Hi Captain Heikki! What was it that first made you want to embark on a career at sea?
I have always been interested in ships, planes, trains and anything that moves. I was “working” as a deckhand on a small passenger ship on the Finnish coast when I was 13 years old. As I couldn’t work officially due to my age, I was allowed to eat as many sweets and as much ice cream as I wanted. Best contract ever! Later, I completed my national military service in the Finnish Navy, so a career at sea was a natural choice.
Can you tell us a bit about your career in the cruise industry?
I have worked for Princess Cruises for almost 20 years. I joined the company as a 2nd Officer. Back in 2006, I was “leant” to Cunard and did one contract aboard Queen Mary 2 as Chief Officer. Later that same year, I was promoted to Staff Captain. I passed the promotion panel and an assessment process in 2013 and was promoted to Captain. My first command was on P&O Australia m/v Pacific Dawn. Since then, I have commanded eight ships including the ship I’m now on, Sky Princess.
What are some of your career highlights?
Moments I’ll never forget; when I joined my first foreign-going cargo ship back in 1992, the first time I was on watch alone on the Bridge as a watchkeeping Deck Officer in 1995, when I took over command back in 2013, when I conducted my first legal wedding back in 2014 and was more nervous than the couple getting married and when I took the delivery of the brand-new Sky Princess at the Monfalcone shipyard back in 2019.
Do you have a favourite feature on Sky Princess?
Our well-hidden gem, The Enclave, Princess’ largest-ever thermal suite with an indoor pool and saunas. You can find it inside Lotus Spa on Deck 5 forward.
And what about your favourite restaurant onboard?
Crown Grill Steak House, which I miss when I am home!
Why should people sail with Princess Cruises?
With us, you learn what cruising is all about! We have a very dedicated and friendly team who provide extraordinary service to our guests. And then there’s the unique MedallionClass experience, which helps create personalised and seamless holidays for our guests.
How can our readers make the most of their time aboard Sky Princess?
There are so many things to do with activities and experiences for everyone! I would recommend the first thing you should do once you step onboard is to take a moment to relax, sit on your balcony or top deck with a drink in hand, close your eyes and enjoy the fresh sea air. Then check out Princess Patter, which lists all the activities that are taking place each day and figure out what you would like to do next. Be sure to check out OceanNow on the MedallionClass app or your stateroom TV too, where you can have food and drinks delivered to wherever you are onboard thanks to our Medallion technology.
We have no doubt that you have visited many destinations around the world. Do you have a favourite?
I have so many favourites, so it is extremely difficult to say what is number one. Perhaps, Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
And which destinations are you looking forward to visiting aboard Sky Princess?
New York, one of my favourite cities!
Lastly, what are you most excited about for the future of Princess Cruises?
We are getting the new ship class in 2024 (Sphere Class), which is LNG-powered and fitted with Azipod propulsion. I have seen some sketches and let me tell you, the Sphere Class will be absolutely spectacular!
Thank you very much for your time, Captain Heikki!
