The newest ship from Princess Cruises, Sun Princess, will debut in October 2024 with a bounty of food choices for every ethnic taste. Passengers will never feel hungry, that’s for sure.
One of the highlights will include a theater of Japanese Teppanyaki at Umai Teppanyaki, where the cuisine mingles with captivating performances.
For pub fans, there will be O’Malley’s. Princess says the venue “reimagines the classic Irish pub concept with a refreshing twist."
Seafood devotees can grab their fill at the Catch by Rudi from award-winning chef Rudi Sodamin. And for American food traditionalists, the Promenade will serve up slices of pizza, gourmet burgers, flavorful hot dogs, freshly baked bagels, and a tempting selection of ice cream.
Traditional favorites
While the new additions promise novelty, Sun Princess will also offer timeless favorites such as the Crown Grill (love the steaks there) and Sabatini’s (great Italian fare0. And of course Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Kai Sushi, Crooners, and the uber popular Wheelhouse Bar all return.
The ship’s multiple dining decks cater to all appetites beginning with breakfast and continuing through late-night snack time. Ethnic eats range from Mexican to Mongolian, and cruisers can enjoy coffee concoctions, frozen treats, sushi specials, artisanal pizza, tangy barbecue, deluxe burgers and hot dogs. Vegetarian and plant-based meals give all diners plenty of options.
The Horizons dining room will provide stunning views of the wake amid a natural light that highlights a decorative sculpture. The room stretches from decks 6 to 8.
The suite life
It depends on your budget, of course, but my motto is to always book a suite if you can. And the choices on the Sun sound ab fab. It starts with the Signature Collection, which offers access to the new Signature Restaurant (deck 7) and Signature Lounge (decks 15-16). Guests booked in the Reserve Collection of mini-suites and cabana cabins will have access to the Reserve Collection restaurant (deck 7). Both private dining areas offer exclusive menu options that include a Prime Rib Carving Trolley as well as an expanded list of chefs’ culinary creations.
A bounty of bars and lounges
Tipplers will be able to belly up to the bar with choices such as Bellini’s Cocktail on deck 7. It's an attractive venue that sparkles like a diamond in the center of the Piazza.
Good Spirits at Sea (deck 7) takes guests around the globe in search of extraordinary everyday people, sharing stories of spirits and collecting farm-fresh, local ingredients to inspire one-of-a-kind cocktail creations. Immerse yourself in the region as skilled bartenders lead you through an immersive cocktail experience. On Sun Princess, this Princess favorite is a distinct venue, and it also offers an immersive martini experience as well as an immersive royal tea experience.
The O’Malley’s Irish Pub, which took its bow on Enchanted Princess, joins Sun Princess as a traditional Irish pub with live music, interactive entertainment and menu items including the freshly ground ribeye-blend Bushmills Blue Burger and the O’Malley’s Burger patties, dressed with Bushmills whiskey glaze. Located in the heart of the ship adjacent to the Piazza and open for lunch, dinner and late-night fare, O’Malley’s serves up comfort food at its best– pub-style Fish & Chips, Traditional Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie – along with casual and friendly banter and possibly even a wee bit of blarney.
Specialty dining
The iconic Crown Grill is truly a carnivore’s delight with premium aged beef cooked to your gusto. There are also fresh seafood items ... but the meat rules. It happens to be a charming room where my husband Richard and I had a few celebratory birthdays and anniversary dinners over the years.
Kai Sushi — which sits adjacent to the heart of the Piazza — serves your favorite sushi, sashimi, rolls and more, along with spectacular views from the Sphere window. It offers a vast array of sushi and sashimi specialties, plus signature rolls like Crispy Lobster Tempura. Diners at Wagyu at Sabatini’s can witness pasta being made fresh in an all-new pasta room with sweeping circular windows. This Princess favorite features an inspired interior design with intimate bistro-style nooks and a dramatic circular dining room. Menu favorites include Sicilian fried mozzarella rice balls scented with black truffle, creamy burrata caprese and classic beef carpaccio for starters. Then they bring on seafood dishes, and primavera pastas round out a menu peppered with savory meat dishes featuring lamb chops, veal tenderloin and strip loin steak. Il Dolce caps the experience with an Italian classic, tiramisu, as well as a selection of pastries, tortes and a ricotta cheesecake.
Umai Teppanyaki is exclusive to Sun Princess. The Umai Teppanyaki is a feast for the senses, offering a fusion of top cuisine and showmanship. Here, highly skilled masters of teppanyaki take center stage, using their fiery skills and flair to create a dazzling display on a sizzling hot grill. Masters of slicing and dicing, the chefs mesmerize guests while juggling meats, poultry, fish and vegetables on the iron Teppan grill that serves as their stage. Guests have front-row seats at the table to witness the fun while sipping signature drinks like the Wasabi Cocktail and Japanese Martini. This three-act show begins with a selection of starters like Pork Belly Yakitori or Spicy Tuna on the Rocks; progresses to entrées like black cod in soy reduction and filet mignon with champagne Cognac flambé; then takes a bow with a charming Chocolate Bento Box dessert with green tea ice cream.
Adjacent to World Fresh is the Catch by Rudi (deck 9), a pop-up dinner concept from renowned chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing treasures from the sea like oysters on the half shell with red-and-pink peppercorn mignonette; calamari with seasoned panko coating and lemon aioli; Mussels Provençale with crusty bread for dipping; and a Catch of the Day lineup sure to make pescatarians and omnivores smile.
On deck dining
World Fresh Marketplace has been reimagined and now offers your taste buds a journey of of flavors and experiences from around the world. /the chefs serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at nine food stations ranging from Mongolian barbeque and Tapas stations to Asian stir fry and Panini stations. There’s something for every guest at stops that feature carving boards of roasted meats, bread and salad selections, fruits, hot dishes, and desserts for every sweet tooth.
International Cafe is another favorite that feeds passengers around the clock from savory breakfast sandwiches to focaccia and flatbreads, along with delightful desserts.
The Promenade puts passengers back in beachy California with outdoor dining offering views close to the waterline. The Promenade Grill and Bar outdoor food counters serve up quick and tasty favorites. Guests can sit at a mix of covered tables and lounge seating open to the sky or an aft view on the covered deck.
Interested in a cruise on Sun Princess?
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will boast the most balcony space in the fleet. The ship sets sail in October 2024.
Interested in a cruise on this ship? Contact the Cruiseable Business Department and a travel consultant will send you all the info you need — plus get you all the extras. Email [email protected] or call 1-877-322-3773.
