2026; July 19, Review and Verdict.

As with every review, to those who read this, this is an extremely personal review of what I think of a cruise. Some readers find me very critical but I believe that it is never without good reason and as I put a link to this website in each and every request for feed back (we all get those via an email at the end of the cruise) I hope that the cruise companies see it as positive. You can never improve your product if you do not get feedback and certainly not if that feedback has no details. Not necessary with the names and functions of the crewmember(s) but if needed with the function of the high ranking officer involved. Having a leadership function comes with responsibilities.

So  this 7 day cruise to Norway had beautiful weather with no influence of the heatwave laying over the UK. (Apologies to those for whom 90o to 100oF is not unusual but in the UK 90 – 95oF is a big deal). We did not cancel any ports, did not crash into an iceberg and did not lose anybody overboard. We had some medivacs, one by helicopter and some in the ports but that can be expected with 4000 guests on board. And we were the only ship in port in most ports.

To start: I do not like large cruise ships as it becomes more a destination in itself instead of a real ship that carries you around in good style. So the Sky Princess was too big for me. But that is personal. We had the added entertainment of the World Cup football, with the three 3 main lounges full of happy & not so happy punters, being cooped up several evenings. Princess must have made a killing with the drinks.

For the rest, this was a very good cruise. The ship is well maintained. It offered something for everybody with the caveat that you have to book everything in advance on the App, which you can download from the Play store, if you want to get the best out of it. Worthwhile, at least Lesley and I thought so, was to have the Princess Premier package. It comes with enough special restaurants (at $55,– a cover normally but you have to book the restaurant’s early on the app or try to get a booking when you first board otherwise the Premier package would not be worth it ), gratuities included, unlimited drinks (up to $20–) and a small amount for shore excursions as well. Lesley decided to up grade to it while dealing with the booking, so with our standard routine of going for cocktails and a good glass wine for dinner in the speciality restaurants, we think we broke at least even, even when we were also having drinks in the Concierge Lounge, during cocktail time,

If you like a suite, then the Princess Concierge lounge is a great bonus. It is a lot better than what you get on Cunard. It is about the same as with Holland America (except that drinks are here included from 1700 – 1900 hrs.) and on the same standard as the MSC Virtuosa Yacht Club.

The Glare:  I came to about 70% with those working on deck failing as standard, middle Hotel management scoring about 90% and the hotel staff 100%. Apart from the bridge tour, I did not come across any Deck and Engine officers so no rating there. Sr. Hotel staff participated in a lot of Games with the guests and this seems to be some sort of a signature item for Princess. I am all in favor, but do wonder if you loose on seadays about 2 hours of the 10 hours you are allowed to work, so what has to give?.  Hopefully they have more middle management to take the slack as other company’s do.

Things that impressed us:

1. Food in the speciality restaurants. Of a very high standard but you have to pay for it of course. Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Italian, all very, very  good. Same as in the International Cafe, which is free of charge (you only have to pay for drinks), where you can get sandwiches and cakes.
2. The medallion. I wish that every company had something like that. No searching for a door key or cruise card. Plus when you order a drink, one’s name, cabin no. and cruise package comes up  on the tablet of the waitress /waiter when being approached.  And it is nice to be recognized with Sir Albert or Capt. Albert and Lady Lesley.
3. Embarkation in Southampton. This is the fastest we have seen in the last 10 years. 5 minutes from Taxi to Check in and 5 minutes from Check to going on board. Compliments.
4. Places to sit, except on sea days around the Atrium, we never had problems finding at seat. Even with 3920 guests on board.
5. Going ashore. Thanks to the medallion that goes very smooth and with 2 gangways out, there was never a long line.
6. Disembarkation went well, with the remark that they do self -disembark also in between the regular colour tags. That showed things down, bottle neck at the gangway and on the long pier sky bridge. With guests pulling, towing  large suitcases and being in the way of  those who had put their luggage outside the cabin.
7. Shows in the main theatre. Without any doubt, the best we have ever seen on the high seas. Even the show on the last evening, first performance ever, was pulled off without a glitch, and looked as if the cast already had several months of routine. Really, really impressive.
8. Service in the Concierge Lounge with nibbles and soft drinks all day long.  It is on par with the Holland America Neptune Lounge and that means very high standing.

Things for improvement:

1. Service in the restaurants.  In the three regular dining rooms it was not very personal, it felt like being on a conveyor belt with tables constantly being reset around you. The crew tried to be friendly but had not much time. Service in the speciality restaurants was slightly less speed driven but all the staff cut corners. Instead of the correct serving at the table, they all had invented short cuts, something one does not expect if there is an extra cover charge. One waitress forgot a drink for Lesley and when questioned, just announced “Oh I forgot” and did not even bother to apologise. So I had a word with the Maître.
2. Lectures. I understand that with only 2 sea days that has to be a bit limited, but there are 3 public “theatre” lounges so there is space. I was not impressed that the lecturer was put on at times when 3/4 of the ship was still in bed or at breakfast and his second performance was moved without advances warning.  Princess must we able to do better here, as they have cruises with a lot more seadays, so they have the routine.

Compliments to:

1. Waitress Judith, serving in the Crown Bar and in the International Cafe. Polite and friendly and always having a moment for a  personal chat.
2. Suite concierge ladies, Anna and Dorothy, very friendly and personal. That is their job but this felt genuine. Same for the 2 bar tenders who came in, during the free drinks period 1700 – 1900, for trying to get me drunk. I appreciated the attempt and it showed that they / Princess were not shrinking away from pouring a few extra free drinks. they kept everybody well lubricated.

I did not mention our cabin steward. He did his best, but I think he was just starting, as he was often checking his “perfect cabin setup manual” to get it right, but he is not here yet. But I have high hopes as he seemed to be keen and willing.

So in short: If I will sail again on a 4000+ guest ship, then I will choose Princess. It was on the whole very pleasant to be on board.

Thank you to all my readers, who follow the blog. Our next escape is on 7 August 2026 when we will make a 12 day cruise on the ms Aurora (from 2000) , the smallest and oldest ship of P&O Cruises. https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/aurora/overview