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The Sanctuary on Enchanted Princess
The Sanctuary on Enchanted Princess

The Sanctuary: Princess Cruises' Adults-Only Sun Deck

The Sanctuary on Enchanted Princess
The Sanctuary on Enchanted Princess
Contributor
Gina Kramer
Contributor
Marissa Wright

Last updated
Sep 11, 2023

Read time
4 min read

The Sanctuary on Princess Cruises sets the bar high for adults-only sun decks at sea. Lounge chairs aren't just padded here; they're dressed in upscale cushions with fluffy towels. Water is infused with fresh fruit and cabanas make room for alfresco massages.

After guests cozy up in their plush loungers and take time for contemplative rest and relaxation, it's easy to leave feeling like you've just spent a day at the spa. Here's what you need to know about Princess Cruises' The Sanctuary.

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What Is The Sanctuary on Princess Cruises?

The Sanctuary aboard Discovery Princess, facing port. (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
The Sanctuary aboard Discovery Princess, facing port. (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

The Sanctuary on Princess Cruises is an adults-only sun deck, an exclusive space that does not allow children under age 18. It's nestled on one of the ship's upper decks (forward or aft, depending on the ship), away from the main pools and directly above the Lotus Spa.

Passengers in The Sanctuary benefit from the spa's subdued atmosphere and easy access to its facilities, pool and hot tubs. On Royal-class ships, the Sanctuary is adjacent to the adults-only Retreat, which features a small pool and two hot tubs. Additionally, being at either end of the ship means sweeping ocean views all around.

What’s Inside Princess Cruises' The Sanctuary?

The area of The Sanctuary itself is both functional and appealing. An airy canopy shadows a portion of it, while others are fully exposed to the sun. Padded lounge chairs come with towels and little cocktail tables, and are positioned in a way that allows for easy mobility. There's ample walking space between the seating arrangements, and you don't feel trapped once you settle into a comfy spot.

A number of chairs also line the glass-wall perimeter, so sun-bathers can look out to sea. Cabanas vary by ship, but you'll notice more options on newer builds, including beach house-style bungalows with couches, TVs and homey decor.

Cruisers who know they enjoy the quiet and solitude of adults-only areas should reserve their favorite spaces before the ship embarks. Cozy nooks and crannies like cabanas are hot commodities and may not be available on your visit to The Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary hopes to provide guests with a zen atmosphere where all the comforts of home are at your fingertips. Read your favorite book, swim laps, or lounge in one of the hot tubs and experience the ultimate vacation vibes.

Service at The Sanctuary: What You Can Expect

The Sanctuary on Caribbean Princess (Photo: Cruise Critic)
The Sanctuary on Caribbean Princess (Photo: Cruise Critic)

Service at The Sanctuary is attentive. "Serenity Stewards" walk around refilling glasses of water infused with everything from cucumber to grapefruit, offering tiny desserts on trays and taking food orders, but they also respect your space.

The food menu at The Sanctuary offers a variety of light snacks and comfort foods, ranging from cantaloupe with cottage cheese and lettuce-wrapped spring rolls to burgers and hot dogs. Smoothies are available for a small fee, as are personal Evian misters. Alcoholic beverages also may be ordered, but they'll likely cost you.

For a more spa-like experience, select ships allow passengers to book massages in the cabanas. The alfresco massages, which can be booked through the Lotus Spa, include complimentary use of The Sanctuary for one hour after the treatment.

Note that you don't need to purchase a pass to The Sanctuary in order to get a massage unless you wish to stay for more than the included hour.

Princess Cruises' The Sanctuary: Passes and Packages

Half-day passes -- which either can be used for a few hours in the morning or afternoon -- are available as well as full-day passes.

During special cruise experiences -- such as scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, College Fjord, Panama Canal or Suez Canal -- Princess offers a "Scenic Sanctuary Package" with a higher price tag that depends on the itinerary. The package gives passengers exclusive access to The Sanctuary while scenic cruising; it's the only way to access the space on these days.

Which Princess Cruises Ships Have The Sanctuary Onboard?

Exterior shot of Sun Princess at sea
Sun Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

The Sanctuary can be found on Princess Cruises' entire fleet: Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Enchanted Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sky Princess, Star Princess (arriving in 2025) and Sun Princess (coming February 2024).

Publish date January 08, 2020
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