ITTN’s Shane Cullen interviewed recently appointed Abbie Cook (Sales Manager, Ireland | Princess Cruises UK & Europe) onboard Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess. While new to the Princess team, she is no stranger to cruise or, indeed, the Carnival Cruise Line family. Find out more about Abbie Cook, the strategy for the Irish market, upcoming activities and events in Ireland and get a look onboard the stunning Sky Princess ship and find out about the new addition to the Princess Cruises fleet. Star Princess, sister to Sun Princess, will launch in October 2025. She is a Sphere-class ship offering guests a choice of 20 restaurants, bars and cafés including expanded favourites – watch the interview below. Dining Onboard Sky Princess – Always Mouthwatering Onboard Sky Princess, guests were welcomed with an a la carte menu for lunch. I opted for a tasty Fettuccine Alfredo with rich parmesan cream sauce to start. For my main course, the Medallion of Beef Tenderloin, Cognac & Peppercorn Demi-Glace with parmesan potato beignet and butter-glazed vegetables was succulent and packed with flavour. Given the “Love Boat” theme, dessert had to be the Princess Love Boat Dream – a heart-shaped dessert with layers of chocolate-raspberry mousse and vanilla-raspberry cream on a shortbread cookie base. Decadent & delicious. Sky Princess – a Royal Affair & an Irish Favourite Sky Princess is a Royal-class ship with award-winning chef partnerships, dazzling entertainment, movies under the stars, the stunning Piazza in the heart of the ship and dining options that are second to none. She will be homeported in Southampton and is one of the ships sailing the Mediterranean in 2027 as part of Princess Cruises recently unveiled 2027 Europe cruise programme. The schedule features more than 200 sailings across five Princess ships – Sun Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, and Caribbean Princess. The Europe season runs from February to November 2027 and includes 86 unique itineraries ranging from 7 to 46 days, and spans 108 destinations across 31 countries. Itineraries take in a staggering 100+ UNESCO World Heritage sites. Europe 2027 Programme Highlights Princess Cruises is offering guests 13 departures across 51 itineraries in the Mediterranean and 40 departures across 13 itineraries in Northern Europe. Set Your Sights on the Stars Princess has Total Solar Eclipse voyages in 2027, allowing guests to view the eclipse during a 14-night cruise on Enchanted Princess or Sky Princess. With a prime viewing spot off the coast of Southern Spain, eclipse devotees can marvel at the celestial happening on August 2, 2027. Enchanted Princess sails the Mediterranean roundtrip from Civitavecchia (for Rome), whilst Sky Princess sails roundtrip Southampton on a Spain, France and Portugal voyage with both cruises departing 24 July 2027. Sun Princess Returns Princess Cruises’ first Sphere Class ship, Sun Princess, sails for eight months from April to November. Itineraries range from 7- to 32-nights, sailing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, or Athens (Piraeus). Sun Princess will be joined by Enchanted Princess, offering itineraries departing from Civitavecchia, Trieste, Athens (Piraeus) and Istanbul between May to November with itineraries ranging from 7-to 42-nights. Caribbean Princess sails roundtrip Copenhagen Caribbean Princess will sail roundtrip Copenhagen itineraries for the first time, taking guests to ports-of-call across the Baltic, including Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki. Caribbean Princess will offer nine 12-night itineraries from May through to August 2027. Guests can enjoy a 12-night Baltic cruise, sailing roundtrip Copenhagen and calling at Visby, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Klaipeda, Gdansk (Gdynia), Oslo, Skagen. Maiden Call to Aberdeen In 2027, Princess Cruises will make its maiden call to Aberdeen, Scotland. Caribbean Princess calls to Aberdeen on 24 August 2027 as part of a 16-night ‘British Isles & Canadian’ transatlantic cruise from Copenhagen to Boston. Guests can enjoy activities including watching the world’s largest bottlenose dolphins and exploring the Speyside Whiskey Trail. Epic Voyages The 2027 Europe season includes 22 transatlantic sailings, with departure/arrival cities including Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Buenos Aires. These carefully crafted longer itineraries provide a deeper experience for a cruise holiday. From the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle to ancient landmarks and ruins, these immersive itineraries range in length from 14- to 46-days. Eithne Williamson (VP Princess Cruises UK & Europe), said: “From castles to coastlines, our 2027 UK and Europe cruise programme provides ample opportunities for guests to explore the continent’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Guests can immerse themselves in thoughtful tourism experiences, with our programme including 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and our ‘More Ashore’ overnight stays in iconic cities like Istanbul and Stockholm providing even more time for exploration. “With an expansive selection of itineraries, ships, and destinations, we’re proud to offer something for every type of traveller—whether they’re seeking cultural immersion, scenic beauty, or relaxing escapes. Our commitment to great value ensures that guests enjoy unforgettable holiday happiness without compromise.”