Bridget McGrouther explores the new luxury ship-within-a-ship concept now on board Princess Cruises’ latest and largest Sun Princess and Star Princess
THE normal rule of thumb for cruising is that the smaller the ship, the more exclusive it tends to be with an elevated fare to suit the upmarket class of suite and almost one-to-one service, akin to a private yacht. Yet suddenly larger cruise ships are turning this rule on its head by introducing a new concept – a luxury ship-within-a-ship to suit its high-end clientèle, offering a privileged and private experience secluded from other passengers.
Two of the latest cruise ships to very recently introduce this concept are Sun Princess and soon to be launched Star Princess. Famous for being synonymous with 70s’ hit TV show The Love Boat (can it really be that long ago?), I’ve had the pleasure to sail with Princess Cruises on a few of the extensive Carnival fleet’s different ships from destinations in the Med to the South China Sea. I’d describe previous cruise holidays as more casually family-friendly than prestigious, though, so I was both excited as well as intrigued to step aboard the newly launched Sun Princess to see how elevated the next level of service and comfort would be.
Ship-Within-a-Ship
Called the Sanctuary Collection, the ship-within-a ship is only available on the latest and largest 4,300-passenger Sphere Class category – Sun Princess (since October 2024) and sister Star Princess, scheduled to launch in September 2025.
When you book one of the following three top-level stateroom types: 80 Sanctuary Suites (with two-bedroom Sky Suites being the most spacious including lounge and dining areas suitable for up to five); 123 Mini Suites (with Deck 9 giving access to an exclusive sun deck) or 12 Sanctuary Balcony Cabins, you’re automatically granted access to the Sanctuary Collection, a unique experience designed for guests seeking relaxation and luxury every nautical mile of their journey.
In addition to the state-of-the-art accommodation, the experience provides access to The Sanctuary Club, a private, top-deck, adults-only (16+) retreat with private cabanas, extra-comfy lounge furniture, a pool and hot tub. Refreshments and light bites are served at pop-up food stations, along with events such as sunrise yoga (unlimited fitness classes are also included) or sail away parties with DJs or live music.
A Private Restaurant is exclusive to guests of the Sanctuary Collection, too, where you don’t have to make a reservation for gourmet dining, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, while a private Signature Lounge provides a quiet area for evening cocktails, conversation and canapés.
The Princess Premier bundle is yet another prestigious perk which includes unlimited premium drinks up to $20 (including the new Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection), multi-device Wi-Fi, pre-paid gratuities, as many as you want speciality restaurant visits, professional photos, reserved seating in the theatres, fitness classes, room service and more.
Sanctuary Collection
The upgraded technology in the shape of a Princess Cruises App linked to your personal and wearable Princess Medallion (thankfully a discreet wristband rather than gold chain) means that checking in (no queuing for Sanctuary Collection guests given Green Lane express priority boarding) and accessing your suite or stateroom is so much easier as the door unlocks as you approach. You’ll either get reacquainted with your luggage inside or it will be delivered by helpful and friendly crew shortly afterwards.
No more lengthy life boat drills either as a film is on demand in your stateroom showing all the safety procedures. Once viewed, you’re just asked to try on your life jacket and visit your muster station so that you’re familiar with how to get there before the ship sets sail.
Elevated Experience
Yes, undoubtedly the most relaxed and secluded accommodation is being cocooned in this plush and personal oasis, yet I soon discovered the experience of all guests has been elevated with never-before-seen standout features such as state-of-the-art design, some of the classiest signature restaurants and world-leading entertainment venues at sea. Despite its monstrous size, dwarfing most ports, the ship is also powered by greener Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and has an efficient recycling station to dramatically cut down waste.
The Dome is one of the most impressive venues – sheltered under a glass roof and inspired by the stunning blue terraces of Santorini, the area serves as a relaxing swim-in, swim-out pool by day, while at night is transformed into a stunning aerial stage with breath-taking acrobatic performances under the stars.
The Cirque Eloize shows and headline theatre productions are the only times I experienced queues on board, yet Sanctuary Collection guests have the advantage of reserved theatre seating. And with the impressive Cruise Medallion technology, we could use OceanNow delivery to get drinks sent directly to us instead of standing at the bar, which meant making the most of every minute to enjoy ourselves!
