Princess Cruises has announced that it is expanding its lineup of cruisetours. They will have a focus on five national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, and Katmai.

Following the successful launch of the 15-night National Parks Expedition cruisetour in 2024, Princess is offering new variations that visit two to five national parks. These land-based tours are combined with the line’s award-winning “Voyage of the Glaciers” seven-day itinerary. It features scenic rail travel, multiple days on land, and stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

2025 National Parks Cruisetours

Here’s the lineup of 2025 Princess Cruises National Parks cruisetours, which are on sale now.

National Parks Expedition — 5 Parks in 15 Days

• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• 2 nights Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 1 night Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 1 night Anchorage
• National Parks: Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Skagway

National Parks Explorer — 4 Parks in 14 Days

• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• 2 nights Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 1 night Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Fairbanks
• National Parks: Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Skagway

Katmai National Park — 2 Parks in 9 Days

• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• 2 nights Anchorage
• National Parks: Katmai National Park, Glacier Bay

2026 National Parks Cruisetours

Also on sale are National Parks cruisetours in 2026.

National Parks Expedition — 5 Parks in 15 Days

• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• 2 nights Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 1 night Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 1 night Fairbanks
• National Parks: Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Skagway

National Parks Explorer — 4 Parks in 14 Days

• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• 2 nights Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 1 night Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Fairbanks
• National Parks: Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Skagway

National Parks Adventurer — 3 Parks in 14 Days

• 2 nights Fairbanks
• 2 nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 1 night Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 2 nights Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• National Parks: Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay

During the Alaska season from April through September of this year, Princess will operate seven ships in the region. In 2026 that number will increase to eight. They’ll depart from five homeports: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage.

Princess Cruises’ North to Alaska program enhances the onboard experience with local lumberjacks, Iditarod champions, and storytellers sharing their passions for Alaska. Other offerings include fresh Alaska seafood menus, a variety of shore excursions, and authentic commentary by Glacier Bay Park Rangers and Naturalists.

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Princess Cruises has announced that it is bringing its popular specialty restaurant ‘Love by Britto’ to land for a special pop-up event.

The limited-time dining experience will be available for two nights , bringing the romance of the high seas to New York City for Valentine’s Day. It will feature a chef-curated five-course menu, heart-shaped cocktails, and the iconic artistry of Romero Britto.

Hosted at Currents at Pier 59 on New York City’s beautiful waterfront, the exclusive event will be open on February 13th and 14th with one single seating each night from 7 to 9:30 pm.

“In a city where the perfect Valentine’s Day reservation is one of the most coveted prizes, Love by Britto provides an opportunity that’s as exclusive as it is unforgettable,” said Rudi Sodamin, Head of Culinary Arts for Princess Cruises. “We’ve created an event that goes beyond a traditional dinner, combining Britto’s iconic art with culinary masterpieces to celebrate the universal language of love in a truly transformative way.”

Priced at $214 per person, a nod to the Valentine’s holiday, Love by Britto offers a memorable dining experience. Guests will enjoy:

• World-famous artwork of Romero Britto
• A festive Champagne Wall where guests can ring a bell and a glass of bubbly magically appears
• An array of specialty wines and cocktails like Strawberry Love Potion, Expresso My Love and Love Prosecco
• A floating video wall showcasing the breathtaking ocean views from Love by Britto onboard Sun Princess and Star Princess
• Prix fixe, mouthwatering courses featuring creative, heart-shaped presentations including:
  • Cappuccino of Wild Mushroom with Shaved Winter Truffles
  • Savory Tuna & Avocado, Pomegranate, Togarashi
  • Granita of Pink Champagne and Rose Petals
• Choice of:
  • Duet of Prime Beef & Wagyu, Cracked Pepper, Red Wine Reduction
  • Chilean Sea Bass, Caviar Mousseline, Pea Puree
  • Love of Vegetables, Oven-Baked Veggies with Mozzarella
• Choice of:
  • Lionel Richie’s “All Night Love” Vanilla Salted Caramel Ice Cream with Assorted Berries – Smize & Dream by Tyra Banks
  • Chocolate Lava Cake, Fresh Berries & Raspberry Cream
• Vibrant dinnerware featuring Britto’s art, heart-folded napkins and even delicate cutlery with heart-shaped cutouts adorn candlelit tables

Reservations for NYC’s Love by Britto pop-up are available now on Tock, and proceeds will benefit Save the Children.

“New York City and Princess Cruises are united by a shared spirit of romance, and both are iconic settings where love is celebrated, nurtured, and cherished,” added Sodamin. “There’s no better place than New York City this Valentine’s Day to debut our first-ever shoreside pop-up of Love by Britto. Our goal is to leave New Yorkers inspired—through culinary masterpieces and Romero Britto’s vibrant artistry—by celebrating the universal language of love in this exclusive dining experience.”

Love by Britto first opened aboard Princess Cruises’ newest ship Sun Princess last year. It will also be featured on the line’s next vessel Star Princess, which is scheduled to debut in September.

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Princess Cruises, in partnership with the Academy of Country Music, is bringing country music to the high seas with the ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge concert series.

On Caribbean voyages departing Galveston between February 9th and March 17th, guests aboard Regal Princess will enjoy intimate live performances from some of country music’s most exciting emerging artists. They include chart-topping singer and ACM Award nominee Kameron Marlowe, reigning ACM New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year Tigirlily Gold, and America’s Got Talent breakout stars Chapel Hart, along with other rising acts across several cruises sailing out of Galveston in early 2025.

As part of the series, six country music acts will perform two 45-minute concerts in the Princess Theater and interact with guests during meet and greet sessions.

Country Music Cruises

8-Day Sailing: February 9-17, 2025

Drew Baldridge — Raised in Patoka, Illinois, he began performing in local talent contests as a teenager before moving to Nashville at 18 to pursue country music. After releasing a pair of EPs in 2014-2015, his single “Dance with Ya” became his first chart hit, and his debut album Dirt on Us followed in 2016. His single “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” became a viral hit in 2023-2024, marking his first top-40 hit. In 2024, he signed with BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek label and released “Tough People” as his debut single under the new deal.

6-Day Sailing: February 17-23, 2025

Chapel Hart — Danica and Devynn Hart, along with their cousin Trea Swindle, make up Chapel Hart and have proven they are truly a force to be reckoned with. These ladies have found a way to gift wrap their Mississippi roots & Louisiana spunk and share it with listeners around the world. They’ve independently released four studio albums and eleven singles. In July 2022, they competed in the 17th season of America’s Got Talent, where they finished fifth. The group’s most popular song is “You Can Have Him Jolene,” an answer song to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

8-Day Sailing: February 23 to March 3, 2025

Hannah Ellis — The Campbellsville, Kentucky-native’s voice – a mix of favorite flannel, sparkling pink wine and welcome – is the friend we always wanted. Whether pouring from a car radio or the phone, the act named to Rolling Stone Country’s “Artist To Watch” list and ACM Award nominee, reminds listeners big leaps often come as a series of small steps when no one is looking. Her debut album, That Girl, features notable singles such as “Wine Country,” “Too Much and Not Enough,” “Country Can,” and “Home and a Hometown.”

