Live from Sky Princess - UK to Norway - 14 nights

[ghstudio]

This is our first cruise since Covid started and it’s great too be cruising again.

 

Flew from Atlanta to Heathrow…no problem getting our checked bags (we were worried given the news),,,spent 2 nights in Southampton and arrived at the port at 11am.  Very quick, efficient check in…asked if we tested negatively in the past 3 days…(yes) and had to show proof of vaccination and booster (picture on phone was ok). Then right on to the ship.  

 

We are club class (M1 mini suite) but no one told us that club class dining was open.  Luckily, we just stumbled on it and it was a great place to wait for the cabins at 1pm.  Glass of wine and I ordered a hamburger (sorry…it was just awful…overcooked, dry).  My wife’ lunch was better.

 

we dropped our carry on bags in the cabin and wandered around to learn the ship.  Very nice, clean…lots of bars, but no bar where you can sit facing forward over the bow.  The only place to sit with that view is in an area with rental ($20 for 1/2 day) chaises.  No one hounded us to take pictures or sell drink packages, but many pushing “spa” like things and free seminars (where they are selling).  All in all very pleasant.  Maybe 15% or so wearing masks as we wandered around…plus all the crew wears masks.  The ship provides masks in your staterooms.  

 

Plenty of storage space in our cabin….mini bar empty so we can use it for whatever we want.  Two half bottles of mystery wine which we won’t drink because we (and probably 90% of the ship) have the drink package.  Note:  Unlilke Celebrity where buying the premium drink package gives you many more options, Princess includes almost every drink in their package.  The only benefit of the new premium + plan is that you can get wine up to $18 instead of $12 a glass….but if you have the drink package, you just pay the difference which is far far less than paying for the premium + package.

 

Food has been less than outstanding….even in club class dining.  Pretty much institutional cooking with no special preparation.  Club class does add one dish to the regular menu, but it’s just another dish…nothing more exciting…no table side prep.  Pretty far from Celebrity Aqua/suite dining, but maybe celebrity has changed post covid….we’re comparing it our many celebrity cruises prior to covid.

 

We went to the buffet for a late breakfast snack and tables were easy to find at 9:30….we’ll eat most of our meals in the club class area although we will tray the specialty restaurants during the cruise and I’ll try to talk about them.

 

The casino is empty…you could play craps alone or have your own dedicated blackjack table with six empty chairs.  We haven’t attended any of the shows…but the port speaker’s been interesting and not really selling excursions….actuallly giving info.

 

Don’t ask me about the medallion application..overall, it’s just terrible, hard to learn, hard to use, some parts just don’t work….I could go on.  The internet seems to be slow, but useable….I’m writing this on the internet.

 

More later…I’ll follow and try to answer questions.

[Traderboy]

Great to hear what Sky Princess is like right now.

We are joining at Southampton on September 3rd.

 

Another person on the cruise has said it seems crowded. How are you finding it?

When do you actually receive your medallion?

 

Your tip about about Club class dining on Day 1 is very helpful. 

 

 

[dides]

2 hours ago, Traderboy said:

When do you actually receive your medallion?

Note that if you live in the UK then the only way you can currently receive your medallion is at check-in at the port.

[ghstudio]

I wouldn’t say crowded, but there are people wherever you go.  It’s certainly not a smaller ship experience…but not a mob scene.

 

we received our medallions before we left home….but there was no advantage to getting them early…you’ll get them at chech in,  

[nini]

If it is of any encouragement, the food on the Celebrity Reflection in 2018 was poor to mediocre as well as the service.

[c-boy]

49 minutes ago, nini said:

If it is of any encouragement, the food on the Celebrity Reflection in 2018 was poor to mediocre as well as the service.

what 

[Sunshine Bob]

We got off as you got on and wa told there was about 3000 passengers on your cruise and about 3600 on ours..

 

Strange you say about the casino as it was mobbed every night last week. The ship was really packed and at times (8-10pm ish) it was often difficult to find a seat at GS, Vines , Take 5 and Bellinis - we had to do a couple of circuits 3 or 4 nights to get sat done.

 

If you like your wine then unfortunately we drank all the half decent stuff and left you with that Tini rubbish. There was some Malbec at Vines most nights and they had Hendricks Gin there too. Most other bars offered something inferior... I saying that I drunk my own body weight and have no complaints. 

 

The ship was immaculate,  the food passable and the crew fantastic. There was quite a few kids on board but they did not impact our trip detrimentally however I was left with the feeling I would not be getting on such a big ship in the school holidays any time soon.

