This weekend, Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess made its UK debut by docking in Southampton, a significant event for the cruise industry in the region.
- The arrival was marked by a traditional plaque and key ceremony, highlighting the importance of this event to local stakeholders and dignitaries.
- An exclusive event was held aboard the ship, attended by industry professionals including journalists, travel agents, and content creators.
- The Sun Princess, newly added to the Princess fleet, concluded its inaugural Mediterranean season with this stop before heading to the Caribbean.
- The ship is renowned as the first in the Princess fleet to be powered by liquified natural gas, showcasing advanced sustainable technologies.
Princess Cruises’ latest addition, the Sun Princess, made its much-anticipated UK debut over the weekend, docking at the Port of Southampton. Captained by Craig Street, the ship’s arrival was celebrated with a plaque and key ceremony attended by prominent figures such as Councillor Dave Shields, the Mayor of Southampton, alongside various stakeholders and members of Associated British Ports (ABP). This event underscored the cruise company’s commitment to the UK market, as emphasised by Eithne Williamson, vice president of Princess Cruises UK and Europe. “We have been counting down the days until the highly anticipated arrival of Sun Princess to the UK,” Williamson stated, expressing delight at the vessel’s arrival.
The Sun Princess hosted an exclusive gathering on board, inviting journalists, travel agents, and key stakeholders for an intimate event, further cementing its introduction to the UK market. This invitation-only occasion on Sunday, 22 September, accentuated the ship’s role in reinforcing Princess Cruises’ vow to deliver an exceptional cruising experience tailored for UK guests.
Following its debut in Southampton, the Sun Princess set sail for Fort Lauderdale, embarking on its inaugural Caribbean season. This move came after completing its first Mediterranean season, marking a significant milestone in the vessel’s journey.
The Sun Princess is notably the first in its class within the Princess fleet to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability and reduced emissions. This innovation is part of wider efforts to incorporate shore power capabilities in all Princess ships, enabling near-zero emissions while docked.
During its brief stay in the UK, the Sun Princess underwent commissioning for shore power at the Port of Southampton, making it the first port in the UK to offer such facilities. According to Tom Dynes, general manager of landside operations at ABP Southampton, this development allows the vessel to test onboard systems, ensuring compliance with emission reduction standards. Dynes stated, “The Port of Southampton is proud to be the first port in the UK to offer shore power and the capability to commission new cruise ships.” These advancements highlight the commitment of both Princess Cruises and port authorities to sustainable practices.
The Sun Princess’s UK debut underscores Princess Cruises’ dedication to sustainable cruising and their focus on enhancing the UK market.
