princess cruise from galveston reviews

Cruises from Galveston

An island full of art, architecture, and boutiques.

Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and grab some local cuisine, or visit Moody Gardens with attractions and entertainment ranging from a world-class aquarium and a living rainforest to the Discovery Museum and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, before you embark on a cruise to exciting destinations in the Western Caribbean and Mexico such as Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan.

Caribbean Cruises

On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. One moment you can be walking among the vast ruins of this mighty civilization and the next delving into the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula or simply unwinding on beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

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What to Know About Cruises from Galveston

Galveston at a Glance

• Language: English
• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone: Central Time (CT)
• Docking: Your cruise from Galveston docks at the Port of Galveston located in the city’s historic downtown district.
• Attire: Galveston’s temperatures throughout the year typically range from 48 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s never too hot or too cold to spend the day at the beach.
• Transportation: You can get around the island by Uber, Lyft, shuttle, limousine, or rental car. There are also unique transportation options such as surreys along the beachfront and horse-drawn carriages in the historic downtown district.

Things to Do in Galveston

Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons. Take a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to family-friendly rides, games, and other attractions. Then relax on one of Galveston’s many iconic beaches and enjoy the 32-miles of coastline. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone.

Cruise Ships Sailing from Galveston

Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises from Galveston. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about: Regal Princess

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Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise in Galveston. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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12 Night Caribbean - Southern Cruise

Best known for the Pacific Princess on the Love Boat, Princess Cruises has been a leading name in cruising and visits a wide range of destinations.

Get in touch with the island cultures, ecosystems, and delicious tropical cuisine of a gorgeous region with a Southern Caribbean cruise.

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

• Regal Princess - Passenger Capacity: 3,560 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2014 Last Refurbished:  2017

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Galveston, Texas , Cozumel, Mexico , Port of Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean , Curacao, Caribbean , Antigua, Antigua & Barbuda , Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. , Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

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12 Night Caribbean - Southern Cruise sailing on the Regal Princess

Departure dates: mar 2025 - mar 2026, stateroom prices for mar. 23, 2025.

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Disney Magic

The 2,713-passenger Disney Magic is the oldest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet (it first launched in 1998). It was last refurbished in May 2023, when it received updates like a "Soul"-themed lounge, concierge-level upgrades and a new "Encanto" live show. The ship also features family favorites such as the AquaDuck waterslide, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique dress-up shop and Edge, an interactive game center for tweens.

Disney Magic features diverse entertainment, including live shows, an open-air Wide World of Sports deck, three pools and a splash area for children younger than 3. Unique to the Magic is the teens-only Chill Spa. When it comes to dining, the ship offers eight eateries, including an adults-only specialty restaurant and buffet options. Recent cruisers gave the food quality mixed reviews.

In terms of lodging, 70% of cabins offer ocean views or verandas. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, sitting areas and bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Suites include extra perks such as concierge service and media libraries. Past cruisers noted that the service on this ship is up to Disney's standards, but so is the price tag.

Disney Magic sails from Galveston, Texas ;  San Diego ;  Miami ; Fort Lauderdale, Florida ;  New Orleans ; and  San Juan, Puerto Rico . It visits destinations across the Bahamas , the Caribbean, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Once per sailing, guests are invited to watch Tangled: The Musical in the Walt Disney Theater. This Broadway-style show retells the story of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider with three new original songs, puppets, and beautiful costumes. This show is very popular, so it's best to get to the theater about an hour before the show starts to get a good seat. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. – Megan duBois, Contributor

Allure of the Seas

The 6,826-passenger Allure of the Seas, unveiled in 2010, is among the largest cruise ships in the world. There are a whopping 2,054 crew members on board to cater to passengers' needs. Along with signature line amenities like rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, the ship houses seven unique neighborhoods with a variety of activities, shows and dining options. The ship underwent a $165 million refurbishment in 2020, which added approximately 50 new staterooms, the Ultimate Abyss (the tallest slide at sea), redesigned kids and teens spaces, new dining venues and more.

