From soaking in the natural hot springs of Costa Rica to sleeping in a futuristic capsule hotel in Tokyo, I think it’s fair to say I’ve earned my stripes as a seasoned traveller.
But while I’ve been lucky enough to explore the far corners of the globe, my adventures haven’t come without a decent amount of travel stress. That was until I discovered a new way of jet-setting that completely changed the game – cruising.
After years of rushing between trains and flights, the idea of waking up in a new place every morning without having to lug a massive rucksack around seemed dreamy to say the least.
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And that stress-free getaway recently became a reality for me aboard the Sky Princess, a ship that mixes relaxation, convenience and fun.
The Sky Princess -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
I was lucky enough to spend a week on the Sky Princess in November, making stops at the beautiful cities of Lisbon, Seville, Cartagena and Barcelona. Though the destinations were incredible, what truly stood out to me was just how much cruising has evolved in recent years.
The most impressive thing about the 3,600-passenger ship – one of the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet – is its exclusive OceanMedallion technology.
The pocket-size Medallion smart device, which can be worn on a lanyard, bracelet or brooch, acts like your very own personal assistant – serving as a key, guide and concierge all rolled into one.
Our Medallions meant we could order food, drinks and services to our exact location on the ship – whether it was by the pool, in our room or lounging on the deck. We could even track the status of our orders which I found really useful.
Football from the jacuzzi on a cloudy sea day
But the Medallion’s features didn’t stop there. It automatically unlocked our cabin as we approached it, meaning there was no need to carry a key. It also allowed us to track each other’s whereabouts onboard – a real necessity given the mind-blowing size of the ship.
One of my favourite parts about the device was how it synced to the Princess Cruises app, meaning we could manage everything from making dinner reservations to creating daily itineraries right at our fingertips.
All hands on deck
There were a few sea days during our trip, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore everything the cruise ship had to offer.
Looking down from the SeaWalk -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
There are a wide range of activities suited to all ages aboard the ship – from watching live shows at the Princess Theatre to strolling across the thrilling glass-bottomed SeaWalk – meaning it’s basically impossible to get bored.
Silent disco time -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
Those who prefer something a little more low key can grab a blanket and some popcorn and watch a movie under the stars on the top deck.
If you love wellness like me, there’s also the Lotus Spa for all your relaxation needs – whether you’re after a deep tissue massage or a rejuvenating facial.
Run with a view -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
There’s also a wonderful fitness centre for those looking to balance out indulgent meals from the buffet. We were impressed by how modern and clean it was and the panoramic ocean views from the treadmill made our runs a little bit more bearable.
One of our favourite activities aboard was the cocktail demonstration at one of the many bars in The Piazza, a central space on the ship that’s a hub of thriving activity.
Cocktail classes
Led by the ship’s expert bartenders, the session was a fun and engaging way to dive into the art of mixology. We enjoyed watching the step-by-step creations of both signature and classic cocktails – even having the opportunity to try some of the finished drinks.
Another highlight was laughing along at the Josh Daniels show while enjoying even more cocktails in the Vista Lounge, the intimate setting making for a perfect evening of comedy.
Comedy and you guessed it… more cocktails! -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
My Sky Princess journey also coincided with a special treat – the Good Food Show at Sea. This first-of-its-kind event brought the magic of the UK’s culinary show to the waves – and it was a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Renowned chefs including John Torode and partner Lisa Faulkner took to the stage throughout the week, whipping up incredible dishes and sharing tips in a series of live cookery demonstrations.
John Torode of MasterChef -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
And it wasn’t just about watching the pros. Guests could join in on tutored tastings, master the art of cocktail-making in hands-on classes and dive deep into the flavours of the regions we were visiting.
Watching a Good Food Show Q&A -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
The food
But let’s get to the real highlight of cruising – the food. When it comes to dining, Sky Princess offers so much choice it almost feels overwhelming.
Not only is there the huge World Fresh Marketplace buffet restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are also a whole other host of eateries to tantalise your tastebuds.
Sweet treats at the International Café -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
Let’s start with breakfast. The buffet could feel a little busy in the mornings – especially on sea days – but there are also dining room options with smaller breakfast menus in a more formal setting.
Whether you love a fry-up or have more of a sweet tooth, there were options ranging from the classic English and American breakfast items to pancakes and waffles.
While I’m not huge breakfast fan, the fresh juice bar quickly became my daily go-to. I was there so often watching the fruit and veggies blended fresh to order I’d be surprised if the staff didn’t recognise me by the end of the trip.
The juice bar, my favourite -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
As a vegetarian, I’m always a little apprehensive about what options will be available for me on holiday. I’m all too used to sticking to chips, bread and cheese while abroad.
But I needn’t worry aboard the Sky Princess. I was simply blown away by the vast scale of choice at the World Fresh Marketplace – with meat-free options ranging from vegan burgers to plant-based chicken schnitzels.
Crème brûlée cheesecake… yum! -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
For those feeling fancy, there are a range of speciality restaurants bound to satisfy all cravings like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill steakhouse and the seafood-focused Catch by Rudi.
Each meal truly felt like a special event, made even more special by the incredibly friendly and attentive staff who were genuinely invested in making every dining experience memorable.
Burrata caprese -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
We were lucky enough to dine at all three – Sabatini’s being a firm favourite of mine. My dishes included burrata caprese, trofie con pesto fatto in casa, porcini mushroom risotto, some kind of chocolate explosion and a few glasses of merlot to complement the dishes. It’s safe to say I had to go and lie down afterwards.