 

We had a blast.

[ghstudio]

UPDATE:

 

Great staff…friendly, helpful.  Food, as I said, is institutional in dining rooms and club class.  The “extra” dish in club class is just another institutional meal…nothing prepared at the table….other than the better service and quick seating in club class, I wouldn’t do it again.  One reason is that the food in the buffet area and pizzas for lunch/dinner are more interesting.  Pastries are tasty but far below Celebrity….and I do miss the celebrity bread sticks. (Note….Celebrity itineraries have become boring and don’t change….and their new ship with the “infinity” cabins just turned us off).  A previous poster commented on how crowded all the spaces become from 6-8 or 9…..Just too many people on the ship crowded into the smaller bar areas….not enjoyable……plus all the people going to the Cielo restaurant have to walk through some of the bars….creating a constant two way flow of people which isn’t conducive to relaxing.  Perhaps it is better if the ship is in warmer areas…we’re in Norway, so it’s too cool to be having a drink outdoors….and as I said earlier, there’s no place to sit having a drink and facing forward towards the bow.  While this ship design may be ok in the Caribbean where you don’t care if you see the sites because there aren’t any…..this ship is not good for cruises that are scenery oriented s…eg. Norway,   

 

The casino remains almost empty.  I went one night and when I got back to my cabin I realized that my clothes reeked of smoke.,..and I can’t (won’t) wear them again until they are washed.  Another big negative for me about the ship (and Princess policy??).  

 

Standing room only for the comedian in the vista lounge last night for the 9:30 show….just too many people. 

 

I really would like to be more positive….we’re enjoying the cruise…it’s just not as outstanding as our previous (pre covid) princess cruises.

Edited August 25, 2022 by ghstudio

[Traderboy]

Sorry to hear that the ship is too crowded at the moment.

 

Hopefully there will be far less passengers on Sky Princess from September 3rd.

 

I think the Baltic Sea might be a bit too close to Russia for many cruisers in 2022!

[jbeth]

itwould be nice if you updated more often since there are people waiting for a spot to enter his thread

[Mary loves to travel]

Hello 

 

I don’t want to hijack your thread but thought it might be helpful to share our experience- looks like we have some different interests, so maybe a different experience.  

 

we’re on the same cruise & having a fantastic time.   We have a starboard deluxe balcony, mid-aft.    Scenery has been amazing as have the ports.   
 

Agree the port lecturer is quite good & helpful.
We’ve done some ship excursions but more either independent or on our own and have been very happy with our choices.   
 

Have previously cruised twice with Princess on the Grand, plus several RCCL      We’re loving the big new Sky Princess.  
Food has been fine to very good- but tastes differ.    We’ve also not gone often for beef in either the MDR or the buffet; as it can be disappointing in this type of setting.   Fish dishes have been very good.  
Service all around is excellent.  
 

We don’t go to the lounges or bars, and have only done a show or two in the theatre.  
 

best,

Mary 

[wowzz]

On 8/26/2022 at 6:49 PM, Traderboy said:

Sorry to hear that the ship is too crowded at the moment.

 

Hopefully there will be far less passengers on Sky Princess from September 3rd.

 

I think the Baltic Sea might be a bit too close to Russia for many cruisers in 2022!

Where do you draw the line ? No travelling to Germany, Poland, Sweden, Finland etc ? 

Not travelling to the Baltic because of the war in Ukraine is irrational. 

We are booked to the Baltic in 2023 and are thoroughly looking forward to it.   

[mooseridge]

Thank you for this thread.  Been wondering about the SKy.  We've cruised Celebrity & Princess but now we mostly cruise Holland because of the Crows Nest!  Wonderful 180 views forward, bar, coffee, lots of comfortable seating & ANYONE can go there, no special charges/rental. 

 

They've also added their Music Walk.  BB King dancing jazz, duel pianos , Rock n Roll, & Lincoln Center. (All on the Pinnacle Class).   

 

We have not cruised Viking yet, believe they have a 'crows nest' area too.   

 

Please keep posting.  Anxious to read about your ports/tours. Thank you.

[Coral]

I have to say there have definitely been changes to Princess since COVID. The bread in the dining room has less variety. Previously there was food that was cooked in sectional areas (not table side but on either side of the dining room). We were told on our last cruise that this is no longer allowed (I think they said fire hazard). 

 

I think comparing Celebrity before COVID to Princess after COVID probably is not a great comparison as I can tell you Princess before COVID and after COVID is definitely different. I definitely noticed that in food options.

