Sun Princess

When it debuted in 1995, the Sun Princess was one of the largest cruise ships on the seas. Over the years, this definitive vessel, which introduced the concept of more balcony staterooms, was featured on The Love Boat: The Next Wave and experienced high demand in the Australian cruise market. In the present, the Sun Princess calls Sydney its home for most of the year, although for certain months, trips may depart from Melbourne. Generally, the mid-sized ship designed for 1,998 people travels short and long itineraries around the island continent and into the South Pacific. More recently, Princess expanded where the ship travels, and as a result, the Sun Princess visits ports in East Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Basics

While the Sun Princess is one of the cruise line’s older ships, a 2010 refurbishment brought familiar features like Movies Under the Stars® and The Sanctuary, an adults-only relaxation spot. The 15-deck design with 1,011 cabins currently offers the following accommodations for travelers: • 12 Suites with private balconies • 26 Mini-suites with private balconies • 372 Balcony cabins • 193 Ocean view cabins • 408 Inside cabins 19 rooms come equipped with wheelchair access. As well, dining follows Princess’ formula, with fixed, traditional meals and flexible choices in two rooms. But as cruisers often want a bite after these facilities close or are looking for a delicious, less typical meal, Specialty and Casual dining open up the possibilities. Get a filling meal at the Sterling Steakhouse, or for something casual and on your own schedule, dine at Verdi’s Pizza, the International Café, Kai Sushi, Horizon Court, or the Trident Grill. 24-hour room service means you can order anytime you feel hungry.

Activities

Cruisers won’t be asking, “What’s there to do?” Rather, the numerous and varied choices make a trip on the Sun Princess a truly enjoyable experience. As you take in the balmy, bright Australian climate, do so while relaxing in one of the ship’s three pools or five hot tubs. At others, you might want to prepare for that hike through the Outback, so spend a few moments at the Lotus Spa, Gym, and Fitness center building up your stamina. It’s crucial to understand the local culture, so get to know it before arriving in port with the many enrichment activities on board. Take a class, or explore on your own time in the library. As well, many cruisers consider the trip a once-in-a-lifetime shopping experience – and that’s not just when they stop in port. The Sun Princess features a duty-free boutique, where designer goods may be up to 30-percent off. Princess aims to have entertainment and activities for the entire family, and this includes children, too. Rather than have them tag along, drop them off at the Kids or Teens Center for activities appropriate for those under 17 years of age. By night, the ship turns into a world-class entertainment complex, and it’s up to you to decide what to do. Do you watch a show in the Princess Theater or the Vista Lounge, or do you go through the many bars, clubs, and lounges, watching low-key performances, socializing, and sipping your favorite drink? There’s no one right choice, as Princess presents it all for you to try during your cruise. As you explore Australia and the South Pacific, do so in the comforts and variety the Sun Princess offers. To find the right itinerary, browse and then book your trip through Direct Line Cruises.