Take a dip in the sparkling freshwater pools and leave your everyday world behind. Unwind on a padded lounger and soak up the sun, catch up on reading, listen to music or dream of your next adventure on board or ashore. And what better way to relax and revitalize after a day exploring the world than a long soak in one of the whirling hot tubs. And don’t forget, there is always a server nearby to bring you a favorite beverage.

You’ll also find Movies Under the Stars^®, hilarious pool competitions, world-famous pizza, and even complimentary soft serve ice cream around the mid-ship two large pools and the numerous hot tubs that surround the pool area and its upper decks.

On the aft (back) of the ship, the small wake pool area offers a relaxing place to unwind. If these two areas are busy with youngsters, you can also sneak away to the Adult Retreat Pool for a more quiet time without any kids running underfoot.

Cabanas can also be used for a more serene relaxation experience near the Retreat Pool.

A pet peeve found around pool areas, especially during sea days, is that many people will go and put beach towels, and perhaps some personal items, on loungers to "save" them for later use. The rules state that loungers cannot be saved, and if they are unused for more than 30 minutes the deck attendants have the right to remove their belongings. I will typically find my spot (and a spot for my wife) early and may eat my breakfast sitting in my selected lounger and my wife will find me later using the MedallionClass™ App.

This luxurious spa-inspired top deck retreat, is reserved just for adults. The Sanctuary, located at the bow of the ship on the Sky Deck (18) features plush lounge furniture, attentive Serenity Steward service, soothing music, refreshing beverages and spa fare, and even an open-air massage in your own private cabana if you wish! An exclusive Sanctuary lunch or tea is also served.

By in person reservation only - half days are $20 each, full days are $40 each and private cabanas start at $80 for a half day. The Sanctuary books fast on embarkation day so if you are interested it is advisable to go there directly upon boarding to make your reservation.

Revitalize in the Lotus Spa as part of your relaxing cruise activities, you can choose from a variety of treatments, such as aroma stone therapy massages and detoxifying ocean wraps. Or enjoy a manicure and pedicure in the salon with an attentive service chosen by you. With more than 50 spa and salon services they offer an abundance of choices to consider.

Watch this video to learn more about the Lotus Spa

Additional charges apply.

We suggest that you at least take a tour of this facility on embarkation day just to see what all is offered. Typically the more services you book, the bigger the discount.

You can also choose to utilize the Lotus Spa Enclave, home to Princess’ largest-ever thermal suite and a dramatic hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. Relax on heated stone beds or soothing water beds. Features include: The Hammam – a Turkish-style steam bath, and from Roman times, the Caldarium –a light steam chamber infused with herbal aromas and the Laconium – a heated, dry chamber to help with purification and detoxification of the body.

$139 per person or $219 for a couple for 7 day cruise. Limited availability. Unfortunately day passes are said not to be available. That is unfortunate. We would love to try the Enclave, but not for that price!

Many of the upper ship decks are geared toward more physical activities. On Sky Deck (18) at the stern of the ship is a large basketball sports court, which can also be transformed into two pickleball courts. Ping pong, a miniature golf putting course (located on deck 19), a golf driving range, and a walking/jogging track (7 laps equal 1 mile) gives you some place to burn off those calories you are consuming.

These activities are free.

The large Lotus Spa Fitness Center, located near the stern of the ship on the Sun Deck (17) offers exercise and spinning courses, free (dumbbells up to 75 pounds!) and machine weights, treadmills and ellipticals with ocean views and more to energize yourself while on your cruise vacation. This space is really not used much so you rarely have to wait to utilize a weight machine, bench or cardio machine. They also offer consultations with personal trainers to address fitness issues you may have.

There may be additional charges for some training and consultation services.

A few of the new Princess Cruise ships (including the Sky Princess) have introduced an escape room experience, driven by a powerful gaming engine. With hundreds of different outcomes, this immersive interactive experience puts your team's creative thinking skills to the test. Work together as you travel through time and the room comes to life around you. It's an adventure the all of your friends can enjoy together. Located on the Sky Deck (17) adjacent to the Sports Court.

