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The Best & Worst Cabins On Sun Princess


Sun Princess is the first Sphere-Class ship for Princess Cruises, and with that she comes with a lot of new features, a new ship layout, and lots of new accommodation options to choose from.

When booking your cruise, you want to make sure you get the perfect cabin for you – it’s a lot of money to spend, after all. So I wanted to collate all the information on the best and worst cabins on the ship, to make your decision easier.

Cruise Mummy wearing sunglasses smiles at the camera while standing in front of the Sun Princess cruise ship. The massive ship is docked, showcasing its multiple decks, lifeboats, and the distinct spherical structure at its center. The bright day and clear sky add to the vibrant and exciting atmosphere as she prepares for her cruise adventure.

I have cruised on Sun Princess, but obviously only stayed in one cabin!

So to put this guide together I’ve used forums, social media groups, reviews and more to find the staterooms and suites that people love, and those that they didn’t enjoy.

First, though, let’s take a look at the different cabin options available.

There are five main types of cabin you can choose from on Sun Princess, but within those five categories there are several sub-types too.

There are 14 main cabin options overall and that’s before you start considering obstructed views, accessible cabins, connecting rooms and more!

Here are the main cabin types:

Room Sleeps Size (incl. balcony)
Interior 2 to 4 136 to 145 sq. ft.
Ocean View 2 to 4 212 sq. ft.
Balcony 2 to 4 179 to 279 sq. ft.
Mini-suite 2 to 4 304 to 389 sq. ft.
Suite 2 to 5 304 to 1,262 sq. ft.

And it’s not like one will always be better than another. It completely depends on your budget, your party size, whether you’re travelling with toddlers, whether you’re at risk of getting seasick… There’s a lot to consider!

Let’s delve into each of the categories in a little more detail, to help you narrow down your search.

Interior Staterooms

The image shows an interior stateroom on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The room features two twin beds with white linens and decorative pillows, separated by a nightstand with open shelving. The walls are light-colored with a simple, modern design, and there is a mirror reflecting part of the room. The overall decor is minimalist and clean, creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

The Interior Staterooms on Sun Princess are the cheapest options on the ship, but if you’re someone who doesn’t spend a whole lot of time in the room, then they’re absolutely worth considering.

Suggested read: Why I (Almost) Always Choose an Inside Cabin for a Family Cruise

The rooms feature either a twin bed or queen double bed, depending on your preference, while some inside rooms have options for a 3rd or 4th berth with pull-down beds. It can be cramped but for a small family, it’s a good way to keep costs down.

You can also get Interior Staterooms that are designed for solo guests – these will have the queen bed configuration as standard. 

Oceanview Staterooms

The image depicts an Oceanview stateroom on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The room features a large window that offers a view of the ocean, with a bed positioned to take advantage of the scenery. The decor is modern and light, with a neutral color palette. The room includes a sofa with accent pillows, a desk with a mirror, and a coffee machine. A framed artwork adds a touch of elegance to the space, and the overall design emphasizes comfort and luxury.

The Oceanview Staterooms on Sun Princess are the next step up from Interior, and size-wise they’re pretty impressive – a lot of oceanview staterooms on other ships or cruise lines would be much closer in size to an Interior room, but with Sun Princess you get quite a lot of extra space.

That’s handy if you’re travelling with kids because some of the rooms will have convertible sofa beds rather than pull-down beds. And even if you’re only two guests in a room, you can enjoy the extra space of the sofa and the desk area.

Some rooms have the bed by the window, while others have the sofa by the window.

The image shows Oceanview stateroom on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The room features a large bed with a patterned bed runner and multiple pillows, positioned to face a window with an ocean view. The stateroom includes a wall-mounted flat-screen TV displaying an image of a cruise ship, a sofa, and a desk area with a mirror and coffee machine. The decor is modern with soft, neutral tones, emphasizing comfort and a serene ambiance, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the ocean scenery.

My preference would be to have the sofa by the window as you have a better seating area with the window seat by the sofa. And also, your bed is closer to the bathroom.

When you check the Sun Princess Deck plan and click on a cabin, you’ll be able to see where the sofa is located with the note that’s in red.

The image shows a section of the deck plan cabin details for Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. It provides information about stateroom number 5322, which is a Premium Oceanview cabin. The details include the category (O2), location (Midship), deck (5), bath type (Shower), and the average size of the cabin (212 sq. ft.). It also notes that this cabin has a "Premium Oceanview Sofa By Entrance," and specifies that there is no connecting room (N/A).

