Sky Princess is a remarkable (newish) cruise ship that combines luxury and adventure, offering you an unforgettable experience at sea. Built and delivered in 2019 as the 4th “Royal Class” ship, the Sky Princess feels just as modern and amazing as the newest mega-ships being delivered to most cruise lines. In fact, we happened to like it more than the newest Sun Princess!
We had the opportunity to spend 17 days on this beautiful ship on a recent transatlantic cruise. We tried every restaurant, and all entertainment, even participated in a fitness class (who does that on a cruise?!)
Whether you’re seeking exquisite dining options, fun activities, or simply just a serene getaway, The Sky Princess has it all.
Overview of the Sky Princess
As one of the latest additions to the Princess Cruises fleet (2019), the Sky Princess offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned cruisers and first-time voyagers. With its state-of-the-art features, diverse (and good) dining options, and engaging entertainment, the Sky Princess stands out even among other Princess Cruises ships.
About the Ship
On October 2019, Sky Princess was launched as a part of Princess Cruises’ Royal-class ships, marking a significant evolution in Princess ships. This modern cruise ship was crafted to provide an unparalleled experience, showcasing innovation in design and amenities for discerning travelers. It was also one of the first purpose-built ships to feature the Ocean Medallion service.
Another key aspect of Sky Princess’s historical significance lies in its emphasis on experiential cruising. This ship represents Princess Cruises’ commitment to elevating the guest experience with carefully curated itineraries marked by leisure, culture, and exploration. Because of that, you’ll find this ship has one of the most diverse itinerary selections across the fleet.
The experiential nature of the Sky Princess goes beyond just the voyage, but also how the ship creates an immersive port experience by bringing local talent on at select ports to showcase the destination.
On our voyage, there were surprises at every international port including bringing on board Flamenco Dancers while in Spain and a traditional Portuguese singing quartet while in the Azores.
Ship Specifications
With a capacity to accommodate 3,660 guests and a spacious 1,346 crew members, the Sky Princess strikes a balance between size and intimacy.
The Sky Princess spans 1,083 feet in length (which exceeds the height of the Eiffel Tower). With 19 decks, you have ample space to explore and find your favorite spots on board, whether it’s relaxing in a sun lounger or enjoying fine dining in one of the many onboard restaurants.
The ship never feels overly crowded due to the sheer size and the distribution of people through the venues.
Cabins & Staterooms
Types of Staterooms Available
You’ll find a diverse range of stateroom options that will suit nearly every preference and budget.
- Inside Cabins – 158-162 sq feet
- Oceanview Cabins – approximate 175 sq feet
- Balcony Staterooms – 214-222 sq feet
- Deluxe Balcony cabins – 233-279 (our preference and photos below)
- Mini-Suites – 323 sq feet
- Suites – up to 1800+ sq feet!
New Cabin Classes Added
There are new classes of suites being added like “Sanctuary Suites” with exclusive access to the sanctuary area of the ship (which is no longer available for passengers to pay for access). A huge bummer and confusing to experienced cruisers on Princess.
Inside Cabins
The Inside Cabins on Sky Princess are designed for travelers seeking comfort without the need for a view. These cozy spaces typically include twin beds that convert to a queen, a well-appointed bathroom (albeit still with old-school shower curtains), and all amenities that other cabins receive. Unlike some cruise ships, you don’t feel like a second-class passenger when booking an interior room!
Oceanview Cabins
Oceanview Cabins on the Sky Princess are rare. There are only 6 oceanviews and they are generally reserved for guests with mobility issues. Rather than a porthole, these rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the front of the ship.
Balcony & Deluxe Balcony Staterooms
To truly enjoy a luxury experience at sea, consider the Balcony Staterooms and Suites. These spacious options boast private balconies, perfect for savoring a morning coffee or unwinding with a glass of wine as you take in breathtaking views.
With the added benefit of ample space and upgraded amenities, Balcony Staterooms and Suites make for an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their cruising journey. Enjoy elements like larger bathrooms, upscale decor, and exclusive services that elevate your onboard experience, allowing you to create unforgettable memories while surrounded by comfort and elegance.Recognizing the vast options available, you’re assured of finding a stateroom that meets your desires and enhances your memorable cruise journey on the Sky Princess.
Cabins to Avoid on the Sky Princess
The Sky Princess offers a wide range of staterooms spread across nine decks, with most situated on cabin-only levels for a peaceful experience. However, certain cabins may experience more noise. Deck 8, located above the theater and Piazza, and Deck 15, positioned under the pools, might not be as quiet as others. For the best chance at an uninterrupted night’s sleep, consider staterooms on decks 9 through 14.
If enjoying a clear view of the ocean is important to you, it’s best to avoid the Balcony and Deluxe Balcony staterooms on decks 8, 15, and 16, as their views may be partially obstructed.
Plugs in the Sky Princess cabins
We’re always asked about the plugs on cruise ships. The Sky Princes has multiple USA and EUROPEAN outlets as well as USB outlets for charging and for small devices.
the Dining Choices aboard the Sky Princess
Sky Princess is well known for its food quality and offers a wide range of dining options to cater to every palate preference on board the ship – from complimentary dining options, to exclusive restaurants that enhance your food exploration experience.
