New Princess Cruises ship Sun Princess was named by ‘Ted Lasso’ star Hannah Waddingham at a ceremony in Barcelona yesterday (Tuesday).
A new ‘all-inclusive ship-within-a-ship’ concept was unveiled ahead of the event, which was attended by a group of UK travel agents.
The Sanctuary Collection will feature on the 4,300-passenger new vessel from October and on sister ship Star Princess next year.
Passengers booking the section will have exclusive access to the ship’s top-deck retreat area, along with additional bespoke events and high-end amenities.
The new Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess includes three levels of accommodation – Signature Collection Suites (80), Mini Suites (123), and Premium Deluxe Balconies (12).
Sanctuary Collection cabins are available starting with an October 14 sailing by Sun Princess and from October 4, 2025 on Star Princess.
Princess Cruises president John Padgett said: “Our new Sanctuary Collection offers guests those ultra-private, tucked away spaces that rival any high-end resort and surpasses the offerings of comparable cruise lines featuring similar ship-within-a-ship amenities.
“With spacious and well-appointed accommodations, along with an array of premium extras and its exclusivity, our new Sanctuary Collection delivers the ultimate in access and indulgence to deliver an unparalleled experience.”
The delivery of Star Princess has been delayed from July to sail min the Mediterranean in September 2025, but the second Sphere class ship will operate its first full summer in Alaska in 2026, the line revealed.
The arrival of Sun Princess was also delayed with the ship starting its inaugural cruise season on February 28.
The ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale in Florida in October for its first Caribbean season after competing summer sailings in the Med.
Padgett said: ”Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination.
“Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess.
“We are honoured that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.”
Waddingham, who starred as Rebecca Welton in ‘Ted Lasso’, grew up boating and has fond memories of weekends in Dunkirk. Her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II.
She said: “As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical.
“I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe.
“It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.”
Singer Natasha Bedingfield performed at the event attended by a number of US TV personalities and chefs.
Picture by James Morgan for Getty Images.