What happened to the Bars on Sky Princess

[IECalCruiser]

Princess has done something similar to this at least once before. One the early Grand class ships, before the Crown Grill was introduced on the Crown Princess, there was a Tex-Mex restaurant (Painted Desert, Coyote’s, etc.) on the Promenade deck. There was no wall separating the restaurant from the hallway and everyone had to use to go forward to the Princess Theater. There may even have been tables on both sides of the hallway. This was the case until later major drydocks.

 

 

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[jennybenny]

It’s kind of surprising, isn’t it?! Not only is Crooner’s gone but they really have done away with the bars. I enjoy live music and being at the nighttime venues. I don’t usually go to the outside bar at night so it’s sure doesn’t leave many choices. And in all my Regal sailings I have never really seen anyone go to the Bellini bar! Unless you are gambling or don’t mind smoke, who is hanging around the casino bar?!

 

I've only been on the Royal once, March/April 2017. We lived at Bellini's before dinner. It was always busy, and if we would swing by after dinner, there was no where to sit, limited seating. We really enjoyed the Bar Tenders there, and mom likes sparkling wine. We were on a cruise for her retirement, so we did what she wanted :) Usually Crooners or Wheelhouse are our spots. I wonder if our cruise was a one off with Bellini's being busy? Oh, and smoke was not a problem for us on our cruise. Smoke really bothers me, but we did not have a problem with it at Bellini's or at the Casino. We spent every night gambling a little that trip. :)

 

I don't go to the out door bars at night either. I was very disappointed to see no Crooners on the new Sky Princess, but suspect that there is a reason to the madness for Princess. I am super excited that the Royal will be on the West coast soon too! Already booked a cruise on her! Can't wait for my family (husband and kids) see why I love the Royal Princess so much! Adult pool, cabanas, Bellini's :) The balconies suck, but the ship was beautiful. I suspect the Sky will be equally breathtaking. Plus, the new restaurant will be nice to try. I love SHARE. I am willing to give the new ship an opportunity, at least once. If I hate the ship, I won't book it again, but I have never had a bad cruise :)

[Geoffa30]

Bellini's has been busy on every one of the seven cruises we have taken on the Royal, Regal and Majestic. No smell of smoke as there’s a reasonable distance between the bar and the casino.

 

La Mer on the Majestic was very nice. There is a slight corridor feel but it’s okay if you are seated away from the atrium. I find that the Crown Grill on the Royal class ships is in someways similar as it is open to the adjacent bar and piano so you can be eating a meal with others drinking and chatting right next to your table.

 

In my opinion, Princess should remove the shops from the atrium altogether so that more seating / bars / restaurants could be added. It’s prime real estate so I do not know why it’s wasted on shops which could be placed where the art gallery or the photo gallery are, both of which in my opinion should be much smaller.

 

Still excited for the Sky Princess especially to see the changes on the upper pool decks. We are booked for two weeks whilst it’s in the Mediterranean.

[PrincessLuver]

Excuse me but are you saying people who enjoy a few drinks before dinner have a drinking problem????? As to Crooners being packed we were on the New Years Cruise in 2017 & 2018 on Regal had a problem finding a seat every night. We also did the first transatlantic on the Regal Princess 2014 had the same problem. We were on the Baltic cruise on the Crown last July. They have taken over half of the Wheelhouse bar to make a pay for restaurant the "Gastro Pub" Most nights no one eating there. Never during the 21 days we were on the Crown did I see more than 2 or 3 tables with someone eating. You could not find a seat in the Wheelhouse because half of the bar was gone to make this restaurant. I am sorry but seems like a bad misuse of space to me???? I know I will not be paying $35 per person to eat in a French restaurant on a ship, but I will be buying drinks if I can find a bar to sit in.

 

Most normal people do not worry about how many bars there are on a cruise ship!!

