Sky Princess Review

Reviewing cruises is challenging as they are floating cities. Activities and amenities appeal to different kinds of people. For example, the quality of the casino or art gallery is of no interest to me. Instead, I am going to review the Sky Princess based on our objectives for this vacation… There are tons of reviews, YouTube video, etc. if you are looking for a more holistic review.

Our Objectives

Have fun family time with Maurius
Teen program for Marius who likes to socialize….why?
Quiet spaces for Matt and I who do not like to socialize….bliss!
Relaxing options
Good Food
Good Service
Good Gym

Did the Sky Princess Deliver?

The Boat

This is where I am just not an expert as some of you are. To me most cruise ships generally look and feel the same while offering similar amenities. No doubt the quality of these amenities differ but there are restaurants, specialty restaurants, pools, hot tubs, buffets, casinos, theaters, bars, more bars, white trash, boomers, annoying kids, shows, more bars, etc.

Atrium

People like this??

This is way better

Overall, the boat was very nice and possessed these things.

Our Room

We booked this cruise before Marius arrived from France so we purposely booked a suite knowing there would be 2 separate sleeping spaces. Our room was enormous and quite nice located at the very front of the ship which was a cool vantage point. Our bathroom had a separate tub and shower which I did not know were things on a cruise.

We had a separate living room with a pull-out sofa for Marius and a large private balcony. This was a large, excellent space for Matt and I to have quiet time and the large private balcony ensured we could get sun without the people or loud music up on the Lido deck.

Living room

Entry to bedroom

Bedroom

Suite Perks

Booking a suite also entitled (and we love being entitled) to many perks those downstairs on the Titanic errr nice people, do not get.

Priority boarding and disembarkation
Private concierge lounge
Free Specialty dining
Free drink package
Gratuities
Free laundry (amazing)
Daily canapes
Free food and beverage delivery anywhere on the boat

There were more perks, but you get the idea.

Private Lounge

The Food

I haven’t cruised in a long time (outside my mini one with mom). I would say the buffet was fine, the main dining room was good, but not great and the specialty dining was very good but not earth shattering like some like to pretend it is. The reality is food is never going to be the best on a massive cruise. Going to a small village in Italy will always be better.

Steakhouse, specialty restaurant

Mr. Sleepy demanded room service breakfast each morning

The Service

Overall, the service was very good. I had very minor feedback at one point and the food director called us to discuss which was not necessary but liked that they were proactive. The maître d in the main dining room even offered us complimentary filet or lobster due to my feedback and we declined as it was not necessary. Otherwise, when there are thousands of staff on the boat, some are better than others, but overall we were very happy with the levels of service.

Spa

Matt and I had multiple treatments done at the spa. The treatments were great, but the sales pitch at the end was annoying after a relaxing experience.

Gym

The gym was excellent and well stocked with weights and cardio machines. My workout routine was not interrupted at all, and the staff did a good job keeping it clean and asking kids to leave 😊.

Shows

Didn’t go to one. Sorry, boomers. After dinner, Marius socialized in the teen center while Matt and I went back to our room for introvert time.

Teen Center

Marius had nothing but good things to say about it and the staff.

Clientele

Our biggest issue with cruises is the people. We live in Maine and our favorite destinations in the world are Buzios, Montepulciano and the Maldives. What do these places have in common? There are no people.

Cruises are full of people, most of them are annoying. Princess cruises bring an older crowd which does have its perks as the drunkenness was minimal. However, people are annoying.

Overall

As I said, this is difficult because we are not really cruise people and I don’t have much to compare this too, so I am going to bring back my objectives and rate how well the Star Princess did in meeting them.

Have fun family time with Maurius 5/5
- We had such a wonderful time with Marius and will cherish the memories
Teen program for Marius who likes to socialize 5/5
- Sadly no one could ever be as popular as Brian and I (LOL) at his age, but Marius made tons of friends quickly!
Quiet spaces for Matt and I who do not like to socialize….bliss! 3/5
- Our suite checked this box, but be careful. Cruises are not really for quiet time.
Relaxing options 3/5
- The spa was good, but not great. There were a few quiet areas on the deck but all it took was one boomer on the phone to ruin that, and they frequently did 😊
Good Food 3/5
- Don’t let this rating scare you, a 5/5 would be the best restaurant in the world, which these were not. The food was totally fine and even good. However, Matt and I prioritize food for our travels so we care more than many.
Good Service 4/5
- Minor slips, but overall very good.
Good Gym 5/5

Final Thoughts

Cruises are quite peculiar in general. What I tell people is the floor is high, but the ceiling is low. What I mean by that is there is something for everyone, but it will never be the best vacation ever, yet it will never be the worst as there is enough good going on for everyone.

Yet despite what seems like a tough review, we already booked our next Princess cruise for summer of 26. They must be doing something right.