Next Princess Ship Set to Be Named Sun Princess, Debut Spring 2024

Princess Cruises today revealed the new Sun Princess, which will debut in early 2024.

“Sun Princess is a new and bespoke ship platform, designed to simultaneously embrace Princess heritage while boldly pressing into the future with iconic, elegant and pure lines unique to our brand,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “A show-stopping, first-of-its-kind Dome on the top deck and suspended glass Piazza in the centre of Sun Princess offer innovative designs showcasing expansive ocean views for incredible opportunities to connect with the sea.”

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard and scheduled to debut in early 2024, the 175,500-ton vessel is the largest Princess ship ever constructed and embraces Italian heritage by featuring a next-level, brand-iconic Piazza and The Dome, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion, the company said.

The 4,300-guest ship will feature innovative entertainment venues, multi-story dining rooms and next-level stateroom accommodations while remaining true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics inspired by the Seawitch icon and popularized in the original “Love Boat” TV series and returning to the venerable “Sun Princess” name back into operation.

The cruise line also announced that Sun Princess will sail an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in the fall of 2024.

According to Princess, infused with light, the ship connects guests with dynamic views of the world and innovative experiences, from service to food to entertainment. The line’s Piazza spans three stories, forming an iconic architectural feature offering guests an outward-looking suspended space with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy the ocean views in every direction. An impressive LED screen is also showcased in the centre of the Piazza that can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza Atrium will be a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, along with Princess favourites like Crooners Bar and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

The other stand-out structure onboard Sun Princess is The Dome. Inspired by the terraces of Santorini, it is a multi-level covered deck and first-of-its-kind true glass-enclosed dome ever constructed on a cruise ship. During the day, the Dome features an indoor/outdoor pool, and unique water feature, in a comfortable and relaxed space. At night, the pool becomes a stage, and the Dome completely transforms into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe, state-of-the-art lighting effects and the ability to deliver aerial performances.

The company said that with 2,157 total staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms, the 21-deck Sun Princess features more outdoor balcony space and all-balcony accommodations feature an in-room sofa.

Also launching exclusively on Sun Princess will be a new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection. In addition to premium stateroom amenities, Signature Collection suites include access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge, and Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.

With Sun Princess, Club Class accommodations onboard this ship, and all Princess ships will now be called Reserve Collection, which is the best-located mini-suite staterooms. Within the Reserve, Collection will be Reserve Collection Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms that offer a balcony and private cabana, and extra-large outdoor lounge space. These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.

Carnival’s Mardi Gras Completes One Year in Service

The new Mardi Gras from Carnival Cruise Line has just completed its first year in service. As the first ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s XL-Class, the vessel welcomed its first guests on July 31, 2021.

On that day, it departed Port Canaveral on an inaugural cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

The seven-night voyage included visits to San Juan, Amber Cove and Nassau and three full days at sea.

Continuing its debut season, the 5,200-guest ship offered other cruises in the region over the last year, also visiting the Western Caribbean and other destinations such as Cozumel, Roatán, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay and more.

As the first LNG-powered cruise ship to be homeport in the United States, the Mardi Gras is considered one of the most eco-friendly vessels sailing from the country.

With several new features, the 183,900-ton ship is also the largest and one of the most innovative vessels ever built for Carnival.

Among its attractions are BOLT, the industry’s first roller coaster, and a selection of new dining venues, including Emeril’s Bistro 1396, Shaq’s Big Chicken, Chibang! and Street Eats.

The Mardi Gras is set to be joined by the second XL-Class vessel later this year when the new Carnival Celebration enters service.

Currently, under construction in Finland, the vessel is set to debut in November, kicking off a program of Caribbean cruises departing from PortMiami.  

Marking the arrival of the XL-Class to Texas, the Carnival Jubilee will be the third ship in the series. Based in Galveston, the ship is scheduled to enter service in November 2023.

In addition to the XL-Class vessels, the Carnival Cruise Line fleet is also receiving three extra ships over the next few years.

Presently sailing for Costa, the Carnival Luminosa will debut for the brand this November, with a series of cruises in Australia.

In 2023 and 2024, respectively, Carnival is also receiving the Costa Venezia and the Costa Firenze.

The Vista-Class ships will operate under the Costa by Carnival label, which combines Costa’s Italian hardware with Carnival’s service, entertainment and cuisine.

Norwegian Fleet Location and Status: All Ships in Service: July Update

Nearly a year after first welcoming guests back, Norwegian Cruise Line completed its restart plans in early May.

