Cruise Review: Sky Princess

Sky Princess is not only Princess Cruises’ best ship yet; it’s also the best balance between high and low tech. The fourth Royal-class vessel is the first MedallionClass newbuild initially constructed with digital OceanMedallion functionality. On the other end of the spectrum, the new “Jim Henson’s Inspired Silliness” show is a perfect return to analog basics. But that’s just the beginning of the story.

Sky is a sistership to Royal Princess and Regal Princess (both of which I’ve also sailed on), as well as to the China-tailored Majestic Princess. At its heart is The Piazza, a soaring atrium — which I find to be one of the most beautiful of its kind at sea — found on select Princess ships, but some things have evolved on the newbuild.

Jazz connoisseurs will love the vivid new Take Five, which displaces the tired Club 6 nightclub with fantastic live sets in a cozy setting befitting the music genre. And “Jim Henson’s Inspired Silliness” is an intimate production in the Vista Lounge cabaret. Seating is limited and fills up quickly, so I suggest arriving early to see the playful puppetry up close. Jim Henson’s son Brian Henson introduces a number of the entertainment visionary’s earliest sketches via video before they’re performed live, which provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at the production’s staging. If you’re a kid at heart like me, this show is a must-see.

Grander by comparison, the “5 Skies” original show in the main Princess Theater is a large-scale, video game-inspired extravaganza that continuously levels up, combining imaginative projection technology with creatively kinetic song and dance routines. Meanwhile, Phantom Bridge expertly employs physical props, as well as software to craft a repeatable escape room experience (available for a surcharge). Compared to shoreside versions I’ve sampled, the tactile space is limited, but the virtual volume makes up for it.

As on Majestic, the former Crooners lounge onboard Sky has been replaced by Bistro Sur La Mer, which offers specialty seafood with a French flair. Although it is occasionally noisy due to the adjacent atrium, Bistro Sur La Mer has delicious flavor profiles. My red snapper and scallop mousseline with lobster morsels and lobster sauce was exceptional. As the venue is situated right along the promenade, diners can enjoy their meals alfresco. Alfredo’s Pizzeria has been relocated up a deck to take advantage of the outdoors on the opposite side of the ship. Guest favorites such as Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, Salty Dog Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill remain, and Gelato gelateria now serves Ospitalita Italiana-certified treats.

I found myself missing one particular feature that has been discontinued on this vessel: the poolside Princess Watercolor Fantasy Show. Its chromatic and kinetic fountains always dazzled me, but I can understand how its budget went to good use elsewhere. Flanking the pools, SeaWalk now features more space for scenic seating. And speaking of seats, Princess Live! has since been vastly improved and added comfortable chairs and tables as seen in previous Explorers Lounges.

The complimentary OceanMedallion tech does away with traditional key cards in favor of a wearable device. The tech  works nearly seamlessly shipwide and via mobile app, allowing clients to play games (complimentary and casino), watch in-house travel videos, find their way around the ship, check in and out at the gangway, and order a variety of drinks, food and other accessories wherever they are — just to name a few features. OceanMedallion also gives the ship’s crew immediate access to guest preferences, allowing them to personalize service.

John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival Corporation & Plc, says it’s all meant to “democratize elite-level vacations.” And the tech is quite helpful, including for important things such as helping guests with dementia avoid getting lost onboard. That said, as with any modern technology, it is outstanding — when it works. OceanMedallion is occasionally buggy; it often logged me off the otherwise fast internet connection, and some features are still missing, such as the ability to make in-app dining reservations. But it’s being continually improved, and I can see it already has undergone upgrades since I first demoed it.

One of my favorite aspects of OceanMedallion is how cabin doors automatically unlock as clients approach and are verified via facial recognition.  Inside, staterooms and suites have been enhanced and now sport more contemporary neutral grays, moving away from the line’s usual penchant for beige. The Princess Luxury Bed is comfortable; however, standard bathrooms and showers are still very compact, and I’d like to see more space on future ships.

A great addition onboard Sky is the pair of new Sky Suites perched above the pool deck. Skylights illuminate entry vestibules, and extensive balconies wrap around 270 degrees. Clients who opt for the category can select one of the ship library’s films, screened on Movies Under the Stars in clear veranda view, once per cruise. They also receive The Sanctuary and Lotus Spa services on demand.

Two more Royal-class sisterships — Enchanted Princess in 2020, and Discovery Princess in 2021 — are scheduled to debut from Princess. I, for one, am thrilled to see where the line charts its next course.

The Details 
Princess Cruises
www.princess.com