A day in the life: 1995 vs now

As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we’ve been reflecting on how cruising has evolved over the past three decades. In a recent blog post – Cruise ships that launched in 1995: Where are they now? – we revisited the history of Sun Princess, from the second ship to bear the name, which launched in 1995 and sailed until 2020, to the latest version that joined the fleet in 2023. Today, we’re taking a fun, nostalgic look at cruising then and now by imagining a day in the life aboard the Sun Princess in 1995 and comparing it to a day aboard the modern Sun Princess of today. 

For me, waking up early on holiday feels effortless—so much easier than it ever is at home. Although yesterday, we indulged in our first-day ritual: a leisurely breakfast in bed, easing into the trip in the most relaxing way. However, today, we made it a point to rise early, step onto our balcony, and soak in the magic of the sunrise. We sat in silence, feeling pretty awe-struck, as the first golden rays crept above the horizon, gradually dissolving the darkness. The sky soon came alive with fiery oranges, warm yellows, and delicate pinks, each hue blending seamlessly into the next. After some time, we got ready and went to the main dining room for breakfast. Once we were seated, the friendly waiter took our orders, and in what felt like no time at all, the table was filled with delicious dishes, steaming cups of freshly brewed coffee, and fresh fruit juices. I opted for a scrumptious plate of pancakes topped with fresh berries and maple syrup, but the scrambled eggs, sausages, and bacon looked incredibly tempting, too!

The sun streamed in through the stunning floor-to-ceiling sliding glass balcony doors, casting a warm, golden glow across the room - a gentle and beautiful way to wake up. We toyed with the idea of ordering room service and soaking up the morning from our balcony - plush chairs, breathtaking views, and breakfast in our robes sounded awfully tempting. But we decided to save that indulgence for later on in our holiday and got ourselves ready to venture out and make the most of the incredible facilities. We visited the Soleil Dining Room, and it wasn’t long before our table was overflowing with delicious breakfast favourites – a perfectly cooked ham and cheese omelette, stacks of fluffy pancakes with an array of tempting toppings, bowls of fresh fruit, and steaming cups of coffee alongside glasses of chilled juice. As a big group, we thought it would be difficult to find somewhere that catered to all the dietary needs and preferences, but we needn’t have worried. It was a truly dreamy start to the day. 

After freshening up in our stateroom and gathering our poolside essentials - sun cream, sunglasses, a hat, and, of course, a good book (Stephen King’s Insomnia for me) - we stepped out into the warm sea breeze and made our way to the Lido Pool. With the sun sparkling on the open sea ahead, we found the perfect spot to settle in - ready to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the view, and let the rest of the morning unfold at its own unhurried pace. 

After freshening up in our stateroom and gathering our poolside essentials - sun cream, sunglasses, a hat, and, of course, our Kindles (loaded with gripping reads) and iPads (our favourite shows pre-downloaded) - we set out to make the most of the glorious sunshine. With the weather on our side, we headed straight to the Wake View Terrace, where the infinity pool offers uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake and the kind of calm that instantly melts away any remaining real-world worries. Some of the group opted for the lively atmosphere near the main pool, soaking up the energy and staying close to the bars and music, while others kick-started their day with a dose of action at the state-of-the-art Fitness Centre. 

Isn’t it funny how quickly you can work up an appetite by doing almost nothing at all? Just a few lazy hours spent lounging in the sun, dipping in the pool, reading a few chapters, and suddenly the mouth-watering aroma of freshly grilled burgers and sizzling hot dogs drifting over from the Trident Grill had our stomachs rumbling in agreement. As I waited in the queue, I got chatting to a lovely couple who had sailed with Princess many times before. They explained that this poolside eatery was a new addition to the fleet - and what a treat it is. If the cheerful buzz and steadily growing line was anything to go by, I wasn’t the only one who thought so!

Isn’t it funny how quickly you can work up an appetite by doing almost nothing at all? After a blissful, easy-going morning, our stomachs started to rumble in protest. We thought about trying one of the popular poolside eateries but decided to venture inside instead. Since it was a sea day, we made our way to the lively O’Malley’s Irish Pub for lunch. Even in the middle of the day, the atmosphere was just right - buzzy but relaxed. We tucked into classic fish and chips and a flavoursome burger - comfort food at its finest. 

Ready for my close-up! This afternoon, we joined a photography lesson hosted by a travel photography pro that Princess Cruises had invited on board. We covered all the essentials – how to load film, fiddle with focus, master exposure, and make the most of a flash. I can’t wait to put my new skills to the test on our next excursion! After the fascinating lesson, I took a trip to the Lotus Spa and treated myself to a little indulgence – a manicure, a pedicure, and a blow-dry. It was absolute bliss from start to finish. I felt completely pampered and relaxed… so much so that I’ve already booked a massage for later in the week! Meanwhile, the rest of the gang scattered in classic holiday style – some stretched by the pool, others enjoyed a traditional Afternoon Tea, and a few disappeared for an afternoon nap (honestly, very tempting). We’d been a little unsure about doing a group trip, but Sun Princess truly has something for everyone. We’ve agreed to regroup later this evening before dinner, hopefully with stories (and maybe a few snapshots) to share. 

