Stepping aboard the brand new Sun Princess, I knew this was going to be a special trip.
From the moment my feet landed on the deck I could see the ship was a marvel of modern design and there was a lot to explore. I had best be on my way.
The Piazza, with its three-storey LED screens that moved, had natural light that engulfed a space full of bustling activity and memorable views out to the water. The new Sphere Class vessel was immediately showing a new direction for ship design from Princess.
During a quick stop in the cabin for a much needed refresh, I was again surprised by all the touches that Princess include.
Easy to reach USB sockets, automatic night lighting, light and bright colours and glass shower screens. Not to forget the amazing medallion that unlocks your door as you approach…that never got old!
To start the journey our group had a meetup at the Cascade Bar for sail away drinks while watching the gorgeous Mediterranean sun setting.
Rachaelle, our glorious hostess from Princess, laid out the plans for the trip and had also arranged a private tour of the entertainment areas. We went behind the scenes to see how it all comes to life and had a bridge tour from the Captain himself.
Our first day began as a relaxing sea day, with a leisurely exploration of the ship’s many nooks and crannies.
The Sun Princess is a true marvel, boasting an array of amenities that cater to every whim and fancy.
From the expansive pool decks that offer amazing ocean views to the tranquil Lotus Spa where relaxation reigns supreme, every corner of this ship is designed to delight.
I couldn’t help noticing that so much natural light was flowing into the ship, illuminating an already bright decor. I truly felt a connection to the ocean, even from within.
We made stops in Corfu, Bar, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples with every port offering up a huge array of things to do. The Sun Princess really stood out in these ports and couldn’t be missed even from far away.
As we departed Bar in the evening, a huge group of locals came out to farewell the ship and our captain didn’t disappoint them, playing the Love Boat theme through the ships horn. That was met with huge cheers and waves for what was a really special moment.
It would be wrong of me to not mention the incredible food found onboard Sun Princess.
Breakfast in bed every morning complete with freshly brewed cappuccino made departing the ship very hard! Not one of the meals was amiss.
Our hosts graciously included ‘Princess Plus’ while onboard and we were able to try casual dining options with Alfredos and O’Malley’s Pub, both of which were exceptional.
However, the standout with Princess Plus for me (besides the obvious drinks) was the onboard delivery.
Lounging at the aft of the ship near the new infinity pool, soaking up the sun, a few clicks in the app and minutes later a cheesy fries and beer had been delivered. Don’t mind if I do!
The main dining room occupies three-storeys and offers some fantastic views of the ocean. The top level runs as an American-style Diner that proved to be very popular and absolutely delicious. All the usual Princess offerings are found onboard as well, combining all the new experiences with the tried and tested.
A cruise ship wouldn’t be a cruise ship without a vast array of speciality dining options and Sun Princess was fully loaded in this department.
New to the ship and in collaboration with Magic Castle, Spellbound combines a dining experience and magic show that hasn’t been seen before on a cruise liner.
After a themed three-course meal, we were whisked away behind a secret door in the main atrium. Beyond this door we were treated to all sorts of magical surprises a plenty and left wondering – just how did that happen?
Not to forget some truly incredible, one-of-a-kind crafted cocktails too! A truly unique experience and not something I would have expected onboard a cruise ship.
Later in our cruise our group also experienced Umai Teppenyaki which, like Spellbound, is new to Princess. While dinner was incredible, the standout was our chef, putting on a great show for all of us, full of laughs and memories that are long lasting.
The entertainment onboard was another highlight. From Broadway-style shows to dazzling acrobatic displays in the Dome, there was never a dull moment.
Of particular standout were the nightly live performances in O’Malley’s that had everyone jigging along. On another night, we laughed until our sides ached at a hilarious comedy act.
Each performance was top-notch, showcasing incredible talent and leaving us wanting more.
Our days were filled with a mixture of adventure and relaxation. By day we explored some of the most beautiful ports found in the Mediterranean and our evenings were filled with laughs, drinks and wonderful company. Every stop added a new layer to our adventure.
One of the most heart warming aspects of our cruise was the exceptional service. The crew members were not just staff, but part of the family, always ready with a smile and eager to ensure our experience was perfect.
Their genuine warmth and attention to detail made us feel pampered and cared for every step of the way. Princess really turned it on during this cruise and I really felt I could have been on a 700 passenger cruise ship, not one with more than 4,000.
As our journey on the Sun Princess came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. The cruise had been a whirlwind of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments, offering a gateway to a world of wonder and delight.
Every aspect of this cruise was designed to captivate and enchant. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, excitement and a touch of magic, Sun Princess is the perfect choice.
Bon voyage!