The windows in these rooms are reasonably-sized picture windows, which means they’re smaller than on some of the Royal-class ships in the Princess fleet that have floor-to-ceiling slanted windows. But for a budget option with natural daylight, it’s still a good choice.

Balcony Staterooms

The image shows a Balcony Stateroom on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The room features a large bed with white linens, decorative pillows, and a patterned bed runner. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV displays the Princess Cruises logo. The stateroom includes a sofa, a desk with a chair, and a small table, all arranged near a sliding glass door that opens onto the balcony. The decor is modern and stylish, with neutral tones and soft lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the ocean views from the balcony.

There are four different types of Balcony stateroom, but I’m just going to cover three of them for now – (I’ll cover the Signature Balcony Stateroom together with the other Signature rooms).

Cove Balcony Staterooms – With a more enclosed balcony, these are great for privacy and shelter. These are only on deck 6, so if you choose one, you’ll be close to the water.

Deluxe Balcony Staterooms – These have the typical, spacious outdoor balcony you’d expect on most cruise ships.

Premium Deluxe Balcony Staterooms – These have a larger balcony area. The balcony sizes vary, but the deck plan is to scale, so you can pick one of the really big ones that have sunloungers as well as chairs.

Whichever you choose, you’ll have a choice of layout with the bed near the entrance or the sofa near the entrance.

The image shows two layout options for a Balcony Stateroom on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The first layout, labeled "Bed by the entrance," has the bed positioned near the entrance of the room with the sofa closer to the balcony. The second layout, labeled "Sofa by the entrance," features the sofa near the entrance and the bed positioned closer to the balcony. Both layouts include a balcony with outdoor seating, a bathroom, and a desk area, offering flexibility in room configuration based on passenger preference.

Unlike with the oceanview cabins, my preference here would be to have the sofa by the entrance.

I stayed in one with the bed by the entrance and the area between the bed and wardrobe felt a little cramped. Plus, if would be nice to be able to lie in bed and look at the ocean. That’s just my opinion though, you may prefer to sit on the sofa and look at the ocean.

Here’s my video tour of our balcony cabin. Some of the tips in it will apply to all cabins types, so I hope you’ll find it useful even if you plan to stay in an inside cabin or a suite.

The balcony is separated from the main room by stylish sliding glass doors, rather than the swinging door you’ll find on older cruise ships.

It’s great for relaxing in your room with the door open, but make sure you remember to close it before you leave otherwise the wind can cause havoc when you open the stateroom door!

Mini-Suites

The image shows a Mini-Suite on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The suite features a spacious bed with luxurious linens, decorative pillows, and a gold-accented bed runner. A large flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall opposite the bed, displaying an image of a Princess cruise ship. The room extends to a private balcony, visible through sliding glass doors, offering outdoor seating and a view of the ocean. The decor is elegant with neutral tones and sophisticated lighting, creating a luxurious and comfortable ambiance. The suite also includes a desk area and ample space for relaxation.

Princess Cruises ships all offer Mini-suite accommodations, which bridge the gap between full Suites and regular Balcony Staterooms. You’ll get a couple of additional perks, but nothing like what you get with suite-class accommodations – though you won’t be paying the price of a suite either.

Mini-suites are really for those who want a Balcony Stateroom but with more space.

Suggested read: Suite Vs Mini Suite Vs Balcony – What’s The Difference?

The welcome glass of bubbly is a nice touch, and you’ll get a properly separate sitting area, and a second TV too.

As well as the regular Mini-suites, you can also book a Cabana Mini-suite, which has its own cabana area between the balcony and the main room, perfect as a chilled space to enjoy the fresh air.

The image shows a Cabana Mini-Suite on the Sun Princess. This suite features a cozy and stylish design with a large bed adorned with decorative pillows and a patterned bed runner. A comfortable sofa with matching pillows is positioned against the wall, providing a seating area. The room extends to a private balcony with outdoor seating, accessible through sliding glass doors, offering views of the ocean. The suite is equipped with a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, a desk area with a mirror, and a coffee machine, all within a soft, neutral-toned decor that emphasizes luxury and relaxation.

The Cabana Deck Mini-suites are another step up again, this time not only giving you the luxury of your own room cabana, but granting you access to the shared Cabana Deck space too, which is a small private deck space you can access directly outside your balcony.

