First look at brand new cruise ship setting sail in 2024 – with one-of-a-kind sea view dome & first-at-sea activity zone

SUN Travel this week got a sneak peek at the largest cruise ship ever built for Princess Cruises.

The 4,300-passenger Sun Princess is nearing completion at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy and is due to set sail in February next year.

2

2

The liner is the cruise company’s first Sphere class vessel — named after the distinctive all-glass bubble that juts out from the side of the ship and provides stunning sea views from a three-deck high Piazza at the heart of the ship.

I was there — hard hat and steel-capped boots on — to discover just how this innovative ship is being brought to life.

It may be 23 per cent larger than the rest of the fleet, but the passenger count rises by just 17 per cent — meaning more room for all and a focus on ocean views.

We started at The Dome, the first-of-its-kind glass-enclosed structures ever built on a cruise ship, a multi-level covered space at the top of the front of the vessel, inspired by the terraces of Santorini.

By day, the temperature-controlled space will feature an indoor to outdoor pool and a 36ft waterfall surrounded by day beds and loungers.

By night, the space transforms into an entertainment venue with the pool becoming a stage and featuring unique Cirque Eloize aerial performances.

Also taking shape at the top of the ship was all-new Park 19 — a family activity zone which will feature another first at sea.

The Sea Breeze is a roll-glider that will whizz riders along an overhead track encircling the very top of the ship.

The area will have climbing and ropes courses and a multi-sports court.

Passengers can face their fears with the Infinite Horizon, a leaning glass tilt wall, chill in the splash zone and relax on hammocks.

While there are plenty of innovations, regular cruisers will still enjoy all the features Princess are known for — from the Piazza and Movies under the Stars to dining favourites Sabatinis and the Crown Grill.

Food and drink have been given some modern touches.

The three-deck Horizons main dining room will feature a wall of glass overlooking the stern.

New speciality restaurants include Umai Teppenyaki, celebrity chef-led venues, seafood joint The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario Cecchini.

Even the World Marketplace buffet gets an upgrade with food-truck style stations serving everything from vegan treats to Indonesian curries.

Entertainment is also supercharged with the Princess Arena featuring “shows in the round” a 270-degree space that can be reconfigured and is capable of seating up to 1,050 peoples.

As well as performances in The Dome, there will also be performances in the Piazza and an area dubbed Entertainment Row.