Sun Princess

The 2024-built Sun Princess cruise ship is the first of two SPHERE class vessels currently under construction at Fincantieri's yard in Monfalcone Italy. Princess' SPHERE class represents the fleet's first dual-fuel (MDO and LNG) powered ships. The sistership Star Princess is currently scheduled for delivery in August 2025.

The vessel (IMO number 9863118) will be Bermuda-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Hamilton. During its construction/currently, the vessel is Italy-flagged (MMSI 247476700).

Note: This is the third cruise ship named "Sun Princess", following Sun Princess (1974-88/1970-ordered as "Seaward" for NCL-Norwegian/1972-built as "Spirit of London"/1974-acquired by P&O Princess/2016-scrapped as "Ocean Dream"/IMO 7211517) and the old Sun Princess (1995-2020/now Pacific World for Peace Boat).

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills CA. A former subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (1977-founded), in 2003, the company merged with Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruise Lines Ltd's assets is the Caribbean private island resort Princess Cays (on Bahamas Eleuthera Island's southern end), located approx 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau.

In July 2018 were ordered two new-class (larger than Royal-Class) liners with GT-tonnage/volume 175000 tonnes and passenger capacity 4300. These are the fleet's first dual-fuel (MGO and LNG/primarily) powered ships. The shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri (Monfalcone Shipyard) was signed on March 27, 2019, with scheduled deliveries in 2023 and 2025. Both contracts were signed by Jan Swartz (Princess' President) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO). Princess Cruises in 2018 had 5 new ships on order with Fincantieri. The 2024-2025 SPHERE liners are Carnival Corporation's 10th and 11th LNG-powered ships.

Decks and Cabins

Sun Princess staterooms (2162 total) include 469x suites, 949x Standard and 100x Cove balconies, 186x Oceanviews, 460x Interior. Of all staterooms, 100x are interconnecting (for families) and 55x are handicap/wheelchair-accessible. All balcony staterooms (1518, or ~70% of all) are with triple/quad occupancy, being fitted with sofabed.

Unlike the preceding ROYAL Class, the new Princess SPHERE ships have oceanview cabins, each fitted with a large non-opening Picture Window.

Exclusive for the SPHERE ships, Sun Princess has new types of Suites (Signature Collection Suite/categories Sky, Owner's, Penthouse, Signature) providing premium amenities and bonus perks like exclusive facilities access - Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge & Bar, and Signature Sundeck (part of The Sanctuary).

Club Class staterooms (called on the SPHERE ships "Reserve Collection Staterooms") are Mini-Suites, among which are the resort-style "Reserve Collection Cabana" cabins featuring a balcony-cabana combo (veranda accessed via a large outdoor patio lounge).

The boat has 20 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 10 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Details on the new Princess SPHERE class were revealed in September 2022.

The new ship platform features iconic design elements, including The Dome (a unique entertainment space on top-deck covered by a glass roof) and a suspended glass (in the Piazza Atrium/midship) projecting live sea views as well as recorded UHD media.

The 4300-passenger ship Sun Princess also has new/fleet-first entertainment venues, 3-deck MDR restaurants (Main Dining Rooms), new-design staterooms, a total of 29 bars/lounges and dining venues.

The 3-story-high Piazza Atrium (spreading on decks 7-8-9 midship) is an iconic architectural concept for large-sized cruise liners. The outward-looking space is suspended and with comfortable seating (on all three levels) providing 360-degree unobstructed outside views. The huge LED screen in the middle is movable to allow live entertainment. From The Piazza are accessed Coffee Currents (new for Princess coffee shop), Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Crooners Bar, Ocean Front Lounge, International Cafe, Alfredo's Pizzeria as well as the Lobby's guest services desks (Shore Excursions, Future Cruise, Reception).