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Included Dining Venues
Soleil, Cielo, and Estrella Main Dining Rooms (Decks 5 & 6)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sky Princess features three elegant main dining rooms: Soleil (Deck 5) and Cielo and Estrella (Deck 6). Dinner is available in all three for “anytime dining,” allowing guests to eat between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Cielo, however, also accommodates passengers who prefer set seating, offering the consistency of dining at the same table with the same group each evening.
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea are usually served in the Estrella Dining Room on Deck 6. Morning meals include a broad selection ranging from pastries and fruit to eggs and griddle options. Lunch offerings span appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Dinner in the main dining rooms is a refined experience, presenting soups, salads, pastas, appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts, along with a list of always-available dishes and optional Crown Grill steakhouse specialties for an additional charge.
Guests with dietary restrictions are generally accommodated with advance notice to the maitre d’ or server.
The Buffet on the Sky Princess is actually quite a step up from other cruise ships. The food was always pretty good and available at the right times of the day. A lot of effort goes in to making sure something is available nearly all day and through the evening. However, I opted for the International Cafe more often, which is where you can get small breakfast sandwitches, sweets, and other small bites 24/7.
Sky Princess Specialty Restaurants
Assuming you want to elevate your dining experience, the specialty restaurants onboard are stellar choices. Each offers a unique culinary adventure, such as Sabatini’s Trattoria (see menu) for authentic Italian cuisine or The Crown Grill (see menu) for premium cuts of steak and fresh seafood. With a nominal surcharge, indulging in these venues will enhance your cruise experience.
Another excellent option is the Catch by Rudi (see menu), which features creative French bistro-style cuisine designed by Chef Rudi Sodamin. We didn’t find this restaurant to be as amazing as other passengers, largely because of the venue overlooking the piazza which made it loud and not very “elegant”. Additionally, we had issues with the staff missing a severe food allergy.
There are also 2 options for what Princess calls “Casual Dining”. Alfredo’s Pizzeria and Ocean Terrace Sushi. These were good options when the Buffet and main dining rooms didn’t appeal.
If you’re in the mood for something more elevated, consider dining at the Chef’s Table Lumiere—a multi-course feast created by the ship’s executive chef, perfect for memorable celebrations.
Room Service and Unique Dining Experiences
Specialty dining options extend to your stateroom as well. You can conveniently order room service to enjoy relaxed meals in the comfort of your private balcony. Additionally, don’t miss the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast, which transforms an ordinary morning into a lavish affair with fresh salmon, pastries, and champagne.
Dining in your room allows you to savor spectacular views while enjoying thoughtfully curated meals. Whether you opt for a quiet breakfast or an intimate dinner, the onboard dining services ensure that every meal is memorable and customized to your preferences, creating a remarkable aspect of your overall cruise experience.
Entertainment and Activities
Keep your days filled with excitement and relaxation on Sky Princess. The ship offers a vibrant selection of entertainment and activities that cater to every interest, ensuring you have a fantastic experience throughout your voyage.
Daily Activities and Events
Daily activities on Sky Princess range from engaging workshops to interactive games, allowing you to explore your creativity or discover new skills. You’ll find everything from cooking demonstrations to dance classes, ensuring you never run out of things to do during your time onboard.
Even if you’re not into participating in some of these activities, it makes for great people watching! I had many mornings sitting around the Piazza with a coffee, watching people do dance classes in the morning!
Nightlife and Live Performances
As the sun sets, Sky Princess transforms into a lively ship full of entertainment. The Princess Theater showcases original musical productions, while themed parties and live music create an electric atmosphere throughout the ship. On our sailing, the main theater attraction was something called “5 Skies” which was a futuristic tron-esque looking production. The set was really cool and the music good, but it did leave me wondering if the people in charge of creating the show understood the demographics of Princess in general. There were a lot of confused faces on the older folks! 🙂
Another highlight of the nightlife experience includes venues like Take Five Jazz Bar and Good Spirits at Sea, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails along with captivating live performances. Whether you’re in the mood for soulful jazz or a lively dance party, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind and socialize with fellow guests.
Movies Under the Stars
Activities on Sky Princess also include the popular Movies Under the Stars, where you can watch films on the outdoor screen while lounging in comfort. With cozy blankets provided, it offers a unique cinematic experience like no other.
Live the magic of cinema under the open sky as you sip on signature cocktails or indulge in tasty snacks. This unforgettable experience allows you to connect with other guests while enjoying classic films in a stunning setting, making your evenings truly memorable.
Relaxation and Wellness Facilities + Thermal Suite
Unlike many cruise ships that only offer basic amenities, Sky Princess takes relaxation and wellness to the next level, providing you with an array of facilities designed to rejuvenate your mind and body throughout your journey. You’ll find everything you need to unwind, from luxurious spas to inviting pools, ensuring a well-rounded experience tailored to your needs.
