Muddy Stilettos


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="607" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-10-at-11.38.37-1-1000x607.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62151" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-10-at-11.38.37-1-1000x607.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-10-at-11.38.37-1-600x364.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-10-at-11.38.37-1-864x525.png 864w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-10-at-11.38.37-1.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Sky Princess: it floats our boat</figcaption></figure>



<p>Always thought cruising was for the maturer traveller? It might be time to think again as cruise companies crack bottles on the sides of ever more elaborate, high-tech ships furnished with nightclubs, spas and bars aimed at a younger market. </p>



<p>Intrigued (and also tempted by the bargain prices right now), Muddy tentatively stepped aboard Princess&#8217; cruises latest floating hotel for a week-long jaunt to Spain and France, stopping off at Guernsey, La Rochelle, Bilbao and La Coruna. Launched in 2019, just before the pandemic hit and halted all holidays, <a href="https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/yp-sky-princess/">Sky Princess</a> is a premium cruise ship so large, it’s a bit of a shock when you first see it docked in Southampton. The good news is it’s back in business and still feels sparkly and new. Thanks to super slick MedallionClass technology and a super service-orientated crew, it’s designed to cater to your every whim (which we put to the test in the name of research).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Piazza-Sky-Princess-13-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62387" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Piazza-Sky-Princess-13-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Piazza-Sky-Princess-13-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Piazza-Sky-Princess-13-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Piazza-Sky-Princess-13.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Think Dubai shopping mall meets luxury hotel, filled with a diverse mix of people (3,000+) you rarely encounter down the village shop. The ship is more like a small town with a mind boggling amount of things to do: 16 cafes and restaurants, 12 bars, four swimming pools, a cool Sanctuary zone, nightclub, Movies Under The Stars (a giant, poolside screen in an outdoor amphitheatre), theatre. *pause for breath* sun decks, hot tubs, yoga spaces, outdoor running tracks, kids clubs, basketball courts and crazy golf on the top deck. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lotus-Spas-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62389" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lotus-Spas-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lotus-Spas-4-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lotus-Spas-4-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lotus-Spas-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Get pampered in the Lotus Spa</figcaption></figure>



<p>We gravitated towards the delicious-smelling Lotus Spa, which offered so many treatments it raised our stress levels just trying to choose, luckily a massage worked its magic and we were soon back in holiday mode. If you want to return home looking more relaxed and younger than when you set off without anyone quite knowing why, opt for a bit of non-invasive surgery provided by a bona fide doctor, hit the spa’s teeth whitening service, try the tummy flattening workshop and join sessions with the weight loss coach. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/princess-theater-1-1600-1000x563.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62152" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/princess-theater-1-1600-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/princess-theater-1-1600-600x338.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/princess-theater-1-1600-900x506.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/princess-theater-1-1600.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Entertainment West End-style</figcaption></figure>



<p>Travelling solo? Not a problem with singles get-togethers, cocktail and cooking demos, quiz and bingo nights, a knitting and natter club and West End-style theatre shows to keep you entertained. In short, nobody could be bored aboard the Sky Princess. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BETWEEN THE SHEETS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="580" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-8-1000x580.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62398" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-8-1000x580.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-8-600x348.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-8-900x522.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>One of the two Sky Suites on board</figcaption></figure>



<p>Cruising excels in the bedroom. Depending on the price point, your stateroom can have a balcony, lounge or even a personal concierge. Beautifully designed, our Mini-Suite was accessed via the clever Medallion, a revolutionary wearable device, enabling seamless entry (no more losing your key card) with contactless payment and the ability to order food and drink from anywhere on the ship at the touch of a button. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221008-WA0010.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62153" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221008-WA0010.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221008-WA0010-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221008-WA0010-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221008-WA0010-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Muddy&#8217;s balcony view </figcaption></figure>



<p>We had a balcony with ever-changing sea views, an en-suite bathroom, and not one but two large-screen flat-screen TVs with a handy sofa for when you need to hit the Netflix. The beds were super squishy with hotel-level sheets. And an abundance of USB ports meant no more snarky comments about whose phone is on the lowest percentage. A highlight was the Ultimate Breakfast at Sea delivered to our balcony ensuring we’d had our entire calorie allocation for the day before leaving our room. The room service was simply perfect &#8211; Freddie &#8211; shout out to you! You were amazing!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="662" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Soleil-Dining-Room-Sky-Princess-2-1000x662.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62396" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Soleil-Dining-Room-Sky-Princess-2-1000x662.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Soleil-Dining-Room-Sky-Princess-2-600x397.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Soleil-Dining-Room-Sky-Princess-2-793x525.jpg 793w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Soleil-Dining-Room-Sky-Princess-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Soleil Restaurant</figcaption></figure>



