Sun Princess Launches: A New Era of Culinary Excellence at Sea

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Sun Princess sets sail on Feb 28, revolutionizing cruise dining with chef-crafted menus, unique experiences, and premium ingredients.

As the Sun Princess gears up for its initial voyage on February 28, Princess Cruises’ latest marvel is set to revolutionize the culinary offerings on large cruise ships. This vessel will feature a unique array of dining options, crafted by renowned chefs and famous culinary figures, alongside premium ingredients sourced from elite suppliers. It will also introduce guests to a variety of novel and thrilling experiences. The company recently disclosed additional, exclusive dining opportunities available only to those on board this innovative iteration of the Love Boat.

Princess Cruises has unveiled Spellbound by Magic Castle, a fresh addition to its lineup of “Extraordinary Experiences.” This follows the immense success of 360: An Extraordinary Experience, an immersive, multi-sensory dining adventure that premiered last year on the Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess.

Spellbound by Magic Castle marries the enchanting realm of magic with the finesse of culinary arts and cocktail mixology, offering guests an unparalleled immersive dining adventure filled with wonder and exploration.

The experience commences with a communal dinner in a dedicated section of the Horizons Dining Room, followed by a secretive move to the Spellbound Bar, accessed through an inconspicuous door. Here, guests are treated to spellbinding performances by magicians affiliated with Magic Castle and imaginative cocktails served with a touch of theatrical flair. With three sessions available at 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm, each accommodating a limited number of guests, reservations are essential and come with a $149 cover charge per guest.

Sun Princess is delighted to welcome Sushi Master Makoto Okuwa, who will be introducing Kai Sushi. This venture reimagines traditional sushi through innovative culinary techniques. Chef Okuwa, a master of Edomae-style sushi, brings over two decades of culinary expertise to the table, offering playful and beautifully crafted dishes that honor Japanese culinary traditions. With acclaimed restaurants across the globe and appearances on Food Network’s Iron Chef, Chef Okuwa has earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation. The dining experience is available for a cover charge of $39 per person.

In addition to Kai Sushi, guests aboard Sun Princess can indulge in a variety of dining experiences from other celebrated culinary figures, including “The Butcher’s Block by Dario,” featuring prime cuts by the world-renowned butcher Dario Cecchini; “The Catch by Rudi,” a seafood feast curated by acclaimed chef Rudi Sodamin; “Love by Britto,” offering fine dining amidst spectacular views designed by famous artist Romero Britto; and unique cocktails at Good Spirits at Sea, crafted by celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.

The ship also introduces Royal Afternoon Tea, led by Chef Darren McGrady, former personal chef to British royalty and U.S. presidents. This elegant affair takes place in the Good Spirits at Sea Lounge, offering traditional tea accompaniments and stories from Chef McGrady’s illustrious career. Priced at $30 per person, this event is available on select sea days.

Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to join tastings with Gérard Bertrand, celebrated French winemaker and recipient of the Master Winemaker of the Year title from The Drinks Business magazine. Hosted in the Good Spirits at Sea Lounge, this event allows guests to explore the nuanced flavors of Bertrand’s bio-diverse wines, priced at $40 per person.

The Sun Princess’s inaugural Mediterranean season menus have been developed in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), under the guidance of Princess’s Head of Culinary Arts, Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. A team from the CIA will onboard to train the ship’s culinary team, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

The ship also celebrates the inclusion of Four Sixes Ranch Brand Beef, known for its quality and sustainability, marking a year since Lavazza became the official coffee partner of Princess Cruises.

Guests on the Sun Princess’s first three cruises can now make dining reservations for an array of onboard restaurants, with more options becoming available to passengers on subsequent voyages.

The Sun Princess offers an impressive selection of dining and lounge options, enhancing the onboard dining experience with the three-story Horizons restaurant, which provides flexible dining arrangements and breathtaking views.

Boasting a tonnage of 175,500, the Sun Princess showcases the classic elegance of Princess Cruises with new architectural features like The Dome and The Sphere Piazza. The ship promises a lineup of engaging entertainment, activities, and luxurious accommodations for a diverse range of preferences.

The Sun Princess’s debut season includes cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, with bookings available now. Further details about the ship and its offerings can be found on the Princess Cruises website.

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• The Love Boat’s Jill Whelan on Royal Princess in Australia