Spa and Wellness Treatments
Little can compare to the tranquil atmosphere found at The Lotus Spa, where you can indulge in a variety of treatments, including facials and signature massages. Personalized experiences designed to enhance relaxation and promote overall wellness, ensuring you return to your adventures feeling refreshed and revitalized. I did find the prices of the treatments to be extremely high and the one treatment I paid for, I’d likely never return if it were a land-based spa. 🙁
The Lotus Spa & Thermal Suite
We took advantage of the thermal suite pass to make use of the warmed loungers and small plunge pool. Unlike on other ships that focus on the thermal suite experience, the Lotus Spa, while nice, is on the interior of the ship and is very dark. I much prefer the spa experiences on ships that position the spa area with windows overlooking the ocean.
That said, the thermal suite was rarely crowded and remained very clean. You can expect a heated therapy plunge pool, a sauna, two steam rooms, heated loungers with a few showers around the space.
Since we got a relative “Deal” on the full voyage access of $179 per person, it was worth it, however if it were much more expensive, I wouldn’t be inclined to pay for access.
If you’re interested in a day pass, they might offer them on port days if you ask.
Unfortunately, you no longer have use of the thermal suite after a treatment, which is disappointing given the prices of the treatments and extra benefit you’d get by using the thermal suite after a massage.
Pools and Hot Tubs on the Sky Princess
With two main pools on Sky Princess, along with several hot tubs, you have the perfect settings to soak up the sun or cool off in the water. The family-friendly Wakeview Pool is ideal for socializing, while the adults-only Retreat offers a serene escape for those looking to relax.
The Retreat was our ‘go-to’ for being outside. It’s a relaxing 2 story space with a pool, couple of hot tubs, surrounded by lush seating, and importantly, a bar! The Retreate creates a perfect ambiance to enjoy stunning views and connect with fellow travelers.
Fitness Center and Classes
The extensive fitness center onboard Sky Princess is designed with health in mind, featuring a wide selection of state-of-the-art equipment to accommodate various workout styles. You’ll also have access to engaging fitness classes, including cycling and yoga, creating opportunities for you to stay active during your cruise.
It was a pleasant surprize how large and well equpped the gym was, and it was often very empty.
The Sky Princess caters to all levels of experience. From personal training sessions to group classes, your goals can be met in a supportive environment, ensuring you remain energized and ready for the adventures that await you in each port of call.
The Ocean Medallion Experience
The Ocean Medallion includes location-based services, personalized recommendations, and the ability to order food and drinks directly to your location. It acts as your key to the ship, granting access to your stateroom and allowing you to pay for services seamlessly. The technology is designed to optimize your entire cruise experience, ensuring convenience at every turn.
Think of it as an air tag that can track where you are and how the staff can find you.
Benefits for Guests
Ocean Medallion provides a number of benefits for guests, making the time aboard Sky Princess more convenient.
From the moment you start using the Ocean Medallion, you can (hopefully) experience shorter wait times by placing orders and scheduling activities right from your smartphone, and the medallion provides the ability for staff to locate you.
We found the success rate getting what we ordered at about 80%. Sometimes the drinks would say delivered on the app but they never arrived. It wasn’t a big deal, because we were on a drink package, but had I been paying for each drink that went missing, I’d be spending more time arguing over my bill than enjoying the vacation.
Family Friendly Options
Kids’ Clubs and Activities
Little ones will find a plethora of fun at the complimentary kids’ clubs, designed for various age groups. From the Princess Pelicans for ages 3-7 to the Teen Lounge for ages 13-17, there’s a range of age-appropriate activities to keep your children engaged and entertained throughout the cruise.
Family Cabins and Group Packages
Sky Princess offers a variety of family suites, which come equipped with separate sleeping and living areas, ensuring everyone enjoys their privacy while still being close to one another. For larger families, interconnecting cabins provide an excellent solution, allowing you to create a comfortable home away from home during your vacation.
Family Dining Options
Activities during mealtimes are just as enjoyable as the meals themselves. Enjoy the flexibility of Dine My Way, allowing you to plan dinner around your family’s schedule. You might want to stop by Cielo Main Dining Room for its family-friendly atmosphere and chat with the staff about having a table spedified for your family every night. For large families, the dining rooms can accommodate with big tables set up specifically for large parties and families.
Pros and Cons of Traveling on Sky Princess
Like any cruise line, there are both pros and cons to consider before booking your trip.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| State-of-the-art OceanMedallion technology for efficient service | Premium dining options incur additional costs |
| A variety of onboard entertainment, including live music and shows | Large ship may feel overwhelming in busy areas |
| Diverse dining experiences, from casual to fine dining | Can’t access the Sanctuary unless you’re booked in a Sanctuary suite |
| Two main pools with varying atmospheres | Run of the mill casino experience |
| Spa and wellness offerings | Limited availability for specialty dining |
| Unique experiences like Movies Under the Stars | Potential for overcrowding during peak travel seasons |
| Beautiful & modern designed rooms and suites catering to all budgets | Extra fees for certain onboard activities |
| Multiple bars and lounges for socializing | Limited options for late-night entertainment |
| Unique itineraries | Service can be inconsistent during busy meal times |
| Enrichment programs | May lack the adventurous spirit compared to some competitors |
