A NEW SHIP

On January 4th we left Fort Lauderdale on the largest and newest ship we have cruised on.    The Sun Princess had it's inaugural cruise on October 14, 2024.

She is a quarter mile from end to end and is 200 feet high.      There are 21 decks.   We were on 11.

2,157 guest cabins to accommodate 4,300 guests plus there is a crew of 1,600.      On day 5 we were finally able to find our way around without having to backtrack or refer to a map.     

This is a very large domed area with many levels.     They do entertainment here as well as classes.    There is always something happening.    It's also a great quiet place to read in the afternoon on sea days.

One afternoon I actually witnessed a wedding in one of the secluded areas.    I got to see them set the entire area up like a wedding chapel, along with photographer and wedding cake.     The bride entered just a few feet from my reading area.

This is the center Atrium.    I really liked the way they set this up.    It is several stories high with chairs set up all around.      Much more "front row" seating than most ships.

I have to commend the Cruise Director.     There was always something going on both here and the Dome from morning exercises thru the evening hours.

The elevator system was great for this ship.     You push which floor you want to go to and it tells you which elevator to go to.      I don't think we ever had more than 2 stops other than our floor and usually just 1.

I wasn't able to book a window table for 2 before we got on ship, but secured one the first night and it was ours for the week.    Menus were varied and the service was great, as usual on Princess.

30 minutes sunbathing is all I can safely do in this hot sun, but I love it on sea days.

We quickly found our favorite Pub, O'Malleys.    Great views out the windows, great burgers, the staff was great and quickly remembered us and our favorite beverages.     

Best of all, however, was this Irish singer/entertainer most evenings. 

     

To be fair, we did try out a few other locations on the ship for an evening drink.     There are many and other than O'Malleys, it was easy to get a seat despite the number of passengers.    O'Malleys was always full.