Phantom Bridge's gaming sessions last 23 minutes each and allow guests to navigate the virtual cruise liner, watch as the generated simulations change, uncover the clues and solve puzzles (current game's mystery). The implemented technologies include a physical ship's steering wheel and touch-screen surfaces (in the room), projection mapping, top-notch sound-, lighting- and digital effects, hidden physical elements (throughout the ship).

Additional charges apply.

Yes, I guess some people may consider shopping a fun activity. Onboard the ship you’ll find a fabulous range of fine merchandise at the Princess Shops located mid-ship on decks 6 and 7 with brands like Swarovski, Chanel, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme, Calvin Klein, Citizen and Tissot, plus local crafts, keepsakes and souvenirs. There are also some clothing stores with reasonable prices. And everyday tax- and duty-free savings can add up to as much as 30% off suggested U.S. retail prices. Celebrations is a small shop located on the Plaza Deck (5) with snacks and items you may have forgotten to bring with you.

All purchases are made with your OceanMedallion and these charges are then transferred to your onboard account which is paid for by your registered credit card.

Discover Old World charm as you stroll through the breathtaking Piazza—a hub of activity in the middle of the ship, inspired by the vibrant squares of Europe. Roving street performers, muscians, quaint boutiques, a spiral staircase and several glass-walled lifts provide panoramic views. Visit the International Café for gourmet coffees and delicacies. It is a nice place to gather and people watch too.

Great art, like the destinations the ship visits, can be awe-inspiring. Peruse the ship's extensive art gallery, or attend an art history lecture highlighting some of the world’s greatest masters. And don’t miss the Champagne Art Auctions, which give you the chance to view and bid on a wide range of fine art, including pieces by famous artists like Thomas Kinkade, Peter Max, and Michael Godard. Located on Fiesta Deck (6).

There is no charge to attend these lively events.

While you may not be a high roller, or even roll at all, just be aware that there is a casino aboard the ship on the Fiesta Deck (6) that offers a variety of Las Vegas style gambling games (only when the ship is located within international waters).

While smoking was banned during the COVID pandemic, smoking is now allowed in the casino on most nights which is too bad. We often walk through the casino to get to the lower level of the Princess theater.

Hint: While you may not partake of this activity, it should be noted that if you are running low on cash (say for shore excursions), the ATM machines onboard charge very high fees. It is much more cost effective to put money on your account in the casino and then immediately go the the casino desk to cash out. No fee.

Learn how to prepare the gourmet specialties served on board in the Princess Theater, plus other enrichment lectures are offered onboard from time to time. Some are free, others you may have to pay for.

Princess also will offer informational talks about upcoming ports of call, explaining their culture and port excursions that you may be interested in booking. If you're unsure of what type of excursion to do, these may give you some ideas to consider.

Capture a memorable moment in time during your cruise. The Platinum Studio located on the Sun Deck (17) at the stern of the ship specializes in premium black and white portraits. Skilled photographers using expert lighting techniques will create a suite of stunning photographs that truly capture the essence of its subject. After your purchase, the portraits are professionally printed and mounted at a custom photo lab on premium quality paper. Then, they’re artfully packaged and delivered to your home after your cruise.

While enjoying your cruise, you'll be visiting some of the greatest destinations in the Caribbean and seeing some of their most famous sights. Yet one of the more amazing marvels that you'll encounter on a journey is right under your nose - the ship itself.

It's a massive undertaking to get the entire ship working day-in and day-out, as these ships are virtually floating cities. There are a wide variety of cruise activities for you to engage in while onboard, but there are large parts of the ship that you'll never get to see - unless you take the Ultimate Ship Tour.

A first time innovation in the cruise industry, the Ultimate Ship Tour will allow you a special behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of a truly seaworthy vessel. You'll be able to see the ship's engine control room, food galley, laundry, photo lab, back stage area, medical center, bridge and many more exciting spots that you might otherwise not even know existed on the ship.

It's all capped by a meeting with the ship's captain on the bridge of the ship, who will discuss some of the challenges of managing a massive ship and crew. Refreshments will be provided, and you'll be able to take in the gorgeous views from the ship's bridge.

The tour is offered only on some sea days and allowable number of guests is limited to 12. The tour lasts about 3 hours and costs $150 per guest. This is on our bucket list.