In a move that advisors tell us will provide more value on the high-end part of the ship for its customers, Princess Cruises this morning unveiled its new Sanctuary Collection, available on the new Sun Princess and the upcoming Star Princess.

"Our new Sanctuary Collections 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," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

Here's key points from the Princess statement, edited for brevity purposes: "Guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection will have exclusive access to the ship's top deck retreat area, along with a host of additional and high-end amenities, including exclusive private dining and relaxation areas, as well as the Princess Premier bundle to round out the all-inclusive nature of the program.

Aboard Sun Princess, the spa-inspired top-deck Sanctuary Club is reserved for Sanctuary Collection guests who access the private entry via their Princess Medallion. 

The adults-only (16 and up) area will feature what Princess describes as plush lounge furniture, private cabanas, pool and jacuzzi, and exclusive programming such as sunrise yoga classes and sail-away receptions.

The new Sanctuary collection aboard Sun Princess includes three levels of stateroom types -- 80 Signature Collection Suites, 123 Mini Suites (including cabanas) and 12 Premium Deluxe balconies."

Premium Positioning
We asked one veteran agent for her take on how this changes the selling proposition of the high-end part of the ship. Here's her take:

"This is a natural evolution to provide more value for the suite clients and other upper-end customers.

The Sanctuary deck spa feature used to be a fee. Now it's just for these upper-class categories. There has been limited availability for the Sanctuary and sometimes it has been a hassle because you couldn't sign up for Sanctuary until you get on the ships. 

Also bundling the Suite dining room and the mini suite dining room, symbolizes the continuation of expanding the appeal of exclusivity. With their newest ships, Princess is taking a big step up in the battle for the premium market. It's a good idea for our upper-end customers."

Godmother Charms Audience
The latest changes come as Princess celebrated the naming of the Sun Princess in Barcelona today. Here are the words of godmother Hannah Waddington, an award-winning, leading star of the hit show Ted Lasso, who modestly and eloquently expressed her surprise as being named godmother.

Princess President John Padgett: What did you first think when you were asked to be godmother of this beautiful ship?

Hannah Waddington: I thought it was a joke and I thought somebody had made a ridiculous mistake because I've seen over the years, the magnificent godmothers that have been asked to associate with the ships and I couldn't believe it.

And I was so quick to reply to the email because I don't know whether anyone knows, but as much as theater ripples through my bloodstream, I have the strongest history of maritime in my family.

We still have my grandfather, he's 107 and he was on the North Atlantic convoy scraping the ice off the bows of the ship. So it is in my blood and in my bones. So, it's a real great privilege to be on this grand diva, the first of her class. I'm really completely thrilled."