 

We do three or four 15/20 plus day cruises a year on Princess and rarely see bars full....we like the speciality restaurants and have no problem paying for a wide variety of dining experiences on a cruise ship. We have other friends who feel the same way.

 

Princess would not be cutting down on bars if they could use the space for something else more profitable. They have increased the size of public areas on the Royal class ships so there is always a place to sit and have a drink. Princess does not have to have a bar to sell passengers a drink. They just need a bartender somewhere and a server to bring it to you.

 

I am happy to see Princess making the changes they are making and have sent an email to them in support of the new ideas, innovations and modifications they are bring forth!! :):D:cool:

[skynight]

Most normal people do not worry about how many bars there are on a cruise ship!!

What is normal? Some people enjoy cocktails, some special dining, others enjoy a quick meal & a beer at the grill. The issues with the possible elimination of Crooner's isn't just a bar issue. Crooner's is used during the day for those that enjoy reading and sometimes card playing. During the pre-dinner hour it is used for cocktails and the enjoyment of the music from below. Later in the evening it is fulled to capacity when the entertainer is performing. If you eliminate this facility where do these 200 passengers hang out? Do the swarm the bistro. I'm not against an alternate dining location, but Princess should not eliminate profitable passenger facilities like Crooner's and space to add same. Many cruisers select Princess because of Crooner's.

The issue here is not how many bars, but with the proposed placement of a bistro in the area selected on deck 7, with an additional 100+ passengers on the Sky vs the Royal /Regal, combined with the elimination of a seating and entertainment area, crowds passengers into less and less venues. Is this the cruise experience you enjoy? I don't, and would hesitate to book the Sky Princess.

[ksm77]

It seems PrincessLuver and I have had opposite experiences. We also cruise 3-4 times a year with over 38 cruises with 22 on Princess. Just as you have your preferences I have mine. I still do not understand why you would keep saying someone who prefers a nice bar such as Crooners is a problem drinker, but to each his own. Happy cruising to you.

[ksm77]

What is normal? Some people enjoy cocktails, some special dining, others enjoy a quick meal & a beer at the grill. The issues with the possible elimination of Crooner's isn't just a bar issue. Crooner's is used during the day for those that enjoy reading and sometimes card playing. During the pre-dinner hour it is used for cocktails and the enjoyment of the music from below. Later in the evening it is fulled to capacity when the entertainer is performing. If you eliminate this facility where do these 200 passengers hang out? Do the swarm the bistro. I'm not against an alternate dining location, but Princess should not eliminate profitable passenger facilities like Crooner's and space to add same. Many cruisers select Princess because of Crooner's.

The issue here is not how many bars, but with the proposed placement of a bistro in the area selected on deck 7, with an additional 100+ passengers on the Sky vs the Royal /Regal, combined with the elimination of a seating and entertainment area, crowds passengers into less and less venues. Is this the cruise experience you enjoy? I don't, and would hesitate to book the Sky Princess.

 

 

Well said thank you!

[patrickmoran]

Princess also ruined the Retreat Pool by surrounding it with cabins. No ocean view. I wouldn't book the Sky or the Majestic.

[Redwing55]

Princess also ruined the Retreat Pool by surrounding it with cabins. No ocean view. I wouldn't book the Sky or the Majestic.

Probably a valid point for some.

I admit that I don't appreciate some of the features being discussed on this version of the ship. With that being said, I recall many of the negative threads and posts about the Royal, then the Regal. I've not yet sailed on the Regal, but I'd likely put the Royal at the top of my list of favorite Princess ships. True, I'd like to see some changes to her, but I do find it interesting that she's at the top for me. (though the crew and what they do with the entertainment has a lot to do with it for me too.)

[ltcal94]

Princess also ruined the Retreat Pool by surrounding it with cabins. No ocean view. I wouldn't book the Sky or the Majestic.

 

 

 

I am very curious about what the layout will be around the retreat pool. They is a lot of potential to make it a great area but it could easily go from a win win to a lose lose .

