Princess Cruises brings back Sun Princess name for new LNG cruise ship
Princess Cruises has announced that its upcoming LNG-powered cruise ship will be called Sun Princess, along with new state room designs, entertainment features and dining options. Sun Princess will be the largest cruise ship ever built for the cruise line, and will feature expansive ocean views, a plethora of dining and entertainment venues, and what Princess calls next level stateroom accommodations.
The ship will have capacity for 4,000 passengers and will bring back the Sun Princess name for the cruise line. The original Sun Princess was one of the ship’s used in the Love Boat series and sailed for Princess between 1974 and 1989.
Sun Princess is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and is due to sail an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in the fall of 2024.
The 175,500-gross ton vessel will feature a next-level, brand-iconic Piazza and The Dome, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini, as well as the exclusive Princess Medalliontechnology characteristic of the line. “Sun Princess is a new and bespoke ship platform, designed to simultaneously embrace Princess heritage while boldly pressing into the future with iconic, elegant and pure lines unique to our brand,” said John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises.
“A show-stopping, first-of-its-kind Dome on the top deck and suspended glass Piazza in the center of Sun Princess offer innovative designs showcasing expansive ocean views for incredible opportunities to connect with the sea,” he added. Sun Princess’ Piazza spans three decks, with outward views forming an architectural feature offering guests a suspended space with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy the ocean in every direction.
A large LED screen in the center of the Piazza can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming, while a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, will be located adjacent the atrium, along with Princess favorites like Crooners Bar and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.
The Done is an entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The multi-level covered deck will be the first true glass-enclosed dome ever constructed on a cruise ship. During the day, the Dome will feature an indoor/outdoor pool, and unique water feature, in a comfortable and relaxed space. At night, the pool becomes a stage, and the Dome completely transforms into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe, state-of-the-art lighting effects and equipment for aerial performances.
The ship will feature 2,157 staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms across 21 decks. Sun Princess will also feature more outdoor balcony space than any ship in the fleet, and all balcony accommodations will offer an in-room sofa.
Sun Princess will also feature a new Signature Collection category of suites. The Signature Collection will feature premium stateroom amenities, access to the Signature Restaurant and Signature Lounge, as well as the Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.
With Sun Princess, Club Class accommodations will now be called Reserve Collection, a change that will be rolled out across the fleet. These are the best-located mini suite staterooms, some of which will be Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms that offer a balcony and private cabana, and an extra-large outdoor lounge space.
These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.
Although Sun Princess is part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising focus and is one of 11 new ships in the corporate fleet powered by LNG fuel technology, she is a new class of ship for Princess and Carnival. Sun Princess is not based on the Excellence-class, which has debuted with Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, P& O and AIDA.
The inaugural season for Sun Princess begins in early 2024 with Mediterranean itineraries, with the first three voyages now on sale.
