Princess ships were free of charge and included among the venues where anyone could eat as much as they wanted and whenever they wanted. Additionally, you could order any pizza you wanted and as many appetizers as you fancied. Both soup, salad, and antipasti. In August 2023, it was decided to charge an extra fee for the pizzerias, but still without quantity or choice limits. Today, the restaurant is a surcharge venue and also has a restriction: one item per category (e.g., you can't have both soup and salad) and specialty pizzas carry an extra charge. For those with a Princess Plus package (costing $60 a day including internet, tips, free drinks, and several benefits) - two meals at Alfredo's are included in the package. I sincerely hope the gradual shrinkage will stop. While there is no lack of food, and good food at that, even without this specific pizzeria, coming on every cruise to find conditions worsened and fewer things included is rather disappointing.
Drink and Food Ordering via OceanNow Service
A successful and useful service on the Sun Princess ship: ordering food, drinks, room amenities, and a host of other options through the Princess app. The app identifies the passenger's location anywhere on the ship and brings what they requested to wherever they are. Even to the jacuzzi.
You can track and see what stage the order is in: preparation, on the way, etc. The service is included in the benefits for those purchasing a drink/internet/tips package that includes, in addition to room service, two meals per cruise at one of the two surcharge restaurants: pizzeria or Irish pub, premium ice creams and desserts, fitness classes, and more.
It's fun to lie on a comfortable, pampering lounger facing the ocean view, work on your phone with strong and good satellite internet, and receive drinks without having to get up from the chair…
Cabin Category – Cabana Mini-Suite
On the "Sun Princess" ship, there is a new category called Cabana Mini Suite where you get a standard-sized room with an extra-large balcony divided into two: a covered part (which makes the room slightly dark, featuring a sofa and an additional large TV) and an open part three times the size of a standard balcony with more comfortable chairs.
But the main advantage of this category (in the style of Celebrity's "Aqua") is that some of the rooms (and other mini-suites) are included in the "Sanctuary" club Sanctuary with a unique dining room featuring an upgraded menu (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner), quality and personal service (from day one they know your name and where you like to sit), plus access to two private decks named Cabana Deck on both sides of the forward part of deck 9, reserved exclusively for them, each deck featuring a jacuzzi and a host of pampering loungers.
and access to another private deck with a pool, jacuzzi, light buffet, and pampering chairs (plus cabanas at an additional high fee).
Standard Balcony Cabins
The cabins on the ship are quite spacious with plenty of storage space, modern lighting, and an especially comfortable bed, but the room layout is not ideal and lacks sufficient ergonomic design, especially the narrow entrance to the room between the closet and the bathroom and the bathroom door—when opened, it leaves no room to stand (you almost fall onto the toilet...). The cabins are well-equipped with everything needed. Standard balconies are rather small compared to other lines and ships.
What is included in packages purchased on Princess beyond the cruise fare and how much do they cost?
Princess Cruises has updated the price and contents of its Premier and Plus packages.
The main change in the 2026 version is the addition of shore excursion credit, but alongside this, several minor benefits from the previous package were removed, such as fitness classes, juice bars, and indulgent desserts.
Full details including prices in the article: The Premier and Plus Packages on Princess Cruises
Additional Information, Tips, and Summary
Differences between premium lines, family lines, and low-cost:
Several points to illustrate the differences between premium lines (which often cost as much as mainstream lines and sometimes even cheaper) and family or low-cost lines:
1. Towels: In every corner, there are stations with towels that can be taken freely. No registration, no card, and no employee counting and checking.
2. Soft drinks like water, lemonade, regular tea, and standard coffee - drinking stations in every corner, no lines, and of course no charge.
3. Quality cakes, desserts, and sandwiches - 24 hours a day, at no extra charge.
4. Cabin cleaning and tidying twice a day (instead of just once)
5. In every port, there is a station with damp, scented towels and drinks for those returning to the ship, before re-boarding. Giving a wonderful feeling of "how good it is to come home"...
6. Hair conditioner. A small but important item for many that is not provided on mainstream lines.
No doubt the Sun Princess fits all these points nicely.
Self-Service Laundry
On the Sun Princess, as on all Princess ships, there are self-service washing and drying machines. On each floor, there are several machines of each type, a machine with detergents, and an ironing board. Very convenient especially on long cruises. Usually, the machines are paid, but on the Sun Princess, for now at least, they operate for free and the laundry detergent is also free. It is recommended to do laundry on port days or late in the evening.