6-Day Sailing: March 3-9, 2025

Tigirlily Gold — This sister duo, originally from North Dakota, signed to Monument Records and to SMACK Songs Publishing. They toured throughout the mid-west while still in high school, selling out amphitheaters in their home state. In 2024, their current single “I Tried A Ring On,” climbed the Country Radio Charts and became their second top-40 radio single before releasing their debut studio album, Blonde. They won “New Duo or Group of the Year” at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards in 2024, only the second female duo to ever win the award.

8-Day Sailing: March 9-17, 2025

Kelsey Hart — Curb Records recording artist, songwriter and Kentucky native Kelsey Hart has found his way into the spotlight, a place he’s dreamed of being since his childhood days of belting gospel music from the passenger seat of his dad’s truck. His radio single “Life with You” has garnered over 100 million global streams, 429,800 TikTok views and debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs Chart.

6-Day Sailing: March 17-23, 2025

Kameron Marlowe — Raised in North Carolina, he developed a passion for music through his grandfather and began singing in church at age 10. In 2018, he gained national attention on The Voice, where he joined Blake Shelton’s team before being stolen by Adam Levine, though he was eliminated in the live playoffs. Marlowe then moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting, releasing his debut single “Giving You Up” in 2019. In 2020, he signed with Columbia Nashville and released “Burn ‘Em All.” His hit “Giving You Up” was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2021, marking a major milestone in his career.

The ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge series, presented by Princess Cruises, pays homage to the Academy’s western roots and the beginnings of the Academy of Country Music. The Red Barrel Niteclub, and owners Mickey and Chris Christensen, hosted the first So-Cal Country Music Awards Banquet circa 1963. It was officially known as first the Academy of Country and Western Music Awards Banquet and would later become the ACM Awards. The Red Barrel Lounge, located at the Academy’s headquarters in Nashville, provides established and rising artists with a unique platform to showcase their talents, connect with new fans, and expand their reach.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Academy of Country Music to showcase the incredible talent of these rising stars,” said Becky Thomson Foley, Head of Global Entertainment for Princess Cruises. “Many of our guests are passionate about country music, and this unique experience featuring intimate performances and meet and greet opportunities, promises to make their cruise vacation unforgettable.”

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Princess Cruises has announced that it is offering guests the flexibility to cancel their cruises if they have been impacted by the wildfires in California.

“Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line, is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Our hearts go out to all those affected during this challenging time,” the line said in a statement.

“While the Los Angeles World Cruise Center and Los Angeles International Airport remain fully operational and unaffected by the fires, we are keenly aware of the hardships faced by many in our community.”

To support those who live in evacuation areas or whose homes have sustained significant damage, Princess is allowing guests to cancel their cruises scheduled to depart between January 11th and January 30th. Those guests will receive a future cruise credit equal to the value of their booking. Additional purchases, such as shore excursions or onboard packages, will be fully refunded.

“We are committed to ensuring these guests have the opportunity to rebook their cruise when the time is right for them,” the statement continued. “The Future Cruise Credit will be valid for any Princess cruise departing from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in 2025.”

There are three Princess Cruises ships sailing from Los Angeles this month: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, and Island Princess.

“At Princess Cruises, we are proud to be part of the Los Angeles community, and we remain committed to supporting our neighbors as we face these challenges together.”

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Princess Cruises has announced another addition to its ‘Love Line Premium Liquors’ collection. MEILI Vodka, created by actor and entrepreneur Jason Momoa and his partner, creative director and artist Blaine Halvorson, will be added to the line’s array of spirits offerings.

Crafted using natural spring water and sustainable practices, MEILI is single-distilled with exceptional ingredients to create a silky, smooth spirit with a vibrant flavor profile. From its origins in the pristine landscapes of Montana to its eco-conscious production, MEILI Vodka captures the adventurous essence of its co-founder while meeting the highest standards of luxury.

“MEILI reflects Jason and Blaine’s passion for sustainability, quality, and innovation, making it a perfect addition to the Princess Cruises ‘Love Line Premium Liquors’ collection,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. “This collaboration continues to enhance our exclusive lineup of premium beverages, giving our guests access to bold, one-of-a-kind spirits crafted by iconic personalities.”

Every aspect of MEILI Vodka’s production reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and artisanal craftsmanship. Sourced from the pure glacial waters of Montana and distilled with natural ingredients, the result is a smooth vodka with a rich, balanced taste.

“Partnering with Princess Cruises is an incredible opportunity to share MEILI with a global audience in a unique and meaningful way,” said Momoa. “Both MEILI and Princess are rooted in creating unforgettable experiences, and we’re pumped to see our spirit become part of the ‘Love Line Premium Liquors’ collection that celebrates quality, adventure, and innovation.”

The Love Line Premium Liquors Collection

Princess Cruises’ ‘Love Line Premium Liquors’ collection includes:

• Pantalones Organic Tequila by Camila and Matthew McConaughey
• Betty Booze and Betty Buzz by Blake Lively
• Sláinte Irish Whiskey by Liev Schreiber
• Melarosa Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blends by Jason Aldean
• Love Prosecco by artist Romero Britto
• Kylie Minogue’s award-winning No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé

MEILI Vodka will roll out across the Princess fleet in the coming months. It will be included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premier beverage packages.

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Princess Cruises has announced that it will be debuting the ‘Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection’ this coming March. The curated menu of premium non-alcoholic elixirs and spirits alternatives offers guests an innovative way to enjoy drinks at sea without the alcohol.

The Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection sets a new standard for the cruise industry as the first standalone non-alcoholic bar menu from a major cruise brand. The menu will include an array of 10 to 20 craft cocktails, developed in collaboration with the team behind the world’s number 1 bar, Sips in Barcelona; Princess mixologists; and cocktail artist Rob Floyd.

The menu will also include an exclusive collection of imported and domestic craft non-alcoholic beers. White, red, rosé, and sparkling wines will also be featured on the menu.

Signature offerings within the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection will include:

• Betty Buzz Creations: Known for its premium, all-natural mixers, Betty Buzz adds a bright, effervescent touch to the collection. Highlights include the Blake’s Breeze, a crisp and refreshing blend of Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit, a splash of soda, and a twist of citrus.
• Kylie Minogue’s Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé: Known for her elegance and style, Kylie Minogue’s award-winning nonalcoholic sparkling rosé offers a light, crisp, and celebratory option, perfect for toasting unforgettable moments at sea.
• Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Guests can savor complex mocktails featuring Lyre’s award-winning spirits alternatives, such as the No-Jito Royale, a modern take on the classic mojito made with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, fresh mint, and lime.
• 24K Margarita: This dazzling creation combines the artistry of nonalcoholic spirits with the glamour of a signature margarita, featuring Almave tequila by Lewis Hamilton in a nonalcoholic version crafted exclusively for Princess.

All spirits alternatives used in the collection are created with the same ingredients and meticulous methods as traditional alcoholic options.

