Sky! Feb 8-15 Trip Report & Review

[Cruz4Sun]

7 hours ago, Joywrk said:

Do you know if they have diet tonic? Love Gin and Tonic but need to bring my own if not available on board

I was on the Sky last week and called the dine line to request diet tonic for my mini-bar.  Although I could get it on the Royal, I was told it was not available.

[tawlaw1526]

15 hours ago, MaryBethV said:

Correct - thank you for chiming in. I'm bummed he won't be the captain for our next cruise. Someone has big shoes to fill! 😉

 

 

20 hours ago, snoozecrooze said:

Hi! I'm not the OP (and I do apologize for hijacking), but I can help. Captain Tuvo informed me he leaves on March 7th, and that will basically be his 3-month-mark (he took the helm on 12/7/2019). A good measure for captains' schedules are (broadly speaking; all schedules are subject to change for unpredictable circumstances) 3 months on, 3 months off. So Captain Tuvo will not be back until June after his break. Sorry to inform you of this and hope that helped a little!

Thank you Snoozecrooze and MaryBethV for the information.    I am sad that he won’t be our Captain but still excited to see this beautiful ship.    This gives me a darn good reason to book another cruise on the Sky after June so we can sail with Captain Tuvo.      THANK YOU BOTH VERY MUCH!!!!!

[Lucky TGO]

Thanks for a great review and excellent photos.

Tony

[MaryBethV]

11 hours ago, DuaneO said:

Interesting review, I really enjoyed you’re efforts.  Thank you.

 

was interested, were the images smartphone or digital Camera.. or a combination?

 

every effective coverage.

 

So far, all the photos were taken with my iPhone. I did bring my DSLR camera and a couple of lenses which I'm glad I had in St. Thomas and for a sunset one evening that the iPhone just couldn't seem to capture.

[MaryBethV]

SOMETHING always seems to happen when we leave town. Once our oldest totaled his car, once someone fell asleep driving on our road and took out the electrical pole in our front yard & hit our tree at 3am, once three of our kids got the stomach flu for the entire week... and the list goes on. Let's just say that we always give family notice we are leaving and joke that they are "on call". With good reason...

 

We were back in our cabin as the ship was about to sail away from Princess Cays when we received a short text from our 24yr old back in MI. He texted that (while driving back to college) he had hit ice and had JUST rolled his small truck. He was not in a great signal area and after a few frantic minutes my husband was able to get him via Facetime for about 5 seconds - enough to see he was out of the truck and walking around, but not much else. The next hour or two were spent praying, trying to get information, and contacting family who could meet the ambulance at the hospital. We are beyond thankful for God's protection. People saw his truck roll twice and immediately called 911. They also broke a window and helped get him out of the upside down vehicle. Miraculously he only has a single staple in the back of his head and is doing well. I'm also incredibly blessed to have a husband that is great in a crisis. He not only dealt with all the details, he had to deal with a scared and sobbing wife!

 

After being in contact with our son in the ER and realizing he was in good hands and was going to be ok, we rallied and headed to a later dinner. Anytime dining is always a good idea. 😉

 

Back to the regularly scheduled cruise report...

 

We checked in at the Soleil dining room and were given a pager for a 30 minute wait. Time for a much-needed glass of wine, so we took our pager and waited in Vines.

 

 

 

Once our pager went off, we went to be seated and could immediately tell that the waiters were slammed/rushed. The maitre d' who was to show us to our table literally sprinted to the back of the dining room so fast ahead of us that we lost him and were wondering if we were indeed supposed to follow him. 😯

 

 

 

MIL's Sesame Chicken Bites - she didn't really like them, but I tried a bite and thought they were good.

 

Caesar Salad - anchovies please! 

 

My appetizer portion of the Red Wine Braised Beef Ragu with Penne Pasta - this was delicious! So much depth of flavor to the meat/sauce. 

 

MIL's Spinach, Arugula and Mushroom Wedge - she liked it.

 

DH's Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Rosemary Jus and Horseradish Cream - very good except for the lima beans which were on the crunchy side.

 

FIL's Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Crepes - he liked it and I gave him points for trying something new!

 

My Grilled Seafood Bowl, Mango-Lime Salsa - this dish is almost exactly the same as the seafood skewers with mango salsa that we had on the Regal last year. However, the dish on the Regal was super bland and this dish on the Sky had flavor and was one of the best entrees I had in the main dining room all week!

