ITTN’s Sharon Jordan and Travel Expert Sarah Slattery were, this week, on board for the official naming ceremony of Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Sun Princess.
Sun Princess sailed into the cruise world with a splash these past few weeks, and many Irish travel trade and media have been fortunate to have been hosted onboard since (including ITTNs own Shane Cullen Splendid Spaces Onboard Sun Princess from The Sanctuary to The Piazza | ittn.ie); so, I was personally thrilled when I received the invite to her naming ceremony in Barcelona.
Particularly, when I discovered that her godmother was the one and only award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham.
The day Kicked off with a press conference where it was announced that Princess Cruises will offer a ship within a ship concept as part of the New Sanctuary collection. The new Category will offer Unprecedented Level of Exclusivity and Premium Extras Aboard all Newest Ships from Princess.
As the name suggests, guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection will enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s top deck retreat area, along with a host of additional and high-end amenities.
These indulgences include exclusive private dining and relaxation areas, a luxurious stateroom experience, as well as the Princess Premier bundle to round out the all-inclusive style of the Sanctuary experience. Where can I sign up?!
After the press conference, invited guests were brought to the Princess Piazza where Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience from world-renowned artist Romero Britto, made its debut.
We were told that he is known for his bold, colourful, and joyful style, and that he is a global advocate for happiness and that Britto has created a dining concept that serves as a showcase of the artist’s iconic and joyful designs against the backdrop of a boutique restaurant designed to immerse couples in a world of vivid colours.
Unlike anything else in cruising, the venue also highlights the talents of Princess Cruises’ Head of Culinary Arts Rudi Sodamin, who has created an array of tantalising choices that embody profound passion, exquisite flavour, and boundless creativity with a seven-course, prix fixe menu of $149 pp that begins with a flute of Champagne upon arrival and features luxury ingredients including lobster, caviar and truffles, and dessert options that always include chocolate fondue. Book me in, please!
Following this, approximately 200 guests dressed to shine and walked the red carpet to attend the official naming ceremony where godmother Hannah Waddingham (yes, of Ted Lasso fame) began the time-honoured maritime tradition in the all-new Princess Arena.
Ms Waddingham, alongside the ship’s Captain Craig Street, joyously pronounced: “I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.”
She then released the celebratory bottle of Champagne to smash against the ship wishing good fortune to all of the ship’s guests and crew sailing to incredible destinations all over the world.
Afterward, it was on to bites, champagne and cocktails that were absolutely spellbinding! What an experience.
Each onboard speciality restaurant had its own breakout stand which was filled with samples of menus from each one. I personally didn’t make it past UMAI seafood as it was just too good!
Finally, the evening ended by the main pool to music from the resident DJ, followed by special guest Natasha Bedingfield who was on hand to fittingly perform her smash hit Pocket Full of Sunshine, along with other award-winning hits including Unwritten.
And as if it were by magic, the sun peeped out from the Spanish clouds as we danced the evening away to the newly named Sun Princess.
What’s else was new from the press conference?
Star Princess to Sail Alaska Voyages in Summer 2026
Also announced, the next Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, will sail her first full summer in 2026 in Alaska, making it the first of its class to ever sail to the Great Land. Star Princess is currently under construction and scheduled to debut in the Mediterranean in September 2025.
Princess Collaborates with Celebrities to Launch Love Line Premium Liquors
Princess also revealed its newest indulgence – the “Love Line Premium Liquors” collection. Crafted in collaboration with renowned celebrities Pitbull, Jason Aldean and Romero Britto, this exclusive line of wines and spirits promises an unparalleled experience for guests sailing aboard ships from the Love Boat. The new premium collection features meticulously selected wines and spirits, each bearing the unique touch of its celebrity partner including Voli Vodka by Pitbull, Love Prosecco by Britto, and Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Jason Aldean. The Love Line collection is currently available aboard Sun Princess, and will roll out to all the ships in the Princess fleets throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, check out ITTN’s Shane Cullen’s recent FAM Trip reviews of the ship here:
Sun Princess Sails with Irish Travel Agents & ITTN Onboard | ittn.ie
Splendid Spaces Onboard Sun Princess from The Sanctuary to The Piazza | ittn.ie
