Here comes Sun Princess: The original ‘Love Boat’ returns for a new generation of cruises

Imagine the perfect union of sky and sea, where the deepest blue stretches endlessly before you. Such breathtaking vistas await you on an oceanic journey with Princess Cruises.

With the upcoming launch of two new Sphere Class ships, Princess Cruises – renowned for its connection to the iconic 1970s television series The Love Boat – is poised to redefine the art of cruising.

First to set sail early next year is Sun Princess, followed by Star Princess in 2025. To commemorate this exciting launch and a milestone decade in Singapore (with the return of Diamond Princess to our shores this December), Princess Cruises has launched the All You Love online contest. Enter for a chance to win a seven-night cruise for two aboard Sun Princess that will take you on an unforgettable voyage to Spain, Greece, Italy and Montenegro. Return economy flights are included, making the total value of this enticing package S$9,000.

SEE THE WORLD IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

Sun Princess is a vessel of its time. Not only is it the fleet’s largest addition, accommodating up to 4,300 guests in stylish comfort, it is also the first to use liquefied natural gas to reduce pollutant emissions and fuel use.

The ship’s blend of innovation and modern design enables it to deliver exhilarating experiences befitting its Sphere Class designation. For instance, the pioneering glass Dome is an airy indoor/outdoor pool by day and a dazzling performance venue by night. The Dome plays host to three new shows crafted by seasoned entertainers Cirque Eloize, fusing emotions, colour and music to captivate you.

Another show-stopping venue is the Arena Theatre, the most technologically advanced theatre on any Princess ship to date. With softly curved walls reminiscent of the tides along with show-based seating configurations, every angle offers spectacular views for an enthralling experience.

Those seeking thrilling top-deck activities will love the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first of its kind on a cruise ship, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking vistas as they soar 16 decks above the waves, securely anchored to rails.

NEW DINING PLEASURES AND PERKS

On a cruise, dining options are pivotal to the experience. Sun Princess delivers with 29 restaurants and lounges, including eight new dining concepts, allowing your palate to embark on a delightful global epicurean journey.

The three-level Horizons dining room is the ship’s newest gem for savouring delectable meals. Whether you crave a morning serve of smoked salmon omelette and Swedish pancakes or a hearty lamb leg provencale for dinner, the culinary team is dedicated to exceeding your every expectation. Princess Cruises has also expanded its menus across all fleets to cater to guests with vegan diets and other dietary considerations.

Keep an eye out for a star turn by award-winning chef Rudi Sodamin. At his namesake restaurant, The Catch by Rudi, diners will enjoy the ocean’s bounty in every bite. Equally notable is Umai Teppanyaki with its theatrical service, and O’Malley’s Irish Pub for its classic pub experience.

What’s more, Princess Cruises has upgraded its packages to offer more inclusions at no additional cost, including casual dining options, complimentary room service delivery and accelerated green lane boarding. These enhancements complement existing benefits like Wi-Fi, beverage and juice packages, and the OceanNow delivery service, which allows you to have anything from cocktails to towels swiftly delivered to your location on the ship, facilitated by MedallionClass technology.

The Medallion is a wearable device the size of a coin that streamlines reservation and payment processes while granting guests access to onboard facilities and location-based services. With this device, everyone stays connected, their location readily visible to others within the group.

A WORLD TO CALL YOUR OWN

In December, Diamond Princess will make history as the first Princess ship to offer the MedallionClass vacation experience in Singapore and Southeast Asia. It will reposition from Japan to Singapore, introducing a series of 10- to 14-day cruises that will take you to various destinations in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. These voyages will continue until March 2024.

Following its deployment in Singapore, Diamond Princess will return to Japan, where it will continue to offer cruises until October. Among these enticing options are the Spring Flowers voyages, where you can explore four of Japan’s main islands and immerse yourself in a continuous display of floral beauty and cultural festivals.

Japan will also witness the debut of Royal Princess in 2024, marking the first Royal-class ship to sail in the region. It sets forth in late April, with calls to the northern Tohoku and Hokkaido regions for some stunning cherry blossom views, before charting its way across the Pacific to Anchorage or Vancouver.

For those who love gazing at colossal glaciers, encountering majestic wildlife and partaking in exciting land expeditions, such as sledding with huskies, there are diverse cruises to choose from, with seven Princess ships sailing in Alaska next year. It’s no surprise that the Alaskan routes remain among the most sought-after experiences offered by Princess Cruises, marking a 55-year milestone in the region in 2024.

Alternatively, explore Europe by joining one of Sun Princess’s inaugural voyages to the region next year, with seven- to 10-day Mediterranean voyages departing from Barcelona, Rome or Athens, taking you to iconic locations like Istanbul, Naples and Santorini. Princess Cruises’ extensive network also includes visits to the British Isles and even as far north as Iceland and Scandinavia.

Experience the magic of Sun Princess and embark on an oceanic adventure like no other with Princess Cruises. Don’t miss the opportunity to enter the All You Love online contest, which ends Dec 31, 2023. The contest is open to Singapore residents who are above 18 years old; no purchase is necessary.