Drinks within the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection will be included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, which include unlimited beverages among other amenities.

The Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection will debut across the entire Princess Cruises fleet by the end of March.

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I’ve been cruising for almost 10 years, and — prior to last month — had taken cruises across seven different lines. For reference, those lines are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, Viking, Disney, and Virgin. Though I love each of those lines for different reasons, this year I was craving something new. So, I decided to book a Princess cruise.

This fall, the opportunity came to book a seven-night cruise on Princess’ newest ship Sun Princess, and I jumped on it. The best part? I booked into the line’s new inclusive concept called the Sanctuary Collection. I’ll get into more about that below. In this post, I’m going to give some of my impressions of the trip as an avid cruiser who was experiencing Princess for the first time.

It’s important to mention that Sun Princess is the first in the Sphere Class, and — in many ways — is unlike any other ship in the Princess fleet. Since my only first-hand experience of Princess is this ship, those experiences may not translate to or be available on other vessels in the fleet.

The Sanctuary Collection

Before I get into my impressions of Sun Princess, you first need an idea of exactly what I booked and what the Sanctuary Collection includes for its guests.

On top of the standard main pool deck and an aft sundeck with an infinity pool, Sanctuary Collection guests have their own Sanctuary Club sundeck. Located on deck 18 aft, this outdoor space includes its own pool and hot tubs, a full-service bar, afternoon tapas and a food delivery menu, and a plethora of daybeds, plush loungers, and other seating. The Sanctuary Club is a peaceful spot for those 16 and older away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship, and it was never difficult to find loungers or a daybed right in front of the pool.

Guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection also have their own private Sanctuary Restaurant, which takes up residence on the third floor of the ship’s main dining room. The staff was wonderful, remembering us despite the fact that we didn’t even get to eat there much since we had access to so many specialty restaurants. However, the food we did have at the Sanctuary Restaurant was delicious!

What does the Premier Package include?

Booking a cabin in the Sanctuary Collection also means that you automatically receive the Princess Premier package, which is an inclusive package that you’d ordinarily have to pay an extra fee ($90 per day) to receive. But in Sanctuary Collection, it’s included in the cruise fare.

This package includes the ship’s best wifi connection called MedallionNet Max for up to four devices per person, as well as daily gratuities. It also includes all premium and alcoholic drinks worth up to $20, including bottled water. Another huge perk is that the Premier Package includes nearly all specialty dining on the ship — you can book specialty restaurants whenever you want and won’t pay anything extra to enjoy them.

Other perks include a photo package, unlimited premium desserts (think over-the-top ice cream sundaes, big slices of cake, and specialty doughnuts), room service, fitness classes, and reserved seating in the theater.

If you book into the Sanctuary Collection or purchase the Premier Package on its own, just about the only things you’ll have to pay extra for are salon and spa services, access to the spa’s thermal suite, specialty experiences (such as Spellbound by Magic Castle), and souvenirs.

I highly recommend booking the Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess — access to the private sundeck and having specialty dining and beverages included in the price of the cruise brought my vacation to another level. It’s going to make it difficult for me to go back to a regular cruise experience!

1. The stateroom was very spacious and well-designed.

I had a Sanctuary Collection mini-suite on my recent Sun Princess cruise. Select balcony cabins and mini-suites as well as all suites on the ship are part of the Sanctuary Collection. Though I had seen photos and videos of what our cabin would look like ahead of time, I was still giddy with excitement when I walked in and realized it would be my home for the week.

The mini-suite is laid out into four main areas, plus a balcony: the bathroom, the bed area, the closet/desk area, and then a sitting area with a separate TV and pull-out couch. The closet had plenty of hanging and open-shelving space, along with multiple drawers. The desk was long and didn’t feel too cramped, either.

One of my favorite things about the cabin was so many lighting elements to suit every use and time of day, including a decorative inset lighting feature above the bed. There’s also a motion sensor outside the bathroom door that triggers an under-vanity light which was SO nice when getting up in the middle of the night.

Speaking of the bathroom, that was also a highlight. The shower (which had a glass door!) was very large and almost didn’t feel like a cruise ship shower (if you know, you know). In fact, the whole bathroom was a great size with plenty of shelving and counter space.

Stateroom Gifts

A highlight of staying in the Sanctuary Collection that we weren’t fully expecting was the gifts that were left in our cabin throughout the cruise. For example, prior to our day at Princess Cays (Princess’ private beach destination in the Bahamas), they left us branded flip-flops to use during our beach day (and keep). We received other goodies too, like a Sanctuary Collection beach bag and a cute little Sanctuary Collection-branded rubber duck.

Sun Princess offers a great variety of stateroom choices for any cruiser’s need or preference. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable option or a cabin with extra space — or access to the perks of the Sanctuary Collection — there’s a stateroom for everyone on this ship.

One of the unique things is that even some standard balcony staterooms and mini-suites have access to the Sanctuary Collection. Many cruise lines only include suites in their “ship within a ship” concept, so it’s quite a treat and provides a lot of flexibility to offer these perks to balcony cabins on Princess.

2. Sun Princess has wonderful food.

Going into my first Princess cruise, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when it came to the food. I’d heard wonderful things about the food on Sun Princess, but since I hadn’t even experienced the line before I wasn’t sure how it was going to match up with my taste buds. Well, I’m happy to report that dining on board surpassed my expectations.

We spent most dinners on the ship eating in various specialty restaurants. Our first evening we went to the Italian restaurant Sabatini’s, where I had what is now one of my favorite lasagnas I’ve ever eaten. The lamb chops were excellent as well. Another night at Crown Grill, I had a delicious filet mignon — which is saying something because I don’t really like steak. Even the casual Americana Diner offered an excellent fish and chips dish along with very flavorful and cheesy mac and cheese.

Over the course of the cruise, we had food from specialty restaurants, the Sanctuary Restaurant, the buffet, and in casual eateries and nearly all of it was way above what I would consider to be par for a cruise ship. I can honestly say that alongside my experience on Disney Cruise Line, Sun Princess has my favorite food on a cruise ship.

3. The atrium games were creative and fun.

When people think about the aspects of a vacation that stuck out to them, most aren’t thinking of games in the atrium. But surprisingly, the games in the Piazza on Sun Princess really stick out to me. I think Princess has done a great job curating a lineup of guest-participation games that are fun to watch whether you stick around for five minutes or for the whole show.

One of these games was called the Yes No Game Show, where the cruise director would talk with a guest and ask them questions, and if they said at any point the words “yes” or “no” or similar terms such as “yeah,” they’d be out. The goal was to reach a set number of minutes without saying yes or no, and the guest that endured the longest would be the winner. Other games pitted guests against the ship’s officers, such as “guess the musical artist” jenga and putt-putt. These were so fun to watch and a great way to pass the time.

I know that the Piazza atrium on Sun Princess is quite different from any of Princess’ other Piazzas, and I think they’ve done a great job with designing it. It’s three stories and features a circular main floor with big LED screens to one side. On the second and third decks of the Piazza there’s tiered seating which means it’s easy to not only settle in to enjoy atrium entertainment, but also easy for those who may be standing to see over the heads of the people in front of them.