Other standout features include a zip line that descends 10 decks, two surf simulators and a science lab. Plus, with 19 dining options – and a Starbucks at sea – every member of the family will be satisfied.

In terms of lodging, about 65% of cabins feature balconies, and all staterooms are appointed with TVs and minifridges. Interior staterooms are the most economical option, but those who splurge on Suites are granted larger balconies and concierge service. Crowd-free areas might be difficult to find due to the outrageous capacity of the ship, but some recent cruisers praise the nonstop activity and entertainment. 

Allure of the Seas departs from Miami, Orlando, Florida, and Galveston , Texas, for sailings in the Caribbean.

Harmony of the Seas

Welcoming up to 6,687 passengers and 2,200 crew members, Harmony of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Launched in 2016 and tuned up in 2021, the ship features Royal Caribbean staples like surf simulators and rock climbing walls, as well as innovative amenities like the Ultimate Abyss (a 10-story slide) and three multistory waterslides. Plus, while younger passengers play in the arcade or at age-appropriate clubs, adults can relax at the spa or sip cocktails at multiple bars and lounges.

After working up an appetite, guests can choose from 20 dining options. Past cruisers especially praised the multitude of specialty restaurants, which range from Mexican to Japanese fare and require reservations and an additional fee.

When it comes to lodging, Harmony of the Seas offers a wide variety of cabin categories, with more than 70% of cabins featuring balconies. While Interior staterooms are the most economical choice, those looking for a little more space and luxury should consider upgrading to a Suite, which range from Junior Suites to four-bedroom Villa Suites. While all cabins offer flat-screen TVs and minibars, suites include access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck.

Harmony of the Seas sails from Miami and Galveston, Texas , to destinations throughout the Caribbean.

Regal Princess

Unique features – including a glass walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship – make Regal Princess stand out among competitors. Guests can expect quality service on the 3,560-passenger, 1,346-crew-member ship, which debuted in 2014 and was most recently updated in 2017.

Regal Princess offers plenty of onboard activities, from an indoor driving range to a photography studio to educational programming through Discovery at SEA events. While adults sip cocktails at one of the onboard lounges, kids and teens can enjoy age-appropriate youth clubs. Come mealtime, the whole gang can choose between the main dining rooms, a number of specialty restaurants (including Sabatini's Italian venue) and multiple laid-back eateries.

All cabins come appointed with minifridges and flat-screen TVs. While Interior cabins measure between 158 and 162 square feet, larger Balcony staterooms occupy 214 to 222 square feet. The ship also features Mini-Suite category cabins, which offer two flat-screen TVs, bathtubs and furnished balconies. Each guest aboard Regal Princess receives an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Regal Princess sails to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond.

Mariner of the Seas

Introduced in 2003 and overhauled in mid-2018, Mariner of the Seas features passenger favorites like the Escape Room, the Izumi Japanese restaurant and a surf simulator. During the ship's refurbishment, Royal Caribbean also added 100 new staterooms, updated cabins and public spaces and added fan-favorite restaurant Jamie's Italian by chef Jamie Oliver.

Though the 4,000-passenger ship features a 1-to-3 crew-to-passenger ratio, recent cruisers said the vessel still maintains a high level of customer service. When it comes to dining, the ship offers 11 venues, including a multilevel main dining room. The ship's 10 bars and lounges and onboard entertainment, which includes Broadway-style shows, earn a consistent nod of approval from past cruisers. Kids have plenty of age-appropriate entertainment, too, including youth programs and teen lounges. Mariner of the Seas touts three pools and six whirlpools. These areas of the ship attract a high concentration of children.

Past travelers were generally complimentary of the staterooms. Similar to its sister ships, Mariner of the Seas offers four stateroom categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite. All staterooms include flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi accessibility. 

Mariner of the Seas departs from  Orlando , Florida, and Galveston, Texas, for sailings in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the  Bahamas .