 

Originally we had wanted to see 5 Skies this evening, but after all the events of the day - we were exhausted and headed straight for bed after dinner.

 

Patter & info sheets for Princess Cays Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 20, 2020 by MaryBethV

[jwattle]

So glad that your son is okay!!

Loving your review; perfect balance of pictures, humor and excellent review!! 🙂

❤️

 

[MaryBethV]

Oops - forgot about dessert in the last post!

 

 

Princess Love Boat Dream - a classic for a reason. YUM

 

MIL's Crunchy Profiterole with Butter Toffee Gelato - good!

 

DH and FIL had the Carrot Cake - They both agreed that this jello/mousse-like version is NOT carrot cake. Pretty? Yes. However, they wouldn't order it again.

[ladysportsman]

This is so lovely, thank you. We are heading out in late March and can't wait to remove myself from all this snow in Minnesota.

 

Question: could you share more on the Sanctuary? So you have to get there immediately to reserve a spot? Price per day? Per cruise? I had my TA call Princess and even they couldn't share much about it on the Sky. Thanks again. 

[CruzeQueen2]

Sweet ending to a rough day! Thankfully, your day ended well.

Here's a personal opinion for you, about the food. Firstly, I am so envious to see and savour your food photos. I can almost taste each delectable dish. Loving your food choices. I saw in your posted Patter,  that your head chef is Chef Guido (with the very long last name)! My cruise on the Caribbean P last year was blessed with his culinary palate as well. Hands down, that particular cruise was my very favourite food experience. As you describe, so much depth of flavour, without being overly salty. Just right for me 😊 Another good reason to book my next trip on this ship. Can't wait! Sky P, all the way....

[Camelia-]

I am so enjoying your review - especially about the food. Those pictures are wonderful and I really like that you identify what they are and that you critique them as well!! This will be great when I'm on my next cruise..I will actually be able to see what the plate looks like and not just read about it on the menu. Looking forward to more..

[MaryBethV]

1 hour ago, ladysportsman said:

This is so lovely, thank you. We are heading out in late March and can't wait to remove myself from all this snow in Minnesota.

 

Question: could you share more on the Sanctuary? So you have to get there immediately to reserve a spot? Price per day? Per cruise? I had my TA call Princess and even they couldn't share much about it on the Sky. Thanks again. 

The Sanctuary is a lovely, adults only area at the front of the ship on deck 18. You choose your loungers and can book 1/2 days ($20pp) or full days ($40pp). There are also cabanas available for more $. I do recommend getting there as early as possible. In our case, it wasn't early enough. I'm guessing that a number of guests doing a back-to-back cruise were able to reserve it in advance of the new guests coming on the ship. It would have been fun to try, but I didn't think we were really missing out by not being able to reserve it either. I hope that helps. 🙂

[Bittsey]

Thanks so much for the review and the excellent photos - we are always curious about the food!

 

Very glad to hear your son is OK!

[MaryBethV]

Monday | February 10, 2020 | Sea Day

Good morning! We woke up to another gorgeous Caribbean day and ANOTHER rainbow! 😍

 

 

We snagged a couple of loungers on deck 17 (super windy!) - one deck up from the lido pools and headed to the buffet for a quick breakfast. I love buffet breakfasts! Roasted tomatoes - GOOD. Sautéed mushrooms - GOOD. Hashbrowns or potatoes in practically any form - GOOOOD. In fact, I recommend everything on this plate except for the rather odd attempt at eggs Benedict that was topped with half of a very hard-boiled egg instead of a poached egg.

 

Next we headed up to the running track to do our 7-lap mile to work off breakfast!

 

Just kidding. We were only dodging people actually exercising whilst sight seeing. 😂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My MIL texted me photos of their room - our steward (Heri - he was awesome!) had decorated it so cute for their anniversary!

 

 

After laying out and flirting with getting fried, we changed into clothes and headed to the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar for pre-lunch. Sushi!!!

 

 

 

 

Torching my sushi -

 

Shrimp & Scallop Torched Sushi (quite good, but probably wouldn't order again)

 

Blue Crab Roll (delicious!)

 

Time for *real* lunch at Alfredo's. 

