Sun Princess 2024 Review: Solo Caribbean Cruise What I Loved (and Didn’t) on My Caribbean Cruise
Sailing on the new Sun Princess this October was an experience to remember! As a seasoned cruiser, I was thrilled to try out this state-of-the-art ship and explore all it had to offer. Here’s a breakdown of my trip, from the standout moments to a few areas for improvement.
The Itinerary
Our journey began in Fort Lauderdale, at Port Everglades. The first stop on the itinerary was Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, followed by Grand Turk. While Puerto Plata had its charm, Grand Turk was the highlight of my trip. We had 2 full sea days, the last was rained out.
The Pros
A New Ship with Stunning Features
The decor was sleek and modern, creating a sophisticated ambiance throughout the ship. My deluxe balcony cabin was a highlight—spacious and thoughtfully designed. Everything was new and fresh. I couldn’t help but keep snapping selfies, I felt so luxurious on this ship.
Thoughtfully Designed Cabin Amenities
Staying in a deluxe balcony cabin on my own was a treat. There was ample storage, perfect for a solo traveler like me who tends to overpack! The bathroom was bright, featuring a glass-door shower, and I loved the high-quality DryBar blow dryer provided. Bonus points for the abundance of outlets, making it easy to charge my devices.
Outstanding Entertainment
From live music in the ship’s central areas to engaging comedians and trivia hosts, the entertainment was top-notch. I especially enjoyed trivia by the pool and the sail-away party, where hearing The Love Boat theme song brought back nostalgic memories of watching the show. I also spent a lot of time in Princess Live, enjoying comedy shows, karaoke, and trivia sessions—a great way to wind down after a day in port.
Exceptional Dining for Special Diets
As a vegan with gluten-free dietary needs, I was impressed by the dining options. The dining room manager went out of their way to ensure I had meals tailored to my requirements. Even the smaller eateries onboard had great options, which made dining a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Every night, I dined in the Main Dining Room (MDR), and the vegan menu exceeded my expectations. The creativity and variety were beyond amazing.
Grand Turk: A Perfect Port Day
Grand Turk was the standout port on this itinerary. The NASA exhibit at the port was both educational and inspiring. After exploring, I spent the day relaxing on the beautiful beach alongside fellow cruisers. Renting a snorkel mask for just $5 allowed me to explore the clear waters, and I snagged a lounger for $10. Here’s a tip: the farther you walk from the dock, the cheaper the loungers become! I also enjoyed sampling beers from the local island brewery—a great way to experience the local flavors.
Delicious Cocktails
The ship’s bars offered a fantastic selection of drinks. My favorite was the Hot Pants cocktail from Pantalone’s tequila bar—a must-try for anyone cruising on the Sun Princess.
A Beautiful Sail-Away Party
Princess’ signature sail-away party was unforgettable. The vibrant energy, live music, and that iconic theme song created the perfect kickoff for the cruise.
The Cons
Embarkation
While the port was easy to get to and a short ride from my hotel, the embarkation process seemed disorganized. The lines were long and winding and everyone seemed to be waiting to move, slowly into the check in process.
Solo Meet-ups
I didn’t find any solo meet-ups. I did meet a few solos, they were definitely older than me and not interested in doing any excursions or sight seeing. I didn’t have any issues finding things to do, I just enjoy a good solo meet-up like on Virgin ships.
The Ship’s Size
While the size of the Sun Princess is impressive, it was almost overwhelming. Navigating the ship was challenging at times, and certain areas had a strange layout, making it hard to find the quickest route. I felt like I had to go out of my way to get to certain areas due to the ships size and layout.
Smoky Casino
I was looking forward to trying my luck at the casino, but the heavy smoke was a big deterrent. I love to gamble on cruises. I tried a few times to enjoy the casino but the smoke was just to overpowering. I broke even when I was playing, so I guess that’s better than losing.
Service on the Lido Deck
While the service in most areas of the ship was excellent, the lido deck fell short. It took longer than expected to get drinks and snacks, which was a bit frustrating during peak times. Everywhere else was pretty fast and the drinks outside of the pool area seemed a lot stronger.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few minor issues, my October cruise on the Sun Princess was an amazing experience. From the cutting-edge design and thoughtful amenities to the fantastic entertainment and dining options, Princess Cruises delivered a memorable vacation.
As someone who grew up watching The Love Boat, hearing the theme song as we sailed away was a dream come true. It’s these nostalgic and unique touches that make Princess Cruises stand out.
Grand Turk was undoubtedly the highlight of this trip, with its blend of natural beauty, engaging attractions like the NASA exhibit, and the chance to relax and enjoy the local culture.
I’m already looking forward to my next adventure with Princess! Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or considering your first voyage, the Sun Princess is worth adding to your list. Have questions about this ship or cruising with Princess? Feel free to reach out!
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