Passengers will be able to shop for high-end brands at stores galore on the 4,300-guest Sun Princess when the ship debuts today on its maiden voyage out of Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy.
Sun Princess, the first Sphere Class ship, offers more than 5,800 square feet of commercial space from premium brands offering everything from bling and beauty to fashion and accessories.
Among the more than 25 brands making their debut at sea are Chanel No. 1, Beyond Yoga and Varley. Also available are sustainable fashion from Neu Nomad and Italian elegance with Pinko handbags. In addition, WAVES, the first Princess-branded merchandise boutique, will makes its debut on board, offering an exclusive limited Princess Inaugural collection that celebrates the iconic new ship as well as new lines featuring the Princess Seawitch.
"This expansive retail environment, created in partnership with Harding+, marks a new level of excellence for Princess retail,” said Sabine Muhlberger, vice president of onboard revenue experience at Princess Cruises. “Our guests are going to love this new and unique shopping experience that will enhance the already spectacular cruise experience aboard Sun Princess."
What's on deck
The retail design boasts open, spacious areas with interactive merchandising and pop-up locations. For instance, on deck 8 the Premium Watch Lounge features the first-at-sea Breitling Lounge concept and the latest TAG Heuer boutique design as well as The Fine Timepieces Boutique — a wonderland of signature watches for both men and women from Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton in addition to pre-owned Rolex watches.
The Beauty & Wellness Boutique, also on deck 8, offers name brands such as Chanel, Dior, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Clinique, and a curated range of sustainable and organic skincare brands including Comfort Zone, Neom Organics, This Works, Rituals and unisex clean skincare by REN Skincare.
Bling it on
Three new upscale brands will be available for purchase. These include the award-winning London-based jewelry designer Shaun Leane, and Paris-based jewelry designer Yvonne Leon. There will also be a diverse selection of gender-neutral precious metals and materials from John Hardy and costume jewelry featuring the latest retail store concept design from Swarovski.
Tippler favorites
Cocktail lovers can buy some fine spirits such as Johnnie Walker Blue Xordinaire while fashionistas looking for cool specs can eye the offerings at interactive brand displays. These include brands such as Tom Ford, Prada, Oakley and Maui Jim, pre-loved luxury leather and accessories from Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, and Pandora Jewelry.
After its maiden voyage, the 175,500-ton Sun Princess begins a series of sailings throughout the Mediterranean through early October before moving to the Caribbean, with all voyages featuring its signature Princess Medallion amenities. Sun Princess features the most balcony staterooms of any ship in the fleet and offers 29 restaurants and lounges.
