Sun Princess new ‘ship-within-a-ship’...

Sanctuary guests will have access to a top-deck retreat, bespoke events and three types of cabin

Sun Princess will feature a new ‘all-inclusive ship-within-a-ship’ concept. The Sanctuary Collection will feature on the 4,300-passenger new vessel from October 2024 and on sister ship Star Princess from 2025.

Passengers booked in the premium section will have exclusive access to the ship’s top-deck retreat, as well as bespoke events and high-end amenities.

The new Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess includes three levels of accommodation – Signature Collection Suites (80), Mini Suites (123) and Premium Deluxe Balconies (12).

Princess Cruises president John Padgett said: “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.

“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.”

The delivery of Star Princess has been delayed from July to sail in the Mediterranean in September 2025, but the second Sphere class ship will operate its first full summer in Alaska in 2026, the line revealed.

The arrival of Sun Princess was also delayed with the ship starting its inaugural cruise season on 28 February 2024. The ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale in Florida in October for its first Caribbean season after completing summer sailings in the Med.

Ahead of her maiden voyage, Sun Princess was named by Ted Lasso television series star Hannah Waddingham, one of the stars of the popular Netflix television series Ted Lasso at a ceremony in Barcelona earlier this year.

Waddingham at the naming ceremony (by James Morgan for Getty Images)

Padgett said: ”Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess. We are honoured that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.”

Waddingham, who played Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, grew up boating and has fond memories of weekends in Dunkirk. Her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II.

She said: “As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical. I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe. It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.”

Singer Natasha Bedingfield performed at the event attended by a number of US TV personalities and chefs.

For more information, visit www.princess.com or book through www.cruisemaster-me.com

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