Princess Cruises New Sanctuary Collection: What’s Included & Is it “Worth it”?

princess cruises sanctuary collection

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Princess Cruises’ Sanctuary Collection is more than a new stateroom category. Available on Sun Princess and Star Princess (debuting in Fall 2025), Sanctuary Collection cabins come with special benefits, which are quite different from what we’re used to seeing on Princess cruise ships.

We were onboard Sun Princess for a 3-day media preview sailing, as the new ship began its North American debut. We stayed in a Sanctuary Mini-Suite stateroom, which gave us a chance to try out and review the cabin, as well as to experience the exclusive amenities and perks.

What Is the Sanctuary Collection?

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Suite

The Sanctuary Collection is a new concept for Princess Cruises, offering upgraded cabins and exclusive access to private areas. It’s not just about fancier rooms – it’s about creating a more relaxed and luxurious cruise experience.

The concept has some similarities to other cruise lines that offer a “ship within a ship” concept.

The Sanctuary Club offers a private, adults-only retreat for guests staying in Sanctuary Collection staterooms. This exclusive area includes a spacious pool deck with plush lounge chairs, perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Club cabana

For those looking to elevate their experience, there are luxurious cabanas available for rent.

In addition to the beautiful pool area, guests can dine at the Sanctuary Restaurant, which provides an enhanced menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant is exclusively for Sanctuary guests, offering a more intimate dining experience than the main dining room, without lines or reservations needed.

What Types of Staterooms Are in the Sanctuary Collection?

Sanctuary Collection cabins are spread out over several decks, from 10 to 17, and include three different types of staterooms: suites, mini-suites, and premium deluxe balcony cabins.

Sanctuary Suites

Sanctuary Collection suite

There are 80 Sanctuary Suites onboard, which offer the most space and luxury. These suites come with large balconies and some of the best views available.

These are the various suites available to book:

  • Signature Sky Suites
  • Signature Owner’s Suites
  • Signature Penthouse Suites
  • Signature Vista Suites
  • Signature Suites
Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Suite

Guests in suites enjoy priority services like faster boarding and access to shore excursions, specialty dining, a mini-bar setup, and in-room Lavazza coffee makers.

A big perk for suite guests is access to the Signature Suite Lounge, an exclusive space where you can relax away from the crowds. The wake view from the Suite Lounge is incredible!

Sanctuary Mini-Suites

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Suite

The 123 Sanctuary Mini-Suites give you a middle-ground option. While not as grand as a full suite, they are very spacious. The cabins feature Princess Cruises comfortable beds, lots of closet and drawer space, and a full size sofa. You also have 2 TVs, as well as a separator curtain for privacy.

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection mini-suite bathroom

With these mini-suites you’ll enjoy the Sanctuary Collection perks, like access to the Sanctuary Club and Sanctuary Restaurant, as well as the Princess Premier package.

A nice touch is a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine waiting for you when you board. Mini-suites are great if you want a bit of extra space but don’t need a full suite.

Sanctuary Balconies

Balcony Stateroom Sun Princess

There are only 12 Sanctuary Balcony staterooms, but they give you some of the best balcony views and access to all the exclusive Sanctuary amenities. These deluxe premium balcony cabins have comfortable beds, lots of storage space and a small sitting area.

While you don’t get the space of a suite or mini-suite, you’ll still get access to the private restaurant and Sanctuary Club, which sets these balcony cabins apart from standard ones.

What’s Included for Sanctuary Guests?

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection pool

Guests who book a Sanctuary Collection stateroom are in for a more all-inclusive experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the perks:

Sanctuary Club Access

This is the adults-only area located on the top deck, complete with a pool, lounge chairs, private cabanas, and even wellness classes. It’s a peaceful spot to relax away from the busier parts of the ship. While guests of any age can book Sanctuary Collection staterooms, the Sanctuary Club is adults only (16+).

Sanctuary Restaurant

There’s no need to get in line or even make dinner reservations. The private Sanctuary Restaurant is open to Sanctuary guests and features an exclusive chef’s menu. The dining atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed than the main dining rooms.

Princess Premier Package

Princess Premier is included with all Sanctuary bookings. It covers unlimited drinks (including cocktails), unlimited specialty dining, enhanced Wi-Fi, and fitness classes. It also includes the crew appreciation (or crew gratuities), so it’s one less thing to think about on your vacation. It’s a major perk that would otherwise cost $90 per person, per day.

Sanctuary Daily Events

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Daily activities

During our short time onboard, we were able to view or participate in some Sanctuary Daily Events. These are enjoyable special activities available for Sanctuary guests.