Carnival Miracle

Like other Carnival ships, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle boasts activities and entertainment geared toward travelers of all ages. Thanks to a renovation in 2020, the ship features upgrades like Guy's Burger Joint, WaterWorks, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more. The ship also received a minor refresh to interior and exterior spaces in 2022. 

Even with the added venues, a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio ensures service is a priority. And compared to other Carnival ships, Miracle offers a higher percentage of cabins with ocean views. While Interior staterooms provide more wallet-friendly digs, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category cabins offer more space and scenery. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

During days at sea, grown-ups can enjoy poolside lounging or the adults-only Serenity Retreat, while kids ages 2 to 17 can play at age-specific programs.  There are also entertainment options like the Punchliner Comedy Club, the SkyBox Sports Bar and the Seuss at Sea program. Once the family works up an appetite, they'll have their pick of the main dining room, the Lido buffet, a specialty steakhouse (for an extra fee) and more.

Carnival Miracle departs from Galveston, Texas ;  Los Angeles  and  San Francisco  to destinations in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal,  Hawaii , Mexico , and Alaska . 

Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Prima first set sail in October 2022 and can hold 3,099 guests and 1,506 crew members. The latest ship in the fleet includes many of the cruiser-favorite amenities and activities that are standard across Norwegian , plus a few more exciting additions.

Accommodations include Studios (perfect for solo travelers), and Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Club Balcony Suite and Suite staterooms. The Haven aboard the Norwegian Prima has been redesigned, with more spacious suites, upscale decor and The Haven's private sun deck. Outside their rooms, travelers will find plenty of dining options, including pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill, classic fare at the main dining room Hudson's, fine dining at The Commodore Room, international cuisine at Indulge Food Hall, casual eats at the Surfside Café & Grill and 24-hour room service, in addition to several specialty dining venues.

As far as activities go, cruisers can enjoy mini-golf, a racecar track, the water park and waterslides, plus games like darts, shuffleboard and pickleball. Those looking to relax can snag a lounge chair by the pool or book a treatment at the spa. Other options for fun include a casino, numerous bars and lounges, and a theater to enjoy musicals, concerts and The Price Is Right Live.

This Norwegian ship offers itineraries through the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean in the coming years.

Voyager of the Seas

After a major refurbishment in October 2019, Voyager of the Seas includes revamped staterooms, new waterslides, an enhanced laser tag arena and new spaces for kids, teens and even babies (a first on this ship). Guests will also enjoy a revamped spa and fitness center, as well as refreshed lounges across the ship. Other passenger favorites include big-ship amenities the line is known for, like a poolside movie screen, a surf simulator and "virtual balconies" in Interior staterooms.

Cruisers give a thumbs-up for the ship's clean decks and accommodating staff. Welcoming up to 4,000 guests and 1,200 crew members, the ship offers a roughly 1-to-3 crew-to-passenger ratio. However, the ship's cuisine has received mixed reviews from recent cruisers. Guests can choose from the main dining room and the buffet, as well as several casual eateries and specialty restaurants. 

When you're not in your room, you can enjoy three pools and six whirlpools, a rock climbing wall and an ice skating rink. While children are mingling with peers in the youth programs, adults can retreat to the casino or check out one of the multiple bars and lounges.

Voyager of the Seas departs from ports in North America, Europe and the Mediterranean for sailings throughout the Caribbean, Europe, New England and the Mediterranean.

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Escape debuted in 2015 and was refurbished in 2022. It carries 4,266 passengers and 1,733 crew members. Highlights include the District Brew House and Norwegian's wine bar, The Cellars. Guests can choose from a total of 18 dining venues, including 11 specialty restaurants.

When it comes to activities, the ship appeals to multiple generations. Children can play in age-appropriate clubs or in the kids aqua park, while adults can sip cocktails or get treatments at the Mandara Spa. Nighttime entertainment includes live musicals, acts at the Headliners Comedy Club and table games at the casino.

Accommodations are just as diverse, ranging from Studio staterooms designed for solo travelers to Inside, Oceanview and Balcony cabins. There are also larger Club Balcony Suites, as well as The Haven (exclusive cabins that offer elite perks like 24-hour butler service and access to a private sundeck). 

