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In Focus: F&B@Sea

Princess adds British-inspired beverage options to UK-based ships

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Sky Princess sets off on a seven-night culinary cruise September 16 from Southampton
Princess Cruises is adding a host of ales, wines and other beverages popular with Brits to Southampton-based ships Sky Princess and Regal Princess.

Available on sailings departing Southampton from April to October 2023, passengers onboard the Royal Class ships can take advantage of a range of newly-introduced drinks, with Pimm’s on offer during select sail away parties, Ketel One espresso martinis on tap, and a new cocktail menu with flavours including rhubarb and custard, Bakewell tart and Liquorice Allsorts. 

An extended range of beers, based on British favourites, will include San Miguel and London Pride, as well as new handpicked, locally-sourced British wines. Princess will also introduce a range of ready-to-drink options at grab-and-go stations in locations such as the top deck and the Princess Theatre. 

Rich Woods cocktail-making classes

Rich Woods, an award-winning mixologist, has overseen the new drinks menu, and will be a special guest onboard Sky Princess, creating cocktails for passengers and hosting cocktail-making classes.

Follows consumer research on preferred bevvies 

Eithne Williamson, VP of Princess Cruises for UK and Europe, said that the decision to offer an extended choice of drinks tailored to British tastes follows consumer research by Princess looking at its UK passengers’ favourite beverages. Williamson added that Woods’ expertise has allowed the cruise line ‘to offer fantastic, one-off cocktails alongside some well-known classics…’ 

Sky Princess sets off on a seven-night culinary cruise September 16 from Southampton, joined by celebrity chefs Ainsley Harriott, Si King and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

A new seafood restaurant, The Catch by Rudi – a partnership with Chef Rudi Sodamin – will be coming to Sky Princess in May. 

Both Sky Princess and Regal Princess will host King Charles coronation-themed activities next month.