The Dome is a glass-roof-covered sundeck (spanning two floors /decks 17-18 forward) and is the first true glass-enclosed space on a cruise liner. During the day, The Dome serves as a pool deck (having a large indoor/outdoor swimming pool). At night, the swimming pool is covered to become a stage as The Dome transforms into an entertainment venue with superior sound and lighting effects and live aerial performances.

As Princess SPHERE ships' coordinating architecture company Fincantieri contracted TDoS/Tillberg Design of Sweden (1964-founded company specializing in cruise ship design as well as hospitality projects). TDoS was contracted to provide an architecture based on light interiors and transparency. Curiously, the ever-first Atrium (midship-positioned open-floor designed area) on a cruise ship (1969-built Sea Venture) was designed by Robert Tillberg.

The new Sun Princess was designed to have the fleet's first Park19 - a 3-floor (aft on decks 19-20-21) family-themed activity zone offering 9x outdoor fun activities.

In July 2024, Princess Cruises officially announced that some Park19 facilities (RollGlider, Coastal Climb, Ropes Course) will not be opening and they are actively evaluating the designs for future recreational opportunities. The company didn't provide a specific reason for this decision.

Park 19's main facilities include

1. [missing] Sea Breeze (the first-at-sea Rollglider/on Deck 20) allows guests (seated and harnessed) to glide above the sea at speeds of 11 mph (18 kph) along a suspended track. The electric ride sessions are in 60-90 seconds and are ADA-accessible.
2. [missing] Coastal Climb (Ropes Course/obstacle course with a large climbing structure) interlinks Decks 19-20.
3. The Lookout (observation deck at the top of Coastal Climb's climbing structure) provides 360-degree unobstructed top-deck views and is the ship's highest passenger-accessible area.
4. The Net (above Deck 19) is a trekking facility that groups several unstable bridges and climbing cargo nets as well as a Z-shaped balance beam.
5. Infinite Horizon (Deck 19) is for height lovers. The space provides views of 10 decks down (decks 19 to 9) and features cantilevered tilted walls. Like The Lookout, Infinite Horizon provides stunning views from high vantage points.
6. Hammock Area is a family-themed relaxation deck fitted with numerous relaxing hammocks.
7. Splash Zone (Princess Cruises' first aquapark) is for kids and has a splash area with Pop Jet fountains.
8. Recreational Court houses the multi-sports court (for playing basketball, football, tennis) as well as deck games (Table Tennis, Ping Pong, Shuffleboard). Recreational Court also serves open-air group classes (Xponential Fitness, morning yoga and meditation, wellness activities).
9. Jogging Track (facility for walking/jogging/running) is on Deck 19. Around 7 times Jogging Track's length (240 m / 790 ft) equals 1 mi/1,6 km.

Park 19's children's facilities (spreading across decks 6-7) are complimentary and include Firefly Park (Kids Center for small children/toddlers and babies aged 6 months to 3 years), Neon Grove (club lounge for tweens/children 7-14 years old) and The Underground (teen club lounge). Firefly Park is midship on Deck 6, while Neon Grove and The Underground are forward on Deck 7.

Serving as a nursery/group babysitting venue, Firefly Park has a dedicated playground and offers after-hours babysitting (between 10 pm - 1 am). The babysitting service costs US$5 (per hour/per kid) and is available for children ages 3 to 12.

Another new venue is the Spellbound by Magic Castle - a Victorian-era/19th-century British Empire-inspired bar lounge themed after Hollywood's Magic Castle in Los Angeles (reservations-only private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts). Located on Deck 8 (forward-portside, adjacent to Princess Casino), Spellbound is served by professional mixologists and with live performances from world-class magicians. Spellbound's experience also features magical artifacts, vintage artworks, the Music Room (with interactive special effects), the Parlor Bar (where guests can interact with professional illusionists), and the Spellbound Theater (30-seat show lounge).

