Sky Princess, one of the newest vessels in the Princess Cruises fleet, has arrived in Southampton, marking the ship’s inaugural visit to the UK.

The 3,660-guest MedallionClass ship is in the port city ahead of the line’s summer seacations season, which starts with itineraries on Regal Princess from 31 July 2021.

Sky Princess is due to join its sister ship on domestic cruises from 30 August 2021, offering scenic sailings and itineraries with UK ports of call, including Portland, Liverpool, Belfast and Greenock.

All domestic cruises are only available to UK residents and those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

For these cruises the definition of vaccinated is a minimum of 14 days following the second dose of a currently approved vaccine being administered.

Princess Cruises UK & Europe vice-president Tony Roberts said: “As our homeport ship for the next three years, today is a significant day for Princess Cruises. We are delighted to have one of our newest ships dedicated to the UK and we are certain guests will love everything she has to offer.

“Sky Princess encompasses innovative technology, spectacular style and unique design features. Guests can look forward to the MedallionClass experience, world-class dining, West-End style theatre shows, an overwater SeaWalk, expansive Piazza, and Sky Suites, featuring the largest balconies at sea.”

Speaking to Cruise Trade News, Roberts expanded on why domestic itineraries are ideal for new-to-cruise clients.

“For the customer who has been considering taking a cruise for the first time but hasn’t yet made the leap from land-based holidays, the short scenic voyages present a perfect chance for them to sample a cruise and the incredible experiences offered on board,” he said.

“Then there will be those who are looking to book a UK land-based holiday for this year and may have never even considered a cruise. For these customers, [agents] can show the fantastic value a cruise holiday offers versus a UK resort.”