ABOARD THE SUN PRINCESS -- The late-afternoon light streamed through the windows of the Dome where dozens of vacationers on padded chaise lounges napped, read or sipped predinner drinks.
The light also streamed into the heart of the ship where two curved walls of windows three decks high protruded from amidships as the sun fell toward the horizon.
True to its name, light is a significant feature on the Sun, Princess Cruises' first Sphere-class ship, which debuted in the Mediterranean late last month. In addition to letting in more light, the Sun serves an expression of the direction Princess wants to go, which is toward a multigenerational clientele. To that end, the ship introduces a family activity zone, new restaurants, reimagined entertainment spaces and a new cabin category.
I sailed on the Sun during its second revenue cruise, joining the ship for the first half of a 10-day itinerary from Barcelona to Rome.
Princess went big with the Sphere class, which gets its name from the large windows around its atrium. While smaller than megaships from contemporary cruise lines, Princess designed the Sun to be 23% larger than its next-biggest ship, the Discovery Princess, at nearly 178,000 gross tons.
The line also designed the Sun to be the first of the line's two ships to use liquefied natural gas. The Sun is expected to be followed by the Star Princess in 2025.
The Sun can carry 4,300 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 1,600. While this cruise was just shy of full capacity, the Sun did not feel particularly crowded except at predictable places like outside the Horizons dining room during dinner hour or when trying to get a pastry at the International Cafe when guests returned from excursions.
Light shines through the Dome on the Sun Princess as guests swim in the indoor/outdoor pool. Photo Credit: Andrea Zelinski
The Dome
While it is too soon to call it a trend, the Sun is the second ship this year to feature a dome at the front of the ship.
The Sun's dome is smaller than that on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, which debuted in January with a prominent forward dome. While the Sun's dome has a bar, it also serves as a location for a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The pool is the space's focal point and is surrounded by plush chaise lounges in a theater-like setup inspired by the terraces of Santorini, Greece. By night, the 250-person-capacity space hosts Cirque Eloize acrobatic performances.
Princess was not ready to put on that performance or debut several other features on this sailing. Because delivery of the Sun was delayed by almost three weeks, the line has yet to install or perform safety tests for several pieces of equipment.
The ropes course in the Park19 area. Photo Credit: Andrea Zelinski
Fun for families
To attract a multigenerational audience, the Sun introduced a family area called Park19. Located on the top deck, attractions include a ropes course and a slide accessible via climbing activity or stairs. The zone also includes the Seabreeze Rollglider, which is an aerial ride with a seated harness that resembles a zipline and goes 11 mph. The Rollglider was not operational during my sailing but is expected to open by April 27.
In another attempt to cater to multigenerational groups, the Sun debuted the Cabana Mini Suites cabin category, which includes access to an exclusive common area for Cabana residents and their guests.
Princess said the Cabana Sun Deck would appeal to families wanting a quiet space to spend time together. In an another appeal to families, the Sun Princess also includes 100 connecting cabins.
The Escape from Houdini's Chest drink from the Spellbound Bar. Photo Credit: Andrea Zelinski
Magical mixology
Mystical purple light and smoke escaped from a small chest where a specialty drink sat at the new Spellbound Bar. While the bar was not open on this sailing, guests got a glimpse of the venue concept, which mixes drinks with magic during a 30-minute experience inspired by the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Calif. The Spellbound Bar is expected to open by April 8.
The circular atrium of the Sun Princess is surrounded with seating for events and people-watching. Photo Credit: Andrea Zelinski
Another anticipated venue, the Love by Britto restaurant, features artwork from Romero Britto and is expected to open in mid-April.
The Sun's director of food and beverage, Carlos Justina, said he was most excited about introducing The Butcher Block by Dario, featuring a large, family-style table and recipes from Dario Cecchini, the butcher featured on Netflix's "Chef's Table."
"It's something that guests are not used to," he said, adding that the chef's fame from Netflix has been a plus for interest.
Other new restaurants include Umai Teppanyaki and Umai Hot Pot. There's also O'Malley's Irish Pub, which is currently only on the Enchanted Princess and will be added to the Discovery Princess in May.
Some traditional venues have been reimagined for the Sun. For example, the space for the three-deck atrium, the Piazza, was tightened up, with more seating on each level for guests to watch performers like violinists and singers.