The "Royal Afternoon Tea with Royal Chef Darren McGrady" is a new British dining experience offered on select sea days at Good Spirits At Sea Lounge (deck 7), and reservations are required. During the event, via visual media, Darren McGrady (personal chef of the late Queen Elizabeth II) shares his experiences and stories, interacting with the live host while passengers enjoy a premium Afternoon Tea service with traditional fixings (scones with clotted cream and jam, tea sandwiches, gourmet cookies and pastries). Tea pairings include premium brands (like Earl Grey and English Breakfast), along with more exotic brands (like Lapsang Souchong, Assam, Matcha). "Royal Afternoon Tea" at Good Spirits At Sea Lounge is priced at US$30 per person. Good Spirits At Sea Lounge is also home to premium wine tastings (hosted by renowned winemakers and with professional sommelier service) which are priced at US$40 pp.

Kai Sushi Bar also serves dishes by Chef Makoto Okuwa (Edomae-style sushi master) and is at cover charge (US$39 per person).

Follows the complete list of Sun Princess restaurants and food bars (30 total).

• 3-deck Main Dining Room (Horizons Restaurant, aft on decks 6-7-8)
• Signature Restaurant (aka Suite Dining Room)
• Reserve Collection Restaurant (fka Inclusive Restaurant)
• Ocean Front / Kai Sushi Bar (specialty seafood bar with a la carte menu/sushi, sashimi)
• O'Malley's Irish Pub
• The Catch by Rudi (specialty seafood restaurant by master chef Rudi Sodamin)
• Crown Grill (steakhouse)
• Sabatini's Italian Trattoria
• World Fresh Marketplace (Lido restaurant)
• Alfredo's Pizzeria
• Promendade's fast food bars (slice pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fresh-baked bagels, ice creams)
• "Love by Britto" (68-seat specialty restaurant/aft on deck 17)
• Butcher's Block by Dario (midship on deck 9)

"Love by Britto" (capacity 68 seats) is a boutique restaurant/specialty dining venue via partnership with Romero Britto (1963-born Brazilian artist/painter, sculptor). The artworks and interior design were developed by Romero Britto and marked by bold patterns and vivid colors. The menu is prix fixe and crafted by Rudi Sodamin (Austria-born and France-trained master chef and culinary pop artist). The 7-course dinner menu includes a Champagne flute (upon arrival). Starters include "Oysters with Champagne Pearls" and "Grilled Fig with Prosciutto and Roquefort" (Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Blue Cheese), Tuna and Avocado (with Pomegranate and Togarashi). Soups and main dishes include Asparagus and Watermelon Cocktail (with Vodka), Wild Mushroom Cappuccino Soup, Beet and Fig Salad (with Goat Cheese), Lobster Thermidor (lobster meat cooked in a wine sauce), and Beef Tenderloin (with Truffle Jus). The top-quality food ingredients include premium meats, lobster, caviar, truffles, gourmet desserts (always accompanied by chocolate fondue) including Chocolate Lava Cake (with Fresh Berries and Raspberry Cream), Pink Champagne Granita (with Rose Petals) and various Petits Fours. Besides Britto's artworks, the gourmet dining experience is enhanced by dinnerware (featuring Britto's art), heart-shaped cutlery, and heart-folded napkins. The Love by Britto is priced at US$79 per person, with reservations available through the Princess app.

On Lido Deck (deck 17) are the ship's swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzies/whirlpools with a spacious sundeck served by 3 Poolside Bars (open-air venues for fast food and beverages) - 1 forward (Sea View Bar) + 2 midship (Coffee & Cones, THE MIX). Adjacent to The Dome are lined up the fast food venues Lido Slice (pizza), Lido Tacos, Lido Grill, Lido Greens (salads) and Lido Bar. Aft (with stern views/of the ship's wake) is the Love by Britto Restaurant.

Umai Teppanyaki (deck 8) is a new for Princes Cruises specialty restaurant serving Japanese traditional grilled cuisine using an iron griddle to cook the food.

