Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess has set sail with guests on board for the first time in more than 17 months.

The MedallionClass ship departed from the Port of Southampton on 30 August for its first domestic cruise, joining sister ship Regal Princess on the line’s summer ‘seacations’.

The departure also marked Sky Princess’ first-ever sailing from the UK.

Until 5 October, Sky Princess will take UK guests on short scenic voyages and itineraries visiting Liverpool, Greenock, Belfast and Portland.

It is the third ship in the line’s fleet to return to service since the line paused operations in March 2020.

Princess Cruises UK and Europe vice-president Tony Roberts said: “Princess is one of only two cruise lines to have two ships operating out of the UK this summer, which bears testament to our commitment and devotion to UK guests.

“Yesterday was a significant day for Sky Princess as it also marked her first sailing from Southampton – her homeport for three consecutive years – with guests on board.

“We are delighted to have one of our newest ships dedicated to the UK market and we are certain guests will love everything Sky Princess has to offer.”

Sky Princess joined the Princess fleet in October 2019 and features a range of new on-board venues, such as jazz bar Take Five, French restaurant Bistro La Sur Mer, the WakeView Bar and Pool, and two Sky Suites, which have the largest balconies at sea and offer 270-degree panorama views.

The line recently revised the restart dates for Island Princess and Diamond Princess.

Island Princess will now return to service with a series of cruises to the Caribbean in spring 2022, while Diamond Princess will also return to service in spring 2022.

The changes mean that the line has cancelled its 2021-2022 South America & Antarctica programme and its 2022 world cruise, along with two December 2021 Island Princess voyages.

Image: Andrew McAlpine (@CruiseShipP)