My Sun Princess cruise review — now sailing the Caribbean

By Steve Skidgel, Cruisebound Head of Supply

Sun Princess, the newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, embarked on its inaugural cruise in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale on October 11, 2024. This voyage marked Sun Princess’ North American debut, and comes on the heels of a successful season in the Mediterranean.

Sun Princess offers a refined yet approachable cruise experience. It’s the perfect combination of all the fresh amenities of a brand-new ship, plus a creative take on the Princess brand. Overall, the Sun Princess cruise ship hits a home run.

Read on for what to expect on Sun Princess and when to consider it for your next cruise.

On this page:

1. First impressions: The Dome and the Sphere
2. A new class for Princess Cruises
3. A culinary journey
4. Accommodations with a touch of luxury
5. Cruise tech: the Princess Medallion
6. Onboard activities and entertainment
7. Who will love the Sun Princess?
8. Tips for your Sun Princess cruise

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First impressions: the Dome and the Sphere

One of the ship's most impressive features of Sun Princess is the Dome, located on Deck 18 toward the front of the ship. This climate-controlled, glass-enclosed venue offers a breathtaking space with a pool that extends from the interior to the sun deck. By day, it’s a relaxing retreat, and by night, it transforms into a stage for acrobatic shows and live music performances. The versatile design even played host to an intimate vow renewal ceremony during our voyage, officiated by the captain himself.

At the heart of the ship is the Sphere, a visually stunning glass structure that spans several decks from the waterline to the top of the ship. Part of it is dedicated to cabins and suites, while the rest serves as a public hub, home to the Piazza, restaurants, bars, and a coffee shop. The Sphere provides spectacular views of the ocean with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls and creates a unique, immersive experience for guests.

The ship's design is modern yet elegant. Soft tones of silver, gray, and brass give it a classy and refined atmosphere.

A new class for Princess Cruises

The Sun Princess ship belongs to an entirely new class for Princess Cruises–the Sphere class. It’s built to accommodate up to 4,300 passengers, making it Princess’ largest ship. The newer onboard technology and fresh features elevate the experience and include everything from comfortable, brand-new beds to updated dining options.

I was especially impressed (and thankful for) the modernized elevators. Guests select their destination before boarding and are directed to an elevator that’s already going to their floor. It minimizes unnecessary stops and saves a surprising amount of time. The attention to detail baked into the Sun Princess experience really enhanced the convenience and luxury of the cruise.

A culinary journey

Nearly all of the dining on Sun Princess dining was exceptional. I was able to try the Main Dining Room, Kai Sushi, and the Crown Grill for my dinners. Each offered a unique and high-quality experience. The main dining room on Sun Princess features three dining options—Sanctuary, anytime, and traditional timed seating. My prime rib was cooked to perfection, and my wife’s Chilean sea bass was equally memorable. We finished with a rich chocolate mousse that was the perfect cap to our meal.

At Kai Sushi, located near the Piazza, both the Omakase and a la carte menu offered excellent sushi options. The Crown Grill, a Princess Cruises classic, provided a more upscale, fine dining experience with a variety of steak and seafood options. The attentive staff and elegant ambiance made this one of our favorite meals on the ship.

Beyond these venues, the ship boasts several other notable dining options, including:

• Alfredo’s Pizzeria, helmed by a chef with more than 13 international pizza competition wins;
• The Catch by Rudy, an exceptionally fresh seafood restaurant;
• The Butcher’s Table by Dario, a new meat-centric dining experience;
• O'Malley's Irish Pub, a cozy spot with dark woods, brass accents, and live traditional Irish music every night;
• Umai Teppanyaki/Hot Pot, a lively and exciting fan-favorite;
• Tyra Banks’ Smilez and Dreams ice cream, which adds a fun and flavorful twist to dessert at sea.

Accommodations with a touch of luxury

Our Deluxe Balcony cabin exceeded our expectations. The room had ample space, and the bathroom featured a sleek glass shower door that extended across the entire width of the bathroom. We found plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports, a well-lit vanity, and generous storage space. The closet even had an interior light to make finding our clothes easier. Our balcony was deep and spacious - perfect for watching the sunsets or sipping a morning cup of coffee.

While we weren’t staying in a Sanctuary cabin, the Sanctuary Club is another standout feature of the Sun Princess. Similar to Norwegian’s Haven or MSC’s Yacht Club, the Sanctuary is an exclusive, luxurious suite class with its own pool, dining, and service, ideal for guests looking for an elevated and more personalized experience.

View Sun Princess deck plan pdf here.

Cruise tech: the Princess Medallion

The Princess Medallion is a game-changer in cruising technology. It’s a small, high-tech disc that acts as your room key, credit card, dining check-in device, and more. It makes everything from boarding the ship to ordering a drink seamless.

I highly recommend checking in ahead of time to your next Princess Cruise so you can have your medallion shipped to you in advance. Arriving at the port with your medallion already in hand will dramatically speed up your embarkation process. Not a problem if you can’t–guests who don’t have their medallions are simply boarded through a separate (albeit longer and slower) line.

Onboard activities and entertainment

There was never a dull moment on the Sun Princess. From wine tastings and trivia to acoustic performances and pool games, the onboard activities catered to a variety of interests. For those seeking relaxation, the Lotus Spa offered a high-quality variety of treatments, while guests seeking more active entertainment could enjoy waterslides, pickleball, and basketball on the sports deck. In the evenings, the Dome, Piazza, and theaters came alive with acrobatic performances, Broadway-style shows, and live music, and fun gatherings like a silent disco and an 80s-themed dance party took place in other areas throughout the ship.

Who will love the Sun Princess?

The Sun Princess is perfect for those seeking a large ship experience with a touch of sophistication. It’s perfect for couples, older families, and seasoned cruisers looking to relax on a modern yet classic cruise ship.

Princess tends to be less multi-generational than some other cruise lines, but Sun Princess aims to shift that thinking. Families with children will find plenty to do, from waterslides and pool games to age appropriate kids’ clubs. However, if your children love over-the-top entertainment, you may want to save this one for a more relaxed trip.

The Sun Princess’ upscale yet approachable ambiance makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for a refined Caribbean cruise.

Tips for your Sun Princess cruise

• Book a balcony room – The balconies on Sun Princess are spacious and high-quality. If the Sanctuary Club is in your budget, make that splurge.
• Get your Medallion early – It’ll make your embarkation process so much smoother.
• Explore casual dining – Be sure to try Alfredo’s or Umai for a great dining experience, and swing by O’Malley’s for fun, live music.
• Indulge at the Lotus Spa – Treat yourself to a spa day; the services are top-notch.
• Princess Plus package – Opt for this package to bundle perks like Wi-Fi, beverage options, and casual dining experiences. Having these amenities prepaid makes for a smoother vacation experience.

The Sun Princess blends the best of modern and traditional cruising. I’m excited to see how Princess continues this high streak into its next ship, the Star Princess.