Sun Princess 6/8-6/22 2024 Reviews

[Globaler]

The following cruise review is my opinion and you may or may not agree. It is a long review that may seem critical but I am commenting in hopes that some changes are made. I know for a fact that Princess does listen so I am hopeful. We have 2 cruises booked for next year so I am a fan of Princess overall.

Our 14 Day Sun Princess cruise didn’t start out on a good note. We were unable to book dining reservations until 4 weeks before the cruise even though we had paid in full a full year ahead of time (casino booking). Santorini and Kotor were both removed and replaced with Chiana and Bar. Neither was a suitable replacement. Our 2 week cruise was treated as all bookings on the Sun as weekly cruises - so the dinner menus were the same weekly as was the cruise directors comments etc. Having said that we were excited about our cruise.

Boarding the new Sun, I was impressed with the design, the sphere, the wide range of poolside and lounge chair seating but I couldn’t quite shake that “IKEA” feeling. The dining rooms were very nice offering lots of breath taking views especially leaving port and at sunset.

- Our balcony room was spacious and the shower door was a huge improvement even with the tight areas created by the shower, bathroom and closet doors. Our balcony room was close to the sphere and we could not hear noise from the piazza. However, we could hear our neighbors (maybe the location of the tv’s or a lack of insulation). We were on deck 10 and our balcony furniture was just a couple of chairs and a table even though our balcony was very large. The bed was the usual Princess spectacular however the pillows were way to soft (hack here - you get two pillows so put both pillows in one pillow case).

- Laundry was free! So that was a nice surprise; however with only 2 washers and dryers per floor there was competition for any open machine. There was room for another set so maybe Princess will add that.  
- The entertainment areas were small but if you got to the event 20 mins ahead of time you could get a seat.  Also there was other activities going on at all times whether it be the Cirque type shows (in the dome which is really small) shows in the piazza, comedy in Princess live, and O’malleys. A lot to choose from. The Princess live arena is small but given the major shows are repeats it’s plenty big - better to have a packed house than a half empty arena. The new arena while small is really nice and offers a moveable center stage.

- no casino bar which I hate (I have written a casino review that you can read in the casino section.

- Food - the dining room meals and the buffet were not quite what I would have expected on a best in fleet cruise ship. The deserts seemed store bought and the cookies were terrible.

The Crown Grill was fantastic - filet and lobster were amazing and the lobsters were huge but the cheesy dinner roles have change and not for the better.

we ate at the new Hibachi restaurant and I though it was really good and a nice addition to the dining options.

I also did not like being served at the buffet - I would rather plate my own food and get exactly what I want.

Princess has a lot to do to get the Sun where I am sure they want it to be.  I slap think they are listening and will get it right but it will probably take some time.

- the Sun Princess Guest Services Management team is the best there is (guest services location is a coat closet with cueing in the elevator hallway - not sure who thought that was a good design).

Examples of team working to get things right - there wasn’t any music selection on tv - within 4 days that option appeared. There wasn’t any directions in the laundry area (only symbols on machines) - within 5 days information appeared in laundries.

- There are not enough employees on board and it showed. The crap table in the casino was only open from 8 to 1 and even the pit bosses were taking a turn. I have to single out some employees - Prakash who manages the bar at the pool on 17 (he is the best bartender fleetwide). He was with us 2 years ago on the Enchanted and remembered us and what drinks we ordered). In the dining area Gen works wonders and works very hard. In the Horizan dining room deck 7 - Rolan and Kelvin or superstars. If you are in the casino seek out Tariq and Ricardo (please tip them) they will treat you well with quick service and extra care. I have to mention Merlin, Rose and Jay in the International Cafe - hot cream on the side!

I have posted this before but I think Princess is having a “Brand Crisis”. They are trying to be loyal to those who are loyal to them, attract families with kids and be cool and or hip. There were also shows in the piazza late night that were raunchy and not “Love Boat” worthy.
Not sure how this ends but hope I like what it chooses!

 

[Globaler]

2 minutes ago, Globaler said:

The following cruise review is my opinion and you may or may not agree. It is a long review that may seem critical but I am commenting in hopes that some changes are made. I know for a fact that Princess does listen so I am hopeful. We have 2 cruises booked for next year so I am a fan of Princess overall.

Our 14 Day Sun Princess cruise didn’t start out on a good note. We were unable to book dining reservations until 4 weeks before the cruise even though we had paid in full a full year ahead of time (casino booking). Santorini and Kotor were both removed and replaced with Chiana and Bar. Neither was a suitable replacement. Our 2 week cruise was treated as all bookings on the Sun as weekly cruises - so the dinner menus were the same weekly as was the cruise directors comments etc. Having said that we were excited about our cruise.

