SUN PRINCESS REVIEW 2024: In-Depth Review of the World's Newest Cruise Ship from Princess Cruises

[@CruisingTipsDotCom]

Fantastic review, as always. I don't love that they've made Alfredo's a specialty venue. Meanwhile, if there's one thing upon which I disagree with you, it's with regards to shows in the Dome. I'm a big believer that if you're going to have a show that's in high demand, you need to have a reservation system in place. People should never, ever have to arrive at a venue two hours in advance just to be sure they get a good seat. Guests on a ship, no matter the size, should have a reasonable expectation that they will get to see and enjoy everything it has to offer (especially the shows, etc which are offered without a charge). Bigger isn't better if your ship capacity far outnumbers the number of people who will be able to see a show over the course of a given week.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks Richard! Ironically, I totally agree about the shows. That was one of my criticisms (I hope it came through that way) and I think Princess needs to address it, and realistically that can only be done with a reservations system. Enough push back from their passengers and reviewers and they might just do it… they certainly have the technological foundation with the medallion. Thanks again!

[@ingridmccarthy0707]

As another avid Princess cruiser, who has been a bit disappointed in some of the changes, this looks amazing! And I'm so keen to try either of these Sphere class ships out! I'm so glad you got to go, too, Adrian! Thanks for the review.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching! I wasn't sure what to expect - and I was super surprised at how much I loved Sun. The one lasting impression I have, is just how connected I felt to the landscape around us thanks to all of those amazing views and outdoor spaces. She almost feels like a return to cruising of old, but in a completely new package.

[@glendacollins2898]

Sad to see no ability to buy in to The Sanctuary after October. If you want to enjoy The Sanctuary you must be part of a class system and you will pay almost double for your staterooms that allow you into The Sanctuary. (Sanctuary Class). Big turn off IMO. And deeply disappointing.

[@montyboswell6509]

One of the best reviews of the Sun I have seen. Thank you for all the information and your thoughts. As a senior Princess cruiser who doesn’t like crowds, and with mobility issues in my family, I don’t think we will be sailing on her, you have certainly piqued my interest! Lois

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. We were told that Sun Princess is actually one of the only ships in the world to have been built to a high ADA standard (I don’t recall which, sorry) but Princess usually offers quite comprehensive accessibility deck plans that shows routes for scooters/wheelchairs that you can ask your travel agent for if you’d like to see them in detail. Thanks again and happy cruising!

[@suzanneshirley6206]

The Butcher Table was the worst food we ever ate.. Don’t waste your money on that meal. The ship was beautiful and easy to maneuver around and yes we took that cruise 2 months ago

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Maybe the difference in our meals was that yours was 2 months ago? The Butcher’s Block was lovely when I dined there a few weeks back. Happy cruising.

[@blacksorrento4719]

I do feel that the majority of the cruise lines are trying to bring in class distinction again to cruising. You can call it Princess Plus, and having the total experience but to my POV, I still remember cruising on First and Tourist Class ships, and that is essentially what they are trying to bring back with areas, cabins and reserved seating for Princess Plus passengers. I don’t know whether that is a step in the right direction! Thank you for the review Adrian, I look forward to viewing your video on the ship tour. 👍😊

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Totally agree! There’s a definite two class system onboard modern cruise ships, but it’s slightly hidden behind the shiny marketing. I made a video about this topic last year some time from memory. It’s a big thing on cruise ships now and only becoming more significant as time goes on. Thanks as always for watching 😁

[@davidtavakoli5858]

The best review of this ship I've seen online! Great job, thank you! We're sailing on Icon of the Seas in October and Sun Princess is the next on our radar! Can't wait.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. I’d love to get on Icon soon! Happy cruising.