It has sun loungers, a hot tub and an outdoor shower that you share with other Cabana Deck Mini-suite guests.

The image shows the Cabana Deck on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The deck features a series of private cabanas with lounge chairs and small tables, providing a semi-private outdoor space for guests. The deck is spacious with additional seating areas, including round daybeds and modern outdoor furniture, offering a comfortable and stylish environment for relaxation. The area overlooks the ocean, with a glass railing enhancing the view. The setting is ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the surrounding scenery while the ship is docked at a port.

Reserve Collection Mini-suites

While Mini-suites sit between Balcony Staterooms and Suites, there’s another sub-class which is even closer to the Suite experience – those are the Reserve Collection Mini-suites.

These are a premium category, which include a host of additional perks for you to enjoy on your cruise, such as:

  • The best locations on the ship
  • Evening canapes provided on request
  • Priority embarkation and disembarkations
  • Reserve Dining – a reserved area in the dining room with no wait times for a table and additional menu options
  • Upgraded bathrobes
  • An in-room wine setup with half bottles of white and red wine

If you’re familiar with Club Class Mini-suites on older Princess ships, this is the same thing – it’s just a new name.

Suites

The image shows a luxurious Suite on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The suite features a large bed with plush linens and decorative pillows, set against a stylish wood-paneled accent wall. The room is spacious and includes a desk area with a chair, a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to a private balcony with outdoor seating. The decor is elegant, with a combination of warm wood tones and neutral colors, creating a sophisticated and serene environment. The suite is well-lit, with modern lighting fixtures adding to the overall ambiance of comfort and luxury.

There are four main types of suite that you can choose from on Sun Princess.

Suite Sleeps Size (incl. balcony)
Signature Suite 2 to 4 304 to 636 sq. ft.
Vista Suite 2 to 4 446 sq. ft.
Grand Suite 2 to 4 636 sq. ft.
Sky Suite 2 to 5 1,262 sq. ft.

(Note that some of the names of these have changed recently. Vista Suites used to be called Penthouse Suites and Grand Suites used to be called Owner’s Suites)

Suites are the very best accommodations on the ship, and they come with a range of extra suite perks that you can enjoy to enhance your experience onboard.

The image shows a sign for the "Signature Lounge" on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The sign is mounted on a wall and features elegant, cursive white lettering on a sleek, bronze-colored background, indicating the entrance to this exclusive lounge area aboard the ship. The design of the sign reflects a sense of sophistication and luxury, likely mirroring the ambiance of the lounge itself.

This of course means they’re also the most expensive accommodations on the ship, and so you’ll only want to book them if you have the budget spare and you enjoy the luxury feeling that suite accommodations provide. 

Often a suite room will cost at least twice that of a balcony room, so consider whether you’d rather pay for one cruise in a suite, or two cruises.

Sanctuary Accommodations

The Sanctuary Collection debuted on Sun Princess, and these are the most exclusive accommodation options on the ship.

All of the suites are considered Sanctuary Accommodations, but you can also book a Sanctuary Balcony Stateroom, and a Sanctuary Mini-suite.

The Sanctuary Balcony Stateroom is a version of the Premium Deluxe Balcony, while a Sanctuary Mini-Suite is a regular Mini-suite. The difference is that, by staying in these rooms, you also get all the benefits of the Sanctuary area of the ship, including access to the Sanctuary Restaurant and Sanctuary Sun Deck.

The image shows the Sanctuary Sun Deck on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. This area features a tranquil swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs, offering a relaxing space for guests to unwind. The deck includes cabana-style seating areas with white cushions, adding a touch of luxury to the environment. The pool area is framed by two large radar domes on the upper deck, and the clear sky suggests a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The overall design emphasizes comfort and exclusivity, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.

You can only book these rooms with a Princess Premier fare, which means you’ll enjoy a premium drinks package, premium WiFi and a host of other benefits too.

OK, now you’ve got an oversight of the accommodation types in general, let’s take a look at those cabins you might want to avoid.

1. Deck 9 cabins en-route to the buffet

9307 to 9361

A few people have criticised the layout of Sun Princess and how it’s not the easiest ship to navigate. And I agree, some of it makes no sense!

One of the main criticisms is how you have to walk through the ship past several stateroom areas to get to some of the dining venues, with the chief culprit being The Eatery – the buffet restaurant on Deck 9.