4. The Ocean Medallion Technology is seamless and convenient.

Instead of using a credit card-sized key card, guests on Princess cruises have little disc-shaped pieces of tech called Medallions. Most guests either wear their Medallion around their neck on a lanyard or on their wrist in a special bracelet you can purchase from the cruise line. You can also get a Medallion clothing clip or just toss it in your pocket each day. And I have to say, compared to other cruise lines that also use wearable RFID technology like this, Princess comes out on top.

The Medallion allows you to open your cabin door, but you don’t have to hold it up to the door lock like you might think. Instead, the tech in your door senses your Medallion approaching and unlocks it — often before you even reach for the handle. The Medallion is also what guests use to sign on and off the ship in port.

The aspect of the Medallion that most impressed me was the level of service that it allowed crew members to provide to guests. For example, if I sat down at a bar or a restaurant, often the crew member who came over to serve me greeted me by name — even if I had never been to that venue before. This is because their touchscreen devices show them who’s nearby based on their Medallions, and it includes a photo so they know who’s who. This makes ordering food and drinks a breeze on board, and adds a personalized touch that just feels good as a guest.

5. The ship didn’t feel huge, but there was still lots going on.

While Sun Princess is tens of thousands of gross tons smaller than the largest cruise ship in the world, it is still within the top 25 biggest cruise ships at sea. However, the design team did a great job creating a very large ship that doesn’t actually feel as big as it is — and that’s a good thing.

Sun Princess features a lot of public areas, both indoors and outdoors, where guests can hang out, take part in activities, and enjoy entertainment. The flow of the architecture is great and things feel suitably spread out. However, if you’ve ever taken a cruise on a larger ship you probably know what I mean when I say that sometimes the cabin hallways feel like they go on forever. Surprisingly, given how large Sun Princess is, the walk to the far end of my stateroom hallway didn’t feel ridiculously long, and that feeling continued into the rest of the ship.

Like any passenger, we spent lots of time walking from place to place on board, moving through hallways and venues like the Piazza or buffet. But it never felt overwhelming like it can on some mega ships.

Though Sun Princess doesn’t feel massive, it does hold a lot of entertainment and things to do like any large cruise ship does. There was almost always something on the schedule we were interested in, whether it was live music, comedy shows, parties, or various activities. Did we do everything we had interest in? Definitely not, because one of the highlights for us was the Sanctuary Club which we spent plenty of time in throughout the week. Whether you want to do a lot or a little, you’ll find plenty of enjoyment on Sun Princess.

6. Specialty cocktails were plentiful, and they’re imaginative and unique.

The food and beverage program is very strong on Sun Princess, and that translates into the creative cocktails that are offered at the ship’s bars. It seemed like pretty much every bar we visited had its own list of special cocktails alongside classic ones and the usual wine, liquor, and beer lists. It was so much fun to go to different bars and see what they had on offer.

We noticed that Princess seems to really like including banana in several of its cocktails and we tried (and loved!) many of them. We remarked more than once that we were very impressed with the variety and creativity of the drinks on Sun Princess, and this is coming from very avid cruisers.

Cocktail menu-wise, I’d say my favorite bars were Cascades Bar, Good Spirits at Sea, and the bar in the Sanctuary Club. My favorite cocktails at each were Amazonia (Cascades), Starry Night in Oslo (Good Spirits), and the Blueberry Basil Smash (Sanctuary Club).

7. Spellbound is well worth the money.

The one experience we paid extra for on Sun Princess was Spellbound by Magic Castle. This magical, intimate experience hosts just 30 guests twice each evening. It includes dinner, cocktails, close-up magic, and a card trick show by a resident magician. The Spellbound experience takes place in multiple spaces dedicated exclusively to Spellbound, and they’re very well themed.

When we booked our cruise on Sun Princess, I immediately knew that I wanted to do Spellbound — even at the steep price of $150 per person. And after it was all over, we couldn’t stop gushing about how worth it the whole evening was.

Dinner is a set menu, and takes place in a small themed dining room off of the Sanctuary Restaurant. Guests are then escorted to the main Spellbound area — through a seemingly normal-looking door off the Piazza. This is where the magic really begins. The space is incredibly immersive and features an attention to detail that we compared with the Disney parks — particularly the Haunted Mansion attraction.

The cocktails were creative and delicious, and the magic was mind-blowing. I’ve seen several illusionists over the years, and this experience — which featured two different illusionists — featured perhaps the most impressing and confusing tricks I’ve ever seen.

For the entire rest of the cruise, we couldn’t stop talking about how good the tricks were and how much we loved the Spellbound experience. I highly recommend spending the extra money and enjoying a fun evening at Spellbound.

Right now, Spellbound is only available on Sun Princess. However, it will be included on upcoming sister ship Star Princess as well.

In Conclusion

Upon reading this article, you may be wondering if there’s anything I didn’t like about Sun Princess. To be honest, there really isn’t much — my cruise on this ship has now become one of my favorite sailings to date. I did think it was disappointing that there wasn’t much to do on the top deck since Princess canceled its Park 19 recreation and attraction area. The space is currently very under-utilized, just featuring various seating and hammocks. But this wasn’t a glaring issue — especially since you don’t really “come across” that spot unless you head there on purpose.

Another small inconvenience we noticed was that, to us, the Sanctuary Club ended its food service too early in the day at 4 pm. We would have preferred it continue for another hour or two since we were often still up on the sundeck well past that time of day prior to getting ready for dinner.

Overall I was very impressed with my stateroom, the food, the Sanctuary Collection experience, and the entertainment. Of note, I loved the live music in O’Malley’s Irish Pub. A three-person Irish band called Pint of Plain played there often in the evenings, and they were so fun and really got the crowd into the music.

With Sun Princess being my first Princess cruise, I know that it probably gives me a bit of a skewed view of the fleet as a whole. But if the basic pillars of a vacation (food, accommodation, entertainment, activities) on this ship are any indication, I’m now a solid Princess Cruises fan. I would definitely book onto Sun or her sister ship Star Princess in the future.

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Have you recently sailed on Sun Princess or another ship in the Princess Cruises fleet? What aspects do you enjoy most on a Princess cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your cruise reviews.

The post I’ve Sailed with 7 Other Cruise Lines; Here’s What I Thought of My First Princess Cruise appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

The Sanctuary Collection is Princess Cruises’ new ship-within-a-ship concept that is home to upscale amenities, private areas, and a dedicated staff. During a recent sailing on Sun Princess, we tested out this exclusive area. Find out what our accommodations were really like in our Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite review.

Our Review of a Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite

Since this is Princess Cruises‘ first attempt at offering a ship-within-a-ship experience, we weren’t sure what to expect. While we typically book balcony rooms on a cruise, we were interested to see how this Sun Princess Santuary Mini Suite compared.

When comparing the Sanctuary Mini Suite with a typical mini suite found on Sun Princess, there are a few differences, namely when it comes to location and inclusions. The actual size of these two cabin categories are about the same at just over 300 square feet. However, the 123 Sanctuary Mini Suites are in more prime locations on decks 10-17.

