Sky Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Sky Princess

    Star Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Star Princess

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    Ship Comparison

    Sky Princess vs Star Princess

    Sky Princess offers a refined, balanced cruise blending tradition with modern touches, while Star Princess promises a grand, innovative mega-ship experience focused on light, views, and cutting-edge amenities.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Sky Princess and Star Princess truly comes down to the style of contemporary cruising you prefer. Sky Princess, launched in 2019, successfully marries Princess Cruises' cherished traditions with thoughtful modern amenities. It offers a comfortable, elegant atmosphere that feels balanced between relaxation and lively fun, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a slightly more classic, yet updated, cruise experience. The dining is consistently good, and the entertainment is engaging, catering to a wide range of tastes without feeling overwhelming. Star Princess, set to launch in 2025, represents the next evolution for the line, embracing a larger scale and more innovative design. It's built for those who gravitate towards cutting-edge features, dynamic spaces, and a bustling, yet classy, social environment. While its sheer size and layout might require a bit more navigation, the ship's focus on light, expansive views, and new dining and entertainment concepts like The Dome and Spellbound promises a fresh and exciting voyage. Both ships uphold Princess's commitment to comfort and quality, but Star Princess leans into grander, more immersive experiences, while Sky Princess perfects the modern mainstream ship.

    Choose Sky Princess if…

    Travelers who appreciate a blend of traditional elegance and modern comforts, seeking a balanced cruise experience with diverse dining and vibrant entertainment in a rarely crowded environment.

    Best for

    • Travelers seeking a balance of traditional and modern cruising.
    • Families with teens and tweens looking for engaging activities.
    • Guests who appreciate attentive service in a rarely crowded environment.
    • Cruisers who enjoy diverse dining options, including specialty Italian and steakhouse venues.

    Avoid if

    • Those who prefer a smaller, more intimate ship experience.
    • Guests who dislike occasional 'buggy' technology, even if it's innovative.
    • Travelers sensitive to potential noise from public areas in certain cabins.
    • Individuals seeking extensive dedicated kid-friendly pool features.

    Choose Star Princess if…

    Cruisers eager for the latest innovations in ship design, who enjoy a lively social atmosphere, cutting-edge entertainment, and exclusive premium amenities on a larger, more modern vessel.

    Best for

    • Cruisers who prioritize cutting-edge ship design and innovation.
    • Guests who enjoy a lively social atmosphere and unique entertainment venues.
    • Travelers seeking premium amenities and exclusive access through suite categories.
    • Food enthusiasts eager to try new specialty dining concepts like Umai Teppanyaki and Love by Britto.

    Avoid if

    • Guests who prefer a small ship with easy navigation.
    • Those who dislike potentially crowded buffet areas.
    • Travelers sensitive to privacy concerns in specific cabin categories like Cabana Mini-Suites.
    • Budget-conscious cruisers, as premium perks come with an upcharge.

    Overall Vibe

    Sky Princess

    Launched in 2019, Sky Princess, a modern mainstream large ship spanning 16 decks, offers a sophisticated yet comfortable environment. Its decor is largely neutral, contributing to a timeless feel that balances opportunities for quiet relaxation with lively activities. The ship excels at blending cherished Princess traditions with contemporary features, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh. It's a vessel designed for those who appreciate elegance without excessive formality, providing ample space and diverse offerings for a well-rounded cruise.

    Star Princess

    As a new Sphere-class mega-ship launching in 2025, Star Princess presents a grand and innovative experience across its 18 decks. The vibe is decidedly classy yet casual, with a focus on light-infused spaces and dynamic ocean views, especially within its next-generation Piazza and The Dome. While larger, the ship maintains a comfortable and inviting ambiance, promising a blend of sophistication and modern leisure. It's built for cruisers looking for the latest in ship design and onboard offerings, with plenty of opportunities for both energetic engagement and relaxed enjoyment.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Sky Princess

    Carrying up to 3,660 guests with a dedicated crew of 1,346, Sky Princess generally maintains an elegant and balanced atmosphere that rarely feels overcrowded. The guest-to-crew ratio fosters attentive service, contributing to a relaxed yet engaging environment. It tends to attract a wide demographic, from Gen Xers to seasoned cruisers, and is also well-suited for families with teens and tweens. While there's plenty of lively entertainment, guests can also find quiet corners for peaceful moments, striking a pleasant balance throughout the voyage.

    Star Princess

    With a capacity for 4,300 guests and a crew of 1,200, Star Princess is a larger vessel that still aims for a classy yet casual atmosphere. While the ship offers a lively social scene, especially in its bustling three-deck-high Piazza, some areas like The Eatery buffet can feel packed during peak times. The ship’s design encourages exploration, though navigation can be challenging. Despite its size, the focus remains on comfort and a vibrant experience, appealing to those who enjoy a bustling environment with diverse activities.

    Dining

    Sky Princess

    Dining on Sky Princess offers a wide array of options, balancing included venues with specialty experiences. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals at the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, Salty Dog Grill for poolside burgers, Slice Pizzeria, and the 24-hour International Cafe. The three main dining rooms—Soleil, Cielo, and Estrella—offer international cuisine, with the Estrella also featuring an exclusive Club Class Dining section. For an additional cost, options like Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill steakhouse, Bistro Sur La Mer, Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, Alfredo's Pizzeria, and the intimate Chef's Table Lumiere provide diverse culinary journeys.