<p>You are never further than a few feet from some good scoff and a cocktail on the Sky Princess. Food is BIG on cruises and we had more than sixteen eateries to choose from, including gourmet dining rooms, sushi bars, buffets, pizzerias and international cafes. There are also 12 bars:&nbsp;schlurp a cocktail in a hot tub, sip a cocktail with live jazz or savour fine wines from around the world. And if you choose the Princess Plus package everything is included, so you can literally cruise the bar and restaurants too. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Bistro-Sur-La-Mer-4-1000x563.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Bistro-Sur-La-Mer-4-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Bistro-Sur-La-Mer-4-600x338.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Bistro-Sur-La-Mer-4-900x506.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Bistro-Sur-La-Mer-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Bistro Sur La Mer </figcaption></figure>



<p>We dined at Bistro Sur La Mer ($29pp cover charge), a French bistro with a ‘land and sea’ menu (the French Martini kicked things off très bien), Sabatinis, a five-course Italian ($25pp cover charge), the elegant Soleil Dining Room (included), super lux Winemakers Table ($40pp cover charge) and the award-winning Crown Grill (try the boot-filling surf and turf, $29pp cover charge). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">IN THE KNOW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="642" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-7-1000x642.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-7-1000x642.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-7-600x385.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-7-818x525.jpg 818w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sky-Princess-Sky-Suite-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you can stretch to it, book a Mini-Suite &#8211; there’s bags of space (over 50% more), a lovely balcony overlooking the sea (or a beautiful shore at times!), two TVs and a lounge where you can snooze, stretch out and relax</p>



<p>Book the Princess Plus or Premier package for included Wifi, crew appreciation and unlimited drinks (up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day) and all the food you can eat without the daily bills…</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-1000x563.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-62166" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-600x338.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-900x506.jpeg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Afternoon tea and chill </figcaption></figure>



<p>For a lux chill out vibe, nab a cabana at The Sanctuary &#8211; the ocean view hot tub and afternoon tea will get you sooooo de-stressed…</p>



<p>Make sure you check out the complimentary West End-style shows, night club and live jazz evenings &#8211; all included in your cruise.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Movies-Under-The-Stars-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Movies-Under-The-Stars-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Movies-Under-The-Stars-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Movies-Under-The-Stars-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Movies-Under-The-Stars.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Movies Under the Stars</figcaption></figure>



<p>Don’t miss: Movies Under The Stars &#8211; pick a cosy blanket, snug sofa, your fave tipple then watch your favourite flicks on a giant screen. Magical. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0018-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62163" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0018-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0018-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0018-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0018.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Bonkers art in Bilbao </figcaption></figure>



<p>Book some shore trips &#8211; we tried Bilbao (gawk at the slightly bonkers but brilliant Guggenheim) and Ile De Re/La Rochelle (seaside French loveliness and a cafe au lait by the sea) and Santiago De Compostela (remember the Camino Trail &#8211; this is the end of it) featuring cathedrals and more relics that you can shake a (walking) stick at!</p>



<p>Pack at least two of your fave fab dresses for ‘Formal nights’. The great news is there’s no limit on suitcases &#8211; so you can get that ballgown in if you really want!&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pack your bikini in your hand luggage, so you can hit the hot tub while waiting for the concierge to bring your bag aboard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0006-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62162" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0006-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0006-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0006-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20221010-WA0006.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sky Princess is great value for money, offering unparalleled choice so you can tailor your cruise to exactly the kind of trip you want. The key is to plan ahead &#8211; using a MedallionClass App you can book the best shore excursions, spa treatments and restaurants before you even get on the ship.</p>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>:</p>



<ul><li>If you want a luxury travel experience with all the trimmings where you go to interesting new places every day, without having to pack and unpack &#8211; this is for you.</li><li>A multi-generational trip. Take the kids AND mum and dad &#8211; cruising has something for everyone, and it’s easy to get everyone on board.</li><li>A girl&#8217;s trip to remember. You can hit the hot tub, bar, spa and nightclubs, without trekking round a random Spanish town, breaking heels and losing your purse. Fun without the hassle!</li><li>Those with mobility issues.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Not good for</strong>:</p>



<ul><li>If you like to get deep into the culture of a place or like the experience of independent travelling, and don’t like being too organised or part of a group trip.&nbsp;</li><li>If you prefer to holiday only with people you know and don&#8217;t want to get too social, cruising may not be for you. Cruising is a shared experience &#8211; talking to people is part of it.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOW MUCH? </h2>



<p>Cruise prices for the same voyage as ours in 2023 range from £699 per person per week for an interior stateroom to £3699 per person per week for a super luxurious Sky Suite. Muddy stayed in a Mini-Suite which currently costs £1099 per person, with a Princess Plus package for £40 per person per day, enabling us to enjoy all dining and food, entertainment, unlimited drinks up to 12 dollars, access to the kids club, Wi-Fi and tips, which we thought was great value. </p>



<p><strong>Future destinations&#8230;&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>On the super-tempting cruise menu for <a href="https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/yp-sky-princess/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/yp-sky-princess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Princess</a> next year are The Canary Islands, Portugal and Tenerife, Spain and France, The Baltics, Scandinavia, Norwegian Fjords, Norway and Iceland,&nbsp; Mediterranean, Canada and New England. Book now for next year&#8217;s best deals!</p>


Cool to cruise? Muddy steps aboard the Sky Princess to find out…

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