Now, when comparing to balcony cabins on Sun Princess, a Deluxe Balcony is 235 square feet, and a Premium Deluxe Balcony and Sanctuary Balcony are around 279 square feet. We stayed in a Deluxe Balcony during our first sailing on the ship and can attest the size difference is noticeable.

While this extra space in the mini suite is nice, the real value comes in the additional perks and inclusions for those staying in the Sanctuary Collection. These mini suites, along with the 80 suites and 12 Premium Deluxe Balconies, have access to an exclusive sundeck and restaurant just for guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection. Further, guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection get the Princess Premier package for an even more all-inclusive experience. This is a $90 per person, per day upgrade for all other guests.

Layout of a Sanctuary Mini Suite on Sun Princess

For our recent sailing on Sun Princess, we stayed in a Sanctuary Collection Mini Suite on Deck 14, cabin 14456. This stateroom is located portside very nearby the midship elevators. Unlike other ship-within-a-ship experiences like the MSC Yacht Club, not all Sanctuary Collection staterooms are located within a keycard-access complex. Still, it was only a few decks up to the Sanctuary Club sundeck (Deck 18) and down to the Sanctuary Restaurant (Deck 8). And with Princess’ smart elevator design, we never had to wait long for a ride.

These rooms feature a separate seating area, spacious closet, two televisions, a desk, an upgraded bathroom, and signature bathrobes and slippers.

Upon entering our cabin, we were pleasantly surprised. We could see the size difference immediately. The color palette was muted with light wood tones, subtle green accents, and marble finishes in the bathroom. While it did feel refined, there was less color than our previous balcony cabin on the ship.

The bathroom was situated to the left near the entrance of the cabin. Continuing in to the room, the bed was on the aft wall facing forward. Just beyond, there was the desk/vanity area and the large closet on the opposite wall separating the bed from the sitting area. The sitting area was adjacent to the balcony with a second television and a curtain to close off the area if desired. The balcony was a pretty typical size with two upright chairs and a table.

Inside Our Sanctuary Mini Suite

Bathroom

The bathroom in this Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite was pretty on par with the bathroom in our previous balcony cabin. Still, it is a vast upgrade from other ships in the Princess fleet. It features a new and improved layout. It also features marble finishes and premium bath products including hand soap.

Opening the bathroom door, the stand-up shower was to our right and the toilet to the left, with the sink directly in front. There are a few shelves for storage off to one side and adequate counter space. 

The rectangular shower set-up offers more space, and the best part is you’ll no longer have to deal with the dreaded shower curtain found on most other Princess ships. Further, the shower contains a shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel dispenser, along with a small shave bar.

Main Cabin Area

The bed in this Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite was positioned closer to the cabin entrance and flanked by two nightstands. Here, you’ll also find 1 USB, 1 USB-C, and 1 power outlet on each side! And the signature Princess luxury bedding provided all the comforts of home. On the wall opposite the bed is the first of two televisions in the cabin.

The desk was of adequate size and featured small drawers for additional storage, along with the mini-fridge to one side and two shelves above it. Further, you will find several power outlets at the desk. There are a total of 2 USB outlets, 2 USB-C outlets, 3 power outlets, and 1 European outlet.

This vanity area also features a mirror, comfy chair, and a coveted Dry Bar hairdryer. Unfortunately though, these mini suites do not come with an in-room coffee maker.

Across from the desk are the closets. While we did really like the former walk-in closet on Princess ships, we’ll take the trade for the other new and improved room features.

These newly redesigned closets offer plenty of storage space with a combination of drawers, shelves, and clothes bar with hangers. To be precise, there are three lower drawers, two exposed shelves, and two shelves within an upper cabinet that also contains the safe off to one side. Behind the three closet doors, there are a combination of shelves and clothes bars including one full length for dresses. Of course, you’ll find the cozy bathrobes and slippers here too.

Further, the seating area is an upgrade from typical cruise cabins. It features a sofa, small table, and the second television. The sofa was large enough for two adults to sit comfortably. This space is where you’ll mostly recognize that additional square footage from a balcony cabin on the ship.

Balcony

Finally, there was the balcony which always provides a great spot for watching the ocean views.

Perhaps slightly deeper than some cruise ship balconies, this one on Sun Princess is pretty typical and not significantly bigger than other cabins outside the Sanctuary Collection. It features two upright chairs, a small table, and accompanying ottomans.

Unfortunately, there were no sun loungers or anything of that sort. You’ll have to head to the Sanctuary Club sundeck for lounging. And, it is a really nice space for doing just that! The sundeck features a pool, whirlpool, upgraded loungers, a bar, light bites throughout the day, and even cabanas available to rent. Of note, while all guests can book a Sanctuary Collection stateroom, they must be 16+ to access the exclusive Sanctuary Club sundeck.

Recap of Our Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite Review

We didn’t know what to expect from Princess Cruises’ first attempt at a ship-within-a-ship, but we were pleasantly surprised. As a middle entry-point to the Sanctuary Collection, our Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite was the ideal accommodation.

It offered plenty of comfort, storage, and all of the amenities you’d expect to find in a stateroom on a megaship. Plus, some upgrades like the Dry Bar hair dryer, premium Beekman 1802 bath products, and an abundance of outlets. The extra space that comes with upgrading from a balcony to a mini suite was nice too.

The room finishes perfectly complement the upscale décor found around the rest of the ship, and the bathroom redesign is leaps and bounds above other ships in the fleet. Overall, we think the cabins on this ship finally elevate Princess Cruises to the same level as the competitors.

Of course, the big bonus when opting to upgrade to a room within the Sanctuary Collection are the added inclusions. The experience provided the perfect mix of luxury often found on small cruise ships with all the amenities of large ship cruising.

From the posh exclusive pool deck, to upgraded menus in the Sanctuary Restaurant, to all the added inclusions of the Princess Premier package— like premium drinks and specialty dining— we wouldn’t hestitate to book a Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite again. With a reasonable price tag, it offers guests a private retreat alongside all the other amenities that mega-ships offer. We think it’s the perfect pick for couples seeking a more upscale cruise vaction.

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Have you sailed in a Mini Suite on Princess Cruises? Do you have plans to test out the new Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection? Drop us an anchor below to share your preferred cabin categories when cruising. 

The post We Stayed in a Sun Princess Sanctuary Mini Suite and Here’s Our Review appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

We first sailed on Sun Princess a few weeks after the ship launched. Since its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, the vessel has received several updates. So, we hopped back onboard to see how the ship was different. We have returned and share all the Sun Princess changes so you know what has improved and where the ship still falls short in our latest cruise review.

All the Sun Princess Changes

Better – New Restaurant Locations

Among the Sun Princess changes, the cruise line has relocated several of the restaurants to new locations. These changes make complete sense as these venues now have more appropriate homes.

One knock we had on the ship earlier this year was the location of two specialty restaurants. The Catch by Rudi and the Butcher’s Block by Dario were at the back of The Eatery (buffet) on Deck 9.   

