Capturing the hearts of travellers, Princess Cruises has a time-honoured tradition of whisking adventure-seeking voyagers to stunning destinations while delivering unparalleled service at sea. Boasting a fleet of 16 ships, the brand has upheld its esteemed reputation and cemented itself as one of the most pioneering and perceptive entities on the high seas, with the Sun Princess being no exception. Suited for guests with a passion for food, this cruise is a guaranteed feast for the stomach and the senses.
Background and concept:
Since setting sail in 1965, Princess Cruises has been dedicated to creating unforgettable moments on the high seas. Tracing back to the launch of Princess Patricia by Stanley B. McDonald, which kickstarted the legendary Mexico cruises during winter, they’ve been making waves in the cruising world. The Princess Italia emerged as one of the earliest ships explicitly designed for leisure purposes. After resting on the hit TV show “The Love Boat”, Princess Cruises became a household name and one that is synonymous with extraordinary experiences at sea.
Leading the charge in innovation, Princess Cruises introduced The Princess Medallion – a quarter-sized wearable device that allows guests to effortlessly locate their loved ones, and access food and beverages throughout the ship while helping to make the journey as touch-free as possible. Princess Cruises has firmly established itself as a forward-thinking, personalised brand where guests’ desires are anticipated, often before they even arise.
The Sun Princess overview:
With Princess Cruises Sphere Class ships, they have elevated themselves into a new era of cruising.
The new 177,882-ton Sun Princess is the next-level Love Boat launching in 2025, with a capacity for 4,300 guests.
With an unwavering commitment to luxury, personalised service, and the finest quality food and drinks, Princess Cruises dedication to excellence is clear. Travellers are invited on an extraordinary journey of indulgence and pampering that truly transcends imagination.
Sustainability is not just a necessity for the Sun Princess – it is a passion. Whether it’s using LNG fuel, recycling water systems, or investing in state-of-the-art technology, travellers can set sail confidently, knowing that their voyage aligns with their values of environmental stewardship.
Embarking on a week-long adventure aboard the stunning new ship, I was whisked away to awe-inspiring destinations, including Corfu, Montenegro, Sicily, Naples, and Barcelona. The ship’s brand-new design, complete with a captivating glass-enclosed structure at the top inspired by the terraces of Santorini, was a work of art. This ship’s striking appearance heralds a new era for the brand, and the reimagined Piazza space features musical quartets, evening game shows, and a lively atmosphere for guests to meet and dance the night away. My cruise experience was nothing short of magical.
Food and Drink:
Cruises and all-inclusive holidays often bring to mind buffet lines and monotonous dining experiences. The Sun Princess has reinvented itself as the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts at sea. With an impressive array of 30 restaurants and bars everyone is accommodated for. The most adventurous eaters will enjoy sampling different world cuisines, and those finding comfort in the familiar will enjoy their go-to meals made with the finest fresh ingredients. To top it off, guests can expect unlimited casual and speciality dining with the Princess Premier package so that guests will have abundant dining options to enjoy during their voyages. With Sun Princess, it’s not just a cruise; it’s a culinary adventure at sea,
Princess has spared no expense in curating epicurean experiences and has partnered with renowned celebrities to offer unparalleled experiences at sea that take guests on a delightful culinary journey. From sipping location-inspired cocktails crafted by master Mixologist Rob Floyd (200 exclusive cocktails to the Sun Princess), to being enchanted at the mystical Spellbound by Magic Castle, a collaboration with the legendary Magic Castle, this ship offers a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that’s not to be missed.
The world’s most famous butcher, Dario Cecchini, hosts The Butcher’s Block, a carnivore’s paradise, featuring the finest cuts of meat and an engaging presentation of expert butcher skills.
For those looking to rekindle romance or enjoy an intimate dining experience, Love by Britto offers a high-end dining experience inspired by the iconic artist Britto Romero. This beautifully entwines food and love, featuring edible works of art that will make you fall in love with food all over again.
