cruise.co.uk reviews

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Reviews 4.9.

12,196 total

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Excellent customer service.

Excellent customer service. Very quick responce to my email from Alice H at customer services and David Weir at sales, still corresponding after 9pm. Very helpful.

Date of experience : 25 June 2024

Lily and Sohail were very helpful with…

Lily and Sohail were very helpful with booking my cruise. The price I received was very good value and better than other operators.

Date of experience : 22 June 2024

Only wish I found you earlier when booking a cruise. Your kind patience regarding my requests and answering all my queries was a god sends. You reply back very quickly ,also good advice too. You are a credit to your company, you certainly took the stress out of my planning. I wish you nothing but success in the future going forward

Date of experience : 21 June 2024

New year cruise

Booked a wonderful cruise yesterday with Lily, we’re off to the Far East,Bali and Indonesia in the New Year!! Lily was wonderful so patient, we had lots of questions and queries but she made the whole process as straightforward as possible. Thanks a lot Lily

Date of experience : 20 June 2024

A company who cares .Lyndy barker made everything so easy…

Lyndy barker made everything so easy for us to book our cruise. I really felt she cared deeply that you should have a great holiday. From booking to sailing her communications were excellent at all times . I will definitely use cruise.co.uk again . Thanks Lyndy your a star ⭐

Date of experience : 08 June 2024

First time using travel agent

Ive always booked my travel direct with airlines, hotels and cruise lines but im getting on a bit and for the big 3 score years and ten bucket list birthday I needed an expert. So I hit the enquiry button and got Erica. What a star, she talked me through everything and was so able to answer all my questions and is still doing so as other questions pop to mind. I feel confident that this holiday, thanks to Erica, is going to be wonderful and stress free. Roll on november 😄

Date of experience : 19 June 2024

Excellent service

Well I was quite concerned about booking a cruise and going solo. But was overwhelmed with the help and support that Haydn Jones had given me. He had been very professional, caring, understood my needs and very helpful with all my concerns. There wasn't a time where he couldn't help. Excellent service from start to finish. Now about to book another!

Korey Davison handled my enquiry he…

Korey Davison handled my enquiry he bettered a deal which I thought was probably unbeatable by about £400 so it was well worth the phone call just a first class service would highly recommend

Date of experience : 18 June 2024

Great booking service

Karen went out of her way to help my wife and I with the booking as there was a possibility that we may have had to have cabins on different decks and with two very young children that wouldn’t have been ideal! Highly recommended and very much someone we will try and use again in the future.

Another great experience

Once again, Jo has pulled it out of the bag for us. A great price on a cruise that we really wanted and packaged with some flexible options so that we didn't have to rush into a decision straight away. We've used Cruise.co.uk for many years now and always had good service. We always recommend them, especially when we're away and hear horror stories from other guests! Thank you Jo & cruise for planning another great trip 😀

Lovely polite and informative

I Booked a cruise to the Northern European Pearls and Aimee was very helpful. She was friendly, patient and informative about the offers available to me. I would definitely use Cruise.co.uk in the future.

Date of experience : 23 June 2024

How do you get 26 people on a cruise

Phone your Cruise.co.uk specialist, that's how! My go to lady is Debbie Carmen, who I know and trust to get all the details correct. She provides an exceptional professional service, and remained calm amid all the chaos. She guided me through all the options and was patient when my guests changed their requests. We had a fantastic outcome, we're all onboard and completely satisfied, thank you Debbie

Date of experience : 17 June 2024

Every time we ring to enquire /book…

Every time we ring to enquire /book about a cruise we always have a professional friendly advisor who are knowledgeable about all cruise

Our first booking through Cruise.co.uk…

Our first booking through Cruise.co.uk was made very easy by Karen Aspinal Karen was very helpful and pleasant in helping with our booking on MSC. Great price and Nothing was too much trouble. We hope the holiday is as good. Will definitely use Cruise.co.uk again

Staff are very friendly and helpful…

Staff are very friendly and helpful will do the best to get you the best possible price, emails received and confirmed with communication on time

Thank you Effie

Thank you Effie. Thanks for all your help & guidance. Making it a quick pleasureable booking experience. Now looking forward to a great Cruise. 1st time on Virgin,

Camilla Edwards Specialist Cruise…

Camilla Edwards Specialist Cruise Consultant answered all my questions very quickly so that I knew exactly what to expect from this Holiday Package. Her advice and guidance was much appreciated.

Ria shining star

Ria was absolutely brilliant booking my 12 night cruise and bearing with me as i was unable to book as i don't have a smart phone with the capabilities of being able to book via an app or link. Us old gits really struggle with new technology, but Ria was fantastic in helping me. She's a real credit to the company and team! Thank you, Brian

Date of experience : 01 March 2024

Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson, once again you have exceeded our expectations by providing a fantastic level of customer service……..and patience………sending us on another great trip on celebrity apex in august. Your service cannot be faulted!!!

Date of experience : 15 June 2024

Trevor made our booking experience…

Trevor made our booking experience really easy, he was very efficient , asked questions that he needed us to answer and emailed everything to us promptly. We have been booking cruises with cruise.co.uk for a number of years and never had any problems.

Date of experience : 10 June 2024

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Cruise.co.uk   Reviews

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Reviews 4.9.

12,196 total

Most relevant

Great service

As always, your cruise specialist was knowledgeable and friendly. The experience was excellent. Very happy with the service provided.

Date of experience : June 17, 2024

We always have great service from your team

We always have great service from your company a lovely lady called Eve has dealt with us quite a few times always enjoy talking to her, she explains every thing well and answers all our question. If we need to call up with a question after we are booked alway great a great service.

Date of experience : June 03, 2024

Brilliant service from Teresa

I booked through Teresa at cruise.co.uk. She has been really helpful throughout the process. She has been very patient when I was asking for lots of quotes, always delivering the figures and explaining everything well. When I eventually chose which cruise to book she secured us the best cabins she could at a great price. I would definitely book through Teresa again,and recommend her to friends/family.

