If 2024 had a theme for my family, it would be cruising. That year, we embraced both warm and chilly adventures—sailing through the Caribbean and Alaska—and discovered a universal truth: a cruise is not a real cruise without a balcony stateroom. You won’t convince me otherwise.
But after a recent 3-night Bahamas sailing on the new Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ latest and greatest ship, I learned another important lesson. When planning your vacation, sometimes the ship itself is the destination. And lucky for us, Sun Princess has picked Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades as its winter home base, making it super easy for South Florida families to hop aboard for an unforgettable escape.
Thanks to a hosted media sailing, I got an inside look at all the fun, food, fitness, and fanfare waiting for cruise guests. Spoiler: the experience totally lives up to the “love boat” nickname Princess Cruises is famous for—and then some.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a Sun Princess Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale…
Sun Princess by the Numbers
Before we dive into the highlights, here are a few fun facts:
- Guest Capacity: 4,300
- Crew Members: 1,600
- Staterooms: 2,157 (including 80 suites)
- Pools: 5 (plus 9 hot tubs)
- Casino: Largest in the entire Princess fleet
- Sustainability: Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce emissions
This modern marvel isn’t just another ship—it’s the future of Princess ships.
The Fun on the New Sun Princess Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale
First impressions matter, and boarding the new Sun Princess feels like stepping into a luxury resort. The staterooms are newly reimagined, packed with thoughtful details like USB ports, Drybar hairdryers, Beekman 1802 amenities, and even shaving ledges in the showers (mamas, you know how clutch this is).
I stayed in a Sanctuary Balcony Cabin, part of the exclusive Sanctuary Collection. Guests in these staterooms enjoy a private restaurant, dedicated suite lounge, and complimentary access to premium Princess bundles, making the cruise feel very all-inclusive.
Goodbye key cards, hello Medallions!
Every guest receives a wearable smart device called a Medallion that acts as your room key, payment method, and even a location tracker for ship services. I had a margarita delivered to my poolside lounge chair without even leaving my seat, thanks to the OceanNow® service.
The Foodie Heaven Aboard Sun Princess
If you’re booking a Sun Princess Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, I highly recommend upgrading to Princess Plus or Princess Premier for the best onboard dining experience. Trust me—you’ll want to sample everything.
The culinary options are unmatched across Princess ships:
- Love by BRITTO®: A vibrant prix-fixe dining experience curated by Romero Britto and Chef Rudi Sodamin. It is a true celebration of art and food.
- Makoto Ocean: Authentic omakase-style sushi from renowned chef Makoto Okuwa, featuring impeccable sashimi and hand rolls.
- O’Malley’s Irish Pub: Ideal for after-dinner drinks and live Irish music.
- Gelateria: The only authentic Italian gelato experience at sea, officially certified by the Italian government.
- A Very Royal Tea Time: A high tea service featuring personal insights from Princess Diana’s former chef, Darren McGrady, through live and multimedia experiences. I actually got to meet him in person!
When you book your cruise, you can choose to upgrade to a Princess Plus ($60 per day per guest) or Princess Premier ($90 per day per guest) package. We were treated to the Princess Plus bundle which allowed me to enjoy two casual meals (at specialty restaurants), use OceanNow® medallion delivery without fees, take 2 Xpotential Fitness classes, order complimentary alcoholic beverages under $20, specialty coffees and bottled waters as well as enjoy free Wi-Fi (1 device per guest)…and more!
If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to book, at minimum, Princess Plus because the casual and specialty restaurants on Sun Princess are next level. According to Master Winemaker Gérard Bertrand (who offers a special tasting experience onboard), it’s the “greatest foodie destination at sea.” And, based on the many different cruises I have taken in my lifetime, I would have to agree.
If you prefer traditional dining, the Princess app makes it easy to reserve tables or choose flexible dining times.
Fitness Fun at Sea
Sun Princess makes staying active at sea easier than ever. Along with a full fitness center, the ship offers premium classes from popular brands like CycleBar, Club Pilates, Pure Barre, YogaSix, and Stretch Lab. Whether you want to spin, stretch, or sculpt, there is a class for you.
Classes on the Sun Princess Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a range of fitness levels, ensuring everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes can get involved.
Entertainment and Fanfare for the Whole Family
One of my top priorities when booking a family vacation is ensuring my daughter stays entertained—and Sun Princess exceeds expectations. There are dedicated programs for kids and teens, including:
- Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3–7)
- Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8–12)
- The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13–17)
- Movies Under the Stars for family-friendly outdoor cinema nights
For evening entertainment, Sun Princess introduces a stunning innovation: The Dome, an indoor-outdoor venue designed by the same architects who created The Sphere in Las Vegas. During the day, it serves as an air-conditioned relaxation space under a UV-protected glass dome. At night, it transforms into an incredible theater hosting aerial cirque shows like ArtBeat by BRITTO®, silent discos, and other unforgettable performances.
There is something happening every hour, making boredom virtually impossible.
Why Book a Sun Princess Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale?
Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, the new Sun Princess Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale redefines what a vacation at sea should look like. With the legendary love boat charm, modern upgrades, eco-conscious technology like liquefied natural gas power, and nonstop activities for all ages, it is changing the game for Port Everglades departures.
The new Sun Princess is luxurious yet approachable, filled with little touches that make a big difference. It brings the best parts of resort life to the high seas—and it might just be the perfect fit for your next family vacation…
