It’s Monday!
Cruise Ship Monday
Today brings us the final class in the Princess Cruises’ fleet, the Sphere Class–Star Princess (2025) and Sun Princess (2024).
The Sphere Class is not only the newest class in the Princess fleet, but also the largest. With a passenger capacity of 4,300 at double occupancy, and weighing in at 177,882 gross tons, they are 21% larger than the next biggest Princess ship and almost double the size of the smallest ship in the fleet.
The Sphere class ships showcase The Dome, a multi-covered glass dome inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The Dome is home to an indoor and outdoor pool which transforms into a stage and entertainment venue by night. Both ships have a main theater that can be transformed into three different ways for performances and a separate venue for comedy shows and karaoke. They feature an atrium where guests can enjoy music, game shows and more.
Star Princess and Sun Princess have more eating venues than older Princess ships. Not only do they have the Crown Grill Steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italia Trattoria as found on every Princess ship, but also they are home to the Butcher’s Block by Dario. The meat-focused grill was designed in partnership with Dario Cecchini of Netflix’s “Chef’s Table.” Both ships have a Love by Britto, a new restaurant designed in partnership with artist Romero Britto; a Makoto Ocean, a sushi eatery; an Umai Teppanyaki which shares a space with a Umai Hot Pot. Additionally, they both have The Catch by Rudi, a seafood restaurant designed by Rudi Sodamin, Princess’ head of culinary arts.
The vessels are also home to Spellbound by Magic Castle, an immersive, magical experience found only on the Sphere class ships. The venue was created in partnership with Hollywood’s Magic Castle and features magicians, themed rooms and handcrafted theatrical cocktails. Shows run hourly between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, allowing for just a few passengers nightly at $45 per person minimum. The cover charge includes admission and two cocktails.
Star Princess and Sun Princess are the first Princess ships with the exclusive Sanctuary Collection–a separate suite complex. The luxurious staterooms provide exclusive access to the Sanctuary Club, personalized service and the Princess Premier package.
Both Star Princess and Sun Princess are currently homeporting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and are sailing a 14-day roundtrip EasternWestern Caribbean Adventurer that includes a call to the cruise line’s private destination, Princess Cays on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. Star Princess will reposition to Seattle in April to begin offering 7-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyages, white Sun Princess will reposition to the Mediterranean in March and offer sailings from various ports in the region.
Tony and the lovely Jenny B sailed aboard the Sun Princess about a year ago and gave us their best and worst of the ship as well as a ranking of the specialty food.
Tony was also onboard Star Princess for her naming ceremony to bring us all the highlights.