Date of experience : June 09, 2024

Excellent Service

I have used Cruise Co several times in recent years to book cruise holidays. On each occasion the service I have received from their cruise consultants has been excellent. A big shout out for Anne Eaves who has gone above and beyond to arrange my latest booking. Would not hesitate to recommend Cruise Co and I will certainly be booking with them again.

Date of experience : June 01, 2024

Cruise to Northern Spain

Many thanks to Karen Aspinall for sorting stuff out so we can cruise. Quick, clear efficient and friendly. Brilliant.

Date of experience : June 18, 2024

Very helpful

Very helpful, personable agent who made the process easy

Date of experience : June 19, 2024

Caroline was very friendly and…

Caroline was very friendly and efficient when we had to cancel our upcoming cruise. Top lady.

Great Service

As always Teresa provides a great service: friendly, prompt, accurate.

Date of experience : June 22, 2024

Alana went above and beyond

Alana went above and beyond to help us book our cruise. As well as helping us to choose the best available cabin, our requests and queries were dealt with swiftly.

Date of experience : June 13, 2024

Fantastic service from Teresa at this company!

We have just booked another cruise with Teresa Esberger at cruise.co.uk. She is always so pleasant and helpful. I have a disability so have some particular needs but she is always willing to take the time to explore different options. When I contact her, she always responds very promptly and the booking is always done very efficiently. The prices with cruise.co.uk are always very competitive and you can also receive other benefits such as on-board credit, free parking etc. She has recently saved us so much money on a particular cruise that we can afford another - how could you fault that!

Date of experience : May 25, 2024

5 Stars is not enough !

Just booked our first holiday with Cruise.co.uk and have to say it was just the best experience. The travel consultant (Lily) was extremely knowledgeable and took time to understand our needs, guiding me through the whole process. We have used other agents for cruise bookings in the past but think we will now make Cruise.co.uk our "go to" for future holidays..........thank you.

Date of experience : June 05, 2024

Warwick van Reenen

We Regularly book only with Warwick van Reenen as he is professional polite, efficient ,and always returns your calls promptly and nothing is too much trouble and its crystal clear that he has a vast knowledge and understanding of the cruise industry and he inspires confidence that we are getting firstly the best value for money and secondly TRUST in someone who is more than happy to guide you threw anything that may be unclear . A huge thank you Warwick.

Date of experience : June 12, 2024

What a great deal for 2026

Originally phoned up for a quote as had heard direct from another cruise company that we could book Princess cruises for 2026. Michelle was absolutely great. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She investigated every date and we discovered each one had a different itinerary. Once we had chosen our favourite one, not only did she get us a much cheaper price but discovered that we could pay for it monthly interest free. What a great deal.

Date of experience : May 19, 2024

Great Prices but what is even better is…

Great Prices but what is even better is the fantastic service you get from your agent. We first booked with Lily C, she is an absolute star, nothing is to much trouble and she never fails to get back to you. She is now my most trusted travel advisor when looking for cruises and if she doesn't know something, she finds out. Cant wait for Sepember for our trans pacific cruise.

Date of experience : May 31, 2024

Initial booking through Adrian was great, he was very helpful and patient. Just raised a query through customer services, very quick reply and resolution. Brilliant service, first time using the but I will be back

Date of experience : June 06, 2024

It was a very quick and easy service

It was a very quick and easy service , the call back request took less than 2 minutes from sending to getting the call. While I have experience with a few cruises I was booking with a new cruise line for me so needed info which would help me with my specific needs. The info was easily provided.

Knowledgeable and keen to go that extra…

Knowledgeable and keen to go that extra mile to investigate and make things happen! Tom has been amazing, has helped to make sure my itinerary is right for me- and has been cheerful and professional in his approach to my cruise.

Date of experience : May 01, 2024

Cruise.co.uk: Amazing as always

Whoever we speak to a cruise.co.uk, we always get brilliant service. From Jayne, our cruise consultant, the service is impeccable. She always gets back to us quickly with amazing prices. This is what makes us come back to her again again. I wish all compaines provided a high service level like Jayne.

Date of experience : June 07, 2024

Lois excellent all round advisor

Lois was excellent did all we could ask for and got the best deal and advice all round thanks.

Date of experience : June 11, 2024

We'd been considering a winter cruise…

We'd been considering a winter cruise for some warmer weather and had seen this P&O cruise offered. As we had used Cruise.co.uk before we called to compare prices. Anne Eaves was extremely helpful and we got a better price than we had seen elsewhere so having successfully used this company a few times before we were more than happy to use them again. Anne was very helpful, quickly and efficiently locating the cabins we wanted and going above and beyond to sort the booking in two phone calls over one evening. All with a friendly enthusiasm which made the process really pleasant. Now we just sit back and wait for boarding day to approach. Thank you Anne.

Date of experience : May 23, 2024

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16 Best Cruise Lines, Ranked By Their Reviews

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The Best Cruise Lines, Ranked By Their Reviews

• Cruise lines adapted to the new normal with safety protocols and vaccine requirements, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for travelers.
• Top-ranked cruise lines offer luxurious amenities and unforgettable experiences, making each trip a journey of a lifetime.
• From family-friendly options to exclusive adult-only escapes, there's a cruise line suited for every type of traveler's preferences and needs.

The cruise industry is quite popular worldwide, and the competition among cruise line companies has been quite tough. Most tourists, composed of couples, groups, families, or even solo travelers, would opt for cruise trips rather than backpacking trips since vacationing on a ship with a variety of locations packed with different activities is more enjoyable than booking a long-week trip to just one city.

Despite being hit pretty badly by the Global Pandemic, it paved the way for the cruise lines to explore and renovate their cruises. Adopting the new normal onboard , there are a few things to remember before booking a trip : check the safety protocols that they are following on board, vaccine requirements, safety procedures, and guidelines for wearing protective equipment. These 16 cruise lines were ranked as the best based on reviews and provide the best amenities, luxury, and, most importantly, a trip of a lifetime.