[@jeremy1350]

Well I guess "Steamboat" really loved the "Love Boat !!" Among your peers, who sailed on board, your review was thoroughly enjoyable. I see you have Mastered Miss Emma's "Rapid Fire Review" technique !! he he he Alas, we need to create a Captain Hudson companion for the channel. I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date, No time to say Hello Goodbye, I'm Late, I'm Late, I'm Late !!! She is a beautiful ship. You can see how many other cruise ship companies, the new generation of ships are feeding from. It's interesting how many video thumbnails for "Sun" say "Brutally Honest Review!!' before you even click the video. Then go on to rip her to shreds, because she was not another cookie cutter Royal Class ship with the age old piazza and the same old decor and same old venues that were predictable !! OY !! You just can't please them all, can you ?? Well Done !!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks Jeremy! An honour it is to be compared to Emma. It's not been a purposeful imitation but one which echoes my preferred consumption style and I think Emma hits the nail on the head 😄 Definitely can't please them all, but as I always say, the cruising industry is such that there's really something for everyone. I think Sun Princess is one of the best new ships to launch in this era, the perfect blend of classic cruising charm and modern/contemporary cruise tastes!

[@KK-tr8tf]

Wow. What a review. You did an amazing job !!! I have followed all videos about this ship since the first day it was set sail. Your review is the very best. I am so ready to join this beauty in June!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks so much! That’s very kind. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@sarahvan15]

Was Starlink installed on this ship when you sailed? Did you notice a difference in connectivity and speed? Thanks!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Starlink was installed, but the speeds weren't great at that time. BUT MedallionNet Max is launching soon for guests with Princess Plus and Premier and it should be much better. Watch this to learn more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ini2k6V7p62ZZpY

[@chucknorris8704]

Adrian, does Sun Princess feel larger inside than the Celebrity Edge?

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Good question, and yes! She does feel larger. I felt like there was a big variety of spaces to choose from onboard both inside and out - which is something I felt was a little lacking on Edge.

[@lesliemckay2835]

Soooo much information. I think I will have to watch again in segments to be able to take it all in. 🤩

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

😆 it's a bit of a packed review!

[@passionatelifeproject]

Looks amazing, but the important question is.... how were the Espresso Martini's?

[@roberthamilton1301]

😂

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

🤣 I can't believe I didn't even mention the espresso martinis... they were good! Hit the spot... not as good as Michael's though...

[@TheKangarooRanger]

Beautifully presented as usual! Here’s to hoping and dreaming that they’ll one day visit our shores… In the interim, we’ll simply need to let Cynthia know to book us on the Alaskan cruise as it becomes available. 🛳😎👍 Thanks again for all the well presented and detailed insights!!! ~ Sydney Boyz 🍸😘👍

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Ahh thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed watching the review. Sun is spectacular and Star in Alaska will be ah-ma-zing.

[@ginapallone1146]

Thanks for the very informative review. We're going on the Sun Princess in Aug 2025 on the Mediterranean cruise . Can't wait

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy your upcoming cruise onboard Sun.

[@asherthomas3851]

I agree I would love the ship to be in Australia as well I haven't been on royal princess yet but in December this year I will be

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

I think she would do amazingly well in Australia and NZ. Royal is a beautiful ship (have you watched my full ship tour?) I'm working on my Royal Princess cruise review too, so keep an eye out for that.

[@asherthomas3851]

@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy i have 10 times

[@wildmountainman1]

Looks great, thanks Adrian. I’m glad you finally got to experience the it firsthand and to bring us your review. It certainly is a ship I’d like to go on.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks heaps! She’s a beauty, I was really impressed, especially with all of the natural light and windows/views.

[@jeanduffus2070]

EXCELLENT review Adrian. I respect and appreciate your review- I think you have very similar tastes and desires about cruising as I do so I do hope one day to meet you on a cruise. I’m dreaming of the day I can enjoy a cruise on either Sun or Star Princess (no more shower curtains!) 😂

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks so much! Haha well if you do ever see me, please feel free to say hello and we’ll have a good ol’ yarn about our favourite ships 😆

[@Shelle200]

Love the video I was trying to book a princess cruise on the thumb princess but the system's down so I guess More videos watching other people have fun

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully you’ve been able to book by now 😁

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Adrian, you look awesome and very relaxed 😎

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Ahh thanks! 🤩

[@Natalie-531]

How does this compare to celebrity beyond?