Panoramic Sea Views
You also can’t fail to be over-awed by the beautiful, brand-iconic Piazza in the heart of the ship, suspended under the architecturally impressive Sphere of glass offering outstanding ocean views in every direction. This is where you can join exercise classes, enjoy live entertainment, tuck into round-the-clock snacks at the 24-hour International Cafe, book your next cruise or relax with a cocktail or speciality coffee underneath the soaring ceiling with sunlight flooding in.
Panoramic sea views became de rigueur – from balconies (with far more available than any other Princess ship); the impressive three-deck Horizons Dining Room with its floor-to-ceiling glass outlook at the stern; high above on the first-ever cruise ship Rollglider where intrepid guests are harnessed to this electric ride and the tilt wall, both located in family activity zone Park 19, as well as from many of the 29 onboard restaurants and bars, a few with al fresco seating.
Wining
The Princess Premier bundle means Champagne, fine wines, cocktails and whiskies as well as speciality coffees and soft drinks are all included. Bars therefore tend to be well attended, while there are also on-board mixology classes, wine tasting sessions guided by French Master Winemaker Gérard Bertrand or afternoon teas hosted (at least on visual media) by Darren McGrady, former Royal Chef to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princes William and Harry as well as serving five US presidents. Familiar names included The Wheelhouse, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar and Crooners, but O’Malley’s Irish Pub was the place to go if you wanted to find a crowd.
For those who are teetotal or who want to toast unforgettable moments at sea without the threat of a hangover, the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection may be the answer. The first stand-alone, non-alcoholic bar menu from a major cruise brand features up to 20 craft mocktails developed in collaboration with leading bar Sips, Barcelona as well as renowned American mixologist Rob Floyd. Non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits and nosecco will also be on offer and part of the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.
Dining
Tasty new arrivals at what has been dubbed by Princess Cruises as the ‘Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea’ enhanced popular speciality stalwarts such as Italian-inspired Sabatini’s, the succulent steaks and seafood of the Crown Grill and Alfredo’s Pizzeria. Sadly, I wasn’t on board long enough to experience them all from Umai Teppanyaki and Makota Ocean sushi to seafood at The Catch by Rudi and steaks at The Butcher’s Block by Dario.
Yet, of the restaurants I visited, my newfound favourite was arty and romantic Love by Britto. This boutique venue serves as an exquisite showcase of artist Romero Britto’s colourful and creative flair in crockery, interior design and presentation with culinary excellence in a sometimes surprising journey inspired by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin.
More extraordinary experiences were in store at the must-see speak-easy Spellbound by Magic Castle, in partnership with the famed Hollywood icon and blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary surprises and mixology. I don’t think it was just the strength of the cocktails that made it difficult to comprehend how talented magicians could perform such jaw-dropping illusions in front of your very eyes – a true highlight of our cruise.
TLE Top Tips
* Pack your gym gear as unlimited wellness and fitness classes are included in The Sanctuary Collection.
* For an indulgent gourmet experience, dine at the Chef’s Table, a gastronomic 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
* For ultimate relaxation and de-stressing, be sure to book a treatment at the Lotus Spa.
Final Thoughts
Admittedly, my previous personal preference for a luxurious cruise experience would have been to choose a smaller, exclusive ship. But when you’re travelling with friends or family, it’s hard to ignore the many extra attractions that a larger ship can bring.
A ship-within-a-ship like the Sanctuary Collection conveniently and luxuriously allows the best of both worlds with guaranteed quieter, adult-only havens, beautifully designed staterooms, personal service and gourmet cuisine, but with the option to socialise further afield whenever you feel like a bit more buzz or want to explore the many exciting on-board activities.
Getting There
Fares for two people sharing a Sanctuary Collection Balcony on Princess’ Cruises’ latest addition to the fleet, Sun Princess, start from £1,840pp* (*fares are subject to change and do not include flights) on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise sailing from Barcelona to Naples, calling at Gibraltar, Marseilles and La Spezia (for Florence/Pisa). Visit www.princess.com or Tel 0344 338 8670.
The 11-day inaugural round-trip cruise on Star Princess departs from Barcelona on 4 Oct 2025 and can be booked here.
Pre-book airport parking, hotels, lounges and transfers with UK market leader Holiday Extras (www.holidayextras.com).