Crown Grill (fka Sterling Steakhouse, open 6-11 pm) is a dinner-only specialty restaurant (at surcharge PP) serving grilled food (steaks and seafood). The ship's Steakhouse features circular seating, modern artworks, leather booths, open kitchen (guests enjoy the views of their food being prepared in the fleet's biggest show galley/kitchen).

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is a specialty dining venue that also appeals to families with its handmade pasta dishes. The restaurant has a circular main room (with bistro-style nooks) and a separate pasta room where guests can witness the pasta-making process.

Alfredo's Pizzeria (Indoor-Outdoor Dining venue) has an open kitchen allowing passengers to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand/serve them straight out of the oven. New to the kitchen is the professional, open-mouth oven reaching 970 F (520 C) degrees.

World Fresh Marketplace (with Outdoor Dining Area and Eat Street) is the ship's complimentary, self-service Lido buffet restaurant (aft on deck 9). The Lido restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and has both indoor and outdoor seating (on the Terrace). The Marketplace offers different themed cuisine for lunch and also dinner specials. The restaurant's annexes include Crab Shack (seafood bar), Fondues (cheese bar), The Pastry Shop (self-service patisserie, with complimentary desserts), and the food counter "East Meets West".

"Butcher's Block by Dario" is the fleet's first butcher shop (impromptu bistro) via partnership with Dario Cecchini (1955-born, 8th generation butcher from Panzano in Chianti, Italy). The venue features a large shared table and offers premium beef and steak meats, including signature cuts from "the world's most famous butcher". Exclusively for Princess Cruises, Dario Cecchini also designed a new menu for the Crown Grill/steakhouse also serving the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (steak dish prepared with meat sourced from Cecchini's Panzano shop/Antica Macelleria CECCHINI).

In April 2024 Princess Cruises announced that starting September 14th (2024) fleetwide would be introduced 3 distinct main dining/dinner table service options - Traditional, Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime. By the new program (introduced with Sun Princess) on each ship are allocated 3 separate dining rooms - one for Traditional dining (offering early and late dinner seating), one with Reservable times, and one for Walk-in Anytime (open-seating). The new options are integrated with the OceanNow service, allowing anything to be ordered anytime, and delivered anywhere onboard.

Follows the complete list of Sun Princess lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Princess Arena Theater (2-deck show lounge with capacity 1000+ seats)
• Two Teens & Tweens Areas (located forward on deck 7) are named The Underground and Neon Grove. These exclusive club lounges are both fitted with comfortable seating (sofas and chairs), video gaming consoles (PlayStation 5/PS5 and Nintendo Switch), table games (hockey, foosball, skeeball) and provide complimentary supervised activities like scavenger hunts, fun competitions, dance parties, movie nights.
• Good Spirits At Sea Lounge (fka Explorers Lounge)
• Cabana Decks (two exclusive sundecks for the Reserve Collection Cabana Mini-Suites positioned portside and starboard/forward-midship on Deck 9)
• Future Cruise (loyalty program information, onboard booking)
• Shore Excursions Desk (booking, information)
• International Cafe (24-hour patisserie and specialty coffee bar- sandwiches, salads, pastries, cookies)
• Wheelhouse Bar & Lounge
• Princess Casino (age limit 21+ years, 200+ slots and video poker machines, gambling tables) is served by Magic Hour Bar.
• Crooners Bar & Lounge (piano bar with 2 glass grand pianos; cocktails, extensive Martini selection, also used for seminars and lectures)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery (also hosts art auctions)
• aft sundeck with an Infinity Pool and 2 Jacuzzies (whirlpool hot tubs)
• Family Space and Kid's Center are youth facilities served by a dedicated Guest Services Desk (deck 6 midship)
• Sun Deck with 4 Jacuzzies and a Bar
• Fitness Center (Gym with a separate Aerobics Studio for classes), Beauty Salon, Juice Bar
• Rollglider Track, Ropes Course, Jogging Track, Sports Court

Sun Princess' Casino (Deck 8) is the fleet's largest in both space/size (50%) and number of gaming positions/machines (30%). The gambling complex offers a diverse selection of entertainment, the latest and most popular slot machines, video poker games, and live table games with progressive jackpots. The venue encompasses ~836 m2 (9000 ft2), has 3-m/10-ft high ceilings, 227 slot machines, 13 live tables, and a high-limit slot area, comfortable seating, and provides interactive audio-visual experiences.

