Sun Princess

[dides]

14 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

Something new will be announced tomorrow.  And there's a FB webinar this Thursday too, for a change it's not just TAs (or so it says).

 

 

Waiting to hear some more details but the headline appears to be Princess announcing its first 'ship within a ship' concept - three levels of Sanctuary Collection suites with exclusive access to the top-deck retreat area, as well as private dining and relaxation areas.

[GK95]

41 minutes ago, dides said:

 

Waiting to hear some more details but the headline appears to be Princess announcing its first 'ship within a ship' concept - three levels of Sanctuary Collection suites with exclusive access to the top-deck retreat area, as well as private dining and relaxation areas.

Here's the press release that went out about an hour ago:

 

Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection Aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess   New Category Offers Unprecedented Level of Exclusivity and Premium Extras Aboard Newest Ships from Princess

	FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 23, 2024) – Elevating the art of relaxation and serenity, Princess Cruises is introducing exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, as these newest ships prepare to debut with this select, all-inclusive oasis in early 2024.   As the name suggests, guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s top deck retreat area, along with a host of additional and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage. These indulgences include exclusive private dining and relaxation areas, a luxurious stateroom experience, as well as the Princess Premier bundle to round out the all-inclusive allure of the Sanctuary experience.   Aboard Sun Princess, the luxurious, spa-inspired, top-deck Sanctuary Club, is now reserved exclusively for Sanctuary Collection guests who access the private entry via their Princess Medallion. In the adults-only (16 and up) area, guests enjoy plush lounge furniture, private cabanas, pool and jacuzzi, attentive service, soothing music, refreshing beverages, and light fare. The Club also features exclusive programming, including sunrise yoga classes and sail-away receptions.   Other Sanctuary Collection amenities include priority specialty restaurant reservations, and premium stateroom amenities.   The new Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess includes three levels of stateroom types – Signature Collection Suites (80), Mini Suites (123), and Premium Deluxe Balconies (12).   “Our new Sanctuary Collection offers guests those ultra-private, tucked away spaces that rival any high-end resort and surpasses the offerings of comparable cruise lines featuring similar ship-within-a-ship amenities,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “With spacious and well-appointed accommodations, along with an array of premium extras and its exclusivity, our new Sanctuary Collection delivers the ultimate in access and indulgence to deliver an unparalleled experience.”   Sanctuary Collection staterooms on Sun Princess and Star Princess go on sale today. Guests who have booked as of April 23, 2024 already have reserved Sanctuary Collection staterooms on either ship will receive the additional amenities outlined at no additional cost, excluding the premier bundle.

[chamima]

5 minutes ago, GK95 said:

Here's the press release that went out about an hour ago:

 

Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection Aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess   New Category Offers Unprecedented Level of Exclusivity and Premium Extras Aboard Newest Ships from Princess

	FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 23, 2024) – Elevating the art of relaxation and serenity, Princess Cruises is introducing exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, as these newest ships prepare to debut with this select, all-inclusive oasis in early 2024.   As the name suggests, guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s top deck retreat area, along with a host of additional and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage. These indulgences include exclusive private dining and relaxation areas, a luxurious stateroom experience, as well as the Princess Premier bundle to round out the all-inclusive allure of the Sanctuary experience.   Aboard Sun Princess, the luxurious, spa-inspired, top-deck Sanctuary Club, is now reserved exclusively for Sanctuary Collection guests who access the private entry via their Princess Medallion. In the adults-only (16 and up) area, guests enjoy plush lounge furniture, private cabanas, pool and jacuzzi, attentive service, soothing music, refreshing beverages, and light fare. The Club also features exclusive programming, including sunrise yoga classes and sail-away receptions.   Other Sanctuary Collection amenities include priority specialty restaurant reservations, and premium stateroom amenities.   The new Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess includes three levels of stateroom types – Signature Collection Suites (80), Mini Suites (123), and Premium Deluxe Balconies (12).   “Our new Sanctuary Collection offers guests those ultra-private, tucked away spaces that rival any high-end resort and surpasses the offerings of comparable cruise lines featuring similar ship-within-a-ship amenities,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “With spacious and well-appointed accommodations, along with an array of premium extras and its exclusivity, our new Sanctuary Collection delivers the ultimate in access and indulgence to deliver an unparalleled experience.”   Sanctuary Collection staterooms on Sun Princess and Star Princess go on sale today. Guests who have booked as of April 23, 2024 already have reserved Sanctuary Collection staterooms on either ship will receive the additional amenities outlined at no additional cost, excluding the premier bundle.

