The 270-degree views from the wraparound Sky Suite balcony on Princess Cruises' new Sky Princess are simply stunning, especially the view over the pool deck from the suite's high perch. Travel Agent toured the two-bedroom suite, #S310, one of two such Deck 18 suites; both can accommodate up to five guests.
Princess describes the exterior balconies as the largest at sea. The balcony for #S310 on the starboard side is slightly larger at 1,012 square feet than the 947-square-foot balcony of the other Sky Suite, #S309, on the port side.
In terms of total square footage -- both inside and outside space -- the premium line's website gives varying totals ranging from 1,500 square feet to more than 1,800 square feet.
Travel Agent toured this suite late last week during a three-day, pre-christening sailing roundtrip from Port Everglades, FL, to Princess Cays in the Bahamas.
A Suite With a View
Accessible via sliding glass doors from both bedrooms and the living room area, the balcony has two prime views. Along a long railing on the ship’s starboard side, guests can look out to the sea or a destination, if in port.
For many, though, the most spectacular viewing perspective is that from the balcony’s forward area. From here, guests can look across the full beam of the ship, the pool and the massive outdoor movie screen used for “Movies Under the Stars.” (See photo above.)
This private outdoor retreat is a normal width on the forward portion facing the pool deck, but then makes a curve around the starboard side.
Here there's more space that includes a table for four and a high-top table and two chairs before the exterior space fans out into a large patio, great for sunning with two padded sun loungers, a clamshell day bed and more. (See photo below)
The balcony space also has a mini-refrigerator, large exterior HD TV and a deluxe telescope for stargazing at sea.
Interior Spaces
While this is Princess’ largest suite at sea and has two full bedrooms, nice dressing areas, plenty of storage and two full bathrooms, the interior living space in the "living room" is best described as modest. (See photos in slide show above.)
That said, guests can comfortably relax here with a chair, coffee table and couch (which also can accommodate a fifth guest for sleeping). Across the room is a credenza and a large, wall-mounted flatscreen TV (one of four total in the suite, three inside and one outside).
An artistic lattice-like panel separates the living room area from the dining area; here guests will find a round table, four chairs, a wet bar, a Nespresso machine and a mini-refrigerator.
Two-Bedroom Enclave
On opposite sides of the living area are two bedrooms, both with attractive decor, large flatscreen TVs and a Princess Luxury Bed. Now on ships throughout the fleet, this bedding was developed in collaboration with board-certified sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus.
It includes a scientifically engineered mattress and bed springs, a plush two-inch pillow top, European-inspired duvets and 100 percent Jacquard-woven linens.
The master bedroom also has a spacious dressing area, closet and vanity/desk. The master bathroom has a toilet, shower, whirlpool bathtub, double sinks, marble countertops and floors and a separate rainforest shower.
The second bedroom has a lounge chair and ottoman, plus a closet, writing desk and a private bathroom with a separate shower.
Both bedrooms have full-length mirrors; luxurious linens; upgraded bathrobes and slippers; and luxury bathroom amenities.
Service and Perks
The service begins before the cruise when Sky Suite guests can utilize the services of a pre-cruise shoreside concierge. Guests also have a seamless curb-to-suite experience; they’re met before boarding and escorted to their suite.
Throughout the cruise, the suite experience manager (a dedicated butler/concierge, essentially) will provide personalized, customized service, based on guest needs. Among those services, guests can enjoy both in-suite and al fresco balcony dining for breakfast and dinner.
In addition, cruisers will have reserved Princess Theater seating; complimentary access to The Enclave; a reserved Princess Cays bungalow in the Bahamas; two full bottles and mixers for a bar set-up; a complimentary wine tasting session with the maître d’; and a private shopping concierge to consult.
Stay tuned here in the next week for a look at the three new production shows on Sky Princess.
Related Stories
Cruise Ship Preview: Seabourn Venture’s Bow Lounge
Cruise and Maritime Voyages Acquires Two Ships