Lido Deck (deck 17) houses 3 Swimming Pools (1 forward + 2 midship) and a total of 4 Jacuzzies/whirlpool hot tubs (2 forward + 2 midship) which are served by 3 Poolside Bars/open-air venues for fast food and beverages (1 forward + 2 midship).

Promenade Deck (deck 9) is an open-air space (running from midship to aft/stern, portside and starboard) with outdoor seating/alfresco dining areas.

"The Shops of Princess" is a 2-deck shopping complex (midship on decks 7-8) consisting of top-luxury boutiques selling designer high-end brand merchandise (jewelry, leather goods, watches, perfumes, cosmetics). The onboard brand stores include Cartier, Bvlgari, Chopard, Burberry, Gucci, Montblanc, Rado, Princess Shop (cruise brand's logo merchandise), Bazaar (new shop selling destination-specific goods). On the new Sun Princess is offered merchandise from 200+ brands, including 25 first-at-sea retail brands. On Deck 8 are "The Premium Watch Lounge" (), "The Fine Timepieces Boutique" (selling premium collection watches from Rolex, Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, among others) and "The Beauty & Wellness Boutique" (shop selling premium cosmetics and skincare products from Chanel, Dior, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Comfort Zone, Neom Organics, This Works, Rituals, REN Skincare). Exclusively for the Sun Princess ship, the company signed a partnership with Diamonds International (the world's largest chain of tax- and duty-free jewelry stores) to present its premium collections of custom-made items (jewelry and watches) using premium-quality gemstones and rare diamonds. Diamonds International's top collections also present exclusive designer brands like Safi Kilima Tanzanite, De Beers Forevermark, Crown of Light Diamonds.

Princess Live! Lounge & Bar (deck 7) is a TV studio for the Princess Cruises' shipboard live TV show programming (spots and music performances) filmed each day to be broadcast to the passenger staterooms. The venue is redesigned and expanded (combines the design elements of Princess Live! and Explorer's Lounge), with full bar/beverage service, a stage (with a large LED screen) and is served by the Gelateria (fka Affogato Bar). During the day, guests enjoy participatory activities like trivia, game shows, the Wake Show.

Sea View Terrace (fka The Beach Club) is a bow-facing observation lounge (forward on deck 16) with a glass-roof cover and direct stair access to The Dome (sundeck area on deck 17).

The ship has a 2-level Signature Lounge (aka Suite Lounge) exclusive to Suite passengers. The Suite Lounge (aft on decks 15-16) provides complimentary snacks and beverages, comfortable seating, restrooms, and is directly accessed by two lifts/elevators.

Lotus Spa is a wellness complex on two floors (midship on decks 5-6). The lower level (deck 5) consists of Relax Room, Treatment Rooms (for massages), Showers and Changing Rooms (male/female). The upper level (deck 6) is "The Enclave" grouping a Thermal Suite (3 times bigger than the traditional Lotus Spa), Hammam/Oriental Steam Room, Caldarium/aroma steam room, Laconium/sauna, aromatic Sensory Showers, Hydro-therapy Pool (with 3 Whirlpools and cascading rain shower), Male/Female Change Rooms.

The Sanctuary (aft on Deck 18) is the ship's adults-only sundeck/recreation area with luxury chaise lounges, its own swimming pool and a spa pool/hot tub, and is served by the open-air Sanctuary Bar (light meals/steward service). The Sanctuary is also fitted with private 4-guest outdoor cabanas (spa massages, Royal Indulgence Package/surcharges PP apply).