Some of my personal favourites from this food-centred voyage include:
Makato Ocean – Chef Makoto Okuwa is the master of Edomae-style sushi, and uses his 25 years of expertise to add a modern twist to his playful and stunning dishes.
Master Winemaker Wine Tasting – Immerse yourself in the flavours and stories of bio-diverse wines under the guidance of world-renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand for a special wine-tasting event featuring his famous Cote des Rosés and other top-selling French wines, while interacting with Gérard and his team in the Good Spirits at Sea Lounge.
Royal Afternoon Tea— Chef Darren McGrady hosts a sophisticated afternoon fit for a queen – Queen Elizabeth II to be precise. Enjoy delightful scones with clotted cream, tea, sandwiches, cookies, and pastries while Chef McGrady shares his captivating experiences and stories.
The Catch by Rudi – Inspired by oceans and sustainable seafood, savour the finest, freshest treasures from the sea. A unique dining experience with Chef Rudi Sodamin brings the freshness of the sea to your table at this wonderful venue.
Chef’s Table – The Chef’s Table offers the ultimate sensory dining adventure. From the personal galley tour, where we witnessed the chefs’ magic in action, to the exquisite dining space, where we savoured the gourmet masterpieces prepared by the Executive Chef, every moment was extraordinary. We were treated to an unforgettable 8-course menu filled with mouth-watering delights, from the Chilean sea bass with stilton scalloped potatoes, hibiscus butter, sea grapes, and crustacean essence, to the stunning petit fours presented in their own ‘jewellery boxes’. Each dish was as delicious as the last, and the wine pairings complemented every course perfectly. It was without a doubt the best meal of our lives, and a true highlight on our gastronomic adventure.
Rooms and Facilities:
The beautifully designed cabins and suites offer a serene sanctuary where you can rest after a day of indulging in decadent food and drinks.
I had the pleasure of staying in a deluxe balcony cabin aboard the Sun Princess. The light and modern interiors and plush furnishings gave the cabin a luxurious, inviting feel. The cabin had ample wardrobe and storage space so we were able to neatly stow away our belongings with room to spare, and the beds were as comfortable and luxurious as the room itself. The spacious ensuite bathroom, complete with a double shower, was a welcome retreat to freshen up after a food and fun filled day.
With new mini-suites, mini-cabana suites, and ultra-luxury signature suites, the Sun Princess has accommodation choices for everyone. Guests staying in these suites are treated to exclusive benefits, including access to the Signature restaurant, lounge, and private sun deck.
The evening turndown service added a touch of elegance to our experience, and the complimentary on-demand movies made for cosy nights after a day of adventure.
Unique selling points:
- A true foodie paradise, the Sun Princess combines high-quality food and drink with beautiful locations and relaxing sea views.
- The cabin and suite choices allow guests to add a little – or a lot – of luxury to their journey
- The medallion wristband allows fuss-free, touch-free access to all the ship’s amenities.
TLE Top Tips:
- The fully-equipped high-tech gym and a wide selection of Pure Barre Classes are at your service, should you wish to burn those extra calories from all the delicious food.
- The spa offers a wonderful range of treatments so you can unwind in style.
Final thoughts:
Our time on board the Sun Princess was an enchanting experience. The ship’s modern, eye-catching design maximises natural light and ocean views. The Sun Princess ushers the brand into a new era of luxury, without sacrificing the exceptional personalised guest services that they’re known for, and without compromising on sustainability.
With first-class entertainment options and enriching experiences, no guests will be bored on their journey. The extensive, high-quality food and drinks will satisfy even the most experienced foodie, with many delectable choices. With 30 bars and restaurants all included in your stay, no guest will ever go hungry, and the biggest challenge will be deciding where to eat next.
The Sun Princess truly shines within the Princess fleet, and it is clearly destined for a bright and shining future.
