Rose Kelly returns from a cruise onboard the Sun Princess, and compares the differences since her debut sailing two years ago.

The Sun Princess has been basking in the warm temperatures of Spain, France and Italy this season as part of her new Western Mediterranean itinerary.

The ship has undergone some important changes, taking on guest feedback after its debut in 2024. The Sun Princess was the first ship in the line’s new Sphere-class and touted new activities aimed at family cruisers.

It is highly unusual for such a new ship to have so many updates just eight months after the launch. But from my experience, the changes have dramatically improved the guest experience.

Park19 was supposed to be the ship’s top-deck activity area with new attractions like a first-of-its-kind glider. But due to operational problems, Princess decided to scrap Park19 and turn the area into a sports court and track.

But perhaps the biggest change the cruise line has made based on feedback is the restaurant shuffle and dining layout, which passengers have welcomed.

Princess has also introduced a new deluxe and suite accommodation category, where guests have access to a private enclave and an exclusive restaurant.

Take a look inside at the changes on the refurbished Sun Princess.

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The big changes to the dining options on the Sun Princess

The biggest waves the designers have made so far have been in the culinary department. The ship has a total of thirty dining options onboard, including a collection of celebrity collaborations. The variety is impressive, from sushi to seafood, from butcher’s cuts to authentic Italian, gelato to Asian fusion; it all combines to create a sense of having everything at your fingertips.

Sami Kohen, vice president of food & beverage for Princess, says the changes allowed for “more intimate and immersive culinary environments, ensuring that every meal aboard Sun Princess is truly exceptional.”

Two of Sun Princess‘ venues, Catch by Rudi seafood eatery and Butcher’s Block by Dario steakhouse, were previously located on Deck 9 behind The Eatery buffet. They have now been relocated to Deck 7 in an enclosed space, creating a more atmospheric space. Previously, when the two venues were located near The Eatery, the flow-through of guest traffic from the buffet disrupted the atmosphere of the specialty restaurants, which are priced from $60 for adults and $30 for children.

My observation: The relocation has increased popularity for the celebrity chef’s space that boasts Michelin-level seafood artistry by Rudi Sodamin.

Now on Deck 7 is Americana Diner. The casual eatery complements the atmosphere of The Eatery well. The Eatery has set breakfast, lunch and dining times, so for guests who are looking for a bite to eat outside of the venue’s allocated time, they can find the Americana Diner close by.

These changes have truly improved the whole dining experience of the Sun Princess. The quality of the meals when I first sailed was fantastic, but now, with better flow-through, it has made a huge difference. The specialty dining options are worth the money for the variety.

Love by Britto is one specialty dining restaurant that packs a punch, with dishes designed with wow factor: bold colours, love heart designs carved into tasty morsels, and spectacular views of the wake of the ship.

Umai is the interactive Teppanyaki that has passengers literally catching their meals as it flies through the air from hilarious knife-wielding culinary masters.

For something more intimate, Makoto is the small-scale sushi restaurant created by celebrity chef Makoto Okuwa where the delicate modern Japanese dishes are sliced and rolled before your eyes.

Some of the restaurants have had instant success on board since the ship’s original launch, and some have had a staggered release to open since the maiden voyage.  

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An expanded Sanctuary Collection

While we didn’t have the opportunity to stay in the new Sanctuary Collection, the accommodation offerings are perhaps the biggest change made on the Sun Princess since its launch.

Previously, the upper mini-suite categories fell under the Reserve Collection. But now that has been removed and the mini-suites have been combined into the Sanctuary Club Collection. This includes 80 Signature Collection Suites and 12 Premium Deluxe Balconies.

If you’re a guest in this gorgeous area, you will receive the Princess Premier package, which includes unlimited premium drinks, unlimited fitness classes, MedallionNet Max internet, prepaid gratuities, and more. Guests will have access to an exclusive top deck space called The Sanctuary Club and a private restaurant.

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The Sanctuary is now only for Sanctuary Collection guests

The Sanctuary Club has an adults-only private pool and leisure club within the ship that is open only for Suite-class guests. The majority of passengers onboard will spend weeks familiarising themselves with the entire ship and still never know about this oasis of luxury that sits secretly right under their noses.

Previously, the Sanctuary was available to guests staying in any accommodation category who purchased the pass. But now, the space is only available for guests (16+) who are part of the Sanctuary Collection.

The pool area is sleek with pop colours, the bar is at your disposal with drinks delivered to your sunbed, there’s a private restaurant – or dishes delivered to your chosen cabana and there’s even a novelty green wall of lush vines with an enticing bell – which when you ring, leads to a tiny secret hatch that opens, with a white gloved hand, delivering you a freshly poured, chilled glass of champagne. It’s more Alice in Wonderland than Wonderland itself!

Throughout the day, there are Zumba and yoga classes as well as sunset cocktail receptions.

It’s a welcome change for guests who are staying in these suite categories who have paid for an exclusive experience.

The expansion of the Sanctuary Collection is a clear statement from Princess that there is a demand for exclusive elements for guests where privacy is the ultimate luxury.

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New destinations and itineraries

It’s not just the onboard dining that’s been reshuffled and enhanced since launch for The Sun Princess. One of the biggest new additions for the Sun Princess this season is how she is spreading her wings, entering new ports and destinations with her new Western Mediterranean itinerary.

There are a total of 16 cruises offering up a selection of brand-new stops, including crowd pleasers like Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Ajaccio in Corsica, Genoa in Italy – which provides access to Cinque Terre, Ibiza, Santa Margherita. There are also day trips to Portofino, and La Spezia – offering access to the gems of Florence and Pisa.

One of the highlights of these itineraries is that they start and finish in Barcelona and Rome, which for Aussie cruisers heading to Europe for their cruise, is a win-win opportunity to extend the trip at either end.

Along with these new ports of call, there are a huge number of shore excursions on offer to explore the secrets and stories of each region.

In Corsica, you can be transported to an aromatic fairytale with a visit to a local essential oil farm, where your local Corsican artisan will beguile you with tales of which flowers and plants are pressed and crushed to produce his heavenly scents.

The oils will remind you of these springtime memories for years to come, and may also heal your medical ailments in the process. From here, you can wander into a local honey farm to witness the queens magically creating this golden elixir to tantalise your palate and potentially wind back the years in skincare products. What’s not to love!

In Portofino, a small ferry will glide you into the vibrant coastline for a day of people watching and pouting within the mega-stars playground. Italian supermodels strut the Corso, from designer stores to outdoor cafes, sipping spritzers and admiring the white and gold yachts moored proudly on show. Here, be sure to enjoy the local gelati flavours and take a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters beneath elegant old hotels and bougainvillea-dotted cliffs.

Not every port has to be pre-booked and planned. Some of the best days are the ones left to spontaneity and adventure. In Palma de Mallorca, bicycles for hire line the port where you disembark, and there’s a perfectly paved bike path leading all the way to the centre of town. With lavender and palm trees lining your path, and a cathedral ahead that dazzles in size and history, you’re guaranteed a day to remember.

And we haven’t even begun to discuss Italy!

Like any beautiful woman who spends her days swanning around the Mediterranean, The Sun Princess is enjoying her debut. She is making subtle adjustments where needed onboard, and she is dipping her toes in new and exciting waters throughout the world’s most glamorous coastlines.

Most importantly, she is enjoying her moment in the sun.

For more information or to book your next Princess cruise, click here.