Ship Comparison
Star Princess vs Sun Princess
The Star Princess offers refined comfort and diverse dining, while the Sun Princess pioneers a lively, modern experience with innovative entertainment and family-friendly spaces.
The verdict
Both the Star Princess and Sun Princess represent Princess Cruises' new Sphere-class, sharing many innovative features and a focus on elevated guest experiences. Star Princess, launching in 2025, builds upon its sister's foundation, emphasizing serene comfort in cabins and a slightly more traditional, yet still vibrant, main dining approach. Sun Princess, launched in 2024, is noted as a 'game-changer' for the line, introducing bolder design elements and a highly active atmosphere, particularly around its multi-purpose Dome and bustling Piazza. Your choice between these two will hinge on whether you prioritize a slightly more established, quieter luxury (Star Princess) or a pioneering, energetic, and family-centric experience (Sun Princess), especially when considering dining options like Alfredo's Pizzeria and O'Malley's, which are complimentary on Star Princess but incur a charge on Sun Princess.
Choose Star Princess if…
Travelers who appreciate a blend of modern amenities with a touch more refined calm, seeking comfortable, quiet accommodations and diverse dining options, including complimentary favorites. Ideal for those who value seamless digital experiences and exclusive adults-only retreats.
Best for
- Guests prioritizing exceptional cabin comfort and quiet.
- Foodies seeking authentic Neapolitan pizza (Alfredo's) and an expanded, complimentary Irish pub experience (O'Malley's).
- Couples and adults desiring exclusive, serene retreats like The Sanctuary Collection.
- Travelers who appreciate a seamlessly integrated digital experience with a highly functional cruise app.
Avoid if
- Those who dislike potentially complex ship layouts and prefer straightforward navigation.
- Guests sensitive to privacy concerns in specific cabin categories, such as the Cabana Mini-Suites.
- Individuals who prefer a smaller, more intimate ship experience over a large mega-ship.
- Cruisers who find smaller interior cabins less appealing than average.
Choose Sun Princess if…
Cruisers eager for innovation and a more energetic, family-focused atmosphere, embracing new entertainment concepts and diverse dining. This ship suits those who enjoy bustling social hubs and are comfortable with a more contemporary, active cruise style.
Best for
- Families and multi-generational groups looking for a wide range of age-specific kids' clubs and activities.
- Travelers seeking innovative and immersive entertainment, including acrobatic shows and unique magic experiences.
- Cruisers who enjoy a lively, energetic atmosphere and bustling social hubs.
- Guests eager to explore numerous new specialty dining concepts, even if some incur additional costs.
Avoid if
- Those who prefer a more traditional, quieter cruise experience without constant activity.
- Guests who dislike paying extra for popular dining venues like Alfredo's Pizzeria and O'Malley's Irish Pub.
- Light sleepers sensitive to potential noise from entertainment venues in certain cabin locations.
- Travelers who prefer easily navigable ship layouts and quick access to guest services without long queues.
Overall Vibe
Star Princess
Launching in 2025 as a Sphere-class mega-ship, the Star Princess embodies a classy yet casual ambiance, aiming for comfort and a sense of refined ease. With its design following the Sun Princess, it promises a ship that feels both grand and inviting across its 21 decks. The emphasis here is on providing a sophisticated backdrop for relaxation and exploration, where modern amenities meet a welcoming, unpretentious spirit. It's a vessel where you can expect contemporary elegance without feeling overly formal, designed to offer a comfortable retreat after a day of discovery.
Sun Princess
The Sun Princess, launched in 2024, is heralded as a true game-changer for Princess Cruises, delivering an innovative and notably hipper atmosphere. This mega-ship, also spanning 21 decks, was designed to shine with a more active, modern vibe. Its architectural boldness, particularly the glass-enclosed Dome, sets a new tone, moving the brand towards a more contemporary and energetic experience. It’s a ship for those ready to embrace a fresh take on Princess cruising, where dynamic spaces and new concepts are at the forefront of the onboard journey.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Star Princess
The Star Princess cultivates a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, appealing to a broad audience seeking both social engagement and personal space. Carrying up to 4,300 guests with a crew of 1,200, the ship maintains a good balance, ensuring attentive service even amidst its scale. The buzzing Piazza, with its dynamic sea views, serves as a central hub for activity, drawing guests to live music and interactive events. While there's plenty of energy, the ship's design, along with dedicated quiet zones like The Sanctuary, allows for moments of serene relaxation.
Sun Princess
The Sun Princess, also accommodating 4,300 guests, fosters an innovative and family-oriented atmosphere, known as the most family-friendly ship in the fleet. Its large size and diverse offerings attract a crowd keen on engaging experiences, from acrobatic shows in The Dome to interactive games in The Piazza. The ship’s energy is palpable, with bustling social spaces designed for activity and interaction. Guests will find a dynamic environment that encourages participation and exploration, making it particularly suitable for multi-generational families and those who thrive on a vibrant, active cruise.
Dining
Star Princess
Star Princess offers a diverse culinary journey, with a mix of included and specialty venues. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals at The Eatery buffet, Americana Diner, and the Main Dining Rooms (Soleil, Eclipse, Aurora, Celestial). A standout is Alfredo's Pizzeria, praised for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, which is included. O'Malley's Irish Pub also provides complimentary pub fare and a lively setting. For an additional cost, options include Umai Teppanyaki, The Catch by Rudi, The Butcher's Block by Dario, Makoto Ocean, Love by Britto, and Crown Grill, ensuring a wide array of choices for every palate.
