What to Expect on Sky Princess: A Modern Royal Class Cruise Ship
This video offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the Sky Princess, Princess Cruises' first ship purpose-built from the ground up with Ocean Medallion wearable technology. Filmed during the ship's inaugural shakedown cruise between Venice and Athens in October 2019, the tour captures the vessel fresh from the shipyard, showcasing its layout, dining venues, entertainment spaces, and cabin options across 19 decks. The Sky Princess carries 3,660 guests and 1,300+ crew members, making it a mid-to-large contemporary cruise experience.
This video suits anyone considering a cruise with Princess Cruises, particularly those curious about the Royal Class design or first-time cruisers wanting to understand ship layout and available amenities. Whether you're drawn to specialty dining, fitness facilities, family-friendly activities, or entertainment options, the tour provides enough detail to help you decide if this ship matches your travel style and budget expectations.
Key Highlights Throughout the Sky Princess
- The three-deck Atrium (Decks 5–7) spanning the ship's heart, featuring 24-hour dining, bars like Vines wine bar and Bellini's, live music, fitness classes, and shopping all in one social hub
- The Lido Deck (Deck 16) with multiple swimming pools, the Wave View pool overlooking the ship's wake, open-air dining at the Salty Dog Grill and Slice Pizzeria, and the informal Horizon Bistro buffet
- Adults-only Retreat Pool and Movie Under the Stars screen on Deck 17, plus a substantial fitness centre with dedicated exercise rooms and cardio equipment
- The Sanctuary spa retreat (Deck 18) offering paid access to calm seating areas, relaxation zones, and hot tubs for pampering during sea days
- Specialty dining restaurants: Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian restaurant, Ocean Terrace sushi bar, and Bistro sur la Mer seafood restaurant (all with extra charges)
- The new Sky Suites—vast two-bedroom cabins with lounges, dining areas, and some of the largest balconies at sea at the time of launch
What to Know Before Booking Your Sky Princess Cruise
- Ship size and capacity: The Sky Princess accommodates 3,660 passengers across 19 decks total, making it a large but well-designed contemporary vessel
- Cabin variety: Options range from standard oceanview and balcony cabins (the bulk of inventory) to mini suites, suites, and the premium new Sky Suites; all feature smart-technology doors and good bathroom amenities, though standard cabins use shower curtains rather than glass doors
- Dining included in fare: Main dining rooms offer either fixed-time or anytime dining options; buffet dining, pizzeria, grill, and Alfredo's pizzeria are included; specialty venues (Crown Grill, Sabatini's, sushi bar, seafood restaurant) carry upcharges
- Kids clubs: Age-segregated kids' clubs are complimentary and run throughout sea days and port days
- Ocean Medallion technology: The ship was designed from scratch to integrate Princess' wearable technology, allowing automatic cabin door access and the ability to gamble virtually through the app or cabin television
- Spa and fitness: Lotus spa offers standard treatments; the fitness centre on Deck 17 is large and well-equipped; The Sanctuary (Deck 18) requires a separate fee for access
- Best timing: Book early—the tour showcases a shakedown cruise experience, so availability and cabin types can sell quickly on popular itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sky Princess
Is the Sky Princess suitable for families with children?
Yes. The ship features complimentary age-segregated kids' clubs, a large pool area, casual dining options, and family-friendly entertainment venues like Princess Live (games and trivia). The fitness centre and Movie Under the Stars also appeal to active families.
What makes Sky Princess different from other Princess ships?
Sky Princess was built from scratch to integrate Ocean Medallion wearable technology, whereas earlier ships had it retrofitted. The video notes the spaces feel more modern and open compared to older Royal Class vessels, with contemporary décor and updated layouts that create a fresher atmosphere throughout.
Are there adults-only areas on board?
Yes. The Retreat Pool (Deck 17) is designated for adults only, providing a calm and quieter swimming option. The Sanctuary spa (Deck 18) is also a paid adults-only retreat space with seating areas and hot tubs for relaxation.
How many dining venues are included versus paid extras?
The main dining rooms, buffet, Alfredo's pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Slice Pizzeria are all included in your cruise fare. Specialty restaurants—Crown Grill, Sabatini's, Ocean Terrace sushi bar, and Bistro sur la Mer—carry additional per-person charges for a more upscale dining experience.
What fitness and wellness options does the ship offer?
The fitness centre on Deck 17 is large and comprehensive, offering cardio machines, free weights, exercise rooms, and fitness classes like Zumba and line dancing. The Lotus spa provides massage and beauty treatments. The Sanctuary (Deck 18) offers a premium quiet retreat with hot tubs and pampering spaces for an extra fee.
