After entering service in February 2024, the new Sun Princess is soon completing its first year of service for Princess Cruises.

As the largest ship ever built for the premium brand of Carnival Corporation, the 175,500-ton vessel was built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

Following a late February delivery, the Sun Princess spent its inaugural season sailing to destinations in the Mediterranean.

For its maiden cruise, the ship departed from Civitavecchia, a port located near Rome, on a ten-night cruise to Italy, Greece, Spain and Turkey.

Before ending in Barcelona, the open-jaw itinerary included visits to Naples, Piraeus, Kusadasi, Chania, Palma de Mallorca and Messina.

A few weeks later, in late April, the Sun Princess was christened at the port of Barcelona as part of a ceremony that included actress and performer Hannah Waddingham serving as the ship’s godmother.

Continuing its inaugural season in Europe, the vessel offered a variety of seven- to 12-night cruises in the region through mid-September.

The Sun Princess then repositioned to North America for itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas departing from Fort Lauderdale.

In early April, the 4,300-guest vessel returns to Europe for a second summer season in the Mediterranean.

Introducing a new ship design to Princess’ fleet, the LNG-powered ship debuted a range of new features, including the first geodesic dome onboard a cruise ship and a selection of unique dining venues.

One of the new specialty restaurants onboard the Sun Princess is Love by Britto, which was created as a collaboration between artist Romero Britto and chef Rudi Sodamin.

As a sister to the Sun Princess, the new Star Princess is scheduled to enter service in the Mediterranean this September.

Following a winter season sailing to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, the vessel marks the debut of the new class in Alaska.