Sun Princess

“Spellbound by Magic Castle” (Plus the Impressive Dome): In addition to Princess' custom entertainment offerings, Sun Princess has debuted a new “extraordinary experience,” “Spellbound by Magic Castle.” A magic show created in conjunction with the Hollywood-based original (a destination for magicians and magic enthusiasts), “Spellbound by Magic Castle” invites guests to partake in a specially curated meal followed by a cocktail-fueled adventure through a tucked-away, speakeasy-like bar hidden amongst the main deck. 

After indulging in the mystical mixology offered by the bar’s talented team, the experience concludes with not one, but two specially curated magic shows that promise to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, one of Sun Princess’ most striking architectural features is its glass-enclosed Dome, where the majority of the ship’s additional entertainment takes place (it doubles as an air-conditioned relaxation lounge during the day).

Serene Sanctuary Collection Rooms: For those looking for a true taste of R&R, there are 80 Signature Collection Suites, as well as 12 Premium Deluxe Balcony suites that include access to the ship’s top-deck retreat space, The Sanctuary. The Sanctuary, an adults-only space, boasts a pool and jacuzzi with private cabanas, as well as exclusive programming like sunrise yoga classes. Guests booking Sanctuary Collection rooms receive access to exclusive private dining and designated areas, along with Princess Premier perks.

Princess Premier Packages: In addition to Princess’ standard Plus offerings, the brand also offers an upgraded Premier package. For an additional $90 per day, Premier guests receive several added benefits, including an unlimited number of drinks up to $20 (including alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water), as well as unlimited access to Specialty Dining establishments and unlimited MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi, which provides priority access to high-speed internet all across the ship. As with other ships within Princess’ fleet, Sun Princess also uses the brand’s MedallionClass technology, which allows guests to access their room, pay for drinks, and more with the touch of their magnetic badge. 

The Most F&B Experiences At Sea: Deemed “The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea,” Sun Princess absolutely lives up to its gastronomy-fueled nickname. With 30 different restaurants and bars on board, the range of food and beverage options spans the gamut, featuring an array of cuisines and ambiances fit for a variety of preferences. Princess loyals will enjoy the familiar delights of The Eatery, Horizons Dining Room, International Café, and The Lido, along with signature specialty dining options from Alfredo’s, Sabatini’s, Crown Grill, and The Catch by Rudi. New features unique to Sun Princess include Umai Hot Pot and Umai Teppanyaki, Love by Britto, and more. 

With regards to libations, all-day delights can be found at Bellini’s Cocktail Bar and Cascade Bar, along with Sun Bar, Sea View Bar, and Promenade Bar. For more dialed-in experiences, head to The Wheelhouse for martinis with a view, classic cocktails at Crooners, or the brand-new O’Malleys Irish Pub for a Guinness, Irish Coffee, or a simple pint of something refreshing. 

Celebrity Collaborations: Many of Sun Princess’ new food and beverage offerings have been created in conjunction with a wide range of renowned chefs and mixologists, including Good Spirits at Sea (with mixologist Rob Floyd), Love by Britto (with revered artist Romero Britto), The Butcher’s Block by Dario (famed butcher Dario Cecchini), Makoto Ocean (sushi master Makoto Okuwa), and of course, The Catch by Rudi (Rudi Sodamin, the head of culinary arts for all of Princess Cruises). Additionally, guests on Sun Princess can enjoy Royal Afternoon Tea curated in conjunction with chef Darren McGrady, as well as a Master Winemaker Wine Tasting created by award-winning winemaker Gérard Bertrand. 

Signature Favorites: In addition to the brand-new entertainment and F&B spaces offered on the ship, Princess loyals will still enjoy a number of the brand’s key offerings, including Princess Live! Theater, Lotus Spa, the Piazza, International Café, and of course, the casino. Indulge in the familiar delights of a 50-minute massage at the spa, grab an espresso-based beverage at one of the brand’s local coffee haunts, or simply partake in some good old fashioned trivia or entertainment at the boat’s Princess Live! Theater for a comforting reminder of all the areas in which Princess excels. 

Couples, Friends, & Solo Travelers of All Ages Who are Looking to Wine and Dine Their Hearts Out: Although families are certainly present, contrary to the water slide-filled mega-ships found with other cruise lines, Sun Princess remains an elevated and serenity-focused choice for couples, singles, and groups of friends of all ages. The ship’s crowd remains pretty balanced between families, elderly travelers, and those everywhere in between — in short, no matter which age bracket you fall in, you’re likely to find more than a few travelers like yourself on board. 

The Gym Is Small — and the Fitness Classes Can Be Skipped: While daily workouts may not be a part of everyone’s ideal vacation, those looking for a daily sweat will likely find securing a spot at the gym to be a bit of a struggle. Compared to the sprawling fitness centers found on other Princess ships, Sun Princess’ gym is significantly smaller, especially with regard to weight space and treadmill offerings. The ship also offers fitness classes in conjunction with a handful of well-known yoga, running, and cycling brands for an added fee, though the classes on board don’t compare to the experiences found off the ship.

Some Excursions Really Aren’t Worth the Spend: As with many cruise ships, Sun Princess offers a handful of excursions, most of which come at a pretty hefty additional cost. While some are worth it (for example, for those on the Mediterranean route, the Mount Etna / Taormina day tour is simply unmissable), other ports are quite easy to navigate without the planned experience provided. If the port offers access to a city or destination without the need for a tender or shuttle, consider checking out what local beaches, restaurant offerings, or local walking tours are available instead.