Norwegian Escape departs from Miami , Orlando ,  New York City ,  Rome , Barcelona and Venice , Italy for sailings in Bermuda , Canada, the Caribbean and Europe.

Carnival Breeze

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze was introduced in 2012 and last updated in 2017. On board, cruisers will find outdoor activities like a water park and a SportsSquare with games like mini-golf, as well as supervised (and free) age-appropriate programs for kids and teens. While the younger passengers play, adults can relax at the adults-only Serenity retreat, get treatments at the Cloud 9 Spa and sip cocktails at one of the ship's bars. 

As far as dining goes, cruisers can choose between several food options, including sushi, Indian, 24/7 pizza and more. Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, are passenger favorites. Nighttime entertainment ranges from karaoke to shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club.

Carnival Breeze offers a variety of cabin categories, all of which include flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. The ship maintains a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. While some recent cruisers appreciated the family atmosphere, others were disappointed by long lines and wait times during dinner service. 

Carnival Breeze cruises to the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas . 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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11 Reason To Sail on Cruises From Galveston

I n no uncertain terms, a cruise port makes all the difference regarding your entire vacation. After all, the location of your departure sets the tone for your trip moving forward, determining which destinations you’ll reach once you’re on the high seas.

While specific destinations like Miami or Canaveral boast unique strengths, something might also be said for the Port of Galveston, Texas. A smaller port overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston may not be the largest or busiest destination from which to depart. Yet, there are plenty of amicable reasons to look into this idyllic Texan island for your next cruise-going experience.

1. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Offer Cruises From Galveston

Looking at it plainly, Galveston has three cruise terminals making up its port. In contrast, far larger alternatives, like the Port of Miami, have eleven terminals. Because of this, Galveston unfortunately cannot house many of the industry’s prestigious cruise lines. However, the port’s terminals support several large-scale cruise corporations, with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney Cruises departing from Galveston regularly.

2. The Nearby Cruise Destinations Are Well Worth It

Admittedly, inevitable drawbacks are attached to cruises from Galveston. Considering how much farther west it is than ports in Florida or along the East Coast, most cruise lines out of Galveston cannot travel to their company’s private islands as many are in the Eastern Caribbean. However, Galveston’s location along the Gulf of Mexico has its distinct perks, including ready access to the Western Caribbean and parts of South and Central America. Though some guests might regret losing a chance at CocoCay, it’s hard to be upset when trekking along the shores of Mexico, Honduras, or Belize.

3. It’s Easier To Navigate Than Larger Ports

There’s no simple answer when it comes to determining the total cost of cruises from Galveston over any other port in the U.S. Like most ports, the final cost of the cruise depends on numerous factors, including the time of year you’re sailing, the location of your cabin, and the cruise line you plan on traveling with. However, the convenience of navigating the port itself makes Galveston a perfect option for anyone new to cruise vacations. Avoiding the large-scale crowds and tedious boarding lines as other major ports, Galveston remains a hassle-free destination for most novice travelers out there.

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4. galveston is conveniently located in the central u.s..

Given Galveston’s distinct location in eastern Texas , it’s one of the most readily accessible ports for travelers across the U.S. Located in the heart of America, travelers from the Western U.S. will have just as easy time reaching it as vacationers from the Midwest or East Coast. After all, who wants to sit on a lengthy plane ride to reach their port of call? Also, Galveston lacks the same high value of traffic as Miami or other popular ports, making it relatively hassle-free to reach.

5. The Port Terminal Is Reasonably Close to the Airport

Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is the closest airport to Galveston. Roughly 41 miles northwest of the port, travelers can easily navigate from the airport to their cruise terminal in under an hour. Galveston is also close to several major cities, making it an option, albeit a farther one, for anyone flying into Austin or Dallas. However, given Houston’s short driving distance to Galveston, William P. Hobby Airport is your best bet for air travel.

