Next Love Boat, Sky Princess, to debut in the MediterraneanNext Love Boat, Sky Princess, to debut in the Mediterranean

The 143,700gt, 3,660-berth ship is scheduled to enter service in October 2019 with a series of Mediterranean voyages.

Princess promised some innovations to the guest experience that will be revealed in coming months. The line did not disclose any changes today beyond saying Sky Princess will have updated décor and design throughout.

The ship will sport signature features of the class like a soaring central Piazza-style atrium, Princess Live! entertainment venue, adults-only Sanctuary and Camp Discovery youth and teen centers. Dining venues will include the Salty Dog Grill, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Vines Wine Bar, Chef’s Table Lumiere and World Fresh Marketplace.

Sky Princess also will feature the outdoor 'Movies Under the Stars' theater, and 80% of all staterooms will have balconies.

Jan Swartz, group president of Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia, noted the name recalls a previous ship.

'When Princess merged with Sitmar Cruises in 1988, Sky Princess joined our fleet and sailed with us for 12 years. Now, more than 30 years later, a new Sky Princess will join the fleet featuring our modern design platform and contemporary innovations offered to exceed our guests’ expectations,' she said.

The inaugural Mediterranean deployment offers 10 departures of eight itineraries. First up is a seven-day Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise from Piraeus to Barcelona on Oct. 20, 2019. This voyage can be combined with a seven-day Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) voyage.

In addition, Sky Princess will sail on a new seven-day Mediterranean round-trip Rome voyage that can be paired with a seven-day Barcelona to Rome cruise.

The culmination of Sky Princess’ inaugural Mediterranean season will be a 14-day 'Spanish Passage' from Barcelona to Florida's Port Everglades, combinable with the seven-day Mediterranean and/or the seven-day Mediterranean round-trip Rome voyages for a 21-day or 28-day crossing.

Bookings open Dec. 14. A reduced deposit of 10% is available for bookings made by Aug. 31, 2018.

The fifth Royal-class vessel is also currently under construction at Fincantieri and will debut in 2020.