The image shows a deck plan for Deck 9 on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The layout highlights the central area known as "The Piazza," with adjacent areas labeled "The Eatery" on both the port and starboard sides. The plan also shows the "Cabana Deck" sections on both sides of the ship, which include staterooms. The staterooms are color-coded, likely indicating different categories or types of cabins. Two red arrows point towards the staterooms from "The Piazza," suggesting key routes or areas of interest on the deck. The deck plan provides a clear overview of the layout, helping passengers navigate the ship.

You can walk the length of the ship to elevators that will get you closer, but most people at the front of the ship will use the elevators or stairs nearest them, and then need to walk along a corridor of cabins on Deck 9.

This means during peak times (breakfast and lunch) the corridors get quite busy with a constant stream of people walking past your room and chatting. Breakfast starts from 6 am, so you may be woken early.

I would definitely avoid saying in one of these rooms on deck 9!

2. Rooms close to the Piazza

9350 to 9361, 10360 to 10639

The image shows the Piazza on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. This central atrium area features a stunning, large digital display that stretches from floor to ceiling, creating a focal point with vibrant, changing visuals. Surrounding the Piazza are several tiers of seating and viewing areas, arranged in a circular layout that gives the space an open, grand feel. The marble flooring and elegant furnishings, including curved seating and modern decor, enhance the luxurious atmosphere. Overhead, a striking chandelier adds to the opulence of the space, making the Piazza a key social and entertainment hub on the ship.

As has become something of a trend for Princess Cruises, the Piazza in the centre of the ship is a real hub of activity and entertainment.

This is great if you’re wandering the ship looking to enjoy yourself – you’ll often stumble across different entertainers just as you walk around, and you’ll suddenly be front-row for something exciting and exhilarating.

However, if you’re in one of the Deck 9 rooms close to the Piazza, or a Deck 10 stateroom directly above, that can mean you’re kept awake at night as the entertainment continues into the early hours, and it can be pretty loud.

There seems to be little consideration for how much the sound carries, and some guests have apparently reported a lot of noise in the closest cabins – if you’re a light sleeper or you prefer to be tucked up in bed relatively early, maybe look elsewhere.

“There has been a trend with Princess to utilize the Piazza for loud entertainment events since 2019 or so and it is very annoying IMO.  They want it to be a "happening" place instead of a place of relative calm with low-key entertainment and a place you can actually have a conversation.”

3. Rooms below the Pool Deck

16320 to 16441

Cruise Mummy smiling and taking a selfie on the Pool Deck of Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. Behind her, the pool area is visible, with multiple swimming pools and jacuzzis surrounded by lounge chairs. In the background, there is a large outdoor screen displaying colorful visuals, likely used for movies or entertainment. The deck is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of seating areas and a view of the ship's upper levels, including large radar domes. The sky is clear, indicating a sunny day, and the atmosphere appears relaxed and inviting.

A real classic recommendation of any ‘best and worst cabins’ guide, it’s best to avoid any cabins directly below the pool deck.

It’s due to noise, specifically the sounds of deck chairs being dragged across the wooden surface first thing in the morning.

If you value your sleep first-thing, you should give these cabins a miss, as there’s always some eager folks who like to be up super-early and make sure they get a deck chair, and they will drag them into place to do so. The sound can be pretty grating.

4. Cabins adjacent to a laundromat

5302, 9322, 10324, 10328, 11324, 12324, 12330, 14324, 14328 

The image shows the entrance to the Laundromat on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The door is plain, with a simple sign that reads "Laundromat" in blue text on a white and gold background, indicating the facility's purpose. The surrounding walls are light-colored, with a minimalist design, typical of hallway or utility areas on a cruise ship. The door handle is a standard lever type, and the area appears clean and well-maintained.

There are several cabins that are adjacent to the laundry rooms on the ship, and those are more options that you might want to avoid booking if you’re worried about noise. 

Most of the rooms aren’t too bad because there’s just a small part of the laundry room wall that’s shared with the rear wall of the cabin, although that is close to your bed, so it could be an issue if people are up early or late to get their washing done.

Room 5302 is the worst of these because it shares an entire long wall with the laundromat so the noise here is bound to be a lot louder.