Sun Princess
Sun Princess presents an extensive dining selection, blending traditional favorites with new, innovative concepts. The three-level Main Dining Room, Soleil, and Eclipse Dining Rooms offer complimentary, formal experiences. The Americana Diner provides casual, included American classics, while The Eatery buffet offers global cuisine. Notably, Alfredo's Pizzeria and O'Malley's Irish Pub, while popular, incur an additional charge here. Specialty restaurants like Crown Grill, Sabatini's, The Butcher's Block by Dario (with a full vegetarian menu), The Catch by Rudi, Love By Britto, Makoto Ocean, Umai Teppanyaki, and Umai Hot Pot are available for an extra fee, providing numerous elevated choices.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Star Princess
Entertainment on Star Princess centers around its vibrant, three-deck-high Piazza, offering continuous live music, game shows, and performances like the Princess Pops! revue. The Dome transforms from a daytime pool area into a South Beach-inspired entertainment venue, hosting dazzling Candlelight Concert Series. The technologically advanced Princess Arena presents productions like 'Meridian' with configurable staging. For unique experiences, 'Spellbound by Magic Castle' offers an immersive magic show and speakeasy. Princess Live! hosts trivia and comedy, while the Princess Casino provides gaming options, ensuring varied nightlife for all tastes.
Sun Princess
Sun Princess delivers a dynamic entertainment lineup, highlighted by The Dome, which transitions from a relaxation space to an evening stage for acrobatic performances by Cirque Éloize. The reimagined Piazza Atrium is a constant hub of activity, featuring live music, Zumba, silent discos, and aerial shows. The Princess Arena, with its circular stage, hosts high-energy tribute shows. For a truly unique night, 'Spellbound by Magic Castle' offers an exclusive, immersive magic and dining experience. The ship also boasts Princess's largest-ever casino, including a 'Buffalo Zone,' ensuring a bustling and varied nightlife.
Cabins & Suites
Star Princess
The Star Princess features 2,157 cabins across its decks, offering a wide selection from Interior and Premium Oceanview to Deluxe Balcony, Mini-Suites, and various Signature Collection Suites, including the expansive Signature Sky Suite at 1,262 sq ft. Cabins are noted for being exceptionally quiet and comfortable, with excellent beds and glassed-in showers. The innovative Cabana Mini-Suites provide an additional outdoor lounge space. However, some Cabana Mini-Suites on Deck 9 may have privacy concerns and obstructed views, and their indoor/outdoor space lacks air conditioning. Interior cabins are generally smaller than on comparable ships.
Sun Princess
Sun Princess offers a completely redesigned range of cabins, featuring modern décor, abundant storage, and improved bathrooms across its 2,157 staterooms. Categories include Interior, Premium Oceanview, Deluxe Balcony, Mini-Suites, and the luxurious Signature Suites, capped by the 1,262 sq ft Signature Sky Suite. New options like the Cove Balcony cabins on Deck 6 provide unique views. However, guests should be aware of potential noise from The Piazza in cabins on Decks 9 and 10, and from The Dome (which operates as a late-night disco) in forward cabins on Deck 16.
Service & Onboard Style
Star Princess
Star Princess leverages the Medallion device for a seamless experience, allowing guests to open their room doors and facilitating Personalized services. The Princess app is exceptionally functional and reliable, aiding in reservations and general vacation management. The onboard style is one of approachable elegance, with modern design elements and comfortable furnishings throughout. While Guest Services is discreetly located on Deck 6, requiring a bit of exploration to find, the overall crew-to-guest ratio of 1,200 crew for 4,300 guests ensures a good level of attentive service.
Sun Princess
Sun Princess places a strong emphasis on a modern, connected onboard style, with the Medallion device and the essential Princess Cruises app streamlining the guest experience, from dining reservations to navigation. The overall aesthetic is sleek and contemporary, reflecting the ship's innovative design. However, the physical layout can be confusing, with Guest Services located in a small, somewhat hidden room on Deck 6, often leading to long queues for in-person assistance. Despite these navigational quirks, the ship aims to provide a Personalized and efficient journey, backed by its tech-forward approach.
Best Itineraries
Star Princess
While specific itineraries are not detailed, Star Princess, as a new Sphere-class vessel, is poised to offer a range of engaging voyages, likely including destinations that complement Princess Cruises' signature offerings. The ship's focus on dynamic ocean views from spaces like The Piazza and Sea View Terrace suggests routes where scenic cruising is a highlight. Guests can anticipate a selection of destination-themed activities and enrichment programs, providing a deeper connection to the places visited, consistent with Princess's commitment to immersive travel experiences.
Sun Princess
Specific itineraries are not listed, but Sun Princess is designed to enhance destination immersion through its Discovery at SEA Enrichment Programs and Festivals of the World celebrations. These offerings suggest voyages to diverse regions, allowing guests to engage with local cultures through live performances, music lessons, and culinary demonstrations. The ship's unique viewing areas, such as the Wake View Terrace, are perfect for enjoying scenic cruising. Its family-friendly focus also makes it ideal for itineraries that include engaging port calls and onboard activities for all ages.
What reviewers say
Star Princess
4/5A classy but casual ship where you can bank on comfort at the end of the day, with plenty to do from dawn til dusk, though you'll likely get lost trying to get around.
Sun Princess
Sun Princess marks a significant departure for Princess Cruises, embracing innovation and a hipper, more active atmosphere that reimagines the brand. While its new design and lively spaces may challenge loyalists, an open mind reveals a ship that shines brightly with welcomed improvements and unique features.
Itineraries to compare
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