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.

Comments

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.