And it would be rude not to mention the casual bites. Whether you’re craving a slice of New York-style pizza, a juicy burger or a scoop of creamy gelato, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
I’m sure I’m not the only non-meat eater who isn’t a fan of mushy vegetable burgers, which are often the only vegetarian option available on fast-food menus.
Trofie con pesto fatto in casa, or posh pesto pasta -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
So I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered Beyond Meat burgers at The Salty Dog Grill – complete with a topping station where I could pile on as many gherkins as my heart desired. Spoiler alert: it was a lot.
The destinations
Lisbon
We docked at Lisbon at 8am after two relaxing days at sea. Sadly, we only had until 1.30pm in the Portuguese capital as we needed to set sail for our next destination, so we disembarked early to make the most of our time in the city.
I’ve wanted to visit Lisbon for a while and it lived up to all my expectations. Even though it poured down with rain the entire time we were there – the sun only coming out during our walk back to the ship – the city was vibrant, charming and full of colourful buildings.
Watching the old trams trundle by was definitely a highlight for me, but I also loved just strolling through the quaint cobblestone streets of Alfama.
Lisbon -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
We made our way up to São Jorge Castle where we soaked in the incredible views, enjoyed a few local beers and indulged in my favourite holiday activity – rummaging through the charity shops.
Seville
Our next stop was Seville – my all-time favourite Spanish city. Having visited Seville before and completely falling in love with the place, I couldn’t wait to go back.
Brimming with history and culture, Seville is a city where Spanish charm meets modern vibrancy – and it’s very, very hot.
Seville -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
We joined a full-day Princess excursion which took us from Cádiz to Seville. While ports aren’t usually known for their beauty, I was surprised by how picturesque Cádiz looked as we made the scenic 1.5-hour drive through the countryside.
The first stop on our “Best of Seville” tour took us to the Cathedral of Seville, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
We explored its stunning interior filled with art and history before enjoying the peaceful Patio de los Naranjos, or Orange Tree Courtyard.
The tour then continued through the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville’s old Jewish quarter known for its narrow, winding streets and whitewashed buildings.
We also visited the Casa de Pilatos, a 15th-century palace known for its beautiful blend of architectural styles and impressive collection of decorative tiles.
Seville -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
My favourite part of the tour was stepping into the gardens of Casa de Pilatos. The mix of lush greenery, vibrant flowers and elegant water fountains was mesmerising. It was the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty and I could have easily spent the whole day there soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
We enjoyed a three-course lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the iconic Plaza de España. The magnificent landmark is known for its elegant bridges, picturesque canal and grand architecture.
The visit was brief and it would have been nice to stay at the square a little longer so we could take a boat ride along the canal, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Cartagena
I must admit I’d never heard of Cartagena before this trip, but it turned out to be a great city to explore – especially with the dock just a short walk away which is always appreciated.
A mix of ancient ruins, medieval buildings and modern architecture, it was really cool to wander through sites like the Roman Theatre and the Punic Wall.
We also visited the Castillo de la Concepción where we were treated to panoramic views of the city and harbour.
Cartagena -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
The timing was perfect as our visit coincided with the Cartagena Medieval Market, an event held from November 8 to 10. The vibrant festival transformed the city’s historic centre into a medieval village, complete with market stalls, live performances and re-enactments. It was an immersive experience that really brought Cartagena’s medieval history to life and added a special touch to our visit.
Barcelona
Although I’ve visited Barcelona a few times before, I think it’s one of those places that just never gets boring. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of marvelling at the Gothic architecture and strolling down the iconic Las Ramblas.
Although the Port of Barcelona isn’t too far from the city’s hustle and bustle, Princess offers a shuttle bus for convenient travel to the lower end of Las Ramblas.
We spent the day walking through the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter, the winding alleyways steeped in history with some dating back to the Roman times.
Barcelona -Credit:Paige Oldfield / MEN
We hopped in and out of the bars and cafes dotted along the maze-like pathways, enjoying a baguette from our favourite sandwich shop Conesa Entrepans along the way.
Before heading back to the ship, we actually took a Metro train to FC Barcelona’s iconic football stadium Camp Nou – completely forgetting it’s currently closed for major renovations.
While we disembarked the ship at Barcelona and enjoyed a one-week trip, the cruise continued for another seven days, stopping off at Malaga, Gibraltar and A Coruña.
A trip to remember
Sadly, the stop in Barcelona marked the end of my Princess Cruises trip – one that was nothing short of an unforgettable experience.
The service provided by the crew was impeccable, the staff always going above and beyond to make every guest feel special and well-cared for.
The entertainment on board was equally impressive – with nightly shows, live music and activities that kept everyone engaged and entertained throughout the journey.
The destinations were also incredible, each port offering its own unique charm.
It was a trip that balanced luxury with adventure, making it a fantastic choice for any traveller looking to enjoy relaxation and discovery. I certainly don’t think it’ll be my last.
Travel Factfile
Paige was a guest of Princess Cruises, where fares start from £799 per person for an inside cabin on Princess Standard. Paige’s balcony cabin with the Princess Premier package – including Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, unlimited drinks package up to $20 each, unlimited juice bar, unlimited fitness classes, a photo package, speciality dining and more – costs £2,349 per person.
Princess Cruises can be boarded from Southampton, just under a four hour drive from Manchester. Paige opted for a train, which took just over four hours from Manchester Piccadilly.
To book a cruise with Princess, visit www.princess.com, call 0344 3388 663, or speak with a professional travel agent.