Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
From the sunny port of Barcelona, Sun Princess welcomed worldwide media aboard for an update on what’s new and what’s next for Princess Cruises today, 23 April.
The setting also doubled as the official naming ceremony for Princess’ first sphere-class ship which was live streamed around the ship for all guests to enjoy.
Godmother of Sun Princess, Hannah Waddingham, makes it official
World-renowned actress Hannah Waddingham, star of the hit Netflix series Ted Lasso, officially named the Sun Princess docked in the picturesque Spanish port.
Speaking at the lavish ceremony, Waddingham revealed her first thoughts when she received the call from the cruise line to be godmother of the ship.
“I thought it was a joke,” she said.
“I thought that somebody had made a ridiculous mistake because I’ve seen over the years the magnificent godmothers that have been asked to [be] associated with the ships,” she continued, before blessing the newest ship in the Princess roster.
“This sun ray represents the 16th ship in the Princess fleet.
“I name this ship Sun Princess, may God bless her, and all her sail in her.”
The Princess Sanctuary Collection (Featured image)
Also announced for the first time today was Princess’ new ‘Sanctuary Collection’, a ship-within-a-ship concept available only to suite guests.
Elevating the art of relaxation and serenity, Princess Cruises will debut the exclusive, Sanctuary Collection aboard both Sun Princess and Star Princess.
Offering a private sanctuary pool, private elevator access at the aft of the ship as well as two private dining offerings and unbridled access to the Signature Lounge, this offering will take guests to the most dizzying heights of luxury cruising.
“Our new Sanctuary Collection offers guests those ultra-private, tucked away spaces that rival any high-end resort and surpasses the offerings of comparable cruise lines featuring similar ship-within-a-ship amenities,” Princess Cruises president, John Padgett, said.
“With spacious and well-appointed accommodations, along with an array of premium extras and its exclusivity, our new Sanctuary Collection delivers the ultimate in access and indulgence to deliver an unparalleled experience.”
The sanctuary collection is bookable today for sailings from October 14 when the Sun Princess repositions to Fort Lauderdale for her inaugural Caribbean season.
Star Princess to sail to Alaska
Also announced today were the future plans for Star Princess, Princess’ second ship in its sphere class which recently had her first sailing delayed from 29 July 2025 to 26 September 2025.
Veering away from the news of delays however was Vicki Johnson, head of communications at Princess Cruises. Johnson unveiled the news that Star Princess will sail to Alaska in 2026 after a debut summer in the Mediterranean and a season in the Caribbean.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Hannah Waddingham John Padgett princess cruises star princess sun princessLatest News
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