On 22nd September 2021 we boarded Sky Princess in Southampton, for a 6 nights UK cruise, which would be calling at Greenock in Scotland and Belfast in Northern Ireland, with 3 sea days. Although I had visited Caribbean Princess, Ruby Princess and Royal Princess in Southampton before, this would be my first cruise with them.

The ship is very new, and everything was sparkling and welcoming. We went up to our cabin, which was a balcony on deck 17 forward, which turned out to be an amazing position. The cabin was a very good size, with plenty of hanging space away from the sleeping area, as well as several drawers. The balcony was also a good size compared to many I have been on. We only had to walk past 3 cabins to be out on Sundeck, complete with sunbeds and the perfect position for ‘Movies under the Stars’ and overlooking the swimming pool. Then down one flight of stairs and we were on Lido deck, with the pool, Slice (serving complimentary slices of pizza) and the Salty Dog Grill (serving complimentary Hotdogs, burgers, fries, tacos and more), both of which were open from before lunch through to 9pm. Also by the pool was Swirls, serving complimentary ice cream cones.

There were several entertainment venues around the ship, including a beautiful 2 level theatre. Speaking personally, I like watching production shows, so was a bit disappointed that there was only one during the 6 nights. They also had a comedian who did two nights, a headline singer who did two nights, and a Scottish lady singer on the other night. Take 5 seemed a popular venue for live Jazz, and there was also live music each night in the Vista Lounge. Princess Live is the venue for gameshows, quizzes, trivia etc, and was always very lively. To be honest, if it was a bigger venue, I am sure they would get even more people going to it, as it always seemed to be full.

There was a good choice of dining venues, and I give more details in the facts & figures section below. We dined in the Estrella dining room each night on a table for two but ended up on different tables each night. I know that more and more people like to choose freedom dining, allowing them to eat at different times each night. However, we are more traditional, and prefer set dining with the same table companions at the same time each night. It was good to try something different, but we would still prefer set dining in future. The food was pretty good, and the service excellent. I noticed though that, like some other cruise lines, there is more emphasis on the items on the ‘favourites’ list, available every day, and less on the choice of different dishes each day.

We didn’t book any shore excursions as there was nothing we specifically wanted to do, and they were a bit pricey anyway. When we got to Greenock, we just had a wander around the town, and checked out a lot of the shops, before going back onboard for a snack lunch in the International Café. This is a good venue, when you can find a seat, as they serve complimentary freshly made snacks and cakes, which vary depending on the time of day or night. You just pay for the speciality teas and coffees, but if you have the drinks package these are included as well. When we got to Belfast it was too far to walk, but there was a shuttle bus, and you bought tickets from Princess. It took less than 15 minutes each way but cost just over £12 each return, including a currency conversion charge, as everything onboard is priced in $US. At least we managed to take a good walk around the city centre and check out many of the sites and shops.

One thing I missed on Sky Princess, was a lounge either forward or aft, where you could relax with a drink and gaze out to sea. There was also little in the way of quiet well-lit areas around the ship to sit and relax with a book during the day. No doubt Sky Princess will spend more time in warmer parts of the world, and people will be out on deck more. For this cruise we were sailing at about 50% capacity, so when she is full it could make it more difficult to find a seat in some venues, especially the International Café and Princess Live.

You can click below to watch my video of Sky Princess, and below that I have given some general facts and Figures about the ship. To book your cruise, or to get further information, call GoCruise with Ian on 08002922850 or 01455821770.

Ship Facts & Figures

Until Enchanted Princess enters service, Sky Princess is the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet. She is just over 145,000 gross tons and carries 3,660 passengers at standard occupancy, who will be well looked after, by the 1,346 crew members.

Accommodation

There are 46 suites, 374 mini-suites, 1,064 balcony and deluxe balcony cabins, as well as 6 outside and 340 inside cabins, making 1,830 in total. Of these, 38 are wheelchair accessible, spread across a selection of grades. All include a flat screen television, fridge, digital safe, desk and chair, ensuite facilities, hairdryer, and bathroom amenities. As you move up through the accommodation grades then there will be more included.

Entertainment

Venues include the Princess Theatre, home to West End style shows and other large productions, the Vista Show Lounge with live bands and comedians, Take Five for Jazz music, Movies under the Stars, Vegas Style Casino, and the Atrium.

Dining Venues

There is an amazing choice of places to eat, many included in the price of your cruise, but also some speciality dining at a supplement, for those special occasions.

Complimentary Dining – venues include the main dining rooms (Cielo, Estrella and Soleil), the World Fresh Market Place, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Slice (Pizza), Salty Dog Grill, Ice Cream Bar, the International Café, and of course room service.

Speciality Dining – venues include Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, Bistro Sur La Mer, Chef’s Table Lumiere, Gelato and Royal Afternoon Tea. The supplements for these venues vary, but here are some example adult prices – $25.00 in Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, $19 for brunch in Bistro Sur La Mer, and $100 in Chef’s Table Lumiere.

Fitness and Wellbeing

Venues include the Lotus Spa, Lotus Spa Fitness Centre, The Sanctuary (with private cabanas), Sports Court, Pools (including the Infinity Wakeview Pool) and Jacuzzis. Note that charges will apply to many of the treatments and service provided

Children’s Activities

Camp Discovery offers lots to keeps kids occupied, and they are split into 3 age groups – The Treehouse (ages 3-7), The Lodge (ages 8-12) and The Beach House (ages 13-17). All activities are created for the specific age groups, and there are too many to list here

Ocean Medallion and The Medallion Class App

The Ocean Medallion is a wearable device and carries out a whole host of things for you, and you could end up wondering how you ever cruised without one. Combined with The Medallion Class App on your phone, it enables quicker and easier embarkation, as you can upload your photo, scan your passport, and complete all documentation before you get to the dock. Staff can then scan the QR code from the app in your phone at check-in.

While onboard it enables you to easily make purchases to your onboard account, gives you keyless entry to your cabin, and gives you directions around the ship. Crew can see your individual food preferences or intolerances etc. You can even order drinks, and your waiter will be able to find you and deliver them to where you are sitting, having already advised you how soon they should arrive.