When the Sun Princess first set sail in December of 1995, she was the largest cruise ship in the industry. Although others have now surpassed her in size, the Sun Princess remains one of the most popular vessels in the Princess fleet. Her sister ships are the Sea Princess and the Dawn Princess.

The Sun Princess specs

At 856 feet in length and weighing 77,441 tonnes, the Sun Princess is on the larger side of the cruise ship spectrum. She spans 15 decks and can accommodate 2,010 passengers and 924 crew. Her cruise speed is 22.4 knots.

Inside the Sun Princess

Last refurbished in August 2013, the Sun Princess is in pristine condition for her extensive experience at sea. She has been retrofitted with modern features that achieved great success on newer Princess vessels, such as Movies Under the Stars.

Interiors are tasteful and contemporary, featuring warm colours and light wood finishings. The heart of the ship is the Atrium, which spans four decks and is connected by glass elevators.

Things to do on board the Sun Princess

Whether you prefer to relax, get fit, socialise, or everything in between, there’s something for you on board the Sun Princess. Like all cruise ships in the Princess fleet, she caters for everyone.

From top quality treatments at the luxurious day spa, to organised enrichment activities and bridge competitions, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during sea days. Come nighttime, you’ll be well-entertained at the Princess Theater or the Vista Show Lounge.

Sun Princess restaurants and bars

Foodies will rejoice at the delightful culinary options available on board the Sun Princess. All of the main venues feature mouth-watering menus that offer all of your favourites as well as more exotic fare. The ship is also home to several specialty dining options, including a popular steakhouse.

As night falls, the Sun Princess’ many bars and lounges come alive. From cocktails and fine wines to beers and non-alcoholic beverages, there’s a drink to suit your taste buds. Some venues are home to live entertainment, such as a band or a string quartet, making for a wonderful night at sea.

The Sun Princess itineraries and shore excursions

With itineraries to ports in new Zealand, Australia, America, Asia and beyond, the Sun Princess offers a wide range of shore excursions to suit all interests and activity levels. The exact tours available will of course depend on your chosen destination, but you can expect a good mix at every stop. Examples include a river cruise in Brisbane, swimming with dolphins in Akaroa Harbour and visiting Madame Tussauds in Sydney.

Cabins on board the Sun Princess

The Sun Princess has 1,011 cabins across three categories: inside, ocean view and balcony. The smallest cabins start at 135 square feet (inside) and go up to 179 square feet (balcony). Almost identical in look and feel, these cabins are all equipped with ample storage space, a writing desk, television, hair dryer, mini-fridge and safe. Additional items such as fresh fruit and bathrobes may be available upon request, and chocolates are left on the bed after each turndown service.

There are two suite options available: the mini-suite (370 to 536 square feet) and the full suite (538 to 695 square feet). These spacious rooms are located in prime positions, offering some of the best views on board. Full suites also come with whirlpool bathtubs, large balconies and separate sitting areas.

Sun Princess Food and Dining

Dining included in your Sun Princess ticket:

• Regency Dining Room
• Marquis Dining Room
• Horizon Court Buffet
• Wine Bar
• International Cafe
• Swirls Ice Cream Bar
• Verdi’s Pizzeria
• Trident Grill
• Afternoon tea
• 24-hour room service

Specialty dining (not included in your fare):

• Sterling Steakhouse
• Kai Sushi
• Ultimate Balcony Dining

Entertainment on board the Sun Princess cruise ship

The Sun Princess by day

You’ll find all of your favourite cruise activities on board, such as trivia games, card competitions and port lectures. The Sun Princess also offers a great enrichment programme, called Scholarship@Sea, which offers classes on a range of topics – a great opportunity to learn a new skill while meeting new friends.

Other popular daytime activities include browsing the boutique shops (keep an eye out for some amazing bargains), bingo, art auctions and fun games like ‘Name That Tune’. The ship also has a small library with a selection of both fiction and non-fiction books.

Pools, spa and fitness facilities on board the Sun Princess

The Sun Princess really does live up to her name; she is a great place to spend your summer holiday. With plenty of deck space and a large pool area, there’s no shortage of spots to relax and soak up some sun. The main pools are family friendly and can get busy on hot days; if you’re looking for something quieter, try the Lotus Spa pool and hot tubs.

Speaking of the Lotus Spa, this is the ship’s relaxation station, where you’ll find a selection of irresistible beauty treatments. Treat yourself to something special, such as a body scrub, facial or manicure.

A different kind of relaxation can be found at the fitness centre – start your day with a yoga class or an endorphin-releasing walk on the treadmill. You can also work up a sweat on the sports court or by jogging a few laps of the promenade deck.

Sun Princess nightlife

As the sun sets, there’s a noticeable change in atmosphere on board the Sun Princess. The bars and lounges start to come alive with music, such as the gorgeous string quartet in the Atrium Bar, and become a hub for socialising. As tempting as it can be to have an early night in your comfortable stateroom, it’s worth making the effort to stay up late and watch the world go by from Crooners Martini Bar or the Wheelhouse Bar.

It goes without saying that you have to see a production show while you’re on board. The Princess Theater is home to wonderful performances – the perfect night out. Also be sure to check the Vista Show Lounge schedule, as this venue also features live entertainment.

Other popular spots at night include the Grand Casino, which has several slot machines as well as facilities for roulette and blackjack, and the Movies Under the Stars big screen by the main pool area.

The Sun Princess for families

Children of all ages will love the organised activities available on board the Sun Princess. The youth staff organise a range of interesting games to keep your little ones entertained night and day.

What’s more, all activities are age appropriate, with things like arts and crafts for the toddlers and video games for your teens, so you don’t have to worry about either age group getting bored. Just enrol them in the appropriate group, and you’re all set! The groups are as follows: Princess Pelicans for ages 3 to 7, Shockwaves for ages 8 to 12 and Teen Lounges for ages 13 to 17.