The Sun Princess has finally set sail on its long-anticipated maiden voyage.
- Originally scheduled to debut earlier, the cruise faced two delays due to agreements with its shipbuilder.
- The Sun Princess is pioneering the use of LNG to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- The 177,882-ton vessel offers numerous innovative features for its passengers.
- The ship’s journey includes a comprehensive Mediterranean itinerary before moving to the Caribbean.
The Sun Princess has embarked on its maiden voyage across the Mediterranean, a journey postponed twice from its initial schedule due to mutual agreements between Princess Cruises and the Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri. The cruise initially intended to set sail from Barcelona on February 8, but faced its first delay, with a subsequent sailing cancelled 10 days later. However, the ship has now departed from Civitavecchia, the port serving Rome, marking a new chapter in its operational journey.
This maiden voyage not only marks a key milestone for Princess Cruises’ largest vessel, but also sets a precedent as it is the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), showcasing a commitment to reducing environmental impacts through reduced greenhouse gas emissions. As the cruise progresses, its itinerary will cover diverse destinations such as Naples, Crete, Kusadasi, Athens, Sicily, Majorca, and a return to Barcelona, before heading back to Civitavecchia.
The Sun Princess, weighing in at a considerable 177,882 tons, offers an array of features designed to enhance passenger experience. Notable innovations include a glass-enclosed geodesic dome, a uniquely outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, and a variety of dining and leisure options including 30 restaurants and bars. Catering to families, the ship boasts Park19, a family activity zone, as well as more than 1,500 cabins, many with balconies, and cabana mini-suites providing extra space for comfort.
Looking ahead, the Sun Princess will provide a series of seven to twelve-night voyages in the Mediterranean region before embarking on a nine-night sail from Barcelona to Southampton in mid-September. This precedes its strategic relocation to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in preparation for its debut winter Caribbean season.
John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, remarked on the ship’s inaugural journey, describing it as a ‘historic day’ that presents an opportunity for guests to engage with what he describes as a ‘sensational, next-level Love Boat’ experience. He highlights the ship as a testament to advanced design and technology, elevating both space and experience for its passengers.
Monika Best, a seasoned traveller from Nova Scotia and a frequent cruiser with Princess, shared her insights, recognising the evolving focus of Princess Cruises towards family-oriented and generational cruising, an approach she welcomes enthusiastically.
The Sun Princess embarks on its journey, setting a new standard in cruise travel with its innovative design and environmental efficiency.
