FORT LAUDERDALE — Princess Cruises has unveiled new details about its highly anticipated Sun Princess ship, set to debut in early 2024.

Considered the brand’s largest ship ever at 175,500 tonnes, this marks the third ship to be honoured with the Sun Princess name, adding to the legacy of the first ship sailing from 1974 to 1988, and the second ship sailing from 1995 to 2020. At that time, the ship boasted the largest number of balcony cabins and the cruise line’s first 24-hour café.

Upon its debut, the ship will sail an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in the fall of 2024.

Sun Princess’ first three voyages will go on sale at 3 p.m. ET today, Sept. 16.

“Sun Princess is a new and bespoke ship platform, designed to simultaneously embrace Princess heritage while boldly pressing into the future with iconic, elegant and pure lines unique to our brand,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “A show-stopping, first-of-its-kind Dome on the top deck and suspended glass Piazza in the centre of Sun Princess offer innovative designs showcasing expansive ocean views for incredible opportunities to connect with the sea.”

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard, Sun Princess will accommodate over 4,000 guests upon completion. Here are some highlights:

• The Piazza: Spanning three stories, the Piazza is an outward-looking suspended space with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy ocean views in every direction. An impressive LED screen will be showcased in the centre of the Piazza that can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza will be a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, along with Princess favourites like Crooners Bar and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

The Dome

• The Dome: Another standout structure, The Dome was inspired by the terraces of Santorini. This multi-level covered deck and first-of-its-kind true glass-enclosed dome is the first to ever be constructed on a cruise ship. At night, the pool will become a stage, transforming it into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe complete with lighting effects and aerial performances.
• Newly appointed suites and staterooms: The 21-deck Sun Princess will offer 2,157 staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms, with all balcony accommodations featuring an in-room sofa. Also launching exclusively on Sun Princess will be a new level of suite accommodations called the Signature Collection, featuring access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.
• Reserve Collection: With Sun Princess, Club Class accommodations onboard the ship and all Princess ships will now be called Reserve Collection, which are the best-located mini suite staterooms. Within the Reserve Collection will be Reserve Collection Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms that offer a balcony and private cabana, and extra-large outdoor lounge space. These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.

In addition to the ship’s stunning design, Sun Princess is also part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising initiative and is one of 11 new ships in the corporate fleet to be powered by LNG fuel technology.

A second, next-generation Sphere class ship is also on order for Princess, slated to be delivered by Fincantieri in spring 2025.

More details about Sun Princess will be unveiled over the coming months. For more information go to www.princess.com.