5. Rooms near Firefly Park (if you aren’t sailing with young kids)

Odd-numbered cabins from 6327 to 6435

The image shows Firefly Park on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess, which appears to be a children's play area or activity center. The space is brightly lit and features a variety of activities, including long tables with red and blue chairs, an air hockey table, and a foosball table. There are also interactive screens on the walls, likely for gaming or educational activities. The floor is a mix of green carpet and wood-like vinyl, with playful, modern decor that creates a fun and engaging environment for kids. The area is spacious and well-organized, designed to keep young passengers entertained.

The kids’ clubs on Sun Princess are split between different locations on the ship. Neon Grove and The Underground are for the older kids and teens, and they’re near the Princess Arena on Deck 7.

But the younger kids will use Firefly Park on Deck 6, which has its entrance right next to a series of Cove Balcony staterooms.

If you’re booking outside of school holidays then it’s not likely going to be an issue, but if you’re travelling without kids during a school holiday then expect this corridor to be a lot more busy – and noisier, too.

Of course, this makes it a fantastic location for families with kids age 3 to 7 who will be using the kids’ club, so it just depends on who you’re sailing with.

6. Premium Deluxe Balconies if you want privacy

10236, 10237, 10320, 10321,11248, 11249, 11320, 11321, 11455, 11460, 11603, 11604, 12248, 12249, 12320, 12321, 12455, 12458, 12601, 12602, 14246, 14247, 14320, 14321, 14457, 14460, 14601, 14602, 15238, 15239, 15320, 15321, 15459, 15460, 15603, 15604, 16244, 16247, 16320, 16321, 16459, 16460, 16603, 16604, 17418, 17419, 17603, 17604

The image shows Firefly Park on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess, which appears to be a children's play area or activity center. The space is brightly lit and features a variety of activities, including long tables with red and blue chairs, an air hockey table, and a foosball table. There are also interactive screens on the walls, likely for gaming or educational activities. The floor is a mix of green carpet and wood-like vinyl, with playful, modern decor that creates a fun and engaging environment for kids. The area is spacious and well-organized, designed to keep young passengers entertained.

There are several Premium Deluxe Balcony staterooms you can book on Sun Princess, but many of them are on a corner area of the ship – not right at the front or aft of the ship, but in mid-ship locations where the design sticks out in places.

The image shows a deck plan for a section of the Sun Princess. The plan includes various staterooms, color-coded to indicate different categories or types of cabins. The layout is symmetrical, with staterooms lining both sides of a central corridor. The central area includes stairs and elevators, as well as what appears to be laundromat facilities (labeled "Laundromat"). The plan highlights specific corner staterooms with red arrows, possibly indicating rooms with unique features, such as larger layouts or enhanced views. The color coding and arrows help in identifying key areas and special rooms on this deck.

These balconies suffer from a real lack of privacy, because you’re essentially at a right-angle to other balconies. You’re overlooked from above, and also from the balconies that are recessed in the ship slightly.

I stayed in a cabin like this on P&O Iona, which is a sister ship to Sun Princess. On Iona and Arvia, these are designated as regular balcony cabins, so they don’t cost any extra like they do on Sun Princess, but I still wouldn’t recommend them. 

Check out this video to see why not…

The difference between these cabins on P&O ships and Princess ships, is that with Princess you do get two sun loungers so you can make the most of the extra space. 

If you do still want one of these corner Premium Deluxe Balcony staterooms, you’re best booking one on Deck 17 if you can. While your balcony will still be visible from the other balconies on that deck, you at least won’t be overlooked by the balconies above, so the intrusion will be minimal.

Be warned that the absolute worst of these large balcony cabins are 10236 and 10237. These are right over the hot tub on the Cabana deck!

The image shows a section of the Cabana Deck on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The deck features private cabanas with white partition walls, providing an intimate outdoor space for guests. In the foreground, there is a hot tub surrounded by lounge chairs and modern outdoor seating, offering a comfortable and luxurious area to relax while enjoying the ocean view. The glass railings allow for unobstructed views of the sea, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the deck. The design combines privacy with scenic ocean views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.

Not only would it feel SO WEIRD to be sitting on your deck chair overlooking the hot tub when people are in it. But the guests staying in these cabins aren’t even allowed to use these hot tubs themselves as they’re exclusively for Cabana guests staying on the deck below!

7. Mini Suites on Deck 9 & 10

9105 to 9361 & 10438 to 10635

The image shows an aerial view of the Cabana Mini-Suites on Decks 9 and 10 of the Sun Princess. The balconies of the mini-suites are arranged in a row, with each featuring a small table and chairs, providing a private outdoor space for guests. The balconies are separated by white partitions for privacy. Below the balconies, there is a wider deck area with additional seating and tables, likely part of a public or shared outdoor space on the ship. The view highlights the ship's clean, modern design and the close proximity of the balconies to the water, offering guests a direct connection to the ocean.

