Travelbiz E-Zine
29
February
2024

Next-Level Sun Princess Debuts on Maiden Voyage to the Mediterranean

Most Impressive, Luxurious and Stunning Love Boat Ever Created Sets Sail.

The Sun is shining! A celebration is underway as the next-level Love Boat from Princess Cruises – Sun Princess – set sail today on the cruise ship’s maiden voyage. The new 177,882-tonne, 4,300-guest Sun Princess is the most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created and introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world’s most iconic cruise brand.

Photo Caption: Princess President John Padgett and Sun Princess Captain Craig Street Welcome First Guests Andrea Mackenzie and Victor Vitartas (of Marina Del Rey, CA), Richard Mackenzie and Debra Czajkowski (of Boston, MA).

A true engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started the inaugural cruise season on a 10-day Grand Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Rome, taking eager guests to the marquee ports of Naples, Italy; Crete, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus); Athens, Greece; Sicily, Italy; Mallorca, Spain; and Barcelona.

“This is an historic day as our new Sun Princess sets sail on her inaugural voyage, and our guests get to experience our sensational, next-level Love Boat firsthand,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “The ship is a magnificent showcase of advanced design, technology and craftsmanship, with elevated spaces and experiences all focused on taking the Princess vacation experience to a new level.”

Princess ships are renown for offering spacious venues and Sun Princess takes that to the next level. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.

“Sun Princess is absolutely gorgeous and guests are going to love her. The architecture is unbelievable and the amenities on board are next level, especially the glass dome at the front of the ship which is incredibly stunning,” said Monika Best, of Nova Scotia, Canada, the most travelled guest on the inaugural voyage who is sailing for the 141st time aboard a Princess ship. “Princess is evolving and looking more toward families and generational cruises, which I think is absolutely wonderful because more and more families are cruising together.”

Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including:

The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea

Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences from:

  • Spellbound by The Magic Castle: Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure.
  • Kai Sushi by Makoto: Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions.
  • Love by Britto: A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto.
  • The Butcher’s Block by Dario: A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts.
  • The Catch by Rudi: An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea.
  • Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd: Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.

Debuting a three-storey, main Horizons Dining Room with endless aft views, inaugural menus have been created in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. While retaining what guests love about Princess, the ship also features favourites like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Crooners with new design elements to impress.

Showstopping Entertainment in Technically Advanced Spaces

The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theatre at sea, offering showstopping and original productions including performances in the round. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall.

Elevated & Welcoming Accommodations

Sun Princess also features the cruise line’s largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley.

The first-ever family activity zone, Park19, offers multi-generational fun from the top deck. Within decks 19, 20 and 21, guests can experience everything from the Sea Breeze, a glider ride that offers panoramic views of the ocean and breathtaking ports of call to the Coastal Climb, an engaging climbing structure where guests can take in the gorgeous views.

With diverse accommodations to suit every preference and more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess’ re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.

Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are on sale now. More ship details can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess.

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Aer Lingus celebrates 12 years of Making a Difference
    18th May 2026

    Aer Lingus celebrates 12 years of Making a Difference

    Aer Lingus today celebrates 12 years of giving back to its local community, as more than 120 Aer Lingus employees volunteered their time to help transform the grounds of St. Finian’s Community C...

    Read more
    What’s New & Upcoming in New York City
    18th May 2026

    What’s New & Upcoming in New York City

    The refreshed NYC on a Budget travel hub on nyctourism.com promotes free and affordable activities for visitors across all five boroughs, including events, attractions, outdoor spaces, seasonal ...

    Read more
    TAP Air Portugal Offers Increased Flexibility in Bookings
    18th May 2026

    TAP Air Portugal Offers Increased Flexibility in Bookings

    TAP Air Portugal announces the waiver of change fees on all tickets issued between 15 May and 15 June 2026, allowing customers to book flights and adjust their travel plans with greater flexibil...

    Read more
    MSC Euribia’s Northern Europe Season is now underway exploring the Norwegian Fjords
    18th May 2026

    MSC Euribia’s Northern Europe Season is now underway exploring the Norwegian Fjords

    MSC Cruises has officially commenced its Northern Europe season for MSC Euribia, marking the start of a summer of unforgettable sailings through some of the region’s most dramatic and breath tak...

    Read more
    Transatlantic Travel Takes Off from Shannon Airport for Summer 2026 – Delta and United summer schedules return with 95,000 seats to New York and Chicago
    18th May 2026

    Transatlantic Travel Takes Off from Shannon Airport for Summer 2026 – Delta and United summer schedules return with 95,000 seats to New York and Chicago

    Transatlantic travel from Shannon Airport strengthens this week with the return of two key seasonal routes, significantly boosting capacity to the US for Summer 2026. Shannon Airport will offer ...

    Read more
    Air Canada/MSC/Do Something Different/Universal Orlando Fam Finale
    18th May 2026

    Air Canada/MSC/Do Something Different/Universal Orlando Fam Finale

    The final two days for the fam trip group was spent sampling the delights of MSC Seashore, including the Premium selection of restaurants, the Spa and Thermal suite facilities and of course all ...

    Read more