UPDATE: 2024/03/13 19:32 EST BY REENA JAIN

This list has been updated with the latest information about each cruise line and recommended cruises. Also, the list is sorted in ascending order depending on cruise line reviews on cruisecritic.com, a TripAdvisor company, with the highest-rated one mentioned at the bottom. The list has a wide range of cruise lines, ranging from adult-only, family, all-inclusive, luxury, and many more, with cruise line rankings to provide a cruise suitable for every type of traveler.

8 Best Budget Cruise Lines For 2024

Explore the seas, discover different cultures and a variety of excitement and experiences with these budget cruise lines from around the world.

16 Fred Olsen Cruises

Cruise critic rating: 3.7/5.

With over 150 years of Norwegian seamanship heritage , family-owned Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ' UK-based fleet of smaller ships has a great reputation for dependability and comfort. The atmosphere on board is warm, easygoing, and shamelessly British as Fred. As Olsen Cruise Lines expands, the company takes pride in keeping the constancy that its clients enjoy and expect, both onboard and ashore, in the self-described "British country home" atmosphere. Fred Olsen’s most highlighted reviews (3.7/5) are on its crews, as they were mostly described as efficient, friendly, accommodating, and smiling.

9 Best Cruise Destinations For Families

Discover the top 10 family-friendly cruise destinations for your next adventure!

15 Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the most luxurious cruise lines. With rooms and interiors designed with the most elegant and grandest designs. Their staff has been acknowledged as very courteous and helpful, and the port experience is very well managed. The cruise’s most modest ships can cater to about 500 to 750 passengers. Despite the luxurious costs of the cruise, people still find it well promising with its fantastic crew and trained staff, ranking it as #3 in the Best Luxury Cruise Lines and getting a rating of 3.7/5.

14 Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise critic rating: 3.8/5.

Carnival Cruise Lines ' ships are large vessels, with the new ones (Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee) accommodating over 5000 passengers. They have basketball courts, water parks, and rope courses to entertain and amuse children of all ages. Adults can enjoy the spa, the casino, and the adult-only retreat. With so many facilities and experiences available for travelers of all ages, this cruise line received a rating of 3.8/5 and has been ranked third in Best Cruise Lines for Families . Carnival cruises offer travelers numerous destinations to choose from, including Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, and more, but Half Moon Cay is an exclusive stopover.

13 Silversea

The Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programs are one of the main highlights of Silversea Cruises — it is considered the unique feature that no other company can top. Guests’ eating experience is designed to provide authentic cuisines that will provide an overview and “feeling” about their chosen destinations through food. The S.A.L.T. Lab program has provided its guests with the ability to participate in tastings and courses. The cruise line has been ranked as the Number 5 Best Luxury cruise and got a rating of 3.8/5.

9 Best Cruise Destinations For Every Type Of Traveler

Choosing the right cruise destination sets the stage for a wonderful trip, and sailing completes the magic with unforgettable experiences.

Cunard Cruise Line ships are quite popular for their four ships named Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne — which are praised for their magnificent cabins and services, which include expensive dining places and opulent ballrooms. The Cunard Cruise Line is one of the few luxury cruise lines that provide quiet eating places for chosen passengers, which means that people in ordinary staterooms dine in a different restaurant than guests in suites. Cunard Line was ranked #9 in Best Cruise Lines for Money and Best Cruise Lines for Couples and got a 3.8/5 rating.

11 Oceania Cruises

Discover new perspectives on the world and journey to the remote reaches of the earth with Oceania Cruises , which is #4 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines and has a good rating of 3.8/5. Guests can visit innovative insider excursions that take every traveler’s heart deep into the destination's culinary and cultural heritage. Oceania Cruises are quite popular with the senior population and wealthy retirees who have been seeking a relaxed adventure with a hint of slight thrill. Oceania is ranked Number 4 in the Best Cruise Lines for Couples and also for the Best Luxury Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.

Do It Right: How To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise In July

Taking an Alaska cruise in July is a unique and amazing experience. However, you should know what to pack beforehand.

10 Princess Cruises

Princess' 15-ship fleet sails over the world, including popular sailings to Alaska, Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, among other places. Princess Cruises' claim to fame may be its starring role in the 1977 smash TV series "The Love Boat," but the cruise company has continued to make waves with engaging onboard activities and diverse itineraries since its Hollywood debut. Ranked as #3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money by U.S. News, it also has a good rating of 3.8/5 according to Cruise Critic.

9 Royal Caribbean International

Cruise critic rating: 3.9/5.

As diverse as its list of destinations and a fleet of 32 ships (with three new in the fleet), Royal Caribbean International provides different onboard amenities and a range of sailings that appeal to cruisers of all ages. While some of the cruise ships in the fleet have ice rinks and rock climbing walls, others have bumper cars, water slides, and zip lines. Each vessel also offers entertaining and educational activities for children and teenagers, as well as a range of evening performances, bars, and nightspots for adults. Royal Caribbean got an excellent rating of 3.9/5 and is listed as the #2 Best Cruise Line for Families in the cruise line rankings because of its world-class amenities, abundance of activities, and dining options on board.

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.0/5

People who book a trip with the French cruise line Ponant will feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Luxurious Hermes bath products, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and Laduree macaroons are some of the unique offerings provided to guests on board Ponant. Additionally, each ship from Ponant features either a Turkish sauna or bath and an onboard spa with massage cabins. While most cruise ships are ranked based on the amenities provided , Ponant's luxuries and rating of 4.0/5 make it one of the best cruise lines in the world. Those who wish to sail to Antarctica and other remote destinations can do so by booking a cruise with a luxurious small Ponant ship. Moreover, the company partners with Disney and Smithsonian on some sailings.