If you want to enjoy a feeling of privacy on your balcony, then steer clear of the mini suites and Cabana mini suites on Decks 9 and 10.

The problem with this deck is that the balconies stick out further than the decks above, so every person looking down can see straight onto your balcony.

The Cabana Deck also has its own issues with privacy which, oddly, I’m going to cover in the ‘Best cabins’ section of this guide. You’ll see why.

8. Inside cabins oriented the ‘wrong’ way

6322, 6325, 6429, 10109, 10110, 10114, 10115, 10120, 10121, 10226, 10227, 10228, 10229, 11109, 11110, 11116, 11117, 11120, 11121, 15611, 15612, 15617, 15618, 15620, 15621, 15625, 15626, 15628, 15629, 15632, 15633, 15636, 15637, 17607, 17608, 17611, 17612, 17616, 17617, 17622, 17623, 17624, 17625, 17630, 17631, 17632, 17633

The image shows a section of the deck plan for Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The plan highlights staterooms in various colors, indicating different categories or types of cabins. The staterooms 10226, 10227, 10228, and 10229 are circled in red, drawing attention to these specific rooms. These staterooms are located in a central area on the deck, surrounded by other cabins of different categories. The layout shows the proximity of these staterooms to other parts of the ship, possibly indicating a unique feature or location that is of particular interest.

A minor issue, but one worth pointing out considering the issues some people have had with noise on Sun Princess and how the rooms aren’t the best at being soundproofed.

Most of the interior cabins are perpendicular to the corridors, meaning that the shortest wall faces the corridor where the door is.

But these cabins I’ve listed have a longer wall running along the corridor instead, which means a lot more of your cabin is closer to public areas, potentially including the headboard of your bed.

If you have kids running up and down the corridors, or chatty adults who’ve had a few too many drinks to control their own volume, you might find that these rooms feel a lot noisier just because there’s so much more of your wall shared with the space directly outside.

There are loads of amazing cabins you can choose from on Sun Princess, and I’ve tried to avoid just picking the very top suites – but here are some others that are considered to be amongst the best options onboard.

1. Cove Balcony Staterooms

The image shows the exterior view of the Cove Balcony Staterooms on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. These staterooms are located on a lower deck of the ship, identifiable by their distinctive covered balconies that are recessed into the ship's hull. The balconies provide a more sheltered outdoor space, offering privacy and protection from the elements while still allowing guests to enjoy ocean views. Above these staterooms, lifeboats are visible, indicating that these cabins are situated near the lifeboat deck. A "Sun Princess" canopy is set up near the gangway entrance, likely marking the boarding area for passengers.

Cove Balcony Staterooms are not a new invention for Princess Cruises. Carnival has popularised them the most on several ships by now. But they do work as good options on the Sun Princess.

They’re good for anyone who wants to feel more sheltered, true, but they also have other benefits – mainly a clear view of the waterline.

Most of the balconies on higher decks, due to the design of Sun Princess, will be overlooking at least either part of a balcony below or a public deck area.

But because the Cove Balconies are lower on the ship, their view is uninterrupted. Plus, because they’re lower, they’re one of the best choices for anyone who suffers from seasickness. You’ll feel less of the ship’s movement, but also enjoy fresh air and a view of the horizon, both of which can alleviate symptoms.

2. Cabana Deck Mini-suites

The image shows a 3D floor plan of a Cabana Deck Mini-Suite on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The suite layout includes a spacious bedroom with a large bed and bedside tables, a seating area with a sofa and a small table, and a private bathroom with a shower. The most distinctive feature is the extended private outdoor space, which includes a cabana area with a sofa and additional seating. This outdoor area is partially enclosed for privacy while still allowing guests to enjoy the ocean view. The suite is designed to provide comfort and luxury, combining indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly.

I can definitely see how the Cabana Deck Mini-suites would split opinion, but I think most guests view them in a positive way.

You get lots of space to enjoy – your private cabana area, your own small balcony, and that then leads directly onto the Cabana Deck with sun loungers and a hot tub.