    Star Princess

    Star Princess elevates its dining with both familiar favorites and innovative new venues. Complimentary choices include The Eatery buffet, the Americana Diner for classic comfort food, and the main dining rooms (Soleil, Eclipse, Aurora). Guests can also enjoy free Neapolitan pizza at Alfredo's and pub fare at the expanded O'Malley's. Specialty dining, available for an additional cost, features Umai Teppanyaki for an interactive Asian experience, The Catch by Rudi for seafood, The Butcher's Block by Dario for premium steaks, and the highly praised Love by Britto with its creative three-course meals.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Sky Princess

    Evenings on Sky Princess are filled with vibrant entertainment. The Princess Theatre hosts lavish musical productions like "Rock Opera" and the high-tech "5-SKIES," alongside guest acts such as magicians and comedians. For interactive fun, Princess Live! offers game shows and live concerts. Guests can also enjoy movies under the stars on the main pool deck. Live jazz can be found at Take Five, while the Vegas Style Casino provides gaming excitement. The multi-level Piazza serves as a lively hub with roving performers and live music throughout the day and into the night.

    Star Princess

    Star Princess introduces innovative entertainment spaces, including the Princess Arena, a technologically advanced venue with configurable staging for shows like "Meridian." The Dome, a first-of-its-kind glass-enclosed space, transforms from a relaxed pool area by day into a vibrant entertainment venue by night, hosting unique experiences like the Candlelight Concert Series. Princess Live! offers trivia and game shows, while the Princess Casino provides gaming. The ship also features Spellbound by Magic Castle, an immersive magic show and speakeasy, and lively social hubs like The Piazza with varied live music.

    Cabins & Suites

    Sky Princess

    Sky Princess offers 1,830 cabins across its decks, ranging from interior rooms (approx. 158-162 sq ft) to the expansive Sky Suites (approx. 1,873 sq ft). Standard cabins feature comfortable queen or twin beds, USB chargers, mini-fridges, and interactive flat-screen TVs. Mini-Suites (approx. 323 sq ft) provide more space with a separate sitting area and bathtub. The Reserve Collection Mini-Suites add exclusive dining and perks. Full Suites, including Penthouse and Owner's Suites, offer enhanced amenities and priority services. Guests should note potential noise from public areas on Decks 8 and 15, and some obstructed balcony views.

    Star Princess

    Star Princess offers a variety of comfortable and exceptionally quiet accommodations, with 2,150 cabins available for guests. Interior rooms (approx. 136-145 sq ft) are noted as smaller than on comparable ships, while Deluxe Balcony (approx. 235 sq ft) and Mini-Suites (approx. 303 sq ft) offer more space. A unique Cabana Mini-Suite (approx. 329 sq ft) features a private cabana and access to an exclusive deck, though privacy concerns exist due to its shared outdoor space. Signature Collection Suites provide premium amenities and access to dedicated dining and lounge areas, enhancing the luxury experience.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Sky Princess

    The onboard style of Sky Princess is characterized by an elegant yet modern aesthetic, featuring neutral-based decor that contributes to a timeless appeal. Service is generally attentive, with a good crew-to-guest ratio supporting a personalized experience. The innovative OceanMedallion technology aims to streamline services, from room access to drink delivery, though some guests have noted occasional "buggy" functionality. Overall, the ship strikes a balance between contemporary convenience and the refined, traditional cruising Princess is known for, providing a comfortable and well-appointed environment.

    Star Princess

    Star Princess boasts a sophisticated yet casual onboard style, with tasteful neutral decor prevalent in its dining rooms and lounges. The ship champions the Princess app and Medallion device, offering a highly functional and seamless digital experience for guests. While the layout of this mega-ship can be challenging to navigate, leading to some exploration to find venues, the crew strives for comfort. The ship’s emphasis on exclusive areas for Signature Collection guests, like the Signature Suite Lounge and Sun Deck, elevates the personalized service for those seeking a premium experience.

    Best Itineraries

    Sky Princess

    Sky Princess is well-suited for diverse itineraries, with its "Discovery at Sea Programmes" and mentions of "Glacier Bay Jr. Ranger programmes" suggesting routes to Alaska. The presence of a "Princess Cays bungalow" perk for Sky Suite guests also points towards Caribbean voyages. Its balanced blend of relaxation and entertainment makes it a fitting choice for those looking to explore a variety of destinations while enjoying a comprehensive onboard experience, from educational talks to festive top-deck parties.

    Star Princess

    As a ship "designed to bring you to the world," Star Princess is poised for wide-ranging itineraries. Its innovative design, including The Dome which serves as a "glassed-in viewing area for destinations like Alaska," strongly suggests this region as a prime offering. The ship’s array of dining and entertainment options are built to enhance the journey, regardless of destination. With its larger capacity and modern amenities, it's an excellent choice for cruisers seeking a contemporary and comfortable base from which to explore various global locales.

    What reviewers say

    Sky Princess

    4.5/5

    Sky Princess successfully blends Princess Cruises' cherished traditions with modern amenities and entertainment, appealing to a broad range of travelers. It offers excellent dining and vibrant evening shows, making it a lovely contemporary choice for a cruise vacation.

    Star Princess

    4/5

    A classy but casual ship where you can bank on comfort at the end of the day, with plenty to do from dawn til dusk, though you'll likely get lost trying to get around.

    Itineraries to compare

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