In comparison to the fleetmates, some of the venues already available in the fleet are redesigned and expanded (like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Crown Grill/steakhouse, Sabatini's Trattoria, Princess Casino, Crooner's Bar, International Cafe, Good Spirits At Sea, Gelateria, Princess Live!), while others are fleet-firsts (like the Princess Arena, and the 3-deck high restaurant Horizons Dining Room/aft on decks 6-7-8).

The ship's live entertainment program includes new for the fleet production shows, a group of 13 professional dancers, and 8 cirque artists (performing at The Dome). Princess Arena hosts nightly the new productions "Vallora, A Pirate Quest" and "Viva La Musica", "Fiera!", as well as the musical "Stage Struck". The Dome hosts nightly "Cirque Eloize" as well as three new shows titled "Artbeat", "Blue" and "Come Fly Away". The Piazza (Atrium's base/lower level) hosts various musical performances and acts.

CURIOUS/deck plan changes 2024

Sun Princess is the first newbuild vessel which design was partially revised/floor plans changed following the launch.

The changes include the Sanctuary Collection complex grouping 215 premium cabins (80 suites, 123 mini-suites, 12 premium deluxe balcony cabins). Passengers in these staterooms are provided with exclusive amenities, including the all-inclusive Princess Premiere package, a private restaurant and a sundeck area.

The Sanctuary Restaurant (Deck 8 aft) features an oceanview setting, a dedicated waitstaff, and a custom chef’s menu. The restaurant took the location of the Americana Diner (relocated to Deck 9 aft).

The Crown Grill Steakhouse was moved to Deck 7 aft, replacing the Reserve Collection Restaurant, while The Butcher’s Block by Dario occupied Crown Grill's space.

The seafood venue Catch by Rudi was moved to the Signature Restaurant's location.

Several venue names were also changed.

Park19 (activity complex) was renamed "SkyDeck Sports Court & Track".

The Horizons Dining Room (decks 6 and 7) was renamed Soleil Dining Room (deck 6) and Eclipse Dining Room (deck 7).

Itineraries

Sun Princess itinerary program started with an inaugural Mediterranean season (2024 February/spring and summer). The European deployment ended with a westbound Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the USA (RepositionCruises.com) followed by a Caribbean deployment based on homeporting in Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades (Florida USA).

Due to delayed delivery, the Maiden Voyage (initially scheduled to depart from Barcelona on February 8, 2024) was canceled and rescheduled twice - for Feb 18th and eventually Feb 28th.

The original 10-day "Inaugural Grand Mediterranean Cruise" had to visit Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Spain), Messina (Sicily Italy), Piraeus-Athens (Greece), Kusadasi-Ephesus (Turkey), Santorini Island, and Naples, ending in Civitavecchia-Rome. The second 10-day Maiden Voyage (Feb 18-28, roundtrip from Civitavecchia) included visits to Messina, Corfu Island (Greece), Heraklion (Crete Greece), Kusadasi-Ephesus, Piraeus-Athens, and Naples.

The inaugural European season 2024 included the following itineraries as themes.

• 7-day "Mediterranean with Greek Isles and Turkey" (between Rome and Athens)
• 7-day "Mediterranean with Greece and Italy" (between Athens and Barcelona)
• 7-day "Mediterranean with France and Italy" (between Barcelona and Rome)
• 9-day "Grand Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome)
• 10-day "Grand Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome or between Barcelona and Rome)
• 10-day "Grand Western Mediterranean" (roundtrips from Rome)

9- to 23-day "European Explorer" itineraries are between the Mediterranean and Southampton (England UK).

The Transatlantic crossing (16-day "Iberian Passage" itinerary from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale) departed on Sept 23rd (2024) and visited Portland England, Vigo Spain, Funchal Madeira Portugal, and Tenerife Canary Islands Spain.

