I just couldn’t resist it. Sitting in the middle of a living wall of foliage was a shiny brass bell, dangling temptingly, just waiting to be rung.
I clanged it vigorously, and, quick as a flash, a white-gloved hand popped through the greenery, proffering a fizzing glass of bubbly.
As novelties go, this champagne wall was a surefire winner for me and others sampling the new-look Sanctuary Deck aboard Sun Princess - the newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet since its launch earlier this year.
The 4,300-passenger ship, Princess Cruises’ largest yet and the first in its new Sphere Class, is rather a departure for the line, boasting more space and a host of new attractions.
The Piazza, traditionally the social heart of Princess ships, now sits in the Sphere, a glass-enclosed area with terraced seating that flows with light and space, while ramped-up entertainment brings a livelier vibe.
For Princess regulars, the layout of Sun Princess takes a little getting used to. There’s no main theatre. Instead, entertainment is spread across different areas, such as the Princess Arena, an impressive venue with a circular stage and plenty of technical wizardry.
The Dome is another spot, apparently inspired by the terraces of the Greek isle of Santorini. This glass-enclosed space with tiered seating doubles as a conservatory pool area during the day and an entertainment hub at night for colourful aerial acrobatics.
Both venues have an intimate ambience that immerses you in the performances, but with the Arena holding 990 people and the Dome just 250, getting a seat could be a problem on such a large ship, so the trick is to get there early.
Another novel edition is Spellbound by Magic Castle where I was ushered through a mysterious black door into a Victorian-themed bar where magic and mystery hung heavily in the air.
There was a mysterious piano playing that responded to song requests, spooky cocktails and sleight-of-hand tricks performed by the resident magician, who staged mind-blowing performances in an intimate side room.
This is such an atmospheric bar - designed to replicate the iconic Magic Castle, Hollywood’s exclusive private club for American magicians - it’s a fun way to spend an evening. The experience, costing $149pp, starts with a themed dinner before guests are escorted into this mystical world.
There are 30 restaurants and bars on Sun Princess. You’ll find old favourites such as Sabatini’s, Crown Grill and Alfredo’s Pizzeria (which has been jazzed up with very tasty new pizzas thanks to Princess’ partnership with World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani), but they’ve been joined by impressive newcomers.
Love by Britto (costing $79pp) was my favourite new speciality haunt, its location at the back of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows guaranteeing fabulous vistas that complemented eye-catching tableware in the distinctive designs of Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto. The cuisine was similarly imaginative, with ruby-red cocktails in heart-shaped glasses accompanying a delicious five-course feast beautifully presented and adorned with love hearts in different forms. Just the ticket for old and young romantics.
Another newcomer, The Butcher’s Block by Dario, is definitely for carnivores and sociable ones at that who enjoy the hulking ribs of meat and gregarious family-style atmosphere of this bistro, inspired by Princess’ partnership with celebrated Italian butcher Dario Cecchini.
There are singing and dancing chefs in the entertaining Umai Teppanyaki and a delightful new Royal Afternoon Tea experience (costing $30pp) with video input from former royal butler Darren McGrady, who recounts amusing tales of his career with the British royal family.
The main Lido Deck has Princess’ hallmark Movies Under the Stars giant screen, while the top deck has acres of space.
Hedonists can revel in Sun Princess’ spa and wellness area, spread over two decks in a tucked-away location or treat themselves to the new Sanctuary Collection.
Until now, Princess ships have had their VIP Sanctuary deck, an adult-only area open to everyone for a fee, but this has been developed further on Sun Princess with the Sanctuary Collection.
It has its own dedicated sun deck with a pool, private restaurant and lounge and is only accessible for guests in suites, mini-suites and specific balcony staterooms.
Yet whatever stateroom you’re in, there’s no mistaking the new airy, modern feel with sophisticated decor and winning touches such as motion sensor lights and ample charging points.
This echoes the theme running through Sun Princess that brings a more modern twist to the line’s favourite features while deftly balancing them with new frills, proving a perfect match for Princess’ latest Love Boat.
