Next-gen Princess Cruises ship Sun Princess sports geodesic dome

The Dome will house an indoor-outdoor pool that transforms at night into an entertainment space with a South Beach vibe, special lighting effects and the capability to present aerial stunts.

The Piazza

The Sphere and Princess Piazza

At midship, and visible from outside, is The Sphere. This houses the iconic, three-story Princess Piazza, which is 'bigger and better than ever before,' Princess President Cruises John Padgett said during a reveal Thursday evening at Port Everglades, the ship's future home.

The Piazza, with a giant LED screen as a focal point, is designed by Jeffrey Beers International and comprises the lower three levels of The Sphere. The upper six levels hold accommodations.

Sun Princess has 2,157 staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms. Rising 21 decks, the ship features more outdoor balcony space, and all balcony accommodations have an in-room sofa. 

29 food and beverage venues

Other features include 29 food and beverage venues, five pools and 14 hot tubs.

From a technical perspective, one feature is an air lubrication system — bubbles beneath the hull — to reduce drag and improve operating efficiency.

More of everything

Padgett summed up Sun Princess, in planning for five years, as having more of everything people like about Princess.

'It is an evolution, not a revolution,' he said.

From left, Jeff Corwin, Josh Weinstein, Anji Corley, John Padgett and Randy Fenoli applaud the ship

Josh Weinstein reveals the name

Carnival Corp. President and CEO Josh Weinstein got to do the honors of revealing the name as, fitting for Princess Cruises' first Sphere-class ship, a helium balloon emblazoned 'Sun Princess' rose over the Port Everglades stage. Violinists played, and sparklers added ... sparkle.

Anji Corley, Randy Fenoli, Jeff Corwin on hand

Personalities associated with Princess including the actress Anji Corley, fashion designer Randy Fenoli (a Discovery Princess godparent) and conservationist/television host Jeff Corwin spoke at the reveal, as did Port Everglades Director Jonathan Daniels, who called Sun Princess 'an inspiring innovation' among the port's mix of ships.

Sun Princess with The Dome up top and the midships sphere that contains The Piazza on its three lowest decks

Early 2024 debut

The 175,500gt Sun Princess, with 4,314 lower berths, is due to leave Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard Jan. 31, 2024, and spend spring and summer in the Mediterranean before redeploying to Port Everglades in November for the Caribbean season.

See also 'Tillberg Design of Sweden coordinating archtects for Sun Princess'