The ship's inaugural Caribbean program (2024-2025) was based on the following ex-Fort Lauderdale roundtrip itineraries:

• 5-day "Caribbean Getaway" - visits Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk.
• 7-day "Eastern Caribbean with St Thomas USVI"
• 7-day "Eastern Caribbean" (Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Princess Cays)
• 7-day "Western Caribbean" (Cozumel Mexico, Belize City, Isla Roatan Honduras)

The Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries were combinable into 14-day B2Bs/back-to-back cruises (Caribbean Adventurer).

Note: All 7-day Eastern Caribbean voyages visit the Bahamian private island resort Princess Cays/Eleuthera.

Princess Cruises' SPHERE-class ships are two units by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with the first one (Sun Princess) entering service in 2024 and the second one (Star Princess) in 2025. These are Princess' ever-largest vessels as well as the company's first LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas).

In July 2018 were ordered two new-class (larger than Princess' ROYAL-class) liners with GT-tonnage/volume 178000 tonnes and passenger capacity 4300 (lower berths). These are the fleet's first dual-fuel (MGO and LNG/primarily) vessels. The shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri (Monfalcone Shipyard) was signed on March 27, 2019, with deliveries initially scheduled for 2023 (Sun) and 2025 (Star). Both contracts were signed by Jan Swartz (Princess' President) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).

Princess Cruises in 2018 had 5 newbuilds on order with Fincantieri. The SPHERE-class units were Carnival Corporation's 10th and 11th LNG-powered ships.

By GT-tonnage/volume (178K) Princess SPHERE is the largest Italy-built vessel so far.

The Sun Princess vessel (Fincantieri Monfalcone yard/hull number 6310) was originally scheduled for delivery (to Princess Cruise Lines Ltd) in January 2024 and to start passenger shipping operations on February 8th/Maiden Voyage. However, its delivery was delayed 20 days (February 28th).

The vessel's construction officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony on September 3, 2021, held at Fincantieri's Centro Servizi Navali (steel factory in San Giorgio di Nogaro, to the west of Monfalcone). Sun Princess was launched/floated out from drydock on March 8, 2023.

In February 2023 were announced the new ship's senior officers, including Masters/Captains (Craig Street and Paolo Arrigo), Staff Captains (Brian Whelan and Valerio Esposito), Hotel General Managers (Simona Stumberger and Ralph D'Souza), Chief Engineers (Gaetano Guida and Davor Pavlovic-Kalifo).

The ship's christening ceremony was held on April 24, 2024, at Port Barcelona. The special event was led by godmother Hannah Waddingham (1974-born British actress, singer and TV presenter) and Captain Craig Street (the vessel's Master). The naming ceremony was hosted by Michael Joseph Carbonaro (1976-born American actor and magician), and VIP guests/celebrities, including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Natasha Bedingfield, and John Padgett (Princess Cruises' President).

Inaugural cruise itineraries (2024)

The next tables show the ship's Maiden Voyage as well as the inaugural cruise itineraries by destination/homeport scheduled for 2024.

Prices are in USD and per person, based on double occupancy.

Due to prolonged shipyard work, two inaugural sailings were canceled.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE/canceled) 10-day "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary

(MAIDEN VOYAGE/canceled) 10-day "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary

(new MAIDEN VOYAGE) "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary - 10-day, from $1400 pp

(inaugural "The Best of the Mediterranean" itinerary) 20-day, from $3100 pp

(inaugural departure from Greece) 14-day, from $2260 pp

(inaugural relocation voyage) 23-day from the Mediterranean/Europe to the UK, from $3260 pp

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing) 16-day from Europe/UK to Caribbean/USA, from $1480 pp

(inaugural Caribbean cruise) 5-day "Caribbean Getaway with Grand Turk" itinerary, from $540 pp

(inaugural "Caribbean EastWest Adventurer" itinerary) 14-day, from $1620 pp

Note: The "Caribbean EastWest Adventurer" is a B2B/back-to-back cruise that combines two 7-day itineraries - the "Eastern Caribbean with St Thomas" with the "Western Caribbean with Mexico".

Godspeed!