Here Comes the Sun, tu-du-du-tu…
Yes, that’s a Beatles song. And, just like the Beatles, the Sun Princess is all about elegance and a special charm, aimed especially at an older audience. The most recent ship in the fleet debuted in 2023 and boasts an amazing design, a theater that shapeshifts depending on what’s at play, and the biggest casino the fleet has ever seen.
This is a ship designed for those who prioritize a luxurious atmosphere above all else, love to roll the dice, and enjoy spending quality time with their significant other. Let’s see what else the Sun Princess has in store for us!
What we like about the Sun Princess
The Sun Princess is the largest ship in the fleet so far, accommodating up to 4,300 passengers. This might feel like a significant change for loyal guests who love Princess Cruises, as the company doesn’t typically focus solely on massive ships.
The best part is that, despite its size, the Sun Princess retains its elegance. One advantage of being so spacious is that the ship never feels overly crowded. Breakfast is by far the busiest time, and you might have trouble finding a chair (which, let’s be honest, is common on most cruise ships). But other than that, it never feels like you’re packed into a sardine box with people all around you.
The Sun Princess utilizes the Princess Medallion, a unique pocket-sized device that you can use for… well, just about everything. It functions as your stateroom key, a credit card, and even allows you to order anything you want, with a crew member finding you anywhere onboard. Yes, the device includes a GPS feature that helps staff locate you to deliver a cold beer, a bottle of champagne, or whatever you need. While some might feel it’s a bit too much like "Big Brother," it’s undeniably convenient and makes everything faster and easier.
The food is generally good, but the true standout is the Spellbound Victorian-themed bar. This unique experience combines a multi-course dining event with a mesmerizing magic show, priced at $150 per guest. The atmosphere is great, offering not only delicious meals but also captivating magic performances. Magicians showcase a variety of tricks, and you can enjoy a drink at the bar while immersing yourself in the magical ambiance.
The Sun Princess boasts the largest casino in the entire fleet. It features over 200 traditional slot machines, including the first-ever "Buffalo" zone at sea. Buffalo slots are a new type of machine that, in theory, offer 243 different ways to win, and they are growing in popularity. The casino also includes 13 game tables offering poker, blackjack, and even some games you might not be familiar with.
What we don’t like about the Sun Princess
One of the ship’s main letdowns is the gym. It’s far too small for a vessel of this size and lacks some of the amenities you’d expect on modern cruise ships. The weight room, in particular, is quite disappointing. This is definitely an area that could benefit from significant improvements.
The Sun Princess is primarily geared toward an adult audience. That’s not to say you shouldn’t bring your children, but there are better cruise options for families, such as Icon of the Seas or Carnival Jubilee. While the Sun Princess does feature dry slides and a splash zone, they are relatively small and not the main focus, especially when compared to the extensive family-friendly offerings of Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Sun Princess FAQ
When did the Sun Princess first set sail?
The Sun Princess first set sail in February 2024.
What are the Sun Princess’ main destinations?
The Sun Princess’ main destinations are the Caribbean and Europe.
How much does a cruise aboard the Sun Princess cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and cabin type but start at approximately $890 per passenger for a 7-night Caribbean cruise in November 2025.
What is the Sun Princess’ main port of call?
The Sun Princess’ main port of call is Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