This made no sense to us because these are both upscale, upcharge venues. The venues didn’t feel intimate, nor did they provide the ambiance that the restaurants deserved.

Well, we are happy to say that the restaurants now have their own dedicated spaces on Deck 7. The venues have not received much of a makeover regarding décor though. Still, we like that The Catch took the place of the cozy Signature Restaurant and The Butcher’s Block took the place of the Crown Grill (which also relocated).

In line with the several restaurant relocations, the Americana Diner moved to the back of The Eatery. This new dining concept debuted on Sun Princess as a casual, sit-down restaurant offering a new menu of all-day favorites. We were a fan of the food but had to admit that this restaurant style felt out of place at the top of the posh three-story main dining room.

With the Butcher’s Block by Dario now residing next to the forward elevators on Deck 7, across from Princess Live, Princess Cruises’ classic steakhouse moved down the hall. The Crown Grill restaurant is now aft on Deck 7, replacing the former Reserve Collection restaurant. While we did like the new design of the Crown Grill’s former location, this new location feels upscale and modern too.

To accomplish these swaps, Princess Cruises eliminated the dining rooms for the Reserve and Signature-class staterooms, combining them into one venue on the third level of the main dining room. In fact, they eliminated those categories of staterooms altogether, which we will get to in a bit.  

When it comes to the main dining room, the 3-story Horizons Dining Room is now the Soleil Dining Room (Deck 6), Eclipse Dining Room (Deck 7), and The Sancturary Restaurant (Deck 8).

Better – Updated Restaurant Menus

Along with changing out several of the restaurant locations, some of the restaurant menus have received updates too. In particular, The Catch by Rudi’s menu is larger, offering more options for starters and entrees. So, fans of this restaurant on other Princess cruise ships can indulge in classic favorites.

Another change we were glad to see was the enhancement of the Butcher’s Block by Dario menu. This meat-centric dining concept still boasts several courses of various cuts of beef. However, the menu now includes additions such as an oyster appetizer and a Caesar salad course. Guests also now have two options for dessert, with the addition of a tiramisu.

The sushi restaurant on Sun Princess was in the process of getting a makeover during our previous sailing. Now, Makoto Ocean, in partnership with Chef Makoto Okuwa, is complete. This restaurant boasts an improved menu along with slightly updated seating and décor. Now, guests can opt for a multi-course, signature sushi dinner experience or select from a revamped a la carte menu.

Not yet complete during our last sailing, we were able to experience Love by Britto on this cruise. Located on Deck 17 aft, this upscale specialty restaurant seamlessly combines fantastic views with equally Instagramable plates on its 5-course menu. This cozy restaurant is ideal for a celebratory dinner with your loved ones.

The only downside is that the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages do not cover the restaurant.

Additionally, the main dining room menus have also changed to reflect the ship’s new 7-night Caribbean itineraries. But guests don’t have to worry about other restaurants. Staples like the Crown Grill and Sabatini’s still boast their typical dishes that Princess cruisers have come to love.

Worse – The SkyDeck Sports Court

Poor Park19, the outdoor deck that never was. Princess Cruises made a big splash announcing this outdoor sports deck for multi-generational families over a year ago. While not the most advanced outdoor space, we were excited to test out some new features like the Sea Breeze Rollglider and the Coastal Climb ropes course.

We should have known there were issues with these attractions during our sailing in March. While we occasionally saw sports crew members upstairs, none of them were ever testing out the equipment. I even offered myself as a test dummy if they needed more help.

However, we were surprised to learn finally that all the attractions were being nixed by the cruise line.

The RollGlider looked similar to the track for Bolt rollercoaster on Carnival cruise ships. Except, guests would hang below the track. The two-story ropes course resembled similar ropes courses on other cruise lines as well. So, we aren’t sure how all the certifications fell apart.

With that being said, Princess Cruises still hasn’t enhanced this area. Most of the track for the RollGilder is gone, and the obstacles and challenges from the rope course have been removed. However, many of the support features and structures remain.

It’s yet to be determined what will come of this space. Given that Princess Cruises had months to develop an alternative design or additional features for this area, it was disappointing to find that the SkyDeck had no new offerings.

We suspect Sun Princess will eventually feature a sports court for pickleball and basketball like recently announced for Star Princess.

While this isn’t a deal breaker for us, we can see how families might be let down.

Worse – The Sun Princess Signature Entertainment

Like many sailing on Sun Princess, we consider ourselves traditional cruisers. While we have come to appreciate the flexible dining options, our nighttime routine is still the same – dinner and a show.

On our first Sun Princess cruise, none of the cruise lines’ entertainment in the Arena or the Dome was ready. The cruise line promoted four signature productions in the Arena, the main theater, and an additional series of Cirque Éloize shows in the Dome.

Thankfully, among the Sun Princess changes since our last sailing was the debut of some entertainment offerings.

During this short sailing, we were able to see one show in each venue.

While we enjoyed both productions, they really didn’t live up to the hype.

On Night 2, Viva La Música blasted its way on stage. With a selection of predictable Latin-inspired songs and a few unique musical arrangements, the playlist was nothing we hadn’t heard in other similar revue shows. And while Princess Cruises claims that the Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, there was nothing innovative or unique incorporated into the show.

Actually, the stage felt too small for the production. While the show was high energy, and the audience was engaged, I certainly wouldn’t book a cruise on Sun Princess because of the entertainment. In fact, the show we were most looking forward to, Vallora, A Pirate Quest, is already being reimagined.

We did enjoy the show in The Dome more, Artbeat by Britto. This Cirque Éloize production took to the sky on the last night of the cruise when our media group attended a special showing.

We really enjoyed the show and the way it utilized the features of this space. It boasted aerial acts and other acrobats, with enough story and diversity in music to keep us interested. 

But, for others who would like to experience this approximately 25-minute show on revenue sailings, they may need to wait an hour or more to snag one of the 250 seats in this entertainment venue.

Even with two shows a night, The Dome is not an adequate size for the ship’s guest capacity. We would be disappointed if we booked a cruise on this ship and had to wait hours in line just to see production shows. Perhaps, a reservation system is needed.

Better – The Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess

Replacing the former Reserve Collection and Signature Collection stateroom categories, the new Sanctuary Collection debuts with Sun Princess’ Caribbean season. This is the cruise line’s attempt to offer an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience to guests staying in suites and select other staterooms.

Similar to offerings like MSC Yacht Club, Celebrity Cruises’ The Retreat, or NCL’s The Haven, guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection have access to private areas of the ship. These include an exclusive restaurant and sundeck.

All suites are part of the Sanctuary Collection, in addition to several mini-suites and premium balconies. These cabins receive (most of) the same amenities as well.

The most prominent upgrade when booking into the Sanctuary Collection is access to the Sanctuary Club aft on Deck 18. Previously, this area was a for-fee space that all guests could purchase access to, with a section reserved for guests staying in Signature suites.

