Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Review: What I Really Found Onboard Sun Princess

After slipping behind cruise lines that introduced premium private-access suite areas years ago, Princess Cruises is now trying to catch up with the launch of their new Sanctuary Collection on the 4,300-passenger Sphere-class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess.

Having tried all the big competing versions — Celebrity Retreat, Cunard Grills, Norwegian Haven, and MSC Yacht Club — I was keen to see how Princess’s new take compared.

So, I booked a 7-night Mediterranean sailing on Sun Princess, paid for it myself at regular fares, and put it to the test. Here is my Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Review

Here’s what I found — the good, and sadly, the not so good.

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What Is the Sanctuary Collection?

The Sanctuary Collection is only available on Sun Princess and Star Princess, and it aims to compete with the “premium ship-within-ship” style experiences now common on other lines.

There are three cabin types included:

However, unlike Norwegian Haven or MSC Yacht Club, this is not a ship-within-a-ship experience. The cabins and venues are spread across the ship, not behind a controlled-access entrance.

This has pros — more integration with the rest of the ship — and cons — more walking and less exclusivity.

I booked an S4 Vista Suite, so I experienced the full offering.

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Sanctuary Collection Venues and Perks

There are five main components to the Sanctuary Collection, and my experience with them varied.

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1. Embarkation & Disembarkation

This started poorly.

• No priority check-in

• No priority security

• No escort to onboard venues

Compared to MSC Yacht Club, Celebrity Retreat, and Haven — which all deliver private lounges and fast-track boarding — Princess falls behind here.

However, priority disembarkation was excellent. I was off the ship by 7:05am and at the airport early. A real benefit.

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2. Signature Suite Lounge (Suites Only)

Located on Decks 15 & 16 at the stern, the lounge was:

• Quiet and calm

• Beautiful wake views

• Relaxing escape from busy pool decks

Opening hours were 7:00am–10:00pm (unlike 24-hour lounges on other Princess ships), which frustrated some Princess regulars.

But the staff were outstanding, and the Concierge was very helpful with reservations and queries.

It felt premium.

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3. Sanctuary Restaurant (All Sanctuary Collection Cabins)

Located on Deck 8 at the stern, this is a private main dining room alternative.

What I liked:

• Open for embarkation day lunch (huge win)

• Anytime Dining

• Same serving team assigned for your cruise (personal service)

• Breakfast, lunch (sea days only), and dinner daily

Where it falls short:
This is not a separate kitchen like:

• Celebrity’s Luminae

• Cunard Grills restaurants

• MSC Yacht Club restaurants

The Sanctuary menu is 90–95% identical to the main dining rooms.

There are upgrades:

• Higher-grade steaks and meats

• Prime Rib carving trolley nightly

• No upcharges for premium items

Better than standard Princess dining — but not as elevated as competitors.

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4. Sanctuary Club (Exclusive Adult-Only Pool Deck)

This was a highlight.

On Deck 18 at the stern, the deck features:

• Private pool

• Plush loungers & daybeds

• Bar with wait-service

• Light lunch options & Mediterranean buffet

• Fun “champagne wall” feature

• Music and occasional entertainment

It was quiet on port days but busy on sea days, though I always found somewhere to sit.

Note: Children under 16 are not allowed.

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5. Princess Premier Package (Included)

This package adds real value:

• Unlimited drinks (up to $20 per drink)

• Unlimited specialty dining (7 specialty dining venues onboard)

• MedallionNet Wi-Fi (up to 4 devices)

• Crew gratuities included

• Fitness classes included

• Unlimited digital photos & 3 printed photos

• Premium desserts included

But most important on Sun Princess:
→ Reserved theatre seating for production shows

The Princess Arena seats fewer than 1,000 guests — on a 4,300-passenger ship. Many guests don’t get into shows without queuing an hour early.

This perk genuinely improved my cruise.

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Pros & Cons of the Sanctuary Collection

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So… Is It Worth It?

My 7-night cruise cost $9,400 / £6,970 for two — around $1,350 / £996 per night.

For me personally?

I didn’t think it was worth it.

At that price point, I would rather book:

• Seabourn

• Silversea

• Crystal

• Explora Journeys

• Regent

• Viking

because they offer:

• Smaller ships

• Higher service levels

• Better dining consistency

• True luxury throughout the ship

But — if you want a big ship with:
✅ lots of bars
✅ Broadway-style shows
✅ lively nightlife
✅ many dining venues
AND a quiet, luxurious retreat to escape to…
then the Sanctuary Collection does make that possible.

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Bottom Line

Princess has significantly improved its premium offering, and the Sanctuary Collection delivers comfort, calm, and a sense of exclusivity.

But it still trails the best ship-within-a-ship experiences in the industry — especially in dining and arrival experience.

Whether it’s worth it comes down to one question:

Do you want big-ship energy or small-ship luxury?
Your answer to that decides everything.