6. The Boarding Process Is Quick and Seamless

As mentioned above, Galveston doesn’t have the same volume of passengers flooding through its port as Miami, Canaveral, or Port Everglades. As a result, boarding a ship is comparatively tamer—especially since the port opened up its third and latest terminal in 2022. Having been constructed in the past two decades and carefully refurbished, these terminals are in fantastic shape, making the onboarding process much more efficient for vacationers. The terminals also come equipped with innovative new features, with Terminal 3 offering mobile check-in and state-of-the-art facial recognition devices.

7. There Are Plenty of Hotels Nearby

Another notable feature of Galveston is the number of hotels near the port. (Because let’s face it: what’s more accessible than simply waking up, hopping in your car, and practically walking onto the ship without worrying about losing track of time?) What’s more, many of the hotels in the Galveston area have special offers for anyone traveling onboard a cruise ship. These offers include free or discounted parking rates and a helpful shuttle that ferry passengers back and forth from the hotel to the ship. While several hotels in Galveston have these amenities, some of the best include the Hilton Galveston Island Resort and the San Luis Resort .

8. Parking Is Easy

Don’t let Galveston’s size fool you—the port itself has plenty of options when it comes to parking. As previously suggested, anyone staying at a nearby hotel might want to consider leaving their car parked there and taking a shuttle, taxi, or Uber over to their terminal. Additionally, travelers can reserve a space in the port’s parking lot ahead of their trip. These parking spaces are safe and secure, and port employees will assist with any luggage brought aboard on cruises from Galveston.

9. Galveston Itself Is a Beautiful Place To Visit

The main reason we believe you should depart from Galveston on your next cruise is the opportunity you’ll have to see what it has to offer. Like most major cities, there’s plenty to do and see around town, with every prospective sight catering to travelers’ interests. For those interested in shopping, the Strand Historical District has plenty of independently owned stores that feature everything from odd tchotchkes to essential beach items. Galveston’s famous Moody Gardens is an educational park built around natural wonders such as exotic sea life, immaculate flowers, roaming monkeys, and sloths.

10. You’re Bound To Find Some Great Last-Minute Deals

As previously mentioned, Galveston is a more scaled-down port than Miami or Port Canaveral, but its three terminals still receive cruise ships constantly. Because of this constantly moving schedule, most travelers will find it incredibly easy to find last-minute deals on select cruises from Galveston—often days before the ship is booked to leave. Sure, it may not be practical for those traveling from longer distances to book something last-minute. Yet these last-minute deals are well worth it for anyone within a short distance of Galveston.

11. Galveston Is Steeped in Rich Maritime History

Galveston is a city rich in history, having first been settled by Indigenous Natives of the Akokisa and Karankawa tribes before the Europeans arrived in the 1600s. Over the next several centuries, Galveston became a hub for maritime trade, eventually attracting such notable figures as French buccaneer Jean Lafitte. All that being said, history buffs will delight at the chance to visit Galveston, taking in some of the numerous historical sights around town—like Lafitte’s personal hideaway at Maison Rouge or the Michael B. Menard House, named after one of Galveston’s original American settlers. Even those who don’t care for history will find these areas fascinating.

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Princess Cruises welcomes its biggest ship ever with help from a star

It took a star to welcome the sun.

The Sun Princess , that is.

Princess Cruises on Tuesday officially hailed the arrival of its newest megavessel — at 177,882 tons, its biggest ever —with the help of "Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham.

The Emmy Award-winning actress and singer presided over a star-studded 19-minute christening ceremony in the ship's Princess Arena theater that included a traditional bottle breaking, with a twist.

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Serving as the ship's godmother, Waddingham placed a triangular "sun ray" representing Sun Princess into a sun sculpture on stage to trigger the smashing of a huge bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne — a nebuchadnezzar that holds the equivalent of 20 traditional bottles — against the ship's hull.

"As much as theater ripples through my bloodstream, I have the strongest history of maritime in my family," a clearly proud Waddingham said moments before triggering the bottle smash.

