Sun Princess (2024)

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Sun Princess
Sun Princess at Piraeus Harbour.jpg
Sun Princess at Piraeus, 2024
History
Flag of Bermuda.svg Bermuda
NameSun Princess
Owner Carnival Corporation house flag.svg Carnival Corporation & plc
Operator Princess Cruises
Port of registry Hamilton, Flag of Bermuda.svg  Bermuda
Ordered23 July 2018 [1]
Builder
Laid down8 March 2023 [2]
Sponsored by Hannah Waddingham
Christened23 April 2024 [3]
Acquired28 February 2024 [4]
Maiden voyage28 February 2024
In service2024-present
Identification
StatusIn Service
General characteristics
Class and type Sphere-class cruise ship
Tonnage177,882  GT [5]
Length1,133 ft (345 m) [5]
Beam155 ft (47 m) [6]
Decks21 [5]
Speed22 kn (41 km/h)
Capacity4,300
Crew1,600

Sun Princess is a Sphere-class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, and is the third ship to sail for the cruise line under this name. Sun Princess was ordered on 23 July 2018 from Fincantieri and were constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and debuted in 2024.

Contents

History

Construction and delivery

The final contract of the first two Sphere-class vessels was signed in March 2019. In March 2023, the ship was floated out in Monfalcone, Italy. [7] Sun Princess was seen completing her sea trials in November 2023 and January 2024. Two weeks before her originally expected delivery, a mutual agreement to delay her delivery was announced. The circumstances were not explained. Sun Princess' debut was delayed from 8 February to 28 February 2024. [8] [9]

She had her naming ceremony in the Port of Barcelona being named by Hannah Waddingham on 23 April 2024. [10]

Operational history

Sun Princess sailed her maiden voyage on 28 February 2024, 20 days after her anticipated debut, setting sail in the Mediterranean. [11]

Design and specifications

Sun Princess is the first ship of the Sphere class. She measures 1,133 feet (345 m) in length with a beam of 155 feet (47 m). The Sphere class has been a major update to the overall design of Princess' ships, featuring a more modern look. Sun Princess also features new glass, dome-like elements visible from the exterior of the vessel. [12] [13] Sun Princess is the first Princess ship to be fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) which will persist throughout the Sphere class.

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References

  1. "Princess Cruises to Build Two Next Generation LNG Cruise". www.carnivalcorp.com.
  2. "Sun Princess Floats Out at Fincantieri - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
  3. "Hannah Waddingham to Serve as Godmother of Sun Princess - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
  4. "New Sun Princess Arrives in Civitavecchia Ahead of Maiden Cruise - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
  5. 1 2 3 "Sun Princess Fact Sheet - Princess Cruises".
  6. "Sun Princess Ship Info". www.cruisedeckplans.com.
  7. "New Sun Princess Named by Hannah Waddingham". cruiseindustrynews.com. 2023-03-08.
  8. "Sun Princess Delivered but Feb. 18 Sailing Cancelled". cruiseindustrynews.com.
  9. "Princess Cancels First Sun Princess Cruise". cruiseindustrynews.com. 2024-01-24.
  10. "New Sun Princess Named by Hannah Waddingham". cruiseindustrynews.com. 2024-02-14.
  11. "Sun Princess Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage to the Mediterranean - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". cruiseindustrynews.com.
  12. Cruises, Princess. "Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection Aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess". www.prnewswire.com (Press release).
  13. Johnson, Holly (2024-06-25). "Sun Princess: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on Princess Cruises' Newest Ship". travel.usnews.com.

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/09/princess-cruises-adds-a-second-total-solar-eclipse-voyage/