The year 2024 is just around the corner, and we have many exciting new cruise ships on the horizon. One of them is the Sun Princess, which we visited at the Fincantieri in Monfalcone, where it is currently in the final stages of construction and outfitting.
But let's start with its dimensions: a ship of more than 175,000 gross tons, 345 meters in total length, 4,300 passengers in double occupancy and 21 decks.
For Princess Cruises, the Sun Princess will not only be a revolutionary ship, the first of the Sphere class, but also the result of an evolution. In fact, loyal customers of this brand already love this premium product as it is, and therefore it didn't seem necessary to design a completely new ship that would represent a break with the past.
It's a ship with a dual propulsion system, meaning it has electric generators capable of burning both traditional bunker fuel and liquefied natural gas. The latter is currently the "greenest" fuel available, yet it represents a transitional technology toward the zero-emission ship of the future, which we expect to see by 2050.
The Sun Princess still appears to be a massive undertaking, as its delivery is still several weeks away. Some 3,500 workers are currently engaged in its finishing touches, but despite appearances, it is already in the final stages of construction, having already undergone sea trials and dry dock testing.
Compared to the six Royal-class ships that preceded it, the cabin design has changed, and although dressing rooms have been omitted, the bathrooms are clearly an improvement. The buffet has been moved to the center of the ship on deck 9, while the suites and the renowned Sanctuary, the exclusive relaxation area, are located aft on the upper decks.
The atrium, located in the center of decks 7, 8, and 9, is a multifunctional area reminiscent of similar spaces on Carnival ships. It will also host performances, in addition to the main theater. The main theater, however, is situated at the bow and arranged on two circular decks with tiered seating surrounding the central stage, promising to be one of the most beautiful, technologically advanced, and innovative theaters at sea.
The “sphere” is the architectural principle that distinguishes this ship. It is another multifunctional space for indoor daytime activities that transforms into an area for nighttime shows and parties.
Furthermore, unlike the company's previous ships, the Sun Princess features a large restaurant spread across several decks at the stern. Two panoramic elevators depart from here, reaching the very end of the ship and the suite area, which includes an exclusive lounge and restaurant.
The Sun Princess will spend its entire inaugural season in the Mediterranean, from spring to autumn, with embarkations in Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Piraeus on voyages of 7 to 21 nights.
More information in CruisesNews magazine, issue 67, December 2023.
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