 

 

This is really confusing!!!

Or is it just me?

So they are adding mini suite and balcony cabins to suites in availability to the 80 loungers in the Sanctuary?  (See text in red above.)

And can someone please explain that last paragraph? How could anyone have booked a category before today that didn't exist until today?

🥵

 

[capriccio]

The pricing has gone up incredibly.  We have an S9 booked with the plus package for two for just less than $5000.  As of today, it is over $8000 with the addition of the premium package and more crowded venues. 

 

Luckily we have months to go before final payment.  We have done the MSC Yacht Club twice and their perks (including unlimited premium booze) and spaces designed to accommodate the number of cabins remains our favorite for service and value.  We may still take the Sun cruise but I can't see doing any repeats in a suite.

[azbirdmom]

Wow, adding in mini suites and balconies kind of dilutes the amenities added.  And they are automatically including the Premier plan?  It would be OK for us but I know that there are some people who do not think that particular package is worth it.

[dog]

4 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

Wow, adding in mini suites and balconies kind of dilutes the amenities added.  And they are automatically including the Premier plan?  It would be OK for us but I know that there are some people who do not think that particular package is worth it.

Waiting to hear from CATMom- as per our long ago discussion.  Please let us know what it is like in your upcoming cruises.  I don’t sail for months in an S9.

Edited April 23 by dog

[azbirdmom]

I've been eyeing a sort of last minute cruise this summer on the Sun from Barcelona to Rome.  It's 7 days and I get a free interior but typically buy up to a mini suite or suite.  We were thinking of suite and until yesterday these were the prices:

 

This is what they are now and the increase is a LOT more than the price of the Premium package - our suite days may be over LOL:

[smithmlmx]

I booked 14409 (D1)  - Premium Deluxe in the Sphere in Feb 20024 for March 2025. From what I see of the announcement I may have lucked out with access to the Sanctuary Club etc. However the Princess website now offers both Premium Deluxe and Sanctuary cabins that were previously all Premium Deluxe. Yes, I am confused too. Did I really luck out or is it a pipe dream?

[Wishing on a star]

Wow...  Now it all makes sense...  Now we know why Princess was keeping completely silent, and not committing to anything regarding Sanctuary access.   

I had thought about booking one of those D0 balconies...  That would have been a HUGE 'gift' from Princess!!!!

 

But, sadly, now I know that there is no way I will step foot in the Sanctuary when we board, as this new system/categories will be operational.   : (

[Wishing on a star]

8 minutes ago, smithmlmx said:

I booked 14409 (D1)  - Premium Deluxe in the Sphere in Feb 20024 for March 2025. From what I see of the announcement I may have lucked out with access to the Sanctuary Club etc. However the Princess website now offers both Premium Deluxe and Sanctuary cabins that were previously all Premium Deluxe. Yes, I am confused too. Did I really luck out or is it a pipe dream?

No,  I believe that all of the ones on the Sphere still remain 'Premium Deluxe'.

I think it is ONLY that handful of D0 category cabins. (AFT, with the very very extended balcony) that are now SANCTUARY cabins, with full ship-within-a-ship benefits and access.

These are the ones located AFT that had brought about such specific discussion, as the description online had mentioned Signature, but then that was removed.  Now we see why, as most of the Suite and Sanctuary staterooms and exclusive areas are located AFT.

 

Note:  Deck 14 doesn't seem to be available / loading...  Not sure if they might still be working on that deck, with these new cabin categories.

 

Princess has kept silent, and also brought about a LOT of confusion with the roll-out of the new ship... NOW it all makes sense.

Edited April 23 by Wishing on a star

[dog]

32 minutes ago, smithmlmx said:

I booked 14409 (D1)  - Premium Deluxe in the Sphere in Feb 20024 for March 2025. From what I see of the announcement I may have lucked out with access to the Sanctuary Club etc. However the Princess website now offers both Premium Deluxe and Sanctuary cabins that were previously all Premium Deluxe. Yes, I am confused too. Did I really luck out or is it a pipe dream?

