From the moment I booked this cruise, I was excited… but also a little nervous.
We had decided to splurge more than usual and book a Sanctuary Collection Mini Suite on Star Princess, Princess Cruises’ newest Sphere Class ship. If I’m being honest, I was really hoping it would feel worth the extra cost.
This cruise was also a special one for our family. We often cruise with our adult sons, and this time their girlfriends joined us too. Since one of them was taking her very first cruise, I wanted a ship and experience that would feel a little elevated, but still have plenty to do for everyone.
After sailing on Star Princess in the Sanctuary Collection, I’m sharing what’s included, what the experience was really like, what we loved, what could be improved, and whether I’d book it again.
Spoiler alert: this cruise may have spoiled us a little.
What Is Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection?
Sanctuary Collection is available on Princess Cruises’ newest Sphere Class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess.
It’s sometimes described as a “ship within a ship” concept, but that’s not exactly how it works. Unlike some cruise line suite areas where the cabins and private spaces are all in one exclusive section, Sanctuary Collection cabins are spread throughout the ship.
However, guests booked in Sanctuary Collection do receive access to some exclusive areas and upgraded perks.
Depending on the cabin category, Sanctuary Collection guests may have access to:
- The Sanctuary Restaurant
- The Sanctuary Club Pool
- Upgraded cabin amenities
- Princess Premier included with the fare
- Priority perks, including tendering
- For full suite guests, access to the Signature Suite Lounge
On Star Princess, Sanctuary Collection cabins include full suites, mini suites, and a small number of deluxe balcony cabins.
We booked a Sanctuary Collection Mini Suite, which gave us many of the perks without going all the way up to a full suite.
Star Princess Overview
Before getting into the Sanctuary Collection experience, it helps to know a little about Star Princess itself.
Star Princess is one of Princess Cruises’ newest and largest ships, coming in at just under 178,000 gross tons. The ship accommodates approximately 4,300 guests and around 1,600 crew members.
There are several specialty restaurants, casual dining venues, entertainment spaces, lounges, bars, and public areas throughout the ship.
Some of the major spaces include:
- The Arena theater
- The Piazza
- The Dome
- Multiple lounges and clubs
- Specialty restaurants
- Casual dining venues
- Main pool areas
- Sanctuary Club Pool
For us, one of the big reasons we chose Star Princess was that it felt like a good fit for a multigenerational family cruise. My sons are in their mid-20s to around 30, and I wanted a ship that would have something for everyone.
Princess often does a really good job of offering a cruise experience that appeals to different generations, and Star Princess definitely felt that way.
Why We Chose Sanctuary Collection
When we were booking this cruise, I compared the price of a regular balcony cabin to Sanctuary Collection.
At the time, the deluxe balcony cabins in Sanctuary Collection were already sold out, even though we booked about 10 months in advance. So we chose Sanctuary Collection Mini Suites.
I looked at what was included and started to think the splurge might actually make sense.
One of the biggest reasons is that Princess Premier is included with Sanctuary Collection bookings. Since we were planning to enjoy specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, photos, and other extras, this added a lot of value.
What’s Included with Sanctuary Collection?
One of the best parts of Sanctuary Collection is that Princess Premier is included.
Princess Premier includes a lot of extras that can really add up on a cruise, including:
- Unlimited specialty dining
- Unlimited casual dining
- Premium beverage package
- Specialty coffees
- Bottled water
- Wi-Fi for four devices
- Crew appreciation/gratuities
- OceanNow delivery
- Room service delivery
- Shore excursion credit
- Reserved theater seating
- Photo package with digital downloads and prints
For us, having so much included made the cruise feel easy and relaxing. There was very little nickel-and-diming, and by the end of the cruise, we actually had a zero balance.
That almost never happens!
Embarkation Day Experience
Embarkation was very smooth.
Once we arrived at the cruise port and went through the line, we were assigned to a Sanctuary check-in desk. Since we live in Canada, our Princess Medallions weren’t shipped to us in advance, so we picked them up at the terminal.
The process only took a few minutes, and we were on the gangway around 11:30 a.m.
When we boarded, we took one of the many professional photos we would end up taking throughout the cruise. Since the photo package was included with Princess Premier, this actually became one of the unexpected highlights of the trip.
After boarding, we checked in at our muster station, dropped off our luggage in the cabin, and then met up for lunch and to explore the ship.