She noted that her still-living, 107-year-old grandfather served on convoy ships crossing the Atlantic during World War II. She also grew up boating.

"It's in my blood and in my bones," she added.

Built at the giant Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, Sun Princess is the most notable new Princess ship to debut in more than a decade. Capable of holding up to 5,189 passengers (a record for a Princess ship), it's not only significantly bigger than previous Princess ships but packed with more onboard venues.

The naming celebration came two months after Sun Princess began sailing for the first time with paying passengers, a debut that was unexpectedly delayed by 20 days due to construction issues.

"Sun Princess is incredible. It's the largest, most luxurious love boat ever," John Padgett, Princess president, said at the event, harking back to the line's long-standing tie to the hit television show "The Love Boat" that ran in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Three stars from the show — Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell and Jill Whelan, who played bartender Isaac Washington, ship's doctor Adam Bricker and captain's daughter Vicki Stubing, respectively — were in attendance at the event.

The "Love Boat" stars were seated just a couple rows behind Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison and CEO Josh Weinstein.

Carnival Corporation is the parent company of Princess Cruises.

Makoto Okuwa, a James Beard Foundation honoree who designed a sushi eatery for Sun Princess, and Dario Cecchini, a celebrity Italian butcher who created a meat-focused restaurant for the ship, were also in attendance. So was the Brazilian artist Romero Britto, who sat to the right of Arison. Britto's colorful, upbeat art is the theme for the ship's high-end restaurant, Love by Britto.

Other celebrities at the event included model and television personality Tyra Banks, wildlife show host Jeff Corwin, fashion designer and television host Randy Fenoli and mixologist Rob Floyd. British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield performed her smash hit "Pocketful of Sunshine" among other hit songs on the top deck of the ship after the ceremony.

The biggest Princess ship ever

Under development for more than six years, Sun Princess is the first of the new Sphere Class of Princess vessels. The ships have been designed to be significantly bigger than previous Princess vessels and offer several new-for-the-line features.

First look: Inside Sun Princess, the giant new ship from Princess Cruises

Sun Princess is the first Princess ship with suites that come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck — part of an effort to draw more upscale customers to the brand.

Additionally, Sun Princess offers an innovative new type of "cabana cabin" on the ship's extra-wide 10th deck that features exclusive access to a private deck area. The top deck of the ship also received some unusual-for-Princess sizzle. Passengers will find a glass-dome-topped pool area that transforms into a nightspot after the sun goes down.

Other differences between Sun Princess and earlier Princess ships include the lack of a buffet restaurant on its main pool deck. But don't worry, buffet lovers: There still is a buffetlike venue on the ship. Called The Eatery, it's eight decks below the pool deck, closer to the ship's central piazza and just off its outside promenade.

The ship's main theater, the Princess Arena, also has a new look. Its new-for-Princess, in-the-round shape can be converted into a more traditional proscenium-type theater or a keyhole-type theater to allow for different types of productions.

Among other standout venues, Sun Princess features a secret hideaway for magical performances designed in partnership with the Magic Castle performance venue in Los Angeles.

Related: My strange night out at Princess's new magic-infused night spot

Princess also has revamped its main dining room program with the debut of Sun Princess. It now offers three distinct options for cruisers in its main dining rooms, ranging from a traditional fixed seating experience to a casual, come-when-you-want option that includes quick-served meals and even breakfast for dinner .

The arrival of Sun Princess marks the first time Princess has launched a new class of ship in nearly 11 years. With its debut, Princess now has 16 vessels in its fleet that collectively have room for about 50,000 passengers. That makes Princess the world's fifth-biggest cruise line, behind Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line .

Related: The 4 types of Princess ships, explained

Sun Princess is initially sailing in Europe through the fall. It'll then reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for voyages to the Caribbean. Fares start at $577 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a seven-night Caribbean sailing.

A second ship in the new Sphere Class series, to be called Star Princess, is on order from the Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in 2025. Its first voyage is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2025, and will take place in the Mediterranean.

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