Embarking on a fresh adventure, our writer set sail on Princess Cruises' newest and largest ship, Sun Princess, during her inaugural voyage from North America. With high expectations and a discerning palate, they discovered a dining experience that surpassed all expectations, while also navigating some minor setbacks. Join us as we explore the culinary delights, captivating entertainment, and the overall experience of this innovative cruise ship.

Elevating the Cruise Experience with Unparalleled Dining and Exceptional Value

A Culinary Odyssey at Sea

Stepping aboard Sun Princess, our writer was immediately captivated by the ship's commitment to culinary excellence. From the Main Dining Room to the specialty restaurants, every meal showcased the cruise line's dedication to delivering an unparalleled dining experience. The writer was particularly impressed by the brand-new artistic-inspired restaurant, Love by Britto, which offered a truly unique and visually stunning dining experience.The casual dining options also left a lasting impression. Alfredo's Pizza, for instance, dished up freshly made pies with a variety of delectable toppings, including the writer's personal favorite, the Hot Honey Pie. The Lido Tacos, serving up everything from chicken to lamb shawarma, were equally praised for their fresh flavors and creative offerings.

Exceptional Value with Princess Plus

While Princess Cruises may not be an all-inclusive line, the writer was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional value offered through the Princess Plus package. For just $60 per day, guests can enjoy a bundle of popular add-ons, including 15 alcoholic drinks valued up to $15 per day, Wi-Fi for one device, two casual meals, two premium desserts, two fitness classes, and gratuities.Compared to other cruise lines, where drink packages and Wi-Fi can cost upwards of $60 per day, the writer found Princess's bundled offerings to be highly competitive and a refreshing change. The ability to indulge in crafted cocktails, premium gelato, and specialty pizzas without worrying about additional costs was a welcomed perk.

Navigating the Culinary Landscape

Not every dining experience on Sun Princess was a home run, however. The writer was disappointed by the limited availability of complimentary dining options after 10 pm, with guests left to choose between the 24-hour International Cafe or the OceanNow delivery menu.One particular letdown was the writer's visit to O'Malley's Irish Pub, where the much-anticipated onion rings failed to live up to expectations, while the Irish Onion Soup proved to be the true standout. Similarly, the Boozy Brownie dessert at O'Malley's was a disappointment, lacking the rich chocolate flavor and boozy kick the name had promised.The Americana Diner also fell short, with the creamy mac and cheese tasting overly processed and the tempura cauliflower being rather bland. However, the writer acknowledged that they may have missed the mark by not trying the all-day breakfast items or the sticky pork ribs, which they had heard great things about.

Embracing the Culinary Adventure

Despite the occasional misstep, the writer's overall dining experience on Sun Princess was nothing short of exceptional. The commitment to quality, creativity, and value-driven offerings left a lasting impression, showcasing why the ship is rightfully dubbed "the greatest foodie destination at sea."As the writer reflected on their culinary journey, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future of Princess Cruises and the endless possibilities that await on the Sun Princess. With a dedication to innovation and a passion for delivering unforgettable dining experiences, this ship is poised to redefine the standards of cruise ship cuisine.

Captivating Entertainment and Engaging Onboard Activities

Beyond the impressive dining offerings, Sun Princess also captivated the writer with its diverse entertainment and engaging onboard activities. The Dome, the ship's stunning indoor-outdoor pool area, played host to jaw-dropping aerial shows that left the writer in awe.However, the writer noted that the limited seating capacity of the Dome and other venues, such as Princess Live!, presented a challenge in accommodating the ship's large passenger capacity. During popular events, guests often found themselves scrambling to secure a spot, with some resorting to sitting on the floor or standing outside to catch a glimpse of the action.Despite these logistical hurdles, the writer was thoroughly impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the ship's activities staff, led by the charismatic Cruise Director Corinne and Assistant Cruise Director Sam. From the lively deck party, where crew members jumped into the pool to engage with guests, to the family-friendly Piazza Pandemonium, the writer couldn't help but be swept up in the infectious spirit of the entertainment team.

Navigating the Onboard Experience

While the entertainment and activities on Sun Princess were undoubtedly captivating, the writer encountered some disappointments in the overall onboard experience. The embarkation process, marked by long, snake-like lines winding through the terminal, was a hassle that left the writer longing for a smoother start to the voyage.Additionally, the writer experienced some hiccups with the OceanNow delivery service, which at times resulted in delayed or even canceled orders. The inconsistent service was a frustration, especially when the writer waited an hour for a simple iced coffee.The writer's cabin steward also failed to introduce themselves, leaving the writer unsure of who was responsible for servicing their stateroom. This lack of personal touch was a noticeable contrast to the writer's previous experiences on other cruise lines, where cabin stewards were more attentive and engaged.

Embracing the Evolving Cruise Experience

Despite the minor setbacks, the writer's overall experience on Sun Princess was overwhelmingly positive. The ship's commitment to innovation, exceptional dining, and captivating entertainment left a lasting impression, and the writer expressed a strong desire to sail with Princess Cruises again in the future.As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the Sun Princess stands as a testament to Princess Cruises' dedication to pushing the boundaries of what a cruise ship can offer. With its groundbreaking design, culinary excellence, and engaging onboard experiences, this inaugural voyage has set the stage for a new era of cruise travel, one that promises to delight and captivate passengers for years to come.