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

I have sailed on Edge, Beyond's sister, and put a review together that you may enjoy watching to learn more about that ship and how it compares to Sun Princess. Note that Beyond is a slightly newer version of Edge with a few differences. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrKZ5ipfpl4mbM

[@Natalie-531]

@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy thanks. Went on beyond in July, looking at enchanted for next July.

[@pbjones12]

Thank you for this review. I booked a cruise on the Sun for 2025. I've never been on any Princess ship. I only cruised once before and that was on Carnival. Do you think this is a ship the entire family can enjoy? I have kids in their late teens and early, mid- twenties.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching! I do think the entire family can enjoy their time onboard. Obviously it lacks the vast theme part style attractions of the type seen on Royal Caribbean, Carnival and NCL, but I think it still suits the family especially with a view to exploring destinations.

[@calumshaw]

Great tour Adrian. There doesn't appear to be 360 Dining venue or did you just miss it? I hope Spellbound is not a replacement. I enjoyed the 360 on Enchanted Princess last year and reckon it was one of the best dining Experiences we've ever enjoyed - Land or Sea.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks Calum! No 360 on Sun unfortunately. Their new high-end venue is Love by Britto. I believe it opened at the end of my time onboard, so we didn't get a chance to see or experience it.

[@johnhowes1686]

Thanks Adrian, for another informative video. Maybe "Park 19" will finally be operational by the time the Sun Princess finally reaches Australian shores. 😂😂😂

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

🤣 maybe! Thanks for watching 😬

[@cruisingtravellers]

Looks awesome! Thanks for the review Adrian. We can’t wait to sail on Star Princess next year 😊

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching guys! Based on Sun, I have no doubt Star will be spectacular.

[@bradmoon9574]

Adrian great review makes me think about try this class of ship. Whenever you talk about 4000+ passengers it scares me but it seems like there is a lot of open space onboard and you don't have to go all the way to the top decks for outdoor spaces. The cabins look good like the lounge gives so much more space. Would have to say after a recent trip on Royal to say Princess wants to be a foodie destination they have a lot of work to do but one would hope food on a brand new ship would be good. Thanks for the review given me something to think about.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks Brad! I definitely didn’t feel that number of passengers onboard, but we also didn’t have any tender ports on our voyage and I know that would make an impact! But totally have to say that it just felt super easy-breezy onboard, and not crowded at all (except for show time queues).

[@johnslemko]

It was an excellent review. It covers everything on a need to know basis. Thank you!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@MarkButchen]

Guess I was on a different ship overrated overpriced overhyped same mediocre food service convoluted design piazza sphere etc seemed more like a hospital or office building no character charm intimacy like royal class ships you can see water on the pool deck buffet food recycled from previous day buffet too crowded and constantly waited while people kept changing what they wanted etc

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

@@MarkButchen sounds like 2 different experiences to me too. With thousands of people onboard, I would never suggest that *my* experience is the same as anyone else’s - yours included. But I can only report on what *I* experienced. I’d like to add that I spent two weeks onboard Royal Princess in March, and Sun Princess was better in every measurable way. If you want to talk crowded, there was literally no way to find a seat in a lounge or bar onboard Royal Princess between the hours of 5pm and 7pm - every, single, night. I never experienced anything like that on Sun Princess and it goes to demonstrate that your love for Royal is not without issue. Happy cruising.

[@MarkButchen]

I didn’t say the royal class was a utopia or anything like that. I use to be associated with the cruising industry some time ago and worked in the hospitality sector before and after finance and law. To me most aspects of cruising have gone down compared to the way it used to be. My definition of a high quality experience whether on ships or land is predicated on the level of service ambiance food quality and the like. Nowadays these ships in my opinion often fall short. As far as princess goes I travel on them an abnormal amount of time, in last year alone I have cruised some 24 times with still 6 cruises to go on between now and early July. I found the enchanted their best ship relating to cruise director all the way down. You are absolutely rt everyone has diff opinions but I just find most ships overrated overpriced and subject to constant hyperbole.

[@hemioneclout2089]

@thecruiseandtravelguy - are there plans for Sun Princess to come down to Australia / NZ?