Our Sanctuary Collection Mini Suite
We were in a Sanctuary Collection Mini Suite on Deck 10.
As soon as I walked in, I thought the cabin was beautiful. It felt elegant, spacious, and very comfortable. However, it looked a little different than I expected because there are actually different mini suite configurations.
In our cabin, when you walked in, the bathroom was on the right. It was a very nice size and had a large shower with a glass shower door, which I really appreciated.
Then there was a vanity and desk area with drawers, a mirror, good counter space, and a mini fridge. On the opposite side, there was a spacious closet with glass doors, which made the area feel bright and open.
There was even enough room in the closet for my pop-up hamper, which made my overpacking little heart very happy.
The bed was extremely comfortable. Princess beds are often praised by cruisers, and I definitely agree. There were nightstands on both sides of the bed, along with USB outlets near the bed and vanity.
The cabin also had a full-size couch, which made it feel like there was a real living area. There were two TVs: one near the sleeping area and one near the couch. There was also a separator curtain, which is helpful if someone wants a little privacy.
The balcony was beautiful, but our Deck 10 location was above an outdoor public area on Deck 9. If I were choosing again, I might pick a higher deck or a slightly different location.
Our son Ethan’s cabin was on Deck 17, and although he was a little concerned about movement, he didn’t have any issues. His cabin layout was a bit different, with the sleeping area first, then the vanity area, and then the living area closer to the balcony.
Sanctuary Collection Cabin Amenities
There were some nice amenities included in the cabin.
The upgraded Beekman toiletries were very good quality, including lotion, hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
The cabin also had a Drybar hair dryer, which is available on Sun Princess and Star Princess. I’m a big fan of these, especially compared to the tiny cruise cabin hair dryers of years past.
Sanctuary Collection guests also receive:
- A Sanctuary Collection tote bag
- A welcome glass of bubbly
- Plush bathrobes
- Slippers
- Upgraded toiletries
The tote bag was actually really cute. My son and his girlfriend joked that they were going to fight over it at the end of the cruise.
Princess Medallion Experience
If you’re new to Princess Cruises, Princess uses the Medallion instead of a traditional key card.
The Medallion unlocks your cabin door as you approach it, which feels almost hands-free. You also use it to order drinks, pay for purchases, and get on and off the ship in port.
It’s one of those little things that makes the cruise feel very convenient.
Sanctuary Club Pool
The Sanctuary Club Pool ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire cruise.
After checking out our cabins on embarkation day, we met at the Sanctuary Club Pool for our family tradition: embarkation day mimosas.
The area is beautiful. It has a resort-style feel, plush seating, loungers, umbrellas, a large pool, and hot tubs. It’s also 16+, so the atmosphere is calm and adult-focused.
For a warm-weather Caribbean cruise, this space was amazing.
One fun tip: on embarkation day, there was a floating duck in the pool. Take your photos and videos right away because, at least on our cruise, the duck only appeared that one day.
The Sanctuary Club Pool also had food options, which made it feel like an extension of the Sanctuary experience. There was a small buffet that changed throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You could also order from a menu.
Some of our favorite items included:
- Waffles
- Chicken wrap
- Hamburgers and fries
- Bento box-style lunch items
Everything was served so nicely, and the staff were always nearby to help with food, drinks, towels, or anything else.
Sanctuary Club Pool Bar
The pool bar was another great perk. Of course, you could go up and get your own drinks, but we found that the waitstaff came around regularly. There were also pool attendants making sure everyone had what they needed.
A few drinks to try:
- Frozen Aperol Spritz
- Frozen rosé
- Mimosas in the morning
- Champagne from the Champagne Wall
At the aft of the Sanctuary Club area, facing the wake, there was also a self-serve specialty coffee station with cappuccino and espresso. I loved having that available anytime.
There were cabanas available to rent for an extra charge. On our cruise, I believe they were around $500 on a sea day. They looked very nice, and I did see people enjoying them, but we didn’t feel the need to splurge on one because the regular seating and service were already excellent.
Special Sanctuary Activities
The Sanctuary Club Pool wasn’t just a pool area. There were also some special activities offered there.
During our cruise, this included:
- Morning yoga
- A candlelight concert
- Champagne Wall
- Mimosas
- Relaxing poolside service
The Champagne Wall was a fun daily treat. It was usually in the afternoon, somewhere around 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., but you’ll want to check the schedule once onboard.