7 Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.1/5

Celebrity Cruises receives excellent accolades from both passengers and experts for its upmarket decor and inventive food. Celebrity's fleet travels from cities like Honolulu, Miami, and Seattle in the United States. Celebrity Cruises attracts a varied range of passengers. While the majority of onboard activities cater to couples in their mid-30s to mid-50s, the line also caters to families with a variety of programs for children and teens. Furthermore, some cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean cruises cost less than $250 per person, ranking it as #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money .

Those looking for a cruise line that sails to all seven continents will find that with Seabourn . The company has small ships that make passengers feel as if they're sailing in their private club. The suites aboard Seabourn ships feature a walk-in closet, an ocean view, and a proper dining area. Additionally, each ship from Seabourn can accommodate up to 600 passengers, with each guest having plenty of space to enjoy the stunning landscapes. Premium liquors and an attendant for every suite are included in Seabourn cruise prices. The cruise line has a rating of 4.1/5 and is ranked as the #2 Best Luxury Cruise Line by U.S. News.

5 Hurtigruten

On a Hurtigruten ocean cruise, the destination says it all. Popular for its Arctic and Antarctic cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions (now HX) has expanded its itineraries. Now it offers various itinerary programs, with expedition ships that can sail across 34 different ports across the Norwegian coastline. Although the ships aren't the most luxurious, they're small enough to get to minor ports and communities that larger ships can't. As part of their travel policies and guidelines, Hurtigruten has been reviewed as one of the cruise lines that is prompt in repaying passengers for canceled cruises and giving alternatives, such as a refund.

10 Cruise Lines For Seniors Who Love To Travel By Sea

Cruising is an unforgettable escape for the elderly who love to see the world. Discover these spectacular cruise lines that are perfect for seniors!

4 Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages, a trendy, adults-only cruise line, is ranked as the #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money and unquestionably stands out from the competition. As per recent cruisers' reviews, the cruise line is surely what it promises; many travelers even claim that a Virgin Voyages cruise vacation was the best experience they have ever had. The cruise line sails to a range of locations around the world and has three ships in its fleet: the Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady (Brilliant Lady is in the order). The ships of this cruise line stand out because of their luxurious setting, sophisticated dining options, complimentary Wi-Fi, ultra-chic staterooms, and a range of adventure, entertainment, and wellness activities. Virgin Voyages is among the industry’s best cruise lines for adults only and the minimum age to have fun onboard the ship is a minimum of 18 years.

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.2/5

Passengers can spend days on a relaxing beach or explore the panoramic postcard-perfect views of the palm-lined landscapes. Guests not only enjoy the activities on board but visitors also get to learn about the chosen country’s culture, history, and traditions. Azamara has been considered the fourth-best cruise line for couples — with its fantastic and very pleasing crew members, very delightful food menu, and fun activities on board. This small-ship cruise line is considered everyone’s favorite and got an excellent rating of 4.2/5.

2 Disney Cruise Line

Another one that deserves to be on this list of top cruise lines is Disney Cruise Line . It is also ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Families for its family-friendly ambiance, amusing amenities, and well-appointed staterooms. The cruise line's ships—Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and the brand-new Disney Wish and Disney Treasure—received great reviews from travelers and critics alike, giving the cruise line a rating of 4.2/5. Although Disney seems to entice families traveling with kids, it offers all the conveniences for adults searching for pleasure in complete privacy, such as private adult-only pools, bars, and restaurants. All Disney ships have excellent amenities, like themed pools, kid's clubs, shops, Disney-themed dining rooms, and a wide range of Disney-inspired entertainment.

1 Viking Oceans Cruises

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.6/5

This Swiss-based cruise company caters to small-sized parties — their ships can accommodate only about 1,000 guests . Most of their itineraries or programs are designed for adults who want to escape their reality and just relax without being surrounded by kids. Viking Cruises is one of the companies that are quite prompt at refunding tickets — canceled trips are well-addressed by the management. The ship's reduced capacity is one of its perks and hacks , as it can offer its customers personalized treatment. Moreover, smaller businesses can also visit less busy harbors. It has been ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples and is an excellent choice for those looking for a romantic retreat at sea.

• Bucket List Ideas

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Sun princess: the best dining, amenities and more on princess cruises' newest ship.

Sun Princess features an updated layout, delicious new restaurants and plenty of spaces to be entertained.

Sun Princess Review

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Key Takeaways

• Sun Princess' fresher, more modern design may appeal to a younger crowd than the line normally caters to.
• Incredible dining options abound, including The Catch by Rudi and the new Spellbound dinner and magic show.
• New Cabana Mini-Suites feature indoor-outdoor cabana areas and spacious balconies.

As a travel writer who cruises with all the major lines, I was excited to travel through the Mediterranean on the new Sun Princess cruise ship in May 2024. I traveled with my mother to celebrate her 76th birthday shortly after the new ship's February debut in Rome . The itinerary we sailed was a unique, one-way offering that departed from Athens, Greece , with visits to ports like Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Naples, Italy .

A true marvel of modern engineering and ship architecture, Sun Princess boasts a maximum guest capacity of 4,300 and room for 1,600 crew. The Sphere-Class vessel is 1,133 feet long and 200 feet high, with a breadth of 139 feet and 21 total decks. There are 2,157 staterooms, including 80 unique suites with extra space for guests.

Standout features include a three-floor main dining area, the Princess Arena with capacity for 990 guests and a 250-person entertainment space known as The Dome. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Sun Princess cruise ship, including my own take on the dining and entertainment options available to cruisers.

Find your perfect cruise

Sun Princess itineraries for 2024 and 2025

Holly Johnson

While Sun Princess is scheduled to cruise the Mediterranean through September 2024, the ship will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida , by October for the winter cruise season.

From this new homeport, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises with the stops in Honduras, Belize , Mexico, the Bahamas , the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos through March 2025.

Sun Princess will then embark on a 14-day Spanish Passage voyage in March 2025, which ends in Barcelona, Spain , and repositions the ship for its summer in the Mediterranean. At that point, cruisers can book a range of lengthy Mediterranean options over various dates, which include stops in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain and more.