One that was particularly impressive was the Social Sailaway, as we departed from Nassau, Bahamas. There was music, light bites and cocktails, as well as the feature Ring for Champagne Sanctuary wall.

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Club Wall

What About Sanctuary Suites?

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Suite

If you book a Sanctuary Suite, there are even more perks. In addition to all the Sanctuary Club and restaurant access, suite guests also get the private Signature Suite Lounge. This is a quiet space to enjoy morning coffee, afternoon drinks, or an evening wind-down before dinner.

This lounge is exclusive to suite guests only.

Is Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection “Worth It”?

Before boarding Sun Princess, I wondered if the new Sanctuary Collection would be “worth it”. We really loved the experience – in particular eating in the Sanctuary restaurant for lunch and dinner. The menu options were very appealing.

As well, the Sanctuary Club pool is gorgeous and felt more resort like than a typical lido deck pool. We also got stylish Sanctuary Club tote bags in our cabin, which were very cute to bring to all our essentials to the pool.

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection Tote Bag

We had a spacious Sanctuary Collection mini-suite and loved it. The decor is bright and beautiful, making this one of my favorite staterooms ever – it can definitely spoil you!

The bathroom was fairly large with glass shower doors. We had a large closet with lots of hangers, shelves and drawers. It was perfect for 3 people, as the sofa can convert into a bed at night, and there’s a black-out curtain for sleeping and privacy.

Sanctuary Collection Pros and Cons

Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection

That said, whether or not the Sanctuary Collection is worth it really depends on what kind of cruiser you are and how much you value the extras.

Privacy and Relaxation

If having a quieter, more private space on the ship is important to you, then the Sanctuary Collection definitely adds value. Access to the Sanctuary Club and Restaurant gives you a break from the larger crowds, which can be especially nice on sea days when the main pool decks are busier.

All-Inclusive Perks

If you usually opt for the Princess Premier package or plan to splurge on drinks, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi, the fact that all of this is included with your booking is a great value.

The Princess Premier package truly makes your cruise feel “all-inclusive”, as crew gratuities, an unlimited beverage and dining package are included. There are even fitness classes, special desserts and more that are additional perks.

Cabin Location and Views

Sanctuary cabins are located in prime spots throughout the ship, and if you’re in it for the views and convenience, these staterooms deliver.

However, it’s worth mentioning that Sanctuary cabins are not located in a separate, gated-off area of the ship. As well, butler service isn’t a feature. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s always good to know what to expect.

Who Should Book the Sanctuary Collection?

If you’re someone who enjoys a more exclusive and relaxed experience but still wants access to everything the larger ship has to offer, the Sanctuary Collection could be a good fit. It’s also ideal if you appreciate the extras like private dining, upgraded service, and adults-only spaces without upgrading to a full suite.

However, if you’re mainly looking for a stateroom with a great view and don’t mind being in the general ship areas for dining and lounging, you might find that a standard cabin works just fine for you.

Sun Princess Sanctuary Collection - Is it worth it?
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What Other Types of Cabins Are Available on Sun Princess and Star Princess?

Sun Princess and Star Princess offer a variety of staterooms to suit every cruiser. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself with the most luxurious accommodations or for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of options available.

This includes interior staterooms, which are a great budget-friendly option for cruisers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship. You may prefer an oceanview cabin, which let in natural light and offer sea views.

A favorite among cruisers are Princess Balcony cabins, for the private outdoor space to enjoy the ocean air, perhaps with coffee or a glass of wine. If you want more room, the deluxe balcony rooms come with extra space, including a small sitting area. For even more comfort, mini-suites offer additional space and comfort.

Sun Princess offers 51 accessible cabins across various stateroom categories, along with 100 connecting cabins for groups. It also includes a limited number of solo cabins designed for solo cruise travelers.

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Final Thoughts on Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection

If you’re looking to add a bit of luxury and privacy to your cruise, the Sanctuary Collection really delivers. You get to enjoy the quieter, adults-only Sanctuary Club and relax by the pool, away from the busier spots on the ship.

The exclusive Sanctuary Restaurant makes dining enjoyable and stress-free with no reservations needed, and the included Princess Premier package covers everything from drinks to specialty dining, making your cruise vacation feel truly all-inclusive.

If you love the idea of extra perks and a more relaxed, intimate vibe on your cruise, Princess Cruises Sanctuary Collection is definitely worth it. You’ll feel spoiled while still having access to all the entertainment and activities the ship has to offer.

Would you like to book the Sanctuary Collection on a future Princess cruise? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

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