Sanctuary Restaurant
The Sanctuary Restaurant was excellent. We only ate there twice for dinner, but we went several times for breakfast and brunch. The service was always attentive, personal, and calm.
Because the restaurant is only for Sanctuary Collection guests, it didn’t feel crowded. We often had the same waiters, which made the experience feel even more personalized.
For dinner, the menu was similar to the main dining room, but there were usually a few extra elevated options available.
For breakfast on port days, the Sanctuary Restaurant offered an express breakfast. Even though it was quicker, the presentation and taste were still very good. Little pastries were passed around while we waited for our meal, which was a nice touch.
The brunch, however, was something not to miss. There was a special brunch menu, great service, and a buffet that felt like a best-kept secret. There were so many delicious and decadent choices, and I don’t think enough people are talking about it.
Signature Suite Lounge
We were in a mini suite, so the Signature Suite Lounge was not included for us. However, we did have a chance to visit it. It is beautiful, calm, and quiet, with incredible wake views.
In the evening, there are small bites, a piano player, and a concierge. The lounge spans two decks and has a very elevated feel. I’ve visited the full suites on these ships before, and while we didn’t stay in one this time, I do think they could be worth considering as a splurge or upgrade bid.
A girl can dream!
What We Loved About Sanctuary Collection
There was a lot we loved about this experience.
The Crew
The crew were absolutely amazing.
I always find Princess crew members to be friendly and attentive, but in the Sanctuary areas, the service felt even more personalized. The crew-to-guest ratio seemed excellent, and we never felt like we were waiting for anything.
Our cabin attendant, dining staff, pool staff, and bar staff were all wonderful.
The Sanctuary Restaurant
The Sanctuary Restaurant was calm, comfortable, and personal. The service was excellent, and the food was very good. I especially loved having a quieter place for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
The Sanctuary Club Pool
For me, the Sanctuary Club Pool was the standout.
On a warm-weather cruise, I spend a lot of time outdoors, so having a relaxing, upscale pool area made a big difference. The seating was comfortable, the food was good, the service was attentive, and the atmosphere was exactly what I wanted.
The Balance of Quiet and Energy
One thing I really liked about the Sanctuary Collection concept is that it still felt integrated into the rest of the ship. We could enjoy the lively atmosphere, entertainment, dining, and activities around Star Princess, and then retreat to the calm Sanctuary areas when we wanted a break.
It was the perfect combination.
What Could Be Improved
While we really enjoyed the experience, there were a couple of things that could be improved.
Reserved Theater Seating
Reserved theater seating is included with Princess Premier, which is included in Sanctuary Collection.
However, the Arena theater on Star Princess has under 1,000 seats, while the ship carries around 4,000 guests. Even with multiple showtimes and lots of entertainment options, the big production shows can get crowded.
We arrived about 18 minutes early for one show, and it was already extremely full. That was partly my mistake because we probably should have arrived at least 30 minutes early.
Still, I think a reservation system for the larger production shows could help spread out the crowds and make the experience smoother.
Who Is Sanctuary Collection Best For?
I think Sanctuary Collection is a great fit for cruisers who want a more elevated experience without giving up the energy and variety of a big cruise ship.
It’s especially good for people who want:
- A quieter pool experience
- More personalized service
- Specialty dining included
- Drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and extras bundled in
- A more upscale cabin experience
- A less crowded dining venue
- The perks of Princess Premier
- A relaxing retreat while still enjoying a big ship
It’s also a good option for couples, adult families, and multigenerational groups with older teens or adult children.
Is Princess Sanctuary Collection Worth It?
For us, yes. Sanctuary Collection was worth it.
When I looked at everything that was included, the value made sense. Princess Premier added a lot, and we really used the specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, photos, and Sanctuary areas.
This was the only cruise I can remember where we ended with a zero balance. I actually had to look for a way to spend my onboard credit, which is how I ended up buying a little bracelet in the shop.
Final Thoughts
Our Star Princess Sanctuary Collection cruise was a wonderful experience for our family.
The ship had the entertainment, dining, and energy we wanted, while the Sanctuary areas gave us a quiet and elevated retreat. The Sanctuary Club Pool, Sanctuary Restaurant, crew, and included Princess Premier perks all added up to a cruise that felt special and surprisingly easy.
If you’re considering Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess or Star Princess, I hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect and whether it might be the right fit for your cruise!
Have you sailed in Princess Sanctuary Collection, or are you considering it? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ilana