Sun Princess is a Sphere-class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, and is the third ship to sail for the cruise line under this name. Sun Princess was ordered on 23 July 2018 from Fincantieri and were constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and debuted in 2024.
 Sun Princess at Piraeus, 2024
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Bermuda | |
| Name | Sun Princess |
| Owner |  Carnival Corporation & plc |
| Operator | Princess Cruises |
| Port of registry | Hamilton,  Bermuda |
| Ordered | 23 July 2018[1] |
| Builder | |
| Laid down | 8 March 2023[2] |
| Sponsored by | Hannah Waddingham |
| Christened | 23 April 2024[4] |
| Acquired | 28 February 2024[3] |
| Maiden voyage | 28 February 2024 |
| In service | 2024-present |
| Identification | |
| Status | In Service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Sphere-class cruise ship |
| Tonnage | 177,882 GT[5] |
| Length | 1,133 ft (345 m)[5] |
| Beam | 155 ft (47 m)[6] |
| Decks | 21[5] |
| Speed | 22 kn (41 km/h) |
| Capacity | 4,300 |
| Crew | 1,600 |
History
editConstruction and delivery
editThe final contract of the first two Sphere-class vessels was signed in March 2019. In March 2023, the ship was floated out in Monfalcone, Italy.[7] Sun Princess was seen completing her sea trials in November 2023 and January 2024. Two weeks before her originally expected delivery, a mutual agreement to delay her delivery was announced. The circumstances were not explained. Sun Princess's debut was delayed from 8 February to 28 February 2024.[8][9]
She had her naming ceremony in the Port of Barcelona being named by Hannah Waddingham on 23 April 2024.[10] The Ted Lasso actress would later participate in an ad campaign where she performs the theme to The Love Boat television series aboard the ship.[11]
Operational history
editSun Princess sailed her maiden voyage on 28 February 2024, 20 days after her anticipated debut, setting sail in the Mediterranean.[12]
Design and specifications
editSun Princess is the first ship of the Sphere class. She measures 1,133 feet (345 m) in length with a beam of 155 feet (47 m). The Sphere class has been a major update to the overall design of Princess's ships, featuring a more modern look. Sun Princess also features new glass, dome-like elements visible from the exterior of the vessel.[13][14] Sun Princess is the first Princess ship to be fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) which will persist throughout the Sphere class.
References
edit- ^ "Princess Cruises to Build Two Next Generation LNG Cruise". www.carnivalcorp.com.
- ^ "Sun Princess Floats Out at Fincantieri - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
- ^ "New Sun Princess Arrives in Civitavecchia Ahead of Maiden Cruise - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
- ^ "Hannah Waddingham to Serve as Godmother of Sun Princess - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
- ^ a b c "Sun Princess Fact Sheet - Princess Cruises".
- ^ "Sun Princess Ship Info". www.cruisedeckplans.com.
- ^ "New Sun Princess Named by Hannah Waddingham". cruiseindustrynews.com. 2023-03-08.
- ^ "Sun Princess Delivered but Feb. 18 Sailing Cancelled". cruiseindustrynews.com.
- ^ "Princess Cancels First Sun Princess Cruise". cruiseindustrynews.com. 2024-01-24.
- ^ "New Sun Princess Named by Hannah Waddingham". cruiseindustrynews.com. 2024-02-14.
- ^ Brenton Blanchet (2024-11-22). "Hannah Waddingham Takes on The Love Boat Theme for Princess Cruise Ad — and Shares How It Honors Her 108-Year-Old Grandpa". People.
- ^ "Sun Princess Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage to the Mediterranean - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
- ^ Cruises, Princess. "Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection Aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess". www.prnewswire.com (Press release).
- ^ Johnson, Holly (2024-06-25). "Sun Princess: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on Princess Cruises' Newest Ship". travel.usnews.com.