 

I know all these decorative succulents around the ship aren't real - but they are still pretty.

 

(from earlier in the morning)

 

 

These are Alfredo's menus from last year on the Regal. I must have forgotten to take photos this trip. Anyways - I think the menus are exactly the same.

 

 

DH's Insalata Mista all Alfredo (mixed green salad)

 

My Antipato Assortito di Magro (mozzarella, grilled zucchini, roasted pepper, tomatoes - basically a whole plate of YUMMY)

 

We cut a calzone in half to share. Very good! 

 

Tiramisu - Having done thorough research for all of you this trip 😜, I can rank the Tiramisu offerings as follows... (1) Sabatinis (2) International Cafe and (3) Alfredo's. None are bad. I invite you to taste test them all!

 

Edited February 20, 2020 by MaryBethV

[hllwdcruiser]

Did you happen to notice if Ocean Terrace offered the $25 sampler that was on the Regal? It included oyster shooters, sushi, sashimi and a chili lime crab margarita - we always enjoyed it on the Regal and I'm hoping it will be on the Sky.

 

Thanks again for this wonderful review - it's definitely adding to the excitement for our upcoming trip. I know it's a lot of work for you, but including the menus and patters really helps in the planning process.😊

[MaryBethV]

57 minutes ago, hllwdcruiser said:

Did you happen to notice if Ocean Terrace offered the $25 sampler that was on the Regal? It included oyster shooters, sushi, sashimi and a chili lime crab margarita - we always enjoyed it on the Regal and I'm hoping it will be on the Sky.

I didn't see the sampler you are describing - just the "Chef's Special" for $18. A Chili Lime Crab Margarita sounds REALLY good though!

[MaryBethV]

Leaving Alfredo's we spotted my in-laws sitting in the Piazza, listening to the string quartet - 50 years and still so darn cute together! Love them.

 

 

The design of the Piazza is just gorgeous. I love all the shades of blue.

 

 

 

 

This is the medallion area. I was a big fan of using the clips we purchased, but DH preferred a wristband he bought in this area (between the Piazza and Princess Live) and we'll give the kids a choice before the next cruise.

 

We headed back to our room to hang out on the balcony, catch up on some reading (I never read as much as I think I will, ugh), and get ready for formal night. Couldn't ask for more perfect weather. As Captain Tuvo would say - the sunshine is all "Me, Me, Me!" 😁

 

Something we've never done before is stop for photos. As a former photographer I had to go check out all the backdrops and while they did have some non-cheesy options, we opted for photos in front of the blue glass & staircase. The photographer, Yodi, was personable and took a few poses so we had multiple options. We ended up purchasing a digital file of my in-laws, and one of the four of us. The process of picking them out was incredibly easy - scan medallion, browse options, purchase, download files to phone.

 

Time for dinner in Soleil - Santi was our server and he was amazing. Later in the week, even when we were seated in another nearby section, he always recognized us and said hi. 

 

 

Appetizer portion of Fettuccine Alfredo - apologies to those that love this, but while the pasta was cooked well it was incredibly bland. Even adding fresh ground pepper didn't help. Just my opinion - don't shoot!

 

MIL's White Rum Tapioca Fruit Salad - she loved this!

 

DH's Bacon Potato Chowder - very good.

 

My Seared Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese and Greens -  best MDR salad, hands down. Mmm!

 

My Medallion of Beef Tenderloin, Cognac & Peppercorn Demi-Glace - I ordered it Medium and it actually came medium = I am a happy camper. 🙂

 

MIL's Seared Salmon, Tarragon Beurre Blanc - she really enjoyed it, though there was a LOT of rice.

 

DH's Slow-roasted Leg of Lamb - tender, flavorful sauce. Beans were again a bit on the undercooked side.

 

FIL's Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast, Hickory BBQ Sauce - he enjoyed it.

 

 

Gourmandises - "little treats" - they brought these IN ADDITION to our desserts. The little slivered almond caramel looking ones in the middle are to die for. Totally going to roll off this ship.

 

Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake - this one got rave reviews!

 

Chocolate Journeys: Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Citrus Cream - I had this on the Regal last year. Happy to report that it is still just as delicious!

 

Since we ate early, we were able to catch the Captain & the Champagne Celebration right after dinner.

