A new constellation of satellites will ensure passengers remain connected at high-speed whilst broadway style shows and jazz clubs offer entertainment options for all.
As cruising returns after a year of uncertainty cruise lines are working to attract both returning and first time cruisers. Princess Cruises have been busy preparing and promoting their offerings to excite and entice those thinking of taking a UK-only cruise this Summer.
MedallionNet internet access
The cruise line has been investing heavily in their IT infrastructure in the past couple of years, keeping up with consumer demand for a more connected and personalised cruise experience, and that has only increased in the past twelve months.
Upon return to service, every Princess cruise ship in the global fleet will feature land-like connectivity as part of its MedallionNet Wi-Fi service. This improved service allows guests to take part in remote working and distance learning, to FaceTime back home or even stream their favourite shows from online platforms like Netflix. This has been made possible through a new satellite constellation which will enable both fast and reliable internet access anywhere in the world and improved infrastructure onboard – including a Wi-Fi access point in every stateroom.
The MedallionNet service also enables Princess to deliver a highly personalised level of service to every passenger onboard. When you’re wearing your Medallion stateroom doors will unlock as you approach them, you can order food & drinks to wherever you are onboard, and you can track friends and family onboard.
Guests on Princess’ Summer Seacations departing Southampton this Summer can enjoy MedallionNet internet access included in their cruise fare.
Going big on live entertainment
For many cruisers one of the highlights of a cruise vacation is the entertainment offered onboard. There has been much speculation about what will be available onboard when sailing resumes. So what have Princess confirmed?
On Summer Seacation sailings from Southampton the big broadway style shows that never fail to wow passengers have been confirmed to be going ahead. The situation on other live performances, such as the bar pianists and singers, has not yet been confirmed but is hoped to be clearer in coming weeks.
Princess’ famous ‘Movies Under The Stars’ will also be continuing on these voyages. Each night the pool deck is transformed into an open-air movie theatre, with blankets and fresh popcorn as guests watch the latest blockbuster on the pool deck’s big screen.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess will have performances of ‘Bravo’ – this show combines classic light opera with pop music resulting in an extravaganza that promises to “bring the house to its feet”. Dancing amid breathtaking sets backed by a large orchestra, this Regal celebration delights audiences with such opera classics as ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ and ‘Habanera’ from Carmen, with contemporary hits such as Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ woven seamlessly into the production. Joining Bravo as guest soprano will be opera singer and actress Shelley Rivers, whose theatre credits include performing as Eliza in My Fair Lady and working alongside incredible talent such as Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Close.
Sky Princess
Sky Princess is home to the cruise line’s newest production show ‘Rock Opera’. This one-of-a-kind production features incredible costumes inspired by glamorous avant-garde fashion with a musical soundtrack spanning classic rock, opera and musical theatre, sung in English, Spanish, Latin and American sign language – a Princess first. Rock Opera is brought to life by a talented cast with a special guest appearance by West End star Ross Hunter, who has starred in award-winning shows such as ‘We Will Rock You’ and The ‘Book of Mormon.’
Sky Princess guests can also enjoy a live jazz trio in Sky Princess’ very own jazz club Take Five, where the band will perform classics while telling tales of true jazz legends throughout the ages.
Pools, hot-tubs and spa services
I reached out to Princess’ UK media team to clarify the situation regarding pools, hot-tubs and spa services on these initial Summer Seacations and how social distancing would impact on them. The representative I spoke confirmed that pools and hot-tubs would be operating, but to enable social distancing the number of people who can use them at once will be limited. Spa services such as massages, facials and hair-dressing will be available and can be booked straight away in your cruise planner. The Enclave thermal suite, however, will not be available during these sailings – though the representative has promised to let us know if this changes.
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