Who should sail on Sun Princess?

While most people may think of Princess Cruises as a cruise line for baby boomers, Sun Princess aims to attract a younger, livelier crowd. This is immediately apparent when walking around the ship's common areas; Sun Princess boasts bold color schemes, endless windows, sparkling lights and a more modern central piazza than other Princess ships.

While my Mediterranean sailing largely consisted of adult travelers, Sun Princess will likely attract more families on its Caribbean itineraries. The ship's layout is ideal for parents with children of all ages, and amenities geared specifically toward kids abound. It all starts with the ship's Park19 family area, which features a huge climbing structure, a splash zone, a recreational court, a jogging court and more. Sun Princess also has three dedicated youth clubs: Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3 to 7, with a separate play area for babies and toddlers 6 months and older), Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8 to 12) and The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17).

What's interesting about Sun Princess is that it still has so much to offer more mature travelers, including couples who want to enjoy a romantic, upscale vacation. This is shown in the ship's elevated dining venues, expansive casino and luxurious spa. Sun Princess also offers the Sanctuary Collection of rooms and suites, which offer more amenities and spaces to relax on the ship.

Travelers who book a room in the Sanctuary Collection get their pick of a nicer selection of rooms, a premium beverage package, access to a private restaurant and pool deck and a more personalized experience overall. Think of the Sanctuary Collection suites as an alternative to MSC Cruises Yacht Club cabins – the biggest difference being that the venues available to cruisers in these cabins are spread throughout the ship.

The stateroom

I stayed in one of the new Cabana Mini-Suites on the Sun Princess, which I would book again in a heartbeat. These rooms are a take on the classic balcony cabin most cruisers expect, but with a twist. In addition to an outdoor balcony, Cabana Mini-Suites have a separate indoor-outdoor cabana-like area with a flat-screen television.

This extra space means the new Cabana Mini-Suites are much longer from one end to the other than a traditional balcony stateroom. The additional space is nice to have whether you want more room for storage or a separate place to read or relax while your cabinmate naps. My mom sat in our cabana area and read several times while I showered and got ready for dinner, and she even took a nap out there while I worked on my computer in our stateroom.

Regardless of the stateroom you book, know that Sun Princess cabins feature soft, neutral tones and plenty of closet space. Power outlets are abundant, and there are all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. Cabin types on Sun Princess include the following:

Interior Cabins (136 to 145 square feet)

Basic interior rooms offer a queen bed or two small twin beds, a flat-panel television, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. These are the most affordable cabins on the ship, and they work best for guests who just want a place to relax and sleep.

Premium Oceanview (212 square feet)

Ocean-view cabins have slightly more space than interior rooms, but they still lack a balcony. These rooms feature a queen bed or two twin configurations, a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Deluxe Balcony (235 square feet, including balcony)

Balcony cabins offer more space than ocean-view rooms due to the addition of a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. Balcony cabins can also come in a queen bed or two twin configuration and have a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Mini-Suite (303 square feet, including balcony)

Mini-Suites are essentially large balcony cabins with more storage space, more closet space and more floor space. These rooms have all the amenities of other cabins but include two flat-screen televisions (one for the bedroom area and another for couch viewing).

Cabana Mini-Suite (329 square feet, including balcony and cabana)

These rooms add the indoor-outdoor space of the cabana adjacent to the outdoor balcony. The cabana area has seating for several people and its own flat-screen television (in addition to the in-room TV).

Signature Suites (304 to 636 square feet, including balcony)

Signature Suites range in size and include larger balconies with premium furniture, two flat-screen televisions, a more spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and dedicated sleeping and living areas.

Signature Sky Suites (1,262 square feet, including balcony)

Princess Cruises Signature Sky Suites are the largest staterooms across all Princess vessels, and they have all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Standout features of Sky Suites include separate living and dining areas; huge, luxurious bathrooms; and Nespresso coffee machines.

(Note: Sanctuary Collection rooms are dotted throughout the ship and consist of balcony-, mini-suite- and suite-category accommodations.)

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Best amenities on Sun Princess

Since my itinerary on the Sun Princess cruise ship included multiple port stops, I didn't get to experience everything the ship had to offer. However, what I did experience was worth it – from the nonstop entertainment in the piazza to over-the-top dining features. Some of my standout experiences include:

Part dinner and part magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle is bookable for an additional charge. The experience begins with a small group dinner with drink pairings, then moves to a hidden bar area of the ship, where the magic begins. The bar itself features magical artifacts and vintage curiosities, a "ghost" pianist, and an incredible drink menu designed to wow and delight guests. Some drinks were served in cages, golden owls and elaborate chests with dry ice.

Magic came in the form of intriguing card tricks and disappearing acts at the bar, plus a separate stage area where crowd participation helped facilitate the illusions. I don't want to give anything more than that away – you must simply experience it for yourself. Though I thought Spellbound was slightly cheesy at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and show and feel it was worth the added cost.

The Dome on the Sun Princess is part pool area and part stage. Guests can swim in a unique indoor-outdoor pool by day and watch entertainers dance in the evening, with alluring lighting effects and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

I watched an acrobatics show in The Dome from the comfort of a padded lounge chair and thought the venue was the place to be.

Princess Arena 

The Princess Arena is a circular stage area that holds up to 990 guests. Shows on offer include multifaceted stage productions and acrobatic features with plenty of surprises.

Fitness center

The Sun Princess' fitness center was huge and featured a range of treadmills, stair climbers, weights and machines to choose from. I never had trouble securing a treadmill at any time, even though I've had to wait and fight crowds for machines on other cruise ships.

I also loved the expansive walking track on the ship, which was constantly in use by both serious exercisers and cruisers walking leisurely to enjoy the views. I used the walking track every morning for at least an hour; I found it much more spacious and usable than other ship walking tracks, which are often congested and never quite wide enough.

The ship also features a Fitness Studio with guided classes, but I did not use it during my trip.