Boarding the new Sun, I was impressed with the design, the sphere, the wide range of poolside and lounge chair seating but I couldn’t quite shake that “IKEA” feeling. The dining rooms were very nice offering lots of breath taking views especially leaving port and at sunset.

- Our balcony room was spacious and the shower door was a huge improvement even with the tight areas created by the shower, bathroom and closet doors. Our balcony room was close to the sphere and we could not hear noise from the piazza. However, we could hear our neighbors (maybe the location of the tv’s or a lack of insulation). We were on deck 10 and our balcony furniture was just a couple of chairs and a table even though our balcony was very large. The bed was the usual Princess spectacular however the pillows were way to soft (hack here - you get two pillows so put both pillows in one pillow case).

- Laundry was free! So that was a nice surprise; however with only 2 washers and dryers per floor there was competition for any open machine. There was room for another set so maybe Princess will add that.  
- The entertainment areas were small but if you got to the event 20 mins ahead of time you could get a seat.  Also there was other activities going on at all times whether it be the Cirque type shows (in the dome which is really small) shows in the piazza, comedy in Princess live, and O’malleys. A lot to choose from. The Princess live arena is small but given the major shows are repeats it’s plenty big - better to have a packed house than a half empty arena. The new arena while small is really nice and offers a moveable center stage.

- no casino bar which I hate (I have written a casino review that you can read in the casino section.

- Food - the dining room meals and the buffet were not quite what I would have expected on a best in fleet cruise ship. The deserts seemed store bought and the cookies were terrible.

The Crown Grill was fantastic - filet and lobster were amazing and the lobsters were huge but the cheesy dinner roles have change and not for the better.

we ate at the new Hibachi restaurant and I though it was really good and a nice addition to the dining options.

I also did not like being served at the buffet - I would rather plate my own food and get exactly what I want.

Princess has a lot to do to get the Sun where I am sure they want it to be.  I slap think they are listening and will get it right but it will probably take some time.

- the Sun Princess Guest Services Management team is the best there is (guest services location is a coat closet with cueing in the elevator hallway - not sure who thought that was a good design).

Examples of team working to get things right - there wasn’t any music selection on tv - within 4 days that option appeared. There wasn’t any directions in the laundry area (only symbols on machines) - within 5 days information appeared in laundries.

- There are not enough employees on board and it showed. The crap table in the casino was only open from 8 to 1 and even the pit bosses were taking a turn. I have to single out some employees - Prakash who manages the bar at the pool on 17 (he is the best bartender fleetwide). He was with us 2 years ago on the Enchanted and remembered us and what drinks we ordered). In the dining area Gen works wonders and works very hard. In the Horizan dining room deck 7 - Rolan and Kelvin or superstars. If you are in the casino seek out Tariq and Ricardo (please tip them) they will treat you well with quick service and extra care. I have to mention Merlin, Rose and Jay in the International Cafe - hot cream on the side!

I have posted this before but I think Princess is having a “Brand Crisis”. They are trying to be loyal to those who are loyal to them, attract families with kids and be cool and or hip. There were also shows in the piazza late night that were raunchy and not “Love Boat” worthy.
Not sure how this ends but hope I like what it chooses!

 

A couple of other things I failed to mention - you have to walk through staterooms dodging cleaning carts to get from one end of the ship to another. And many of the bars were walk throughs. Crooners competed with the piazza at night.

[Esprit]

18 minutes ago, Globaler said:

A couple of other things I failed to mention - you have to walk through staterooms dodging cleaning carts to get from one end of the ship to another. And many of the bars were walk throughs. Crooners competed with the piazza at night.

Nothing you have said has diminished my excitement. We board in less than six weeks.

Thanks for taking the time to post this review. Very helpful 👍 

[beg3yrs]

Nice review @Globaler! We were on board with you but boarded on June 1 in Barcelona and disembarked with you on June 22, again in Barcelona.

 

During the last week, all cirque/acrobatic events in the Dome were canceled as they were having some hardware/safety problems.

 

Deck loungers do not have rounded edges. They are squared off so much that the corners can be quite sharp. I cut my leg open when I passed by too close. Now yes, I may not have been paying attention but I imagine many folk handling a beer and a plate of pizza might not be paying as much attention as well. Anyway, that's a negative for having furniture that can cut you.

 

Really agree about the walk through bars. The Wheelhouse bar has really lost its ambience as it is simply a watering wayside to and from the aft dining rooms.

