VIDEO: Princess Cruises to welcome its new ship Sun Princess in early 2024

   September 16, 2022 ,   Cruise Industry

Princess Cruises revealed a new ship platform that is the brand's biggest ship ever and will accommodate 4,000+ passengers.

The new Sun Princess cruise ship boasts expansive venues, stunning views, innovative entertainment, multi-story dining rooms and next-level accommodations while remaining true to the design aesthetics inspired by the original "Love Boat" TV series and returning the "Sun Princess" ship name back into operation. 

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard and expected to debut in early 2024, the 175,500 GT liner is the largest Princess ship ever and embraces Italian heritage by a next-level Piazza and The Dome, an entertainment space inspired by Santorini's terraces. Sun Princess will also offer the exclusive Princess Medallion.

Sun Princess will sail her inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean voyages followed by Western & Eastern Caribbean voyages out of homeport Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades (Florida USA) in fall 2024.

The Piazza spans 3 stories, forming an iconic architectural feature providing an outward-looking suspended spot with comfortable areas to enjoy the ocean views in every direction. A LED screen is also showcased in the centre of the Piazza that can be configured to deliver live entertainment programs. Adjacent to the Piazza Atrium is a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, as well as Bellini's Cocktail Bar, and Princess favourites like Alfredo's Pizzeria and Crooners Bar.

Another stand-out structure on Sun Princess is The Dome, a multi-level covered deck and the first-of-its-kind true glass-enclosed dome ever built on a cruise ship. It features an indoor/outdoor pool which at night becomes a stage, and the Dome transforms into an entertainment venue.

With a total of 2,157 staterooms, including 100 connecting rooms and 50 suites, the 21-deck Sun Princess offers more outdoor balcony space. All-balcony accommodations have an in-room sofa.

Also launched exclusively on Sun Princess is the Signature Collection, a brand new level of suite accommodations. In addition to the line's premium stateroom amenities, the Signature Collection suites feature access to the Signature Lounge, Signature Restaurant, and Signature Sun Deck, a Sanctuary's private area.

Club Class accommodations on Sun Princess and all Princess cruise ships will now be called Reserve Collection - the best-located mini-suite staterooms. Featured within the Reserve Collection will be the Reserve Collection Cabana rooms, which are resort-style staterooms that provide a private balcony and a cabana, an extra-large outdoor lounge space. The premium accommodations also feature access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.

In addition to the stunning design are the sustainable elements engineered in the ship. Sun Princess is part of the green cruising focus of Carnival Corporation and is one of 11 newbuilds in the corporate fleet powered by LNG fuel technology.

Sun Princess begins her inaugural season in early 2024 with Mediterranean itineraries. 

This is the third ship to be honoured with the Sun Princess name, adding to the first ship's legacy (sailing between 1974-1988) and the 2nd ship (sailing between 1995-2020). At that time, Sun Princess had the largest number of balcony staterooms and the line's first 24-hour cafe.

A 2nd, next-generation Sphere class cruise ship is also on order, scheduled for delivered by Fincantieri in spring 2025.