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5 Skies production show, Princess Cruises

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Exciting new entertainment on Sky Princess

Princess Cruises Entertainment Director Matt Thompson tells us what we can look forward to onboard in 2022

Updated May 2022

By Liz Darke

Excited to hear what's in store entertainment-wise on our homeport ship, Sky Princess, this year? Embarking on round-trip voyages from Southampton to destinations such as the Med, Scandinavia, Norway and Iceland, and Canada and New England, there are plenty of events, shows and screenings to keep you just as occupied onboard as in our incredible port stops. Much-loved Entertainment Director Matt Thompson, who'll be onboard Sky Princess for the duration of the season, gives us an idea of exactly what guests can expect...

Entertainment Director Matt Thompson

Matt Thompson, Entertainment Director

What excites you about being onboard Sky Princess this year?

I'm very excited that we're bringing back our Encounters with Discovery, which are events that help guests get to know the destinations they're visiting in greater detail. I'm also very excited about our Celebrity Speaker Series this season, as well as bringing our show 5 Skies (pictured above), one of our most technologically advanced production shows yet, to British waters for the first time.

What can you tell us about the 2022 Celebrity Guest Speakers programme?

Lots! From April through to October the likes of actress Linda Robson, TV chef and presenter Rustie Lee, actor Ricky Tomlinson, former member of the British Royal Household and etiquette expert Grant Harrold, former athlete Derek Redmond, sports TV and radio broadcaster John Inverdale, wildlife TV presenter and documentary filmmaker Patrick Aryee, TV presenter and celebrity builder Tommy Walsh, Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, actress Sue Holderness (best known for playing Marlene in Only Fools and Horses ), TV star and former SAS operative Colin MacLachlan, and former England cricketer Graham Gooch will be joining us on Sky Princess on selected itineraries.

Is there a certain guest you're particularly excited to meet this year?

If I had to pick just one celebrity that I'm desperate to meet, it would be Simon Weston. My father was on HMS Hermes in the Falklands, and this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. Simon's story is one of great triumph and is truly inspirational.

This June is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Will Princess be celebrating that onboard?

Absolutely! We’ve got many events planned from Royal Afternoon Tea and a Royal Dinner in the dining room to a Royal Variety Show, with an Elton John tribute act, in the Princess Theatre. Plus, we'll have our special guest Grant Harrold, former butler to HRH Prince of Wales, onboard for our seven-night Norwegian Fjords itinerary departing Saturday 4th June. We'll also be broadcasting certain events, like Trooping of the Colour and Platinum Party at the Palace, across the Jubilee weekend on the Movies Under the Stars big screen.

Sports screenings for Movies Under the Stars, Princess Cruises

Catch the biggest and best sporting occasions on the big screen out on deck © Princess

Are there any other special events that you’ll be hoping to celebrate onboard?

Lots of sporting events will be available on our OceanView service, which guests can watch live on their own devices. We’ll have coverage of events like Wimbledon, Premier League matches, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the French Open at Roland-Garros being broadcast around the ship, too.

Finally. what do you think makes Princess' entertainment unbeatable?

I think our shows are just outstanding! Here at Princess, we create our own shows, so you can't see them anywhere else. We also still offer live music throughout our ships, which adds so much energy and atmosphere to each venue.

Excited to cruise on Sky Princess?

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About the Author

Liz Darke

Liz Darke

Liz is a journalist who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Hong Kong, Provence and the Dalmatian Coast next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!