 

 

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[PrincessLuver]

told her about the complaints on CC about the loss of Crooner's and that no one is a fan of Princess live.

 

Where did you get this fact from "no one is a fan of Princess Live." We like Princess Live and they have a lot of activities in there and they are often full when we have been on the Regal, Royal and Majestic. Another fact is "I have never heard anyone say "It is almost impossible or there is nowhere to get a drink on Princess." :)

[skynight]

Where did you get this fact from "no one is a fan of Princess Live." We like Princess Live and they have a lot of activities in there and they are often full when we have been on the Regal, Royal and Majestic. Another fact is "I have never heard anyone say "It is almost impossible or there is nowhere to get a drink on Princess." :)

I have spent 82 days on board the Royal Princess. Yours is the very first positive comment I have heard regarding Princess Live. Passengers that I have met tolerate Princess Live and fill it for the shows. But those I have spoken with, played games with, sat next to, would rather have these shows and other activities in a venue like Explorer's lounge on the older ships.

 

It is possible that the size (larger) and configuration of Princess Live on the Sky may change. There is crew space adjacent to it. From the deck plans it also appears that the entry area will be much larger.

On any cruise ship it is always possible to get a drink almost any time, pretty much 24/7. But, you would have to admit, that while in Princess Live it isn't very easy to order or hold any sort of beverage. Princess Live is a very low revenue venue.

[mistyann]

On Lido Deck there is a location foreword of the pool just before stairs/elevators, with three unmarked bays. Maybe Trident will be there. However I just checked same spot on Majestic and those spots are Noodle Bar; Fountain Pool Bar; Lobster Grill. On Regal the 'Lobster Grill' is Trident Grill, so maybe just changes/additions to menu choice.

 

We just booked on the Sky for March 2020. Today we were looking at the Deck plans and noticed the Trident Grill and Pizza place weren't there! This is a BIG negative if they only have Swirls around the pool deck!! We love to play cards under the shade (my husband had skin cancer, so we need shade) and ordering french fries and pizza! We are thinking of canceling if they don't have any food around the pool except ice cream!! I sure hope it's just not labeled yet!

[OCruisers]

So is Crooner's really Gone on Sky Princess? :(

[1emerald1]

So is Crooner's really Gone on Sky Princess? :(

To be determined, final plans are not finalized yet.

[IECalCruiser]

We just booked on the Sky for March 2020. Today we were looking at the Deck plans and noticed the Trident Grill and Pizza place weren't there! This is a BIG negative if they only have Swirls around the pool deck!! We love to play cards under the shade (my husband had skin cancer, so we need shade) and ordering french fries and pizza! We are thinking of canceling if they don't have any food around the pool except ice cream!! I sure hope it's just not labeled yet!

There are a number of venues that don’t have names. I would expect those venues to be there or maybe the Slice and Salty Dog Grill versing as on the Caribbean.

 

 

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[PrincessLuver]

I have spent 82 days on board the Royal Princess. Yours is the very first positive comment I have heard regarding Princess Live. Passengers that I have met tolerate Princess Live and fill it for the shows. But those I have spoken with, played games with, sat next to, would rather have these shows and other activities in a venue like Explorer's lounge on the older ships.

 

It is possible that the size (larger) and configuration of Princess Live on the Sky may change. There is crew space adjacent to it. From the deck plans it also appears that the entry area will be much larger.

On any cruise ship it is always possible to get a drink almost any time, pretty much 24/7. But, you would have to admit, that while in Princess Live it isn't very easy to order or hold any sort of beverage. Princess Live is a very low revenue venue.

