As the Sun Princess sails its Caribbean winter season, passengers may notice several changes compared to its European debut earlier in 2024.
While some adjustments are minor, others significantly reshape the onboard experience, from dining venues to exclusive suite areas.
We observed the seven notable changes after sailing the ship’s first cruise from Florida.
1. Sanctuary Collection Debut
The Sanctuary Collection was one of the most notable changes, adding 215 premium staterooms, including suites, mini-suites, and premium deluxe balcony rooms. Guests in these accommodations had exclusive access to dedicated areas, including a sundeck and lounge.
It’s important to note that while this offered a suite-level inclusive experience, unlike other versions, guests needed to leave the Sanctuary area for dining.
The Sanctuary Restaurant was added, located aft on Deck 8, replacing the former Americana Diner. This venue served Sanctuary Collection guests with a chef-driven menu, ocean views, and attentive service.
2. Americana Diner Moves to Deck 9
The Americana Diner relocated from Deck 8 to Deck 9 aft. This casual venue served breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day, offering a wide selection of comfort foods, including the popular “breakfast for dinner” option.
We had a chance to check out Americana Diner when we sailed Sun Princess in Europe.
3. The Catch by Rudi Relocation
Chef Rudi Sodamin’s seafood restaurant, The Catch by Rudi, moved to Deck 7, replacing the Signature Restaurant near the Piazza. Known for its creative seafood dishes, such as lobster mac and cheese served in a shell, the venue highlighted fresh takes on seafood.
Chef Rudi also has a venue on Carnival Cruise Line Excel-class ships called Rudi’s Seagrill.
4. Butcher’s Block by Dario Finds a New Home
The Butcher’s Block by Dario, a specialty restaurant featuring family-style meals focused on meat, moved into the former Crown Grill location on Deck 7. The venue is a collaboration with renowned Italian butcher Dario Cecchini.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Butcher’s Block, but I was impressed after looking into Dario Cecchini’s background. His philosophy of meat centers on using every part of the animal, making sure nothing goes to waste.
5. Crown Grill Moves
The Crown Grill, a classic steakhouse experience with premium cuts of beef and seafood dishes, relocated to Deck 7.
6. Main Dining Rooms Renamed
The Horizons Dining Rooms were renamed: the Deck 6 venue became the Soleil Dining Room, while the Deck 7 location was renamed the Eclipse Dining Room.
This was the first Princess ship to feature a three-level main dining room concept, built at the aft of the ship with stunning views on every level.
7. Park19 Changes
Princess Cruises announced that the RollerGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course features in Park19 on Sun Princess had been removed and would not be opening.
In the meantime, Park19 still offered several activities, including the Infinite Horizon leaning walls, a Hammock Area for relaxing, a Splash Zone with water features, a Recreational Court for games like ping pong and cornhole, and an open-air Jogging Track.
We were informed that the cruise line has other plans for this area in the future.
We were invited by Princess Cruises to sail the three-night preview of Sun Princess, all thoughts are our own.