With the sun feeling particularly strong, we opted for a break from the heat and headed to the incredible Princess Live! - a lively venue where you can take part in interactive game shows, trivia sessions, and all sorts of fun activities that keep the energy high and the laughs coming. Meanwhile, the rest of our group split off in true sea day fashion - some attended wine tastings, others tried their hand at gourmet cooking lessons, and a few treated themselves to a bit of indulgence at the spa. There truly is something for every kind of cruiser aboard Sun Princess. 

Once we were ready for the evening ahead, we phoned the others’ cabins to let them know that we were heading out and agreed on a meeting point - the Atrium Lounge & Bar. As the sun began its lazy descent, dipping toward the horizon and casting everything in a warm, golden glow, we found a table at the lively Sundowners bar. It was the ideal place to sip, unwind, and soak up the allure of golden hour before reuniting with the rest of the group for dinner. 

After a fun-filled day, we returned to our stateroom to get ready for the evening ahead. Once we were showered, dressed, and suitably made up, we took a quiet moment to savour a crisp glass of wine on our balcony that had been delivered straight to our room. With golden hour casting a warm glow over the sea, it felt like pure serenity. Once our glasses were empty, we checked the Princess Medallion app and saw that the rest of our group had already gathered at Good Spirits at Sea. We made our way over and watched as the talented mixologist worked his magic, crafting one-of-a-kind cocktails and sharing the fascinating stories behind each creation. It was a perfect start to the evening. 

After watching the sun slip below the horizon, we made our way to the Atrium Lounge. The rest of the group had arrived ahead of us and secured a table near the pianist, whose gentle melodies filled the space. The atmosphere was enchanting – plush seating, the soft clink of cocktail glasses, and the grand staircase rising behind us, all adding to the sense of timeless elegance. Soon, glasses were drained, and everyone was on their feet. We made our way up to the next deck and stepped into Verdi’s Pizzeria for an evening of delicious Italian comfort food. The aroma alone was enough to make our mouths water – freshly made Naples-style pizzas, fluffy focaccia, crisp salads, and even a few hearty pasta dishes were all on the menu, served up in a relaxed, cheerful setting. 

With plans to eat at the much-loved Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria speciality restaurant, we decided it was only fitting to enjoy a pre-dinner drink at Bellini’s Cocktail Bar - a stylish, Italian-inspired bar. From classic bellinis to signature drinks like the tiramisu martini, the drinks were epic. Dinner was everything we hoped for and more. We enjoyed fresh pasta dishes cooked in rich, homemade sauces, succulent meats grilled to perfection, and authentic desserts, all paired with the most delicious Italian wine. 

We just about managed to finish dinner and make it down to the theatre in the nick of time – slipping into the plush seats moments before the lights dimmed and the show began. The atmosphere in the room was electric as the Broadway-style show burst to life - jam-packed with energy, dazzling talent, and toe-tapping tunes. After such an incredible and vibrant performance, we were on a real high, and none of us were ready for the night to end! We were in luck – an open-air deck party was in full swing on the Lido Deck. Without hesitation, we hit the dance floors and threw ourselves into the fun, strutting our stuff as the DJ spun some of the latest top hits songs like Montell Jordan’s This Is How We Do It, TLC’s Waterfalls, and Fantasy by Mariah Carey. The crew were absolutely brilliant - they worked hard to get everyone involved and make sure everyone was having a great time. From limbo contests and dance-offs to a conga line, we did it all. As the night wound down, the crowd came together for a classic cruise moment - arms in the air, voices raised, singing our hearts out to Wonderwall and It Must Have Been Love in perfect, off-key harmony. What an unforgettable experience. 

We just about managed to finish dinner and make it to Cirque Éloize in The Dome in the nick of time. We had high hopes as we were already seriously impressed by the iconic Movies Under the Stars® showing that we had attended the night before - we had heard it was a brilliant experience but had no idea just how magical it would feel. But, to say our expectations were exceeded would be an understatement. We were completely awe-struck by the spellbinding acrobatic performance that played out in front of our eyes. Although, I must say, even without a performance as brilliant as the one we witnessed, the venue is incredibly impressive. Tomorrow, we plan to go to The Princess Arena for a show that will undoubtedly be just as brilliant. After such an incredible and vibrant performance, we were on a real high, and none of us were ready for the night to end! We were in luck – the Piazza had a talented band performing. 

Some of the group wandered off to the Wheelhouse Bar for a quiet nightcap, while others tried their luck at the casino tables. We, on the other hand, made a beeline for the new 24-hour café - where, over a comforting slice of cake and a late-night cuppa, we happily relieved the highlights of the evening and laughed our way through every memorable moment. It felt like such a novelty to have somewhere open around the clock, and we’d heard Sun Princess was the very first in the Princess fleet to introduce it – an innovation we were more than happy to take full advantage of. 

The group decided to carry on the party at the vibrant Club 6 nightclub, while some others chose to go for a quiet nightcap or try their luck at the incredible Casino—which boasts the reputation of being Princess Cruises' largest ever. We, on the other hand, made a beeline for the International Café —the 24-hour café that serves a range of tempting treats. Over a comforting slice of cake and a late-night cuppa, we happily relieved the highlights of the evening and laughed our way through every memorable moment.

Disclaimer: This blog post is fiction, some descriptions may not be accurate.