Sun Princess features five large pools and nine hot tubs. There are two pools on the lido deck, plus an indoor-outdoor pool in The Dome, a Sanctuary pool (for Sanctuary Collection guests only) and a wake-view infinity pool.

Medallion services

Princess MedallionClass is one of the coolest and most convenient amenities at sea. In place of a traditional cruise card, Princess gives you a small wearable device to bring with you around the ship and on shore. The medallion tracks your physical location on the ship, which allows you to order services and deliveries on board no matter where you are. Medallion delivery options range from food and drinks to extra pillows or bottled water.

I ordered room service through my medallion multiple times and hot, fresh food arrived in my cabin in less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, drinks were delivered to our cabin and elsewhere on the ship in less than five minutes.

MedallionNet

Princess' Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet) is the fastest internet service I have ever used on a cruise ship. The internet was fast and reliable enough for me to complete some work while on board, which is not the norm on cruise ships.

Best dining venues Sun Princess

Sun Princess features 30 dining and bar options, many of which are included in the base cruise fare. Complimentary dining venues on Sun Princess include three traditional dining rooms, The Eatery (a take on the classic buffet, but with staff service), a café for coffee and light bites, The Lido (serving up salads, pizza and more) and the Promenade Dining grill.

Specialty dining options for an extra charge range from O'Malley's Irish Pub to a sushi spot to steak, seafood and Italian restaurants. For an extra special experience, head to Love by Britto to indulge in fine dining, or opt for Umai hot pot or teppanyaki venues. Meanwhile, bars on Sun Princess include Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Sea View Bar, The MIX and more.

My personal favorite dining experiences included:

My Spellbound dinner was excellent, even though the menu is fairly brief. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and seafood entree, followed by a vegan dessert (I'm allergic to dairy and the ship happily accommodated). What stood out for me with Spellbound, at least food-wise, was the eclectic selection of drink pairings offered with the meal. It started with a caprese salad cocktail that tasted like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a strange, delicious way, then moved on to the spooky concoctions offered in the Spellbound bar.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill, a specialty dining venue, is not unique to Sun Princess, but it is the cruise line's most popular steakhouse brand. My mom and I had a delicious meal here for her birthday that included a Mediterranean-style spiny lobster cake, Chilean sea bass and a huge (surprise) birthday cake delivered to our table.

The Catch by Rudi

The Catch by Rudi is the ship's specialty dining seafood restaurant. Here, I dined on a delicious shrimp cocktail and the catch of the day (a grilled dorado filet). Everything was fresh and the meal was exceptional from start to finish.

I loved The Eatery, the ship's buffet-style dining option. The main difference between this venue and more traditional cruise ship buffets is that you're served by staff instead of serving yourself, which I prefer. The Eatery featured a rotating selection of exceptional main courses (seafood, chicken, beef and ethnic options), salads, appetizers and delicious desserts. It even had a vegan section and an easy-to-find selection of gluten-free offerings.

Best excursions on Sun Princess

The best excursions on Sun Princess vary depending on where you're going on your cruise – the Caribbean or various Europe destinations. Here's an overview of some excellent excursions offered aboard Sun Princess, a few of which I did myself.

Corfu, Greece 

Catamaran Coastal Cruise & Swim: This easy excursion lets you see Corfu from the sea and get out into the water for some snorkeling and swimming. I picked this excursion so we could relax for one day and avoid a lot of walking, and it delivered. A delicious lunch with an open bar was served on board as we sailed around the island taking in some of Corfu's most beautiful sights.

Naples, Italy

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Cruise: No trip to this region of Italy is complete without a stop in the Amalfi Coast . This excursion was a long one (eight to nine hours) with lots of walking and bus time, but the views of this dynamic coast and time spent in Amalfi and Sorrento made the travel time well worth it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Island Vibes & Beach Swim: This relatively short excursion includes a narrated bus trip throughout the island of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the island's top sights. A beach break at picturesque Governor's Beach is included.

Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: Princess Cruises' private island offers a range of bookable activities, from banana boat rides to snorkeling tours. This coastal cruise is another option that takes you along the shores of Eleuthera in a 40-foot Reef Princess boat.

Overall impressions of Sun Princess

If you're considering a cruise on Sun Princess, you should know that this isn't your traditional Princess ship. The look and feel of this vessel are younger and livelier compared to other Princess ships I have sailed on. Gone are the hallways filled with cruisers knitting and playing cards; in their place, you'll find dancing, entertainment, music and activities around the clock.

When it comes to Sun Princess dining, every meal I had on board was either very good or excellent. You don't even have to opt for an extra-cost specialty dining venue to get a good meal. The Eatery and the regular dining rooms feature fresh, seasonal foods that are more than enough for the average palate to enjoy.

Caribbean itineraries on offer later this year (and into 2025) start at around $660 per person for an interior cabin, and Princess features an endless roster of sales throughout the year. If you're looking for a new cruising experience and want to give Princess a try (or another chance), Sun Princess is more than worthy of your consideration.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers all aspects of family travel, including all-inclusive resorts and cruises with both boutique and major cruise brands. Johnson has traveled to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has cruised in destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, and the Middle East. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who runs the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

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Troubled Cruise gets new CEO as Waymo opens up its San Francisco robotaxis to everyone

Cruise's new ceo was a key engineer of the xbox.

Mark Whitten in 2018 (Getty Images)

General Motors on Tuesday named a veteran technology executive with roots in the video game industry to steer its troubled robotaxi service Cruise as it tries to recover from a gruesome collision that triggered the suspension of its California license.

Marc Whitten, one of the key engineers behind the Xbox video game console, will take over as Cruise's chief executive nearly nine months after one of the service's robotaxis dragged a jaywalking pedestrian — who had just been struck by a different vehicle driven by a human — across a darkened street in San Francisco before coming to a stop.

