A shared love for tradition, tastes, and celebrations underpins Princess Cruises’ new exclusive relationship with the world’s most famous butcher, Dario Cecchini. This collaboration features “The Butcher’s Block by Dario”, a new speciality impromptu restaurant onboard the next-generation Sun Princess, which will launch in February 2024.

Cecchini’s butcher shop and restaurants in the Tuscan village of Panzano, Italy, have been passed down eight generations from father to son, and he has more than 48 years of experience. Featured on Netflix’s popular “Chef’s Table,” Cecchini is recognised for caring for the animals and restoring respect to butchering by utilising all types of meat and including his grandmother’s recipes that he fell in love with as a child.

On deck 9 of the new Sun Princess, The Butcher’s Block by Dario comes to life as a speciality impromptu experience with a large shared, family-style table dishing up a carnivore’s dream. This upscale dining experience offers precisely cooked beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts.

In addition, Cecchini will develop a refined upscale menu for the cruise line’s trademark steakhouse, Crown Grill. The menu proudly boasts the highly coveted “Bistecca Alla Fiorentina,” a special Florentine Steak served with the bone, supplied straight from Panzano’s famed Antica Macelleria Cecchini butcher shop.

“Princess’ culinary offerings embody a rich Italian heritage, uniting a shared passion for family recipes, vibrant social dining, and a love of celebrating each day of life,” Cecchini said. “My life as an artesian butcher holds deep significance because I hold a profound respect for the gift of the animal and ensure that shines through when guests enjoy my new restaurant and delectable menus sailing the world on the beautiful Sun Princess.”

In addition to The Butcher’s Block by Dario and Crown Grill, previously announced speciality restaurants on Sun Princess include Kai Sushi, a modern sushi bar; Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, a Princess favourite serving up fresh-made Italian pasta and unique courses; Umai Teppanyaki, a Sun Princess exclusive offering a fusion of teppan cuisine and showmanship; and The Catch by Rudi, from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin featuring treasures from the seas.

“Princess is dedicated to creating the finest experiences for guests spanning all cultures, tastes and preferences,” said John Padgett, CEO of Princess, “from fine dining to casual and from indulgent to healthy, guests will love what the Sun Princess is bringing to the table.”

Guests will be treated to 29 new and signature dining and lounge options throughout Sun Princess, delivering delicious adventures, engaging feasts, luxurious drinks, and satisfying snacks. Horizons, the three-story main dining room aboard Sun Princess, elevates the primary dining experience with stunning wake views, natural light, art sculptures, and memorable meals from friendly waitstaff.

The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess, which is now under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, will also include an array of exciting new entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites in a variety of categories.

Guests may enjoy the sunlight and crystal-clear seas of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom since it has the most balconies and sun decks of any Princess ship. The Dome, a transformative entertainment venue inspired by Santorini’s terraces, is the ideal location to unwind, while the Arena! Represents an evolution and the most technologically sophisticated Princess Theatre design.

Sun Princess will also have the exclusive Princess Medallion, extending Princess’ leadership position in giving extraordinary personalised experiences typical of small ships while enjoying only the best large ship facilities.

Sun Princess’s inaugural 2024 voyages to the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Caribbean are currently on sale.