Sun Princess Cruise Ship 2024 | Our Honest Full Review | The Good, Bad & Ugly

Summary

Join Jordan and Jared from JJ Cruz as they review the *Sun Princess*, Princess Cruises' newest ship. From impressive staterooms and dining experiences to innovative design features, this review covers everything you need to know about the ship. Highlights include its spacious rooms, fantastic cocktails, and multi-generational appeal. However, the ship's layout, occasional room service issues, and lack of full entertainment options during their cruise were noted drawbacks. Overall, the *Sun Princess* is a great choice for families and groups looking for a casual, fun vacation experience. Would they sail again? Absolutely!

Takeaways

• 😀 **Spacious Staterooms:** The Sun Princess offers roomy staterooms with excellent storage, including a **deluxe balcony** stateroom that's particularly comfortable.
• 😀 **Cabana Mini Suites:** New to the Sun Princess, the **Cabana Mini Suites** provide private, spacious cabana spaces with exclusive access to a reserved deck, offering added luxury.
• 😀 **Vibrant Public Spaces:** The ship features a modern design, with standout venues like the **Piazza**, a multi-level space with entertainment, bars, and seating for a lively atmosphere.
• 😀 **Exceptional Views:** **The Dome**, a panoramic lounge area at the front of the ship, offers stunning views and transitions to an entertainment venue at night.
• 😀 **Variety of Dining Options:** Specialty dining options such as **Butcher Block by Dario** and **Spellbound by Magic Castle** (a dinner and magic show combo) provide unique culinary experiences.
• 😀 **Craft Cocktails:** A new cocktail menu with 200+ unique drinks served in various bars, including the **Good Spirits** and **Om Ales**, stands out as a highlight for cocktail enthusiasts.
• 😀 **Service Excellence:** The Sun Princess boasts attentive and friendly staff, providing fast and efficient service, ensuring a comfortable cruise experience.
• 😀 **Casual Atmosphere:** The ship offers a laid-back vibe, with no strict dress codes, making it ideal for families and guests looking for a more relaxed cruise experience.
• 😀 **Limited Production Shows:** **Production shows** were not available during the sailing, leaving a gap in onboard entertainment. This was specific to early sailings and will likely be addressed in future trips.
• 😀 **Family-Friendly and Group-Oriented:** The Sun Princess is well-suited for multi-generational families and groups, with various activities that cater to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone has a good time.

Q & A

What was the overall impression of the *Sun Princess* cruise ship?

The overall impression was very positive. The reviewers found the *Sun Princess* to be a well-designed, modern ship with lots of family-friendly and group-focused features. It was especially praised for its casual, relaxed atmosphere, catering to multi-generational families and groups of friends.

What are some key features of the *Sun Princess* staterooms?

The staterooms on the *Sun Princess* were praised for being spacious and comfortable. Features like ample storage, incredibly comfortable beds, and modern designs stood out. Some unique options, like the *Cabana Mini Suites*, offered additional private deck space, which was also appreciated.

What were some of the criticisms regarding the dining experience on the *Sun Princess*?

While the dining experience was generally positive, some criticisms included the *Makoto Ocean* venue, which felt too casual and lacked separation from the public walkways, diminishing the premium feel. Additionally, room service was disappointing in one instance, where a grilled cheese sandwich was served without melted cheese.

How did the *Sun Princess* handle food service in the buffet area?

The *Sun Princess* offers a buffet where crew members serve the food, which is seen as a positive for health and cleanliness. However, the buffet area can become highly congested during peak lunch hours, and the long lines can make it difficult to navigate, suggesting that dining at off-peak times might be a better experience.

What are the main concerns regarding the entertainment options on the ship?

The *Sun Princess* had limited entertainment options available at the time of the review. The *Dome* venue, which was expected to host nightlife events and transform into a club-like space, was not yet operational. Additionally, there were no production shows or the *Park 19* venue open during the cruise, which was a major disappointment for the reviewers.

Why did the *Sun Princess* not have an art gallery onboard?

The *Sun Princess* did not feature an art gallery, which was a point of disappointment, particularly for those who enjoy purchasing art during their cruises. The lack of a dedicated space for art collections, such as the Park West gallery, was noted, although it was mentioned that this could change in the future.

What did the reviewers think about the ship's design and decor?

The ship's design was generally well-received, but the color scheme was described as somewhat too beige and traditional, lacking the modern flair some guests might expect from a new ship. The *Piazza* and other public spaces, however, were highlighted for their modern updates, and the extensive use of glass windows provided beautiful views throughout the ship.

How suitable is the *Sun Princess* for different types of travelers?

The *Sun Princess* is highly suitable for multi-generational families, with amenities and activities catering to guests of all ages. It is also ideal for groups of friends looking for a fun, casual vacation. The ship focuses on relaxation and enjoyment without requiring formal dress codes or high-class expectations.

What was the experience with the room service on the *Sun Princess*?

The reviewers had a negative experience with room service, specifically when they ordered a grilled cheese sandwich that arrived with unmelted cheese, which did not meet expectations. While room service was a disappointment, they emphasized that there were many other excellent dining options available on the ship.

Would the reviewers recommend the *Sun Princess* to others, and would they return themselves?

Yes, the reviewers would absolutely recommend the *Sun Princess* to others. They enjoyed the ship's casual, multi-generational focus and praised the overall experience. Despite some shortcomings, such as the lack of entertainment options and art galleries, they expressed strong interest in returning to the ship in the future.