That early October 2023 incident prompted California regulators to slam the brakes on Cruise's robotaxis in San Francisco. It had previously giving the driverless vehicles approval to charge for rides throughout the second densest city in the U.S., despite objections of local government officials who cited flaws in the autonomous technology.

General Motors, which had hoped Cruise would be generating $1 billion in annual revenue by 2025, has since scaled back its massive investments in the robotaxi service. The cutbacks resulted in 900 workers being laid off just weeks after Cruise co-founder and former CEO Kyle Vogt resigned from his job in the aftermath of crash that sent the pedestrian to the hospital.

The arrival of new leadership at Cruise came on the same day rival robotaxi service Waymo disclosed its driverless vehicles are ready to start picking up anyone in San Francisco who wants a ride within the city. Waymo had been only accepting requests from riders selected from a waiting list that had grown to 300,000 people.

It’s the second major city where Waymo’s robotaxis are open to all comers, joining Phoenix, where the driverless vehicles have been giving rides for several years.

Although Waymo’s vehicles so far haven’t been involved in any collisions like the one that sidelined Cruise, the company recently issued a voluntary recall that required delivering a software update throughout its fleet after one of its robotaxis hit a telephone pole in Phoenix.

Whitten, who also has worked at Amazon and Sonos, will be taking over a robotaxi service facing far more daunting challenges. General Motors earlier this year disclosed that the U.S. Justice Department has opened an inquiry into Cruise’s handling of the October crash in San Francisco. California regulators also fined Cruise $112,000 for its response to that collision.

In a statement, Whitten said he believes Cruise can still make transportation safer than it has been with humans behind the wheel of cars.

“It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of this transformation,” Whitten said. ”The team at Cruise has built world-class technology, and I look forward to working with them to help bring this critical mission to life.”

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‘Top Chef’ Finalists Talk Cruise-Ship Cooking, Learning From Tom Colicchio and Their Toughest Challenge: ‘The Cooking Is the Easy Part’

By Alison Herman

Alison Herman

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Season 21 of “ Top Chef ” was the venerated food competition’s first without longtime host Padma Lakshmi. Nevertheless, the show adapted without her , and will culminate on June 19 with a finale set aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Out of 16 chefs who competed in Wisconsin, judges Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and Kristen Kish — a former winner who stepped into Lakshmi’s role — have narrowed the field to just three contenders: Dan Jacobs, Savannah Miller and Danny Garcia.

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How did you spend the break between filming in Wisconsin and that final stretch of episodes in the Caribbean?

Dan Jacobs: I mean, I have two businesses, so I was trying to just concentrate on playing around with ideas, and using Caribbean ingredients. But then the restaurant happens, and suddenly you’re back into the daily grind of doing things. It was weird, because I couldn’t fully get back involved in the restaurants, because I knew I had to leave again in six weeks.

Danny Garcia: I was kind of in the same boat. I came home, and I got lucky enough to be in New York, where there’s a huge Caribbean population and community. I spent most of my time in Little Haiti and Little Havana, just going to different grocery stores and different farmers markets that import ingredients from the Caribbean, and really learning as much as I could about the different ingredients that I wasn’t already familiar with — getting my hands on as much seafood that’s specific to that region that I wasn’t really familiar with. I really gave myself a crash course on Caribbean food, and specifically the cuisine in Curaçao. Using as much time in our kitchen to be able to practice on food, really dialing in dishes and dialing in that final menu.

While all of this is going on, I assume you’re also not really allowed to say to people around you, “By the way, I was just on ‘Top Chef’ and I’m going back to ‘Top Chef.’” How was that handled?

Jacobs: I told people I was on “Naked and Afraid.”

Did they buy it?

Jacobs: No!

Miller: I was not in the restaurants every day, so it was pretty easy to hide. But I had told people months earlier that I was going “up north.” I just kept it really vague — to go work with a mentor. So they thought that I was, like, in Vermont somewhere. It was pretty easy.

Garcia: People thought all sorts of things. I think people thought I went to jail for a little bit. It was funny. Most of the team was just thinking that I was incredibly psychotic, just prepping or creating dishes for the new restaurant that we were opening. They were like, “Wow, you’re really taking this seriously! You have a lot of time before then, but you’re really diving into these specific dishes.” But no one really knew what was going on. It was kind of funny to be able to bounce around them and have been thinking one thing while doing the other thing.

What’s it like to cook on a cruise ship? Because that seems to be a very specific kitchen experience.

Garcia: You’re used to being in kitchens that are our own, and then we got used to being in the “Top Chef” kitchen. Being in a kitchen that moves is quite challenging. Using a scale in a kitchen that’s rocking back and forth is pretty impossible. The little things that you take advantage of, just being in a regular kitchen — it’s pretty daunting.

Jacobs: Everything’s induction, even though we broke the rules right away and started fires. So that was something you had really had to get used to. The constant movement of the ship — the whole ship was moving from side to side. And like Danny said, you tried to scale something and it went from 70 grams to 180 grams and 240 grams to four grams. It was like one last “Top Chef” twist.

Miller: I feel like that was a once in a lifetime experience. One of the great things about “Top Chef” is that you get to come across these people. I still can’t believe that he cooked for us. He said something along the lines of, “Only this one time.” Meaning, if I serve you the same meal, even tomorrow, it won’t be the same as right now. For me, I was like, “OK, I’m gonna take this day and this moment and make it the best that I possibly can.” Because it won’t be happening again, just like it is right now.

Jacobs: I as well took a lot of inspiration from that, from what he said. I had to pivot quite a bit on my final meal, just out of necessity. And it was one of those things where it was like, “All right, this is who I am right now, in this place in time.” It was really funny too, because [production]] wanted us to talk about stuff. And I was like, “No! I want to enjoy this meal with Morimoto cooking! This is the only time Morimoto’s gonna cook for me and three of my friends.”

That’ll never happen again, probably. It was one of the coolest experiences I think I’ve ever had in my life.

Garcia: It was an incredible experience to have that moment with him, and to have him take the time and give us his insight on the way he sees food, understand the way he sees life: to live in that moment and then not take those moments for granted, but rather really be in those moments and embrace them.