The image shows a view of the Cabana Deck on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The deck features private cabanas below, each equipped with lounge chairs and small tables, offering guests a semi-private outdoor space to relax. Above the cabanas, the deck extends with additional seating areas that include round daybeds, wicker chairs, and small tables arranged in a stylish and comfortable manner. The deck is surrounded by glass railings, providing unobstructed views of the ocean. The overall design emphasizes luxury and relaxation, making it an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the scenery and the sea breeze.

Sure, that’s a shared space, but you’re not sharing it with a huge number of other guests, so it does feel quite exclusive and luxurious.

The problems are that anyone could walk around right outside your balcony and look in, plus you are overlooked on both the Cabana Deck and your balcony from the higher decks.

If that’s a concern though, just retreat into your cabana space – that’s more private, so you aren’t overlooked, and then it’s just anyone nosey on the Cabana Deck that you need to worry about.

3. Sanctuary Balcony Staterooms

The image shows the entrance to The Sanctuary Club on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The entrance features a glass door with "The Sanctuary Club" elegantly etched into the glass. Inside, you can see part of a luxurious outdoor lounge area with comfortable seating and loungers, designed for relaxation in a serene and exclusive environment. The area is well-appointed with stylish furniture and is partially sheltered, with additional seating and amenities visible beyond the door. The backdrop includes the ship's upper deck with radar domes, further emphasizing the premium and secluded nature of this space.

Lots of cruise lines these days have exclusive restaurants and sun decks for the use of suite guests, but Sun Princess offers these benefits to select Balcony Staterooms – and that’s pretty much unheard of.

If you like the idea of having access to a quiet, adults-only part of the ship along with a more exclusive restaurant, but you can’t afford a suite, then Sanctuary Balcony Staterooms are a fantastic middle-ground.

You are forced to pay for Princess Premier fares, which does jack the cost up, but you might’ve been considering that anyway and you do get a lot included for that price.

4. Spacious forward cabins (if you don’t get seasick)

10105, 10106, 11107, 11108, 12101, 12103, 12104, 12106, 14101, 14102, 14103, 14104

The image shows a section of the deck plan for Deck 10 on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. The plan highlights several staterooms located at the forward (front) part of the ship. These staterooms are color-coded, likely indicating different categories or types of cabins. Three red arrows point to specific staterooms on either side of the ship, suggesting these rooms may have special features, such as enhanced views or larger layouts. The central part of the deck plan shows a corridor with additional staterooms, creating a symmetrical layout. The highlighted staterooms appear to be positioned to offer direct forward-facing views, which are often sought after for their panoramic vistas.

At the front of the ships, you’ll find some Premium Ocean View cabins (on deck 10) and some Deluxe Balcony (on decks 11, 12 & 14) that are much bigger than normal.

If you’re checking the deck plans, you might spot that there are other rooms close to those ones I’ve named that also look bigger than average, but those are specifically Accessible cabins, reserved for those who need the extra space for wheelchairs, mobility scooters etc. It’s just these that I’ve picked out that aren’t classified as accessible rooms, but that have the extra space.

Also bear in mind that you’re on a higher deck, right at the front of the ship – this is where you’re going to feel the motion of the ship more than anywhere else. So don’t book these if you’ve got any concerns about seasickness.

5. A very large inside cabin

12102

The image shows a section of the deck plan for Deck 12 on Princess Cruises' Sun Princess. This plan highlights staterooms located at the forward (front) part of the ship. The staterooms are color-coded, indicating different categories or types of cabins. The staterooms are arranged symmetrically on either side of a central corridor, with rooms labeled by their respective numbers.The forward-most staterooms (12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, etc.) likely offer direct forward-facing views, which are often highly sought after for their panoramic views of the ocean. The plan also shows staterooms wrapping around the ship's bow, giving a clear view of how these cabins are positioned to maximize their views and space. This layout is typical for premium staterooms or suites on higher decks, emphasizing privacy and exclusive views.

There’s an unusual inside cabin on Deck 12 right at the front of the ship. This one has its pros and cons, but some people will love it.

The cabin is much bigger than a standard inside cabin, yet it’s the same price.

To access the cabin you have to go through the ‘crew only’ doors, which is a little strange. Your neighbours will be the chief engineers, but they’re used to guests staying in this cabin being in the staff area!

Here’s what someone on Facebook had to say about this cabin…

When we got on the boat we had to ask the staff where it was as we didn’t know if we were allowed to go through, but it’s not in the industrial crew only areas, just the crew cabin areas. You’ll definitely get your steps in walking to dinner if you dine in the main dining room every night, but it’s definitely a pro for getting on and off the boat at most ports as they use the forward and mid gangways when exiting from level 4 (most days).

