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.

Comments

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.