 

Some of the best venues are too small. O'Malley's and Good Spirits (well hidden BTW) are in that category.

 

I did like the Gelato stand being right across from Princess Live.

 

Almost forgot to mention Spellbound. It's been maybe twenty years since I visited the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Entering Spellbound is very very much like going to the Magic Castle. Once you get through the black door, it's almost like you're in another world. You'd never know there's a loud and raucous casino just next door. It's cozy and intimate with attentive drink service and some fantastic concoctions. The magic is all close up work and the magicians are very personable and entertaining.

Edited July 2 by beg3yrs

[Globaler]

2 minutes ago, beg3yrs said:

Nice review @Globaler! We were on board with you but boarded on June 1 in Barcelona and disembarked with you on June 22, again in Barcelona.

 

During the last week, all cirque/acrobatic events in the Dome were canceled as they were having some hardware/safety problems.

 

Deck loungers do not have rounded edges. They are squared off so much that the corners can be quite sharp. I cut my leg open when I passed by too close. Now yes, I may not have been paying attention but I imagine many folk handling a beer and a plate of pizza might not be paying as much attention as well. Anyway, that's a negative for having furniture that can cut you.

 

Really agree about the walk through bars. The Wheelhouse bar has really lost its ambience as it is simply a watering wayside to and from the aft dining rooms.

 

Some of the best venues are too small. O'Malley's and Good Spirits (well hidden BTW) are in that category.

 

I did like the Gelato stand being right across from Princess Live.

I forgot to mention - didn’t you love the fact that the night photo backdrop on the day we were supposed to be in Santorini was a picture of Santorini! Tone deaf to say the least.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

On 7/2/2024 at 11:33 AM, beg3yrs said:

 

Deck loungers do not have rounded edges. They are squared off so much that the corners can be quite sharp. I cut my leg open when I passed by too close. Now yes, I may not have been paying attention but I imagine many folk handling a beer and a plate of pizza might not be paying as much attention as well. Anyway, that's a negative for having furniture that can cut you.

That’s terrible. I hope you reported this. Are all the deck loungers the same? If not, in which area did this happened to you?

[MsSoCalCruiser]

@Globaler thank you for sharing your review.

 

I’m actually looking forward to being served in the buffet. I’ve seen way too many people do really gross things like licking their fingers and then grabbing the tongs.  

 

What did you not like about the buffet food? What did you not like about your meals in the MDR?  Did you try the Lido greens or Lido tacos venues? 

[Globaler]

5 minutes ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

@Globaler thank you for sharing your review.

 

I’m actually looking forward to being served in the buffet. I’ve seen way too many people do really gross things like licking their fingers and then grabbing the tongs.  

 

What did you not like about the buffet food? What did you not like about your meals in the MDR?  Did you try the Lido greens or Lido tacos venues? 

The Buffet food was boring, predictable and consistent (the same menu everyday). Also since they served you, you had to go wait in several lines to eventually get the lunch you wanted.

The food in the main dining room was bland and I felt the quality was lacking - although service was not. The deserts reminded me of what you got at the grocery store and the cookies were not edible. Always get the shrimp app. When it’s the feature because the shrimp is always cooked for the evening and always good. Just a pet peeve - Carnival owns Princess and several other cruise lines so why can’t we have the Carnival lava cake! We took a two week cruise but Princess treats all med cruises as weekly cruises - so the food repeated itself each week ( lol cruise director told the same jokes wearing the same clothes). 
the tacos were not the best but we did build a salad and then put taco chicken on top. They actually ran out of guacamole during first part of second week.

[beg3yrs]

3 hours ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

That’s terrible. I hope you reported this. Are all the deck loungers the same? If not, in which area did this happened to you?

I noted it on the post-cruise survey. That should go further than what happens on the ship.

 

All the public area loungers were the same as the ones on my balcony (not a suite but aft-facing). Can't speak to the Sanctuary or Suite area balconies.

[louden]

6 hours ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

That’s terrible. I hope you reported this. Are all the deck loungers the same? If not, in which area did this happened to you?

This happened to me as well as some others on the Sky Princess Deck 17 midship. I was simply walking and someone in a hurry brushed into me. I went to Medical and requested that an incident report be made.  Security Staff took my statement and pictures of the injury and lounger.  The small tables had been replaced with extra loungers and little space is available to pass.  As a result of my injury I was unable to enjoy any ship or shoreside water activities.  A major disappointment on a southern cruise.  We have now seen the same loungers on the Enchanted.  Please be very cautious.