 

 

 

Patters for 1st Sea Day -

 

 

 

 

Next up - St. Thomas! We went on the most amazing excursion - can. not. wait. to show you!

[Astro Flyer]

On the menu you posted I see they still list two nightly freshly baked breads at the top of the menu...do they have those nightly options?  During our 4 weeks on the Sky in November we never had the menu’s nightly bread options & our waiter apologized that they weren’t as advertised but it certainly wasn’t his decision.

 

On previous Princess cruises we have enjoyed their variety of frozen desserts (ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, sherbet) with 3 different nightly flavors but on the Sky it was only one per night.  I noticed the profiterole available on many nights had a different flavor each time so I ordered just a couple of scoops of the yummy ice cream. 🍨 😃

 

Thankfully your son’s injuries from rolling his truck twice weren’t too severe but it’s shocking to receive such news particularly when you’re so far away from home.

 

Thanks for taking time to have us vicariously cruise on the Sky & it’s great for me to relive so many great things from our November cruise on the Sky.

[MaryBethV]

25 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

On the menu you posted I see they still list two nightly freshly baked breads at the top of the menu...do they have those nightly options?  During our 4 weeks on the Sky in November we never had the menu’s nightly bread options & our waiter apologized that they weren’t as advertised but it certainly wasn’t his decision.

 

On previous Princess cruises we have enjoyed their variety of frozen desserts (ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, sherbet) with 3 different nightly flavors but on the Sky it was only one per night.  I noticed the profiterole available on many nights had a different flavor each time so I ordered just a couple of scoops of the yummy ice cream. 🍨

 

They did have the specialty breads - sometimes they were a hit, and sometimes not so great. The last menu posted - DH loved the raisin walnut bread. Later in the week they had a Moroccan spiced bread that was incredible - I think I ate 3 rolls of that alone and I usually pass on the bread basket! 

 

Good idea on the ice cream - I am going to try that next time! Thanks!

[Astro Flyer]

4 minutes ago, MaryBethV said:

They did have the specialty breads - sometimes they were a hit, and sometimes not so great. The last menu posted - DH loved the raisin walnut bread. Later in the week they had a Moroccan spiced bread that was incredible - I think I ate 3 rolls of that alone and I usually pass on the bread basket! 

 

Good idea on the ice cream - I am going to try that next time! Thanks!

Thanks...that’s good they’re now providing the nightly breads listed on the menu.

 

I attempt to limit myself to one scoop but when it’s chocolate & peanut butter it’s going to be two scoops. ☺️

Edited February 20, 2020 by Astro Flyer

[mrsihopes]

Thank you so much for the review, we are going on the transatlantic in April, so excited....

[tawlaw1526]

Very glad to hear that your son was okay.     Still loving your review and pictures!!!!    THANK YOU!!!

[scubacruiserx2]

Something we've never done before is stop for photos. As a former photographer I had to go check out all the backdrops and while they did have some non-cheesy options, we opted for photos in front of the blue glass & staircase. The photographer, Yodi, was personable and took a few poses so we had multiple options. We ended up purchasing a digital file of my in-laws, and one of the four of us. The process of picking them out was incredibly easy - scan medallion, browse options, purchase, download files to phone.

 

Nice photos . What type of camera(s) are you using ?

[Kmkub]

Following. Great pictures!!

[AF-1]

Your pictures of the island and beaches were great.  Love the pictures with just the sand and water.  Thanks.  Did you enjoy your cruise director Corey?

[MaryBethV]

1 hour ago, scubacruiserx2 said:

Nice photos . What type of camera(s) are you using ?

 

So far in this review all the photos have been from my iPhone 11 Pro. I absolutely love the camera on it and I always say that the best camera is the one that you have with you. That reason alone is why I take 95% of my vacation photos with it. 

 

I did also bring along my Canon D MkII with a 50mm 1.4 lens and a 10-200mm 2.8IS lens (pictured). I no longer have photography clients, so I don't upgrade cameras unless needed - crazy, but the MkII is almost ancient already! It was very nice to have it for the approach to the Virgin Islands - I'm going through those photos now. I really do take a ridiculous number of images. One reason I do these trip reports is that it forces me to go through all my photos and not just load them onto my computer and forget them!

 

Edited February 21, 2020 by MaryBethV