The cabin is located right the front of the ship, so it’s a long walk to the buffet, and if you suffer from seasickness, this will be one to avoid. But, if you’re on a budget and want a lot of space, it’s ideal.

6. Balconies on the sphere

The image shows a side view of Princess Cruises' Sun Princess, highlighting the unique "Sphere" structure at the center of the ship. This large, spherical feature is a prominent architectural element, with multiple decks of balconies curving around it. The balconies within this sphere offer guests panoramic views and a distinctive experience, likely enhancing the feeling of openness and connection with the ocean. Above and around the sphere, there are additional tiers of balconies, all part of the ship's accommodation layout. The sphere's reflective surface and modern design make it a standout feature on the ship, blending advanced engineering with luxury cruise amenities.

One of the standout features of Sun Princess is the sphere in the centre. Much of this is made up of balconies, which are larger than average and have a perfect mid-ship location. If you suffer from seasickness, this is the best possible spot to be in.

Check out the deck plan to see the sizes of each balcony. There are a few which are designated as Deluxe Balconies, but they actually have pretty large balconies that are more similar to the size of a Premium Deluxe. Those offer greater value for money.

The image shows a deck plan for a specific section of the Sun Princess. The plan highlights staterooms, which are color-coded, likely indicating different categories or classes of cabins. The layout features staterooms arranged symmetrically along both sides of a central corridor.The rooms numbered 14401 through 14444 are visible, with the areas on either side of the corridor showing a mixture of different stateroom categories. The curved edges on both sides of the plan suggest these staterooms are positioned around the central "Sphere" structure of the ship, as indicated by the earlier exterior view.This deck plan likely represents one of the levels with accommodations surrounding the sphere, offering unique room shapes and views due to the curvature of the ship's design. The specific room numbers and their placement in this plan would help passengers locate their staterooms and understand the layout of this part of the ship.

Wanting an aft view cabin?

Many cruisers love aft view cabins and enjoy sitting on their balconies looking at the wake. However, one weird quirk of Sun Princess is that there are none!

Well, there are eight, but they’re wheelchair-accessible cabins, so if you don’t have a need for them, you can’t book them. 

Whilst it’s great that wheelchair users can enjoy some fantastic aft views, it’s a shame that people who don’t use wheelchairs don’t have this option.

Here’s what the aft of Sun Princess looks like…

A photo of a cruise ship's exterior highlights specific areas with red boxes and labels. One section is labeled "Wasted space," another is marked as the "Suite lounge," and a third box points to "Accessible cabins." The image emphasizes different features and potential inefficiencies in the ship's design, with clear arrows and text annotations indicating these areas on the ship's multi-story structure.

There are the eight accessible cabins in the centre, with the huge rounded balconies. Above those is the two-storey suite lounge, with the Love Britto speciality restaurant above that.

On each corner, there is, what I would consider to be a huge waste of space. It’s a staircase that goes from Deck 10 to Deck 16.

All of these decks have cabins, which means that there is no reason for guests to ever use this staircase. There’s also an elevator right by it which goes all the way from Deck 7 to Deck 18, so it’s actually useful, unlike the stairs, which won’t take you anywhere except between cabins.

A view from the deck of the Sun Princess cruise ship shows a walkway with glass railings overlooking the ocean. The deck is spacious and clean, with stairs leading to another level. The sea is calm, and the vast expanse of water stretches out to the horizon, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere aboard the ship.

I have no idea why Princess Cruises didn’t use this space for some incredible corner aft suites as most ships have. For example, P&O Cruises’ Iona and Arvia are sister ships to Sun Princess, and this is where you’ll find the very best suites with wraparound balconies.

At the very least, they could consider putting sunloungers there so that people can actually use the space and enjoy the best views on the ship.

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Final word

Sun Princess is still a relatively new ship, so I’ve pulled together these recommendations based on looking around the ship myself, the few negative reviews of cabins that I’ve seen, and an in-depth review of the deck plans.

Over time, more people may share their experiences and I’ll update this guide, but honestly, the cabins are one of the areas that most people seem to review quite positively so far. The ship has some other issues, but accommodations are broadly praised.

It’s always worth doing your own research too, so if you want to dig a little deeper, I’d recommend these resources:

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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