 

Louden

[MsSoCalCruiser]

4 hours ago, louden said:

This happened to me as well as some others on the Sky Princess Deck 17 midship. I was simply walking and someone in a hurry brushed into me. I went to Medical and requested that an incident report be made.  Security Staff took my statement and pictures of the injury and lounger.  The small tables had been replaced with extra loungers and little space is available to pass.  As a result of my injury I was unable to enjoy any ship or shoreside water activities.  A major disappointment on a southern cruise.  We have now seen the same loungers on the Enchanted.  Please be very cautious.

 

Louden

That’s awful! Did anyone from corporate contact you? Was this recently? Thank you so much for the warning.

Edited July 13 by MsSoCalCruiser

[MsSoCalCruiser]

8 hours ago, beg3yrs said:

I noted it on the post-cruise survey. That should go further than what happens on the ship.

 

All the public area loungers were the same as the ones on my balcony (not a suite but aft-facing). Can't speak to the Sanctuary or Suite area balconies.

I would send a message on IG and request a callback. Princess customer service is wonderful about calling back. Thank you for sharing this with us all. I will be extra careful.

[555]

11 hours ago, louden said:

This happened to me as well as some others on the Sky Princess Deck 17 midship. I was simply walking and someone in a hurry brushed into me. I went to Medical and requested that an incident report be made.  Security Staff took my statement and pictures of the injury and lounger.  The small tables had been replaced with extra loungers and little space is available to pass.  As a result of my injury I was unable to enjoy any ship or shoreside water activities.  A major disappointment on a southern cruise.  We have now seen the same loungers on the Enchanted.  Please be very cautious.

 

Louden

Did they have to stich it up?

What did they charge you?

[louden]

1 hour ago, 555 said:

Did they have to stich it up?

What did they charge you?

Being a retired nurse I was able to assess the injury as large skin flap not requiring stitching..  I was asked if I wanted to see the doctor or nurse and I declined.  I simply wanted supplies to cleanse and dress the injury which I was given.  The cost for the few supplies was less than $10  The Security Officer came to Medical within 30 minutes of my arrival to interview me.  There was no follow up.

 

My main reason for answering this post was once again to advise caution when on deck with these new loungers.

 

Cheers

 

Louden 

[ISABELLA]

Just to add to this topic. This was our first Princess cruise after 15 years separation. We cruise primeraly with Celebrity. We were on Sun from May 18-June 1. Also disappointed with change of itinerary. Didn't care for Chania or Bar. We liked food to be served on the Eatery - didn't want to touch serving spoons after hundreds of people, excepecially a lot of  people were coughing and sneezing. But we found food was not hot and some dishes in MDR were OK, some flavorless. Service was very good. Ship's layout confusing at first... We liked the seating areas outside of Eatery. But agree about IKEA feel. Somewhat cheap decor, nothing nautical. We liked the Dome. 

[Coral]

On 7/2/2024 at 9:09 AM, Globaler said:

 

I have posted this before but I think Princess is having a “Brand Crisis”. They are trying to be loyal to those who are loyal to them, attract families with kids and be cool and or hip. There were also shows in the piazza late night that were raunchy and not “Love Boat” worthy.

 

I have always thought this. Princess doesn't know who it's demographic is or who they want it to be. Their advertising and onboard experience is unclear and mixed up.

[Wishing on a star]

I have used the term 'Identity issues'...

To have a ship 'branded' and promoted as a multi-generation family and adult cruise line, and the Sun has NEITHER an open kids area or an open adults only area.

It is clear that all of these things go all the way up to the very top.....

 

We will be boarding the Sun...  have had this reservation and had been looking forward to a new Princess ship for a long long time.    But, I will be going into this with realistic expectations, and do not foresee booking again.

 

And, I have noted several incidents of these chair-side injuries.

 

Edited July 14 by Wishing on a star

[Globaler]

21 minutes ago, Coral said:

I have always thought this. Princess doesn't know who it's demographic is or who they want it to be. Their advertising and onboard experience is unclear and mixed up.

Frustrating for those of us trying to build loyalty credits. We are still sailing Princess and just hope that when the dust settles, we like where they end up!

[Wishing on a star]

'... where they will end up.'   That might not be too difficult to foresee, when one looks at the direction they have been headed.

[Globaler]

5 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

'... where they will end up.'   That might not be too difficult to foresee, when one looks at the direction they have been headed.

I hate to think they can’t figure it out. Ugh, will have to build up ocean cred with a new cruise line. I get some decent casino deals but I’m not opposed to switching. 

[Coral]

2 hours ago, Globaler said:

Frustrating for those of us trying to build loyalty credits. We are still sailing Princess and just hope that when the dust settles, we like where they end up!