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Not at this stage unfortunately but I’m hopefully for 2026/27 🤞🏼

[@roberthamilton1301]

Great Ship review, You certainly do it better than most in my opinion. I really doubt we will see her in aus any time soon dispite the company rhetoric... Thanks again Mate

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks so much, that means a lot! I know it's a pipe dream, but gee Princess will be onto something if they sail her our way. I think people would be clambering to get on!

[@mrscuteas]

Some interesting things but I just can’t wrap my head around being stuck on a ship with so many people 😨

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

I know... I feel similarly, but thankfully I never felt crowded onboard (except for maybe the shows...) Ironically, she's quite small compared to other ships out there!

[@nicolechapman6440]

Great ship review. Thanks for all the information. I certainly look forward to sailing on a sphere class one day.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the review. I need to get myself back on a Sphere Class ship soon.

[@LynneLucas-k2y]

We have just finished a a 19 day cruise around the med on Sun Princess. Ship & Crew were awesome but cigarette & Cigar smell was a definite turn off. The stairwells, lift lobbies and corridors to decks 9,10 and 11 were absolutely disgusting to say the least with the smell of stale tobacco. all that money spent on this brand new ship only to destroy the beautiful décor with nicotine, the mind boggles.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Yes that was annoying! As an Aussie, it was a stark point of difference to cruising locally in our waters where smoking is not allowed indoors.

[@DavidBurton-x2h]

The cigarette smoke, everywhere, even on the Lido deck was disgusting. I also have to say that the food on our 10 day cruise was really bad. Speciality dining was a little better but my Delta One Suite airline dinner was better than anything we ordered onboard the Sun Princess. The changes to the buffet were not appreciated. It made it nearly impossible for us to select what we wanted, the way we wanted it. That said, the food in the buffet was pretty close to inedible. We had to grab a quick breakfast there a few times to make it to our shore excursions and I regretted it. We were in a Reserve suite and ate most of our meals in the Reserve dining room. That was.a pleasant experience and the food was considerably better. I had one, and only one menu item during the entire cruise where I thought it was really good. Princess needs to fix the horrible cigarette smoke issue and make major changes to the quality of their food.

[@ZymTime]

Does the ship have a basketball court?? Does anyone know?

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYWto2ugqb98hbM Check out Park 19 (use the chapters) it's the area where there's a sports court

[@luisenchautegui873]

Great review. I appreciate all the updates that you provided.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@wendysmith6184]

Great review, Adrian. I just want to go on her sooner rather than later 😊

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks so much, she’s a lovely ship. I want to go back! Haha.

[@lindareavey425]

Very informative. Thank you for posting.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jarrodthepig3090]

Looks absolutely fabulous.

[@leolok2632]

Pool looks too small for 4000 passengers!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

There are 5 pools. Compare to that Virgin’s ships in particular - they barely have 2.

[@Ambientmopar]

🛳🛳🛳

[@WendyKoek-e8x]

The Sun Princess looks nice

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

She’s a beauty!

[@kimlindell4709]

Nice video!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks Kim 🙏🏼

[@Mark_Kelder]

I think the new sun pricess should be based in Australia. Thats where the Old sun princess was based (which I cruised on 10 years ago and was in desperate need of replacment). all in all I think Australia needs some decent ships here to attract more ppl to cruising. All the new ships are in the US/Europe..

[@dennisclementi3187]

I cruised on the Sun Princess this past April . The cruise was fine but the experience I had with make arrangements with flights, with excursions and refunds due me was horrible. I am still waiting for a refund from my cruise portfolio (3 months now). This was my 7th cruise with them and my last.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Ooh that doesn’t sound very good. Sorry to hear it was a mixed bag of experiences.

[@bethmctv9317]

Do you think I will be able to stream Netflix to the TV? Not being able to watch my K dramas on a big screen during my cruise would kind of be a bummer. 🫠

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

I haven't tried recently, but you could always bring an HDMI cable with you and try to connect your laptop or device to the television. Check the Cruisecritic forums, as people will most likely have tried and reported back about their success or otherwise.