 

Your's is the first negative comment I have heard about Princess Live.....there is a bar RIGHT OUTSIDE the door of Princess Live.....there are no drink holders in the main theaters of Royal, Regal and Majestic....they are low revenue venues too because almost rarely see drinks ordered before a show..... I think you are just making up your facts and voicing an opinion!! :rolleyes:

[Host CJSKIDS]

Your's is the first negative comment I have heard about Princess Live.....there is a bar RIGHT OUTSIDE the door of Princess Live.....there are no drink holders in the main theaters of Royal, Regal and Majestic....they are low revenue venues too because almost rarely see drinks ordered before a show..... I think you are just making up your facts and voicing an opinion!! :rolleyes:

 

I have read so many negative comments about Princess Live, including those that I have posted. I have actually never read an extremely positive comment about the venue.

It’s literally one of the only things I dislike about the Regal.

Being back on board the Crown and seeing certain things held back in Explorers Lounge was great in my humble opinion. And it was packed!

[Credit 00]

Majestic is coming to Australia soon, the Aussies are already complaining there are not enough drinking places. Sky Princess would probably be the same. Both ships designed and built for the 'Asian Market?' Perhaps the Asian pax are not 'bar flies." :hearteyes::rolleyes:

 

I'm hoping the Majestic is modified before August, the money is in the bars and not "High End" shops. No Wheelhouse or Crooners is a bit of a worry though I guess we can hang out at Lamer, oops I meant La Mer before dinner. It's an impressive looking ship none the less so we'll see how us Aussies go.

[1emerald1]

I have read so many negative comments about Princess Live, including those that I have posted. I have actually never read an extremely positive comment about the venue.

It’s literally one of the only things I dislike about the Regal.

Being back on board the Crown and seeing certain things held back in Explorers Lounge was great in my humble opinion. And it was packed!

Ditto. And when looking at the deck plans for the Sky, right next to the casino there is a very large area with the description of Bar/Lounge. We will all find out when the plans are finalized.

[dides]

I'm hoping the Majestic is modified before August, the money is in the bars and not "High End" shops. No Wheelhouse or Crooners is a bit of a worry though I guess we can hang out at Lamer, oops I meant La Mer before dinner. It's an impressive looking ship none the less so we'll see how us Aussies go.

They've hinted that for the Australian market, the Karaoke Suites on Majestic will become a bar (but who wants a bar up near the spa and guest services?) and the Gong Cha Tea Bar will go (presumably to become a standard bar).

 

Sandra

[caribill]

Ditto. And when looking at the deck plans for the Sky, right next to the casino there is a very large area with the description of Bar/Lounge. We will all find out when the plans are finalized.

 

That was the Club 6 on the Royal and Regal (Skywalkers substitute) and was a VIP Gaming Room on the Majestic.

[Credit 00]

They've hinted that for the Australian market, the Karaoke Suites on Majestic will become a bar (but who wants a bar up near the spa and guest services?) and the Gong Cha Tea Bar will go (presumably to become a standard bar).

 

Sandra

 

Strangely though, when I booked it said "Are you leaving before April 2019 or after"

[PrincessLuver]

I have read so many negative comments about Princess Live, including those that I have posted. I have actually never read an extremely positive comment about the venue.

It’s literally one of the only things I dislike about the Regal.

Being back on board the Crown and seeing certain things held back in Explorers Lounge was great in my humble opinion. And it was packed!

 

Well first of allI I wrote one......the Princess world is changing but obviously some old time cruisers are not going too.....we find the Grand class ships very dated, crowded and not too functional in many ways.....like you cannot use the gym until a certain time in the morning because it will wake people in cabins below.....gyms very well thought out on the Royal class ships and no problem using them anytime of day....or how about eating in those little corrals called buffets....cannot match the Horizon Courts on Royal Class ships.....like I said....everything is an opinion....:rolleyes:

[yogurtpo3]

They've hinted that for the Australian market, the Karaoke Suites on Majestic will become a bar (but who wants a bar up near the spa and guest services?) and the Gong Cha Tea Bar will go (presumably to become a standard bar).

 

Sandra

 

What? The karaoke suites and tea bar were the only Asian market features I liked! :eek: