Sun Princess features closed; thrill rides scrapped

Princess Cruises has made a significant announcement regarding its newest vessel, the Sun Princess Cruise Ship. The cruise line stated that certain key features onboard will not be opening as initially planned. This announcement comes after a period where three major attractions remained closed since the ship's debut on February 28, 2024. The features in question include the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course situated in the ship’s designated Park19 entertainment area.

The RollGlider was marketed as a unique glider-style zipline experience, designed to move riders along an overhead track with speeds reaching up to 11 miles per hour. It was intended to be ADA-compliant, aiming to provide all guests a chance to enjoy breathtaking ocean views while safely strapped in. The Coastal Climb was expected to be a ropes course, boasting various elements like nets, planks, and bridges that elevated thrill-seekers to stunning heights.

The course led from deck 19 to 20, culminating at The Lookout, a scenic open-air observation deck promising a panoramic view of the surrounding seas. However, despite these ambitious plans, the ship will not provide access to these adventurous features. Princess Cruises has not detailed the reasons behind the closures but has mentioned that they could stem from safety issues, construction flaws, or regulatory compliance.

Currently, Princess is assessing the Park19 space for potential future recreational opportunities. They confirmed, “We are actively evaluating these areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests.” In the meantime, the cruise line continues to solicit guest feedback for new attractions that can be integrated into the Sun Princess Cruise Ship.

Understanding the Sun Princess Cruise Ship

Sun Princess operates as the inaugural vessel of the new Sphere class and boasts a significant capacity to host up to 4,300 passengers along with about 1,500 crew members. Weighing in at 175,500 gross tons, this ship is designed to provide an eclectic mix of Mediterranean itineraries and will soon make its first transatlantic journey, heading towards Fort Lauderdale for winter voyages in the Caribbean.

As one of the newest additions to the Princess Cruises fleet, the ship aims to attract a wide range of travelers with its contemporary design and diverse amenities. Despite the announced closures of the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course, there are still various attractions available onboard that guests can enjoy.

Alternative Features and Amenities

Although the adventurous features of the Sun Princess will remain closed, guests will still find plenty of alternatives to keep them entertained. The Park19 space features locations for both thrilling and relaxing activities. For those still in search of adventure, the Infinite Horizon area presents cantilevered walls extending out over the edge of the vessel, granting guests breathtaking views that elevate their sailing experience.

The Splash Zone is ideal for families, equipped with colorful water sculptures and playful pop jets, ensuring that younger guests are entertained while staying cool. Additionally, for guests looking to relax without getting wet, the Hammock Area offers a tranquil environment perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Recreational Activities

The Sun Princess continues to host various recreational facilities, including a classic Recreational Court. Here, passengers can partake in traditional games like cornhole, shuffleboard, and ping pong, catering to guests seeking both active and leisurely experiences.

Health-conscious travelers can make use of the Jogging Track, which is designed to allow for invigorating strolls, jogs, or runs, all while soaking in ocean breezes and spectacular views. These options ensure that even with the closure of specific features, there remains a diverse array of activities onboard.

The Future of Adventure on Sun Princess

The news regarding the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course was certainly disappointing for many who were eager to try them. As Princess Cruises moves forward with assessing the Park19 space, guests retain hope that new and exciting features will be introduced to enhance their cruising experience.

Moreover, Princess Cruises has not made any commitments about whether similar attractions will be included on the upcoming Star Princess, the second ship in the Sphere class set to debut in October 2025. The fate of adventurous features across their fleet remains uncertain until further announcements are made.

Guest Feedback Matters

Princess Cruises places considerable emphasis on guest feedback, particularly in relation to the attractions available on their vessels. The cruise line is committed to curating unforgettable experiences and is likely to consider exploring new opportunities for features that align with their customers’ desires.

As the cruise industry continues to recover and evolve, passenger input will play a crucial role in shaping offerings on not just the Sun Princess but future vessels as well. The feedback gathered can serve as an essential tool for understanding where enhancements should occur.

Final Thoughts on Sun Princess Cruise Ship

The Sun Princess represents a significant step for Princess Cruises, bringing a modern take on ocean travel enhanced by innovative design. While the closure of key adventurous features has brought disappointment, there remains a strong commitment to ensuring engaging and memorable experiences remain available to travelers of all ages.

With the ongoing evaluation of Park19 and potential new offerings in the future, hope persists that the Sun Princess Cruise Ship will eventually become a vessel celebrated for thrilling features and impeccable service. As Princess Cruises navigates these challenges, they reaffirm their dedication to guest satisfaction and offering unforgettable cruising experiences.

FAQs About the Sun Princess Cruise Ship

1. What type of experiences are available on the Sun Princess Cruise Ship now that some features are closed?

Despite the closure of the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course, guests can enjoy the Infinite Horizon area for breathtaking views, the Splash Zone for family fun, and various sports activities at the Recreational Court.

2. When did the Sun Princess Cruise Ship start sailing?

The Sun Princess made its debut on February 28, 2024 and has since been offering Mediterranean itineraries, with plans for a transatlantic crossing later in the year.

3. Why will the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course not be opening?

The specific reasons behind the closures have not been disclosed, but they may be related to safety considerations, construction flaws, or other compliance issues.

4. How many guests can the Sun Princess accommodate?

The Sun Princess can accommodate approximately 4,300 guests along with around 1,500 crew members, ensuring a well-staffed experience.

5. Are any new features planned for the Sun Princess’ Park19 area?

Currently, Princess Cruises is evaluating opportunities for future recreational features in the Park19 area, though no concrete plans have been announced yet.