Newest Mega Cruise Ship Sun Princess Underway After Storm Delay & Evacuations

Princess Cruises’ newest flagship, Sun Princess, was set to make its highly anticipated U.S. debut on October 9 at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, after a successful inaugural season in the Mediterranean but Mother Nature had other plans. As Hurricane Milton broke storm intensity records during its race towards Florida, the U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port raised Port Condition YANKEE on October 8, halting all inbound vessels, including the Sun Princess.

The flagship which, days earlier, won Condé Nast Traveler‘s ‘Best Mega Cruise in the United States‘ award, was forced to adjust course and delay its arrival. Instead of docking as scheduled, the Sun Princess sailed south to avoid the worst of the storm, temporarily holding position off the coast of Cuba. The weather-related chaos didn’t stop there. On October 9, three passengers were evacuated due to medical emergencies. The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted one critically ill passenger, while two others were evacuated by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue via fireboat.

The evacuations occurred three days after Captain of the Port Chris Cederholm, USCG, set port condition whiskey and advised all ocean-going vessels 500 gross tons to make plans for departing Port Everglades and Miami. 

After weathering the storm, the Sun Princess safely docked at Port Everglades on October 11, just a couple of days behind schedule. This arrival likely comes as a relief for company executives, especially considering the docking mishap involving the Ruby Princess last year, the company’s environmental conviction in 2022, and widespread suspensions during COVID.

The ship has since set sail again, and is now passing the Bahamas on its way to its inaugural Caribbean destinations. This season will feature an array of seven- and 14-day itineraries, offering guests expansive views from the Sun Princess, which boasts more balconies than any other ship in the Princess fleet.

Related: Watch: Saildrone Intercepts Hurricane Milton at Sea

What Makes The Sun Princess Special?

The Sun Princess—the largest ship in Princess Cruises’ history and the first in its Sphere class—was designed to maximize ocean views and provide passengers with luxurious experiences.

The Sun Princess is a groundbreaking addition to Princess Cruises’ fleet, marking what the company calls a new era in cruise ship design and passenger experience. As the largest ship ever built by Princess and the first in its innovative Sphere class, the Sun Princess is crafted to bring the ocean closer to its guests with its expansive glass architecture and unique design elements. One of the ship’s most remarkable features is the Sphere Atrium, an outward-facing, multi-level space that offers uninterrupted views of the ocean. This architectural masterpiece elevates the traditional ship’s Piazza hub, allowing passengers to feel more connected to the sea no matter where they are on board.

Another standout feature is The Dome, a first-of-its-kind geodesic, glass-enclosed entertainment space. Inspired by the terraces of the Greek island Santorini, The Dome transforms from a pool deck by day into a vibrant venue for entertainment at night. It hosts acrobatic performances created in partnership with Cirque Éloize, giving guests a world-class spectacle without leaving the ship. The innovation and flexibility of this space make it one of the most dynamic features ever introduced on a cruise ship.

Sun Princess Deck Plan

Critics ask if the ship is too big to enjoy, but Princess Cruises also claims it boasts an innovative deck plan designed to maximize passenger comfort, ocean views, and ease of movement throughout the ship. Spanning multiple levels, the layout centers around the stunning Sphere Atrium, which serves as the ship’s vibrant social hub. This multi-deck atrium not only connects passengers with panoramic ocean views but also links key venues such as restaurants, bars, lounges, and entertainment spaces. The design ensures that guests can easily navigate the ship while constantly staying engaged with its dynamic offerings.

Additionally, the ship is designed with passenger flow in mind, ensuring that even with its large capacity, the decks never feel crowded. With an abundance of balconies, outdoor lounges, and walkways, the Sun Princess deck plan offers a seamless blend of openness and elegance, creating a cruise experience that feels both intimate and expansive.

Sun Princess Dining

The Sun Princess has an enormous amount of luxury dining options. With over 30 restaurant and bar venues, passengers can enjoy world-class culinary experiences, including partnerships with celebrity chefs like Dario Cecchini and Makoto Okuwa. These dining venues aren’t just places to eat; they are destinations in themselves, offering everything from artistic-inspired meals to teppanyaki dinners with theatrical performances. With more balconies than any other ship in the Princess fleet, luxurious staterooms, and the company’s largest casino, the Sun Princess promises to deliver an immersive cruise experience with luxury, entertainment, and innovation

Despite the initial hiccups caused by Hurricane Milton, the Sun Princess is ready to deliver on its promise of a next-level cruise experience. With state-of-the-art culinary venues, immersive entertainment, and luxurious accommodations, passengers are eager to set sail and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean aboard this new mega ship.

Next: Watch: Saildrone Intercepts Hurricane Milton at Sea

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