The alumni pool of the show at this point is obviously quite large. Had any of you talked to other people who’ve gone through this process? What did they tell you to expect out of it?

Garcia: I myself know a handful of previous cheftestants, and people who have been on the show. Everyone prepares differently, but everyone across the board said it’s a mental game. As much as it is a physical cooking competition, it’s very much a mental game.

That was very much at the forefront of what everyone was saying, to be prepared for and be able to wrap your head around long days being away from your family, not being able to speak to them. I think for us as chefs, it’s almost like the cooking is the easy part.

Jacobs: I was lucky enough to have a handful of friends who had been through this process. It was encouraging. It’s funny, because I think only people that went through this really, truly understand it, what it was like. I’d gotten advice before the show a little bit, but definitely after the show, how to navigate things. I think Tom said you’ve just got to learn to say no to some things. That’s something I’m still learning. But it’s definitely a process.

Miller: I didn’t really know anybody, so I don’t have a good answer for this one. [laughs]

Is there any aspect of the competition that caught you particularly off guard?

Miller: There’s always going to be some things that are surprising if you’re doing something that you haven’t done before. I’ve watched the show for a long time. For me and a lot of other people, “Top Chef” is the show for chefs. You always hope that it’s all as authentic as it seems when you’re watching it at home. And for me, it was really nice to confirm that. They put a lot of hard work into making sure that everything is extremely fair, and done right.

The judges are always eating your food at the prime time. They really take a lot of time to deliberate, and do their judging. They really care, and they want to mentor us as much as they want to run this production. For me, it was a really nice surprise to go in and realize that everything that I had hoped it was, it truly was.

Was there a particular piece of feedback you got throughout production that helped you move your craft forward?

Garcia: Tom’s advice: Everything that Tom said was really helpful and always thoughtful, but him telling us to have fun and not to take it so seriously. Not to take our food so seriously, and not to take ourselves too seriously.

Jacobs: I think you saw our best cooks were always when we were having a good time. Anytime that I feel like I cooked poorly was definitely when I was tight. Tom’s honest, like 100%. He said that the day that he can’t be honest with us is the day that he’s not going to do this anymore. You just knew when he was giving you feedback, when he was saying he liked it, you did good. If it was salty, it was salty. Tom doesn’t pull any punches.

Was there a particular challenge that, looking back, was the hardest for you?

Miller: The fish boil was difficult, I think, for obvious reasons. But also, even just going into it, I’m not the person who tends the fire on the beach. Just getting to a point where you’re realizing that like, “Oh, I’m gonna literally have to keep this thing going,” and there’s all these elements . Then I stabbed myself like an idiot. So I’m just dealing with all of that.

Jacobs: I’ll second Savannah. The fish boil, for sure. That was the most physically demanding challenge I think we had. I’m already kind of handicapped when it comes to physical stuff, and then having to run back and forth and tend your fire in the sand — you’re getting blasted with smoke the whole time. And then on top of it, I don’t really like fish boils! I really had to kind of get my attitude right. Instead of being negative about it, be like, “All right, I’m gonna try and make this different,” and be positive.

Dan, you’re obviously from Wisconsin, so maybe this question applies less to you. But I feel like the rest of the country isn’t necessarily as knowledgeable about Wisconsin food. Savannah and Danny, was there anything that you learned about Wisconsin cuisine that surprised you in a pleasant way?

Miller: It kind of reminded me of North Carolina, in a way. I have never really had positive or negative thoughts about Wisconsin. It’s just not something I’ve thought about in my life. But whenever I found out we were going, I think there were a lot of people who were like, “Wisconsin? What!” I remember doing the research and then showing up and doing these challenges.

I just felt like, this feels like home to me, in a way that some people might gloss over it. Maybe they don’t believe it to be a crazy culinary destination. But it’s just not true. As far as the agriculture and, obviously, the dairy, there’s just so much that it has to offer. We really got to see that. The Dane County Farmers Market in Madison was a huge eye-opening experience for me. I just think it’s beautiful, and has a lot to offer.

Garcia: I feel the same way. I didn’t necessarily have any feelings towards Wisconsin prior to going. It definitely wasn’t something that was on my radar. But once we got there, it was amazing. It was a beautiful place. The people were incredibly hospitable and kind and welcoming. The food was definitely more than just cheese. Cheese and beer is kind of like that surface level. But once you dive a little deeper, you’re able to see this really big bounty of delicious.

Jacobs: Guys, that’s so nice. It makes me feel real cool.

Dan, did you feel any hometown advantage? Or was there pressure to live up to the label?

Jacobs: There’s a hometown advantage. I knew cranberries were coming up. I knew there’s gonna be a sausage challenge. Dairy cheese. You kind of know what to expect just from being here. But the expectation, and the fact that I was the only Wisconsin chef that was there, really put a bit of pressure on me to make sure that I was going to excel in the competition. I wanted to do it in a way that showcased who we are as people here, and do it in a way that was fun and funny. I had a good time with it. So yeah, a little bit of both.

You know going in that, best case, you get carte blanche to cook your best in the finale. To what extent throughout the competition are you thinking about that final dinner? Are you holding anything in your back pocket, or is it more spontaneous?

Garcia: I think it’s more of what feels good in the moment, not forcing anything. Trying to fit a round peg in a square hole doesn’t feel good. I think the same is true in cooking. It’s just what feels good in that moment. 

Miller: Long before I ever started thinking about what I would cook, I’d started just thinking about how I could best tell the story that I was trying to convey. For me, every challenge was just, like: I want to make it to next week. So I think it took a long time for me to actually be like, “Oh, wow, I need to start figuring this out.” Because I was just so stoked every week to be like, “Oh, I get to do it again!”

This interview has been edited and condensed.

The season finale of “Top Chef” Season 21 will air on Bravo on June 19 at 9pm ET, then stream on Peacock the next day.

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