Now, the entire deck is reserved only for those staying in the Sanctuary Collection. This posh sundeck offers a pool, whirlpool, bar, several seating options, an exclusive menu of poolside bites, and plenty of space to soak up the sun.

Another perk is a private restaurant. Aft on Deck 8, replacing the former Americana Diner, is the Sanctuary Restaurant. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant boasts enhanced menus. We dined here on the first night of our cruise, and the food was certainly an upgrade from the main dining room on Sun Princess. 

All guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection also receive the cruise line’s Premier Package as part of the cruise fare. This add-on package makes your vacation more inclusive with the Premier beverage package, unlimited specialty dining and casual dining, unlimited Max WiFi, and crew appreciation, among other perks.

However, only guests in one of the eighty suites onboard can access the Suite Lounge on Deck 16. This small space offers a bar, fantastic ocean views, daily hors d’oeuvres, and first-class service.

While Princess Cruises’ new Sanctuary Collection doesn’t offer all the amenities of competitor cruise lines, like butler service, we enjoyed our experience and think it’s definitely worth the upgrade.

Where Sun Princess Still Shines

While there were several Sun Princess changes between our two sailings, there are still plenty of places where the ship retains its original glow. The pool deck offers plenty of space with a central pool and casual dining options, and the massive Sea View terrace sundeck extends all the way forward on the ship.

We enjoy several of the casual dining options around the ship as well. The International Café, midship on Deck 9, is still among the best cafes at sea. Open 24 hours a day, it offers sweet treats, savory bites, and signature coffees.

Further, Alfredo’s Pizzeria serves some of the best pizza at sea. We finally got to sample some of the new award-winning pizzas from champion pizzamaker Tony Gemignani. Let’s just say we can see why the New Yorker and Cal Italia pizzas have received such accolades.

Spellbound by Magic Castle remains my favorite upcharge experience at sea. While pricey, it delivers a truly unique and immersive night of illusions and spirits. We slipped into the parlor for another visit this sailing and can attest that our second time was just as mesmerizing and magical as our first. Although, we still cannot comment on the dinner portion. Perhaps we need a third visit to truly experience it all?

Along with the production shows, there is plenty of live music and events occuring throughout the ship. We are big fans of O’Malley’s Irish Pub, and we are not alone. This is one of the most popular venues, offering acoustic guitar music, plenty of beer, and a fantastic time.  

The Piazza is also home to several activities you don’t want to miss. Whether it is dance parties, game shows, or cirque performances, it is the hub of any Princess Cruises’ ship.

On Sun Princess, the Piazza has been redesigned to offer better sightlines. Guests can find a spot in the tiered seating areas surrounding this 3-story open venue.

Other lively spots include Crooners for some unique cocktails and piano music and Princess Live for game shows, trivia, and comedy sets. This lounge has a better setup and vibe than other ships we have sailed on in the fleet.

Thus, like many modern mega-ships, Sun Princess offers a variety of things to do, see, eat, and enjoy. It is true that some spaces are too small for a ship of this size. Yet, with some pre-planning, guests will be able to enjoy the onboard dining, activities, shows, and nightlife.

Given there is so much to love about this ship, you might see Heidi and I onboard another sailing in the future or perhaps on her sister ship, Star Princess, when she debuts.

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What do you think of the Sun Princess changes? Do you have plans to sail on this new cruise ship? Drop us an anchor below with your latest Princess cruise reviews.

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The all-new Sanctuary Collection just debuted on Sun Princess, and we were the first to check it out during our recent 3-day media sailing on the ship upon her arrival in Fort Lauderdale. Now, we’re back and share everything you need to know about the Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next cruise vacation.

Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection – Everything You Need to Know

As a first for Princess Cruises, Sun Princess debuts the line’s attempt at a ship-within-a-ship experience. The Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection includes the most luxurious accommodations on the ship, exclusive spaces available only to guests staying in these staterooms, and a number of additional benefits.

We cover them all in this post, as well as give you a look at our Sanctuary Mini-Suite. We also compare this new Sanctuary Collection to other similar experiences to determine if it’s worth upgrading.

What is the Sanctuary Collection?

The brand-new Sanctuary Collection just debuted on Sun Princess in October 2024. It will also be featured on Star Princess when she arrives in fall 2025.

The Sanctuary Collection cabins replace the former Signature Collection and Reserve Collection staterooms on Sun and Star Princess. There are a total of 80 Sanctuary Collection Suites, 123 Mini-Suites, and 12 Premium Deluxe Balconies included in the Sanctuary Collection.

The room categories available to book are:

• Sky Suite
• Grand Suite
• Vista Suite
• Signature Suite
• Sanctuary Mini-Suite
• Sanctuary Balcony

All guests can book an available Sanctuary Collection stateroom. However, guests must be 16+ to gain access to the exclusive Sanctuary Club sundeck.

In addition to upgraded accommodations, Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection guests get access to an exclusive sundeck and restaurant. Suite guests only have access to the Suite Lounge as well.

Further, guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection get the Princess Premier package for an even more all-inclusive experience. This is a $90 per person, per day upgrade for all other guests.

The Sanctuary Collection offers guests many of the luxuries of small ship cruising combined with all the amenities of modern mega-ships. Guests can enjoy the Sanctuary Collection’s exclusive spaces but still take advantage of all the other onboard offerings for the best of both worlds.

Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection Exclusive Spaces

Sanctuary Club

Perhaps the best part of staying in the Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection is the Sanctuary Club sundeck. This tranquil top deck space features a pool, whirlpool, upgraded loungers, a full bar, light bites throughout the day, an exclusive food menu, and even cabanas available to rent. Oh, and you won’t want to miss your champagne wall photo-op either!

This is a great space to relax on a sea day. Guests can soak up the sun away from all the crowds on the rest of the ship. The Sanctuary Club also hosts exclusive events, wellness classes, and more throughout the cruise. These include Outdoor YogaSix and StretchLab sessions, as well as live music and pop-up entertainment.

Located aft on Deck 18, this space also provides great wake views and is the perfect spot to enjoy sailaway.

Sanctuary Collection Restaurant

With some shifting around of venues onboard Sun Princess, the new Sanctuary Collection Restaurant is now the top level of the 3-story main dining room. This exclusive restaurant is reserved just for guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring an upgraded menu and dedicated waitstaff, with no reservations needed.

We sampled the dinner menu one evening and can attest the selections were top-notch. Items included shrimp cocktail, prime rib from a carving trolley, filet mignon, lobster tail, and more for no additional fee.

Suite Lounge

For suite guests only, the Suite Lounge is located on Deck 16 aft. This cozy indoor space is a great spot to relax with a morning cup of coffee. Or, guests can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in this exclusive lounge. Those staying in Sanctuary Mini-Suites or Balconies do not have access to this lounge. Even still, this space is rather small given there are 80 suites.

Our Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection Mini-Suite

During our recent Sun Princess sailing, we stayed in a Sanctuary Collection Mini-Suite on Deck 14, cabin 14456. According to Princess Cruises’ website, these cabins measure approximately 304 square feet including the balcony. These rooms feature a separate seating area, spacious closet, two televisions, a desk, an upgraded bathroom, and signature bathrobes and slippers.