 

Enjoy Norway - that cruise is all about the great ports. I hope you have a great time!

Edited August 30, 2022 by Coral

[ghstudio]

Update:  Apologize if some of this is repetitive.

 

Things I enjoy on this cruise. Great ports and views in the Fjords (but…two ports were eliminated and sea days added); staff friendliness and helpfulness; cleanliness.

 

less happy about:

 

There is no place to sit before/after dinner and just watch the peacefulness of the sea….no crows nest, no Celebrity lounge facing the bow.  If you want to see where we are going, you either have to book one of the cabins L101–106 or pay to sit in the sanctuary. It’s just not a great design for a cruise ship that does scenic cruises. 

 

The activities are either run by the stores/franchises which is a trend started by Celebrity…lots of trivial pursuit, guess the 10 something’s, contests which do seem to be popular…it’s just not our thing.  The port talks have been the best speaker events….the others not so much….not like Celebrity which had excellent, experienced in their field, speakers. 

 

One wine tasting event….liquor selection is average bar….very little higher end or even options.  On the other hand, almost anything you order is on their drink package.  I miss the scotch or bourbon tastings on Celebrity as interesting activities. 

 

The casino remains empty….it’s just not enjoyable to me to be the only one at a tables….and the smoke and smoke smell lingering in my clothes….I usually spend an hour or so after dinner in the ship casino (giving them money)….but I only visited this casino the once.  Then I usually join my wife in that “view to the front” bar for some quiet drinks and perhaps dancing…but I already covered that issue.  

 

Bread is exactly the same every night….we get four rolls….no breadsticks, varied rolls, etc.  I think I’ve already covered the lack of seasoning in the main dining room and at least to me, the lackluster menu in club class (suite dining). Celebrity Aqua class food is far far “better”.

 

I only did one ship excursion….to have a nice crab lunch.  It was OK….what I expected….and very overpriced, but that’s common on cruises.  Most everyone I’ve spoken with has been pleased with their excursions.

 

I could write pages, using banned words, about the internet service and the medallion application.  If someone has told you it’s terrible….they are being kind.  Many of the problems are blamed on our location….but we are at sea, far from shore and mountains sailing in extremely smooth water.  The medallions application shows you the evening. Menu….but its wrong! Some, not all, on board events are shown.  The medallion as your door lock and to get on/off this ship is great….but that’s about it.

 

Kindle users…..there is no way to sync your kindle using the ship’s wifi.  There is also no library if you run out of books to read on your kindle.  Be forewarned….

 

That’s it for today….

 

 

[Coral]

I did Norway in 2018 on Princess and we did have excellent speakers on the area.

 

I completely agree that Princess's new ships do not have great viewing areas.

 

I also agree about the rolls at dinner. Before COVID, they had more varied rolls at dinner time and they were great.

 

Which ports were eliminated?

[Traderboy]

How is the Covid situation onboard this morning?

[polk01]

3 hours ago, Traderboy said:

How is the Covid situation onboard this morning?

No update so I assume that it's under control.

[ghstudio]

No way for us to know….so can’t post any update

[Traderboy]

Thank you

So the Captain is still recommending you to wear masks . Is that right?

[polk01]

54 minutes ago, Traderboy said:

Thank you

So the Captain is still recommending you to wear masks . Is that right?

That's right and hasn't changed since we boarded.

[Traderboy]

But something happened yesterday or Monday,  didn't it?

There was an extra emphasis on masks because of the number of covid cases?

[englishlee]

I'm currently on board and in a quarantine cabin! Walking down the corridor to get to our 'new' cabin there seemed to be quite a lot occupied, no idea of exact numbers but I'd say 20-30 cabins currently being utilised maybe significantly more.

[FirstTimeFreddy]

25 minutes ago, englishlee said:

I'm currently on board and in a quarantine cabin! Walking down the corridor to get to our 'new' cabin there seemed to be quite a lot occupied, no idea of exact numbers but I'd say 20-30 cabins currently being utilised maybe significantly more.

So sorry to hear this. We board the Sky on Saturday and this scenario sounds awful. I take it you'll be quarantined until you test negative and/or the cruise ends?

Edited August 31, 2022 by FirstTimeFreddy

[Coral]

35 minutes ago, englishlee said:

I'm currently on board and in a quarantine cabin! Walking down the corridor to get to our 'new' cabin there seemed to be quite a lot occupied, no idea of exact numbers but I'd say 20-30 cabins currently being utilised maybe significantly more.

Sorry to hear this. I hope you are feeling ok.