I have been sailing since the 1990's and have no clue where they are going to end up. You could be waiting a long time.

[TBfrPH]

Thank you very much, @Globaler, for posting about your experience. You have confirmed for me that I don't want to go anywhere near the new Sphere class ships.  The issues related to the brand/identity crisis that you and others have mentioned are exactly why I will stick to the pre-Royal class ship as long as I can, before they all get "upgraded" to be like the new mega ships. When that happens, it would pain me to bid adieu to Princess.

 

The race to the bottom has already begun based on my recent experience on the Crown, evidenced in the continued corner-cutting in food and live music entertainment, amped-up nickling and diming and constant sales pitch, and changes being made in the daily programming to appeal to families and a younger client profile.  For reasons that boggle my mind (but surely are rooted in millions of dollars' worth of focus-group data), Princess appears to be trying to become Royal Caribbean.  It will never get there because its ships are not big enough to have water slides, climbing rocks, laser tags, and roller coasters.  (The Sun is big but nowhere near RC's newest.)  But in trying, it is destroying all the things that has attracted its current core customers.  Some will say that brands that don't evolve would die.  True, perhaps.  Brands that implement misguided "improvements" and pretend to be what they are not also end up hurting or killing themselves.  I'm thinking Betamax, "New" Coke, and Harley Davidson perfume.

 

6 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

'... where they will end up.'   That might not be too difficult to foresee, when one looks at the direction they have been headed.

 

Absent an awakening by the geniuses in the corporate boardroom, my prediction is nowhere that I would like to be.  It is all very sad, because I have so enjoyed what Princess has been.

[Leo37]

Reading this thread with interest because I'm on board the Sun Princess currently and having a great time.

 

It's only day 3, but food has all been good so far and service excellent. The whole front of the top deck, the sea view area, is signed as adults 16+, and staff are enforcing that.

 

Having a good time discovering the new areas like the Dome, the wake view bar behind the dining room, the promenade dining, and the American Diner.

 

Re decor, it's definitely more contemporary than classical cruise ship. For me, it's a step up and more varied / interesting than the dark wood and gold of older ships.

 

Everyone's experience will vary, but just wanted to share my first impressions after 48 hours on board.

[Globaler]

9 hours ago, TBfrPH said:

Thank you very much, @Globaler, for posting about your experience. You have confirmed for me that I don't want to go anywhere near the new Sphere class ships.  The issues related to the brand/identity crisis that you and others have mentioned are exactly why I will stick to the pre-Royal class ship as long as I can, before they all get "upgraded" to be like the new mega ships. When that happens, it would pain me to bid adieu to Princess.

 

The race to the bottom has already begun based on my recent experience on the Crown, evidenced in the continued corner-cutting in food and live music entertainment, amped-up nickling and diming and constant sales pitch, and changes being made in the daily programming to appeal to families and a younger client profile.  For reasons that boggle my mind (but surely are rooted in millions of dollars' worth of focus-group data), Princess appears to be trying to become Royal Caribbean.  It will never get there because its ships are not big enough to have water slides, climbing rocks, laser tags, and roller coasters.  (The Sun is big but nowhere near RC's newest.)  But in trying, it is destroying all the things that has attracted its current core customers.  Some will say that brands that don't evolve would die.  True, perhaps.  Brands that implement misguided "improvements" and pretend to be what they are not also end up hurting or killing themselves.  I'm thinking Betamax, "New" Coke, and Harley Davidson perfume.

 

 

Absent an awakening by the geniuses in the corporate boardroom, my prediction is nowhere that I would like to be.  It is all very sad, because I have so enjoyed what Princess has been.

I hope you don’t give up on Princess. As I mentioned, corporate is listening and it appears they are making some changes. It’s my hope that Princess figures out they aren’t RC or Virgin before they run us all off!

[Globaler]

5 hours ago, Leo37 said:

Reading this thread with interest because I'm on board the Sun Princess currently and having a great time.

 

It's only day 3, but food has all been good so far and service excellent. The whole front of the top deck, the sea view area, is signed as adults 16+, and staff are enforcing that.

 

Having a good time discovering the new areas like the Dome, the wake view bar behind the dining room, the promenade dining, and the American Diner.

 

Re decor, it's definitely more contemporary than classical cruise ship. For me, it's a step up and more varied / interesting than the dark wood and gold of older ships.

 

Everyone's experience will vary, but just wanted to share my first impressions after 48 hours on board.

Leo37 so glad you are having a good time and please do write reviews and comment on what you don’t like so Princess can make changes. I said, it was my opinion and others may or may not agree.