September 17, 2022 – Princess Cruises, a Carnival Group company, revealed details of the new ship, which will enter service in 2024, the day before yesterday. For the third time in the company's history, a cruise ship bears the name Sun Princess. Measuring 175.500 GT, it is the largest and most modern ship ever built for Princess Cruises.
The new ship with 21 decks is being built at one of the Italian Fincantieri shipyards. The shipping company speaks of a "next generation ship". According to current plans, the Sun Princess has 2.157 cabins. The number includes 50 suites; also 100 cabins with connecting doors. The number of guests is estimated at more than 4.000. The company makes a point of noting that the balconies offer more space than usual. The balcony cabins also have an "in room sofa".
Sun Princess - Rendering © Princess Cruises
Outstanding stylistic elements are the three-storey "Piazza" in the center of the ship and "The Dome". The piazza may be imagined as a partially exterior space with seating areas that allow for an unobstructed view of the sea. In the center of the piazza is a large LED monitor whose location can be changed. If necessary, elements of the in-flight entertainment are presented on this monitor.
The glass-enclosed "Dome" is, in terms of design, different from the terraces of the Santorini island influenced. During the day, the dome serves as an indoor and outdoor pool area. In the evening and at night, the location is transformed into a stage and event location.
Sun Princess - Rendering - The Dome in daylight © Princess Cruises
The Sun Princess is part of Carnival Corporation's Green Cruising Initiative. It is one of eleven new buildings fired with LNG gas. Princess Cruises has announced a second ship in this class for 2025. The Sun Princess will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean. The spring and summer 2024 voyages will be followed by cruises in the Caribbean. These trips start in Port Everglades/Florida. The first three voyages of the ship are now available for booking.