In comparison to our previous balcony cabin on the ship, there was noticeably more space in this mini-suite. We also liked the separation of the bed and sitting area, with the closet situated between the two areas. There was ample storage space, and we love the new bathroom design featured in all cabins on Sun Princess.

This Mini-Suite is the mid-level accommodation in the Sanctuary Collection. It features more space than a balcony stateroom at an affordable price point.

While they might be difficult to snag, the 12 Sanctuary Balconies are basically Premium Deluxe balconies with an upgraded balcony. Yet, these cabins still get access to the exclusive Sanctuary Collection spaces.

If you want a more upgraded experience, you can opt for one of the suites. These accommodations vary in size from the Signature Suite up to the Sky Suite measuring in at over 1200 square feet. These suites come with a complimentary mini-bar, a Lavazza coffee maker, and more.

Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection Benefits

In addition to more upscale accommodations and exclusive spaces, booking a room in the Sanctuary Collection comes with other perks that are part of the Princess Premier package. This package provides guests with the Premier Beverage Package, MedallionNet Max WiFi for four devices, crew appreciation, unlimited specialty dining, unlimited casual dining meals and premium desserts, complimentary OceanNow delivery and room service delivery, and unlimited fitness classes.

The Premier Beverage Package includes an unlimited premium selection of beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $20 USD at all the bar and lounges. It also includes all non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas, frappes and/or milkshakes at Coffee & Cones, and Red Bull energy drinks. There’s also a 25% discount on all bottles of wine, one-liter bottles of water, and bottled juices.

When it comes to WiFi, each guest will receive the four-device MedallionNet Max WiFi plan.  This new “Max” WiFi cannot be purchased separately.

Guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection (as well as all guests who upgrade to the Princess Plus or Premier packages) get included crew appreciation. These gratuities are $17 to $19 per person, per day depending on your room category.

A huge perk of the Princess Premier package is unlimited specialty and casual dining during the cruise. This means you can dine at all the onboard restaurants for no added fees. These include Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, Makoto Ocean, Umai Teppanyaki and Hot Pot, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, The Butcher’s Block by Dario, and The Catch by Rudi. Guests can also enjoy unlimited premium desserts from Coffee & Cones, OceanNow (normally a one-time access fee of $14.99 per person), and room service (normally a $5 fee per order). Love by Britto is excluded from this package.

Guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection get unlimited fitness classes as well. As part of Princess Cruises’ partnership with Xponential Fitness, guests can partake in classes from Pure Barre, Club Pilates, YogaSix, CycleBar, and Stretch Lab.

Not to mention, Princess Premier guests get reserved theater seating for production shows in the Arena. They also get a photo package, free Medallion device delivery (normally $10 fee), and ability to win Princess Prizes.

However, aside from the perks of the Princess Premier package, Sanctuary Collection guests do not receive any benefits above and beyond. Some competitor brands offer additonal perks such as butler service, a separate embarkation lounge in the terminal, priority embarkation and disembarkation for all types of cabins in this area, exclusive spaces on cruise private islands, laundry services, access to the ship’s thermal suite, etc.

Given that you get many of the same perks by just upgrading to the Princess Premier package, you may be wondering if the Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection is worth it. Or, how it stacks up to the competition. Well, let’s take a look.

Is the Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection worth it?

When looking at the inclusions of the Princess Sanctuary Collection, the most obvious comparison is Celebrity Cruises‘ Retreat. The Retreat is all suites and gives all guests the All Included package which is similar to Princess Premier. All Included gives guests premium drinks, WiFi, an exclusive restaurant, sundeck, lounge, room service, priority embarkation/disembarkation, butler services, and reserved theater seating. There’s also complimentary fitness classes, laundry services, and access to the thermal suite for guests in select suite categories.

The big omission in Celebrity’s package (for more entry level suites) when compared to Princess Premier is specialty dining. This can add up if you planned to dine at several of these venues during your cruise. However, the argument could be if you have an exclusive restaurant then why would you need unlimited specialty dining. Of note, Celebrity’s Royal Suites and above do get unlimited specialty dining.

Gratuities are NOT part of The Retreat pricing either. These are $23 per person, per day.

When comparing the two directly on price, we chose a test cruise which was a similar 7-day Caribbean sailing in January 2026. The lowest entry level suite on Celebrity was priced just under $9K with an additional $322 for gratuities. The lowest entry level suite on Sun Princess was just over $9K. Thus, a suite on both lines is essentially the same price.

However, Princess does have lower entry point staterooms. Guests can book a Sanctuary Collection mini-suite for just over $5700 or a Sanctuary Collection balcony for just over $5200. Celebrity doesn’t offer such staterooms in The Retreat. The cruise line does have AquaClass cabins which have their own exclusive restaurant but do not get access to the private sundeck.

Now, the more well-known ship-within-a-ship experiences are on MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, which feature keycard-acess-only complexes.

NCL’s The Haven comes with butler service, an exclusive restaurant, private courtyard/sundeck, and lounge. It also includes all More at Sea perks like a drink package and specialty dining credits, as well as priority embarkation/disembarkation, reserved theater seating, and thermal suite access for select suites. For a similar test cruise in January 2026, prices start at around $9200. However, these “entry level” suites are considerably larger.

Similarly, MSC’s Yacht Club highlights its butler service, along with an exclusive restaurant, lounge, and sundeck with a grill serving breakfast and lunch. It too includes the Premium drink package, WiFi, reserved theater seating, priority embarkation/disembarkation, access to the thermal suite, and more. A balcony suite on the line’s newest ship, World America, for our same January 2026 cruise comes in at $6100. And an interior Yacht Club suite’s price is just $4300! Even the duplex suite which has nearly 500 square feet of space is only $8700.

Determining which is better comes down to your preferences and how much you value the specific inclusions that each line offers as there are some differences. Still, entering the market with its first attempt at a ship-within-a-ship experience, we think the Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection is a worthy contender.

Now, let’s look at upgrading to Princess Premier vs. booking into the Sanctuary Collection. If we took our same test cruise, it would cost about $1400 more to go from a Premium Deluxe Balcony with Princess Premier to a Sanctuary Balcony. It would cost about $1800 more to go from a standard Mini-Suite with Princess Premier to a Sanctuary Mini-Suite. So, only you can determine if it is worth it for you to upgrade, gaining access to the exclusive spaces that come with the Sanctuary Collection.

Of course, all of the prices listed are for illustrative purposes only. Prices can fluctuate based on time of booking, itinerary, cabin availability, etc.

Ultimately, Princess Cruises’ new Sanctuary Collection might be worth it if you are looking for a private retreat alongside all the other amenities that mega-ships offer. In our opinion, it’s a great choice for multigenerational families and couples looking for a more upscale cruise vacation.

Comments

Would you consider staying in the Sanctuary Collection on Sun or Star Princess? Do you usually book these ship-within-a-ship complexes when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your opinions on the new Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection.

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