Need advice - trying to choose between two Princess cruises!

[karatemom2]

We are having a hard time deciding between two Princess cruises that we are looking at for this coming summer. One is the Norway and Iceland cruise on the Caribbean Princess and the second is the Midnight Sun itinerary on the Sky Princess. Both are scheduled for June of 2024.

 

We were on the Sky a few weeks ago for a Western Med cruise and loved the ship. We know we would be happy to cruise on her again and the itinerary is very appealing as it visits multiple Norway ports and fjords and goes up into the Arctic Circle which sounds very cool (pardon the pun!) It seems like this itinerary really gives you a very comprehensive Norway experience and also includes a stop in Brussels which is a port I've always wanted to visit.

 

We have also cruised many years ago on the Caribbean Princess. Although we love the Grand class ships, the Caribbean is probably one of the least favorite Princess ships we have been on. I have seen some recent reviews that are less than favorable, so I'm a little wary. But the itinerary is great, visiting 3 Norway ports,  Shetland Islands and 4 ports in Iceland. The thought of getting to experience both Norway and Iceland on one cruise is really enticing.

 

I keep going back and forth - I'm sure I would love both cruises and itineraries, but I have to make a choice so I'm hoping some of you seasoned cruisers who might have done these itineraries or have recent experience on the Caribbean Princess can share your thoughts.

[Ken the cruiser]

What type of cabin are you considering? For us we like fully covered aft-facing cabins, so we can sit out on the balcony and enjoy the scenery as well as the view when we leave each port, regardless of the weather. Does the Sky even have fully covered aft-facing balconies? I know the CB does.

[roxievegas]

Everyone has a different reason for cruising, but that said, I compare the ports and price.

 

[skynight]

I highly recommend the Norway fjord midnight sun cruise.

A few years ago we sailed the midnight sun cruise. It was two weeks just like the one you are thinking about. I have been on almost 50 cruises. This one stands out as one of the top few. The scenery is spectacular. The ports are amazing. The 24 hour daylight is something you may not experience again. Sitting around having a drink in what appears to be midday, but your watch says 1am. This cruise will sell out. I highly recommend it. We had great weather. But, be prepared, the North Cape can be cold. It was when we were there. The other ports were all comfortable. The sail out from Flam has some of the greatest scenery you will ever see. Snow capped mountains surround you as you lazily sail down the fjord. Allow lots of time. Adjust your dining schedule. The sail out takes around 3 hours.

We joined a small group on a private tour in a van to visit the North Cape. It was a very good trip. The driver timed it so we arrived before the large bus loads from the ship excursions. 

[Coral]

Norway, midnight sun. I did the cruise a few years ago and it was amazing.

[waggie]

We had the same decision to make and have gone for Land of the Midnight Sun on Sky. This will be our first Princess cruise after many years on Celebrity. 
One comment- I think we dock in Zeebrugge not Brussels- a short distance from beautiful Bruges.

[karatemom2]

Thanks for the feedback. We are definitely heavily leaning to the Land of the Midnight Sun cruise. I have been watching the most amazing videos and it looks amazing. The fact that is on the Sky is a big plus as well - so one more round of discussion with the DH tonight and I think we will move forward with this option this time and save Iceland for another trip.

[skynight]

25 minutes ago, waggie said:

We had the same decision to make and have gone for Land of the Midnight Sun on Sky. This will be our first Princess cruise after many years on Celebrity. 
One comment- I think we dock in Zeebrugge not Brussels- a short distance from beautiful Bruges.

Yes. Zeebrugge is closest to Bruges. Bruges is excellent city to walk around. 

[BettyCruiser]

Last year we did Sky Princess Norway to the Arctic Circle, not Midnight Sun it was August and this year we did Iceland. I would go back to Norway but don’t feel the need to go back to Iceland. So I recommend the Sky to Norway.

[waggie]

6 hours ago, BettyCruiser said:

Last year we did Sky Princess Norway to the Arctic Circle, not Midnight Sun it was August and this year we did Iceland. I would go back to Norway but don’t feel the need to go back to Iceland. So I recommend the Sky to Norway.

Thanks- Iceland seemed a lot of sea but  the main places could  be enjoyed on a land tour!  

[Mary loves to travel]

9 hours ago, BettyCruiser said:

Last year we did Sky Princess Norway to the Arctic Circle, not Midnight Sun it was August and this year we did Iceland. I would go back to Norway but don’t feel the need to go back to Iceland. So I recommend the Sky to Norway.

We've done these same 2 cruises - may have been on the ship with you 🙂

While both cruises were stunning, I would say the same, do the Land of the Midnight Sun first, Iceland later.

[capriccio]

We haven't done an Iceland cruise but, like many other posters, we have done a Land of the Midnight Sun cruise (in 2019).  It was one of our best cruises ever! 

[Albinroo]

My advice would be to go on Sky Princess, since you still think it has good ports and prefer that ship. And then if you do enjoy it you can go on an Iceland/Greenland cruise another year! I haven't done either of these cruises but live in Sweden (next to Norway and yes we have midnight sun) and jhave been to Iceland before. For me, I would prefer cruising Norway because of the scenic sailings trhough fjords. 

 

[WNCtourist]

Also, it seems some of the Iceland ports are missed more often than Norway due to bad weather. I vote for Midnight Sun (and am booked for that cruise next year). Come join us! There's already an active roll call.

[karatemom2]

Woo hoo!! We are booked. Thank you all for your advice. I think the Iceland/Greenland cruise for some future date will be the perfect option. But I couldn’t be more excited for our trip into the Midnight Sun. We got a smoking good deal with DH casino offer and managed to snag one of the forward balcony cabins - it was the very last one left. I can’t wait for those expansive views as we travel through the fjords! So grateful for the always sage advice I get here. Off to join the roll call!