With its entire 17-ship in service again, the brand is now getting ready to receive two new ships – the Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva. 

Cruise Industry News tracked the location and status of every Norwegian ship as of July 15, 2022:

Norwegian Viva
Year Built: 2023
Capacity: 3,215 guests
Status: Under construction
Location: Marghera, Italy

As the second Prima Class vessel, the Norwegian Viva is currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Set to debut in 2023, the vessel will spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean before debuting in North America later that year.  

Norwegian Prima
Year Built: 2022
Capacity: 3,215 guests
Status: Under construction
Location: Marghera, Italy

Nearing the completion of its construction, the Norwegian Prima recently returned from the first set of sea trials. With its first cruise now scheduled in September, the vessel is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

Norwegian Encore
Year Built: 2019
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

The Norwegian Encore is currently sailing a summer program in Alaska. Based in Seattle, the vessel is offering weekly departures to Victoria, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay.

Norwegian Bliss
Year Built: 2018 
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

In Alaska for the summer, the Norwegian Bliss is offering week-long cruises departing from Seattle. The ship’s regular itinerary includes Victoria, Ketchikan, the Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.

Norwegian Joy
Year Built: 2017 
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Bermuda

Based in New York City, the Norwegian Joy is offering a series of cruises to Bermuda. The seven-night itineraries include a visit to Norfolk and a three-day stop in King’s Wharf.   

Norwegian Escape
Year Built: 2015
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

The Norwegian Escape is currently sailing varied itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Departing from Italy, the seven- to 11-night cruises feature visits to ports in Greece, Croatia, Malta, Montenegro and more.

Norwegian Getaway
Year Built: 2014
Capacity: 4,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Caribbean

Returning to North America after a short season in the Baltic, the Norwegian Getaway recently kicked off a summer program in the Caribbean. Sailing from Port Canaveral, the vessel is offering seven-night cruises to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and the Dominican Republic.

Norwegian Breakaway
Year Built: 2013
Capacity: 4,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Western Caribbean

Based in Miami, the Norwegian Breakaway is sailing a rotating schedule of seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Norwegian Epic
Year Built: 2010
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Western Mediterranean

The Norwegian Epic is presently sailing in the Western Mediterranean. Visiting Spain, France and Italy, the 2010-built vessel is part of Norwegian’s eight-ship summer deployment in the region.

Norwegian Gem 
Year Built: 2007

Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

Another Norwegian ship in Europe, the Norwegian Gem is currently positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering cruises to ports such as Trieste, Dubrovnik, Corfu and Santorini.

Norwegian Jade
Year Built: 2006
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service  
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

The Norwegian Jade is currently based in Piraeus for a series of cruises to the Greek Islands and Turkey that includes visits to Istanbul, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and more.

Norwegian Pearl
Year Built: 2006
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: East Coast

Based in Boston, the Norwegian Pearl is offering week-long cruises to Bermuda and Maine.

Norwegian Jewel
Year Built: 2005
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

As part of Norwegian’s summer program in Alaska, the Norwegian Pearl is sailing a series of open-jaw cruises between Vancouver and Seward.

Pride of America
Year Built: 2005
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Hawaii

As the industry’s only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, the Pride of America continues to offer its year-round schedule of Hawaii cruises. Sailing from Honolulu, the vessel’s regular itinerary includes visits to Kahului, Hilo, Kailua Kona and Nawiliwili.  

Norwegian Dawn
Year Built: 2002
Capacity: 2,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Northern Europe

The Norwegian Dawn is presently in Northern Europe for a series of Baltic cruises. Leaving from Stockholm and Copenhagen, the itineraries feature visits to Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden and more.  

Norwegian Star
Year Built: 2001
Capacity: 2,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Northern Europe

Based in Reykjavik, the Norwegian Star is presently offering a series of cruises to Iceland and Greenland.

Norwegian Sun
Year Built: 2001
Capacity: 2,002 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

After hitting a growler in late June, the Norwegian Sun recently resumed its program of five- to nine-night cruises in Alaska.

Norwegian Spirit
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

As the last ship to resume service for Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Spirit welcomed guests back in May. Before arriving in Alaska – where it’s currently sailing – the 1999-built vessel offered itineraries to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

Norwegian Sky
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Miami, Florida

The Norwegian Sky is in Miami today for yet another short cruise to the Bahamas. The three-night sailing includes visits to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian’s private island destination in the region.