Princess ‘ship-within-a-ship’ product goes from ‘lagger to winner’

Princess Cruises’ top-tier Sanctuary area on board new vessel Sun Princess has taken its ship-within-a-ship concept from being “a lagger to a winner”, according to the line’s president.

Speaking during a showcase of the ship attended by about 300 agents in Southampton, John Padgett admitted the line had initially trailed rivals in developing a higher price-point area with exclusive amenities.

But he said Sun Princess and its forthcoming sister ship Star Princess were building on product developments on new-builds unveiled in recent years and taking those to “the next level”.

Speaking on a Travel Weekly Webcast, he said: “Princess was a lagger in the competitive set with the ship-within-a-ship concept so our focus here was not to be a lagger but a winner.”

Padgett noted the Sanctuary’s multi-storey lounge area, cabins, dedicated ‘beach club-style’ deck and food and drink offering, adding Sun Princess had received “exceptional guest feedback”.

However, he also insisted the onboard product on Sun Princess was consistent with the rest of the line’s “incredibly young fleet”.

Princess does not have any ships on order beyond Star Princess, which is due for delivery next autumn, and Padgett said the line was taking a “couple-of-year breather”.

He confirmed parent company Carnival Corporation would be responsible for allocating new ship orders within its portfolio and added any retirements from the Princess fleet – likely to be Grand Princess – would not happen “for three to five years”.

Padgett also revealed that a Mediterranean sailing on board Sun Princess in August 2026 had been adjusted following the success of a solar eclipse itinerary released for Sky Princess.

The seven-day cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia departing on August 8 will now offer the opportunity to witness the total eclipse from the sea on Wednesday, August 12.

Padgett said: “I would say to the UK trade: sell this itinerary as it’s going to sell out quick.”