The help-yourself buffet is a beloved feature in cruising – and we couldn’t wait to tuck in.
I boarded the Sun Princess in Barcelona for an eight-night Mediterranean voyage with my wife and six-month-old baby and, along with hundreds of others, we made straight for the self-serve buffet area.
But to our shock, it had disappeared.
Staff explained, though, that it was for a commendable reason – to cut down on waste.
An increasing number of holidaymakers are making travel choices with the environment in mind and cruise companies have caught on, each vying to be crowned as the one with the most sustainable fleet.
Princess Cruises is certainly a front-runner in the eco-credentials race.
James Draper boarded the $1billion (£790m), 175,000-tonne Sun Princess (pictured) for an eight-night Mediterranean cruise
The 4,300-passenger Sun Princess, which launched in February 2024, has solid eco-credentials, explains James, who notes that the self-serve buffet has been ditched to reduce waste and the ship produces its own fresh water via the reverse osmosis of seawater
It has a 17-strong fleet, with the $1billion (£790million), 4,300-passenger Sun Princess, which launched in February 2024, boasting a host of features that will help green-minded passengers enjoy their cruise with a clear conscience.
Abandoning the self-serve buffet in the inclusive dining areas is designed to cut down waste, with staff serving individual portions and replenishing as required, rather than unwanted food being left out and thrown away.
What’s more, the 21-deck, 177,000-tonne Sun Princess is the cruise line’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and it sustainably produces 100 per cent of the fresh water used onboard each day through the desalination and reverse osmosis of seawater.
It’s also the first ship in the Princess fleet to use a technology (for science-loving readers it’s called a micro auto gasification system, or Mags) that reduces waste by more than 95 per cent in volume by converting combustible materials, like paper and plastic, into thermal energy that can be used in other systems onboard.
The food onboard caters to all tastes and moods, remarks James. Above – a dish at Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating love
Guests on the ship have access to multiple pools, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and numerous bars and lounges, like the one pictured
Above is the Piazza, which James says ‘dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne waterfall’
As impressive as the ship’s green credentials are the range of bars and restaurants, 30 in total that cater to all tastes and moods.
We were wowed by the chef at Umai Teppanyaki. He showed his amazing skills over an entertaining 90 minutes, which even captivated my six-month-old.
Other highlights included Love by Britto, chef Romero Britto’s artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating love; The Butcher’s Block by world-famous butcher Dario Cecchini; and Makoto Ocean, in partnership with sushi master Makoto Okuwa.
At every meal we were met with engaging, interested staff who were ultra-accommodating to the ship’s youngest – and noisiest – passenger. And there’s so much top-notch entertainment onboard to keep passengers of all ages interested.
The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theatre designed by Princess Cruises, and offers mesmerising shows.
The Dome hosts acrobatic performances created in partnership with Cirque Éloize; while Princess Live hosts live music, comedy shows, and interactive performances.
Even the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne waterfall.
Away from the scheduled entertainment, guests have access to a commendable range of amenities and activities, with multiple pools, a luxurious spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and numerous lounges allowing them to relax and unwind.
The Dome (pictured) hosts acrobatic performances created in partnership with Cirque Éloize
The ship has more than 5,800 square feet of retail space spread over two decks
We made the most of it all, but with the little man in tow, we inevitably spent plenty of time relaxing in the cabin – making the most of the round-the-clock room service.
The ship offers a variety of staterooms, including the exclusive, spacious Sanctuary Collection suites, which offer private balconies and access to premium amenities such as priority embarkation, complimentary mini-bar and exclusive dining options.
The Sky Suite, the most expansive stateroom, features two bedrooms and a large private balcony, perfect for families or groups seeking extra space and luxury.
There are also 80 Signature Collection Suites, 123 Mini-Suites and 12 Premium Deluxe Balcony rooms, which come with exclusive access to the ship’s top-deck retreat area.
And if shopping’s your thing, you’re in luck.
There is more than 5,800 square feet of retail space spread over two decks, with a line-up of more than 200 premium brands selling everything from fine jewellery and watches to designer clothing.
Kids are well-catered for, too.
There are Youth & Teen Centres, designed for guests aged six months to 17 years; and there’s the Firefly Park Kids Club, which caters for ages three to seven, with children six months to two years able to enjoy the play area under parental supervision.
There’s also the Neon Grove Tweens Club for children aged eight to 12 and the Underground Teen Lounge for ages 13 and over.
And the cost for a Sun Princess sailing? Fares for seven-night voyages start from £999 per person. So a trip on this amazing vessel doesn’t cost the Earth, in more ways than one.