Crete to replace Santorini for Sun Princess inaugural cruise

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Princess Cruises‘ highly anticipated Sun Princess, set to become the largest in the fleet and the first in the new Sphere class, is gearing up for her inaugural cruise. However, a slight itinerary change has been announced for the 10-night “Inaugural Grand Mediterranean” cruise, departing from Barcelona to Rome on February 8, 2024.

Reason for Change: Santorini Maintenance

The maiden voyage originally included a visit to the picturesque Santorini, Greece, scheduled for February 15. However, due to maintenance on the Santorini Cable Car, limiting onshore activities, the cruise line has decided to adjust the itinerary. Guests were promptly notified that Santorini will be replaced by an alternate port of call – Crete (Heraklion), Greece.

New Port of Call Details

The revised schedule for the new port of call in Crete is from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 15, retaining the original date but with a one-hour reduction in port time. The ship was initially slated to remain in Santorini until 6 p.m. Despite this change, Princess Cruises assures guests that the remaining ports of call, including Palma de Mallorca, Messina, Athens, Kusadasi, and Naples, remain unaffected. The voyage is still on track to conclude in Civitavecchia (Rome) on February 18 as planned.

Shore Tour Adjustments and Refunds

Shore tours booked through Princess Cruises for Santorini are automatically canceled, with refunds processed back to the original form of payment. New excursions for Crete are currently being finalized and will be available online and through the Princess Cruises app within two weeks. This allows guests ample time to explore and choose alternative tour options.

Guests who independently arranged excursions for Santorini are advised to directly contact their tour operators for cancellation and refund options.

Sun Princess Highlights: The Princess Cruise Experience

Sun Princess, with an impressive 175,500 gross tons, is a groundbreaking addition to the Princess Cruises fleet. As the first ship in the Sphere class, it marks a significant milestone. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the ship can accommodate 4,300 guests across 21 decks, offering a wealth of features, including the multi-purpose Dome, the classic Piazza in a glass sphere, the fleet’s largest casino, and more.

The adjustment in the inaugural cruise itinerary exemplifies Princess Cruises’ commitment to delivering exceptional experiences while ensuring passenger safety and satisfaction.

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