My Travel Summary now says under Special Services- Sanctuary Collection.

[Wishing on a star]

I am happy for you Dog!!!!   Sad for me and others who this does not benefit...

But, I know you have been round-and-round about your D0 cabin.

Great!!!

 

[dides]

So from the FAQ, it seems the first Sun Princess voyage to be impacted by these changes will be the first US inaugural on 14th October? So the remaining European cruises and the Transatlantic this year will follow the current rules?

 

Edited April 23 by dides

[FLAlaska]

Um. I have a C1 (Reserve Cabana Deck) also booked on the Sun for the TA.. It used to say Reserve but came someone clear this up? Its not listed as Sanctuary. Did they remove the dining room component to C1 cabins?

[dog]

4 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I am happy for you Dog!!!!   Sad for me and others who this does not benefit...

But, I know you have been round-and-round about your D0 cabin.

Great!!!

 

Well, I had 4 bookings . Cancelled 2. Now a D0-aft & a S9. No package.

Edited April 23 by dog

[Wishing on a star]

Hey..... Hahahaha!!!   With 3rd and 4th guests free promo...  Can somebody on our next sailing, in a SANCTUARY cabin,  add me as a third guest?????   Name your price!!!!

[FLAlaska]

7 minutes ago, dog said:

My Travel Summary now says under Special Services- Sanctuary Collection.

Thats great . My sisters D1 isn't showing it.But she did have the PLUS, wonder if that makes a difference

[dog]

2 minutes ago, FLAlaska said:

Thats great . My sisters D1 isn't showing it.But she did have the PLUS, wonder if that makes a difference

Mine is a D0- aft. Paid more then the D1, at the booking time.  There are 12 of these included in Sanctuary Collection.

[desertdwellingsailor]

Did anyone watch the Sun Princess naming ceremony? I couldn't find a post about it. Hannah Waddingham from the Ted Lasso show was there and she was such a good speaker.

[voljeep]

11 minutes ago, dides said:

So from the FAQ, it seems the first Sun Princess voyage to be impacted by these changes will be the first US inaugural on 14th October? So the remaining European cruises and the Transatlantic this year will follow the current rules?

 

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - oh, wait ... we're just booked in a lowly deluxe balcony with premier

 

or are we????

[azbirdmom]

20 minutes ago, dides said:

So from the FAQ, it seems the first Sun Princess voyage to be impacted by these changes will be the first US inaugural on 14th October? So the remaining European cruises and the Transatlantic this year will follow the current rules?

 

 

Very interesting!  I had posted pricing for an August cruise on the Sun with casino rates back in post 382.  When I looked at the website earlier today the rates were higher as shown and all of the foo-fa-rah about Sanctuary was on the page.  Now that pricing has reverted back to the way it was yesterday and the Sanctuary verbiage is gone.  Good to see because we can still get everything except Premier at the old rates for a full suite.

Edited April 23 by azbirdmom

[Amy G]

20 minutes ago, FLAlaska said:

Um. I have a C1 (Reserve Cabana Deck) also booked on the Sun for the TA.. It used to say Reserve but came someone clear this up? Its not listed as Sanctuary. Did they remove the dining room component to C1 cabins?

 

I noticed the same thing today (we are in C!, sailing on July 6th). Nowhere in my booking does it mention Reserve anymore, but when I go to the ship layout, this is what I see (in red).  This is the exact room we booked.

[dog]

26 minutes ago, dides said:

So from the FAQ, it seems the first Sun Princess voyage to be impacted by these changes will be the first US inaugural on 14th October? So the remaining European cruises and the Transatlantic this year will follow the current rules?

 

So on fb, someone on May - SUN got the Upgrade notice. 

[whitcruising]

1 minute ago, dog said:

So on fb, someone on May - SUN got the Upgrade notice. 

I'm going June 1st and I received the notice. The verbiage about Oct is so confusing.

[dides]

1 minute ago, dog said:

So on fb, someone on May - SUN got the Upgrade notice. 

Dang, how confusing! Was hoping we could experience the suite experience before these changes kicked in.