Cruising During Hurricane Season
Everyone worries about cruises during hurricane and tropical storm season. I always reassure and explain that a ship, unlike an island or any land destination, can move and position itself in a good spot far from any storm. The ship's speed is more than twice the forward speed of the hurricane, and there are very accurate forecasts regarding the location and progression of the storm, so there is really no cause for concern. I have taken many cruises at the height of hurricane season and it has always been wonderful. Very rarely did they change our itinerary or one of the destinations, and once they extended it by two days.
This time, while preparing for Hurricane Milton which hit Florida directly and was widely covered worldwide, including in Israel, we were supposed to arrive on the "Sun Princess" ship at the port of Fort Lauderdale in southeast Florida. Although the peak of the storm was not expected to reach this area, the US Coast Guard took no chances and two days before the storm reached Florida, they closed all ports. Therefore, two days before the end of the planned cruise, we were notified that the cruise was being extended by two days. Anyone without an internet package received free internet until the end of the cruise, all drink packages and benefits were automatically extended for free by two days, and no tips were required to be paid for these two days. In short - two free cruise days.
The ship arrived at the original time right to the entrance of the closed Port Lauderdale port to offload three sick patients to shore: two by boat and one by helicopter
The ship arrives at the port of Fort Lauderdale closed due to the hurricane:
Disembarking sick patients to a rescue boat:
And then it quickly moved away to the Cuba area, where we sailed leisurely in perfect weather for two days until we arrived at Port Lauderdale exactly two days after the planned date. Throughout the cruise, the weather was wonderful, the sea calm, and most people were happy and thrilled with the extension. Even in Florida when we arrived, the weather was quite pleasant and all flights departed as planned. The excellent and professional captain of the ship kept updating the passengers constantly at every stage of the cruise, and the dedicated crew helped anyone who needed it with changing flights, hotels, etc.
Clothespins Tip
A small tip for anyone taking a cruise: it is recommended to bring large clothespins with you for two important purposes: the first, which is very useful for me, is to keep swimwear or other wet clothes hanging on the room balcony from blowing away in the wind (sometimes clothes are put out to dry while the ship is in port and then the next day out at sea you find they flew away in the strong wind).
The second: saving a chair on one of the decks: near the pool or the big screen. You put a towel, attach it to the chair with a colorful clothespin, and the chair is saved for you. It's also convenient when sitting on the chair and you don't want the towel to slip.
Experienced cruisers bring fancy, colorful clothespins on every cruise. Not heavy, takes up little space, and you kill two birds with one cute pin...
Summary and Conclusions from the Cruise
The Sun Princess ship is large, beautiful, and impressive with many innovations, both in terms of cabin types and public areas.
Although launched back in February 2024, it is still undergoing changes, renovations, and improvements. On one hand - a good sign, constantly fixing and improving to make it the best and most successful, and listening to passenger feedback. On the other hand - many "teething troubles" that take longer than usual to fix, and sailing on a ship undergoing intensive renovations is disruptive and disturbing.
The cancellation of the family attractions deck, which was one of the main innovations on the ship and an attempt to lower passenger age and incorporate families - is puzzling and unexplained. In the early months, they constantly delayed the opening of the deck and then announced the cancellation of many attractions (mainly the rope course and water slides) but left the deck open, and then during the cruise closed it and removed all parts of the cancelled attractions (which indeed stood out jarringly: a ship with a whole nice rope course that is inactive). Even from the large model of the ship located on deck 7 between the restaurants - all trace of these attractions was removed.
As of today, the Sun Princess is not a ship particularly suitable for families with children. While it has game rooms (few and with very broad age brackets), there are no attractions beyond that.
Room service in particular and passenger service in general, by all staff - is excellent.
Hoping all "bugs" and renovations will end soon and they will learn to overcome show queues (by advance booking, more simultaneous shows, etc.) - this is definitely a successful and recommended ship, mainly for couples (not young ones).
Update to the above remarks:
I am glad to note that about a year after this cruise, when I sailed on the "Star Princess", the second ship in the series, which was launched a few weeks before my cruise, I saw that all the previous issues had been fixed, everything was successful, and we enjoyed it very much.
And in addition to that, when I returned a year and a half after the aforementioned cruise on the Sun Princess for another week-long cruise on the Sun Princess I discovered that almost all the problems we encountered there had also been fixed and improved. The cruise was very successful and we did not feel crowded.
Cruise Itineraries:
Sun Princess sails in the winter months on 7-night round-trip itineraries to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, in the spring it will return on a transatlantic cruise to the Mediterranean and sail in the Med on a variety of itineraries.
Information on Caribbean cruise itineraries in the article:
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Information on European cruise itineraries in the article:
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