Get ready to set sail! The new Star Princess is making waves with some exciting upgrades compared to its twin, the Sun Princess. Think more room at your favorite pub, a dedicated non-smoking casino, and even better accessibility. Will these thoughtful tweaks make it your next dream cruise?
The newest jewel in Princess Cruises’ magnificent Sphere class, the Star Princess, is poised to redefine the luxury cruise experience, building upon the foundation laid by its acclaimed twin, the Sun Princess. While sharing a striking resemblance in design and upscale amenities, the Star Princess introduces a series of thoughtful enhancements and targeted innovations that promise to elevate passenger comfort and satisfaction, distinguishing itself as the preferred choice for discerning travelers.
Among the most anticipated Star Princess features is the significantly expanded O’Malley’s Pub, a beloved social hub on Princess Cruises ships. With an additional 32 seats compared to its counterpart on the Sun Princess, this popular venue offers a more spacious and inviting atmosphere, perfect for guests seeking to unwind with a drink, enjoy vibrant live music, and socialize without the previous concerns of overcrowding, truly enhancing the cruise travel experience.
Addressing a long-standing concern among some cruisers, the Star Princess will proudly unveil a dedicated non-smoking casino section. This crucial addition, positioned discreetly near the main gaming area, directly responds to passenger feedback regarding smoke drift in public spaces on the Sun Princess, offering a more inclusive and comfortable environment for all guests and setting a new standard for casino experiences at sea.
For fans of captivating performances, both the Star Princess and Sun Princess will continue to host Spellbound, an immersive entertainment venue developed in partnership with the Magic Castle. This unique attraction, celebrated for its close-up magic, craft cocktails, and intimate theatre-like ambiance, remains a highlight. However, Star Princess will present this enchanting experience at a slightly more accessible price point, including two cocktails, ensuring wider appeal for those seeking a truly magical evening.
Passenger comfort in entertainment venues has also seen a welcome upgrade on the Star Princess. Recognising feedback about the seating capacity in areas like the Arena on the Sun Princess, the new vessel will feature expanded seating across its performance spaces. While exact figures are still pending, this enhancement aims to mitigate feelings of being cramped during popular shows, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable viewing experience for a larger audience.
Accessibility on a grand scale remains a paramount focus, and Princess Cruises has worked to make the Star Princess more accommodating for guests with mobility challenges. While the overall design of hallways near accessible cabins may still present some navigation nuances, strategic placement of these rooms across various decks and ongoing efforts signify a commitment to improving overall cruise ship accessibility, learning from prior feedback on the Sun Princess.
The central Piazza, often the lively heart of a Princess ship, has received acoustic fine-tuning on the Star Princess. Previous critiques of high noise levels during energetic events on the Sun Princess are being addressed, with Princess Cruises aiming to create a more balanced and inviting auditory environment. This adjustment promises a more pleasant space for casual conversations and relaxation, enhancing the general atmosphere of this vibrant hub.
Despite these significant differences, both Star Princess and Sun Princess uphold the exceptional standards of Princess Cruises, offering an array of world-class amenities including exquisite dining, luxurious suites, and rejuvenating spas. Ultimately, the choice between these two magnificent Sphere class vessels will hinge on individual preferences for specific enhancements, but the Star Princess, with its refined features, is certainly positioned to offer an even more tailored and comfortable journey for the modern cruiser.
