When Christopher Biggins connects to our Microsoft Teams video call, the expression ‘star of stage and screen’ takes on a whole new meaning. We’re here to chat about his recent cruise aboard the MedallionClass Sky Princess, which we coordinated alongside Princess Cruises. The voyage sailed Biggins and his partner Neil to the Western Caribbean and Mexico and was “simply fantastic,” as Biggins later tells us, his infectious smile beaming as his passion for cruising radiates. Here, we discover which destinations are at the top of Biggins’ bucket list, his packing tips and the beginning of his career as a pantomime Dame.
Tell us about your cruising background. When did you first start cruising? Have you cruised a lot?
My partner Neil and I have cruised a lot over the years. With the job I do, I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world. When I won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2007, part of my prize was a cruise. Unbelievably, it was Queen Elizabeth 2’s final farewell to Australia. We flew to South America where we embarked Queen Elizabeth 2 and sailed to Tonga, Tahiti, Easter Island and then on to New Zealand and Australia.
Have you tried any other cruise types outside of ocean cruises?
We have! We’ve been to Vietnam on a river cruise and it was truly wonderful. I think cruising is a great way to travel and it’s not just for people my age - cruising is for everybody! It’s so exciting to wake up in the morning and see where you are. What’s more, when cruising down a river, the landscape changes all the time - the backdrop is wonderful.
Would we be wrong to assume that your most memorable cruising experience was aboard Queen Elizabeth 2’s final voyage? It doesn’t get better than that, does it?
It doesn’t! As we sailed into Sydney, everyone came out to say goodbye, it was spectacular. But the thing that really stuck with me was when she crossed paths with her successor Queen Mary 2 as she sailed out of Sydney Harbour.
When on board, where can we find you? What sort of activities do you try and hunt out?
The spa, usually! Lotus Spa on Sky Princess is quite extraordinary and we especially loved the cabanas. There’s this fabulous television that you have personal headphones for so you can listen without disturbing anybody. We enjoyed relaxing there in the Caribbean sun. We also love to chat with people and make friends. In fact, when celebrity friends of mine say, “We’re going on a cruise, what do you think?” I always respond with, “Do you like people?” And sometimes they pause and they say, “Well, what do you mean?” And I say, “Well, you can’t go on a cruise without people because they’re everywhere!” And I love that. I mean, we made some lovely friends on Sky Princess.
And what about before your cruise, do you have any packing tips?
Don’t pack as much as you think you want. We didn’t use half of the stuff!
Do you have any cruises planned? If not, are there any destinations on your bucket list that you’re desperate to visit?
I’m a Sagittarian so I’m a typical traveller! We have our bows and arrows and we like to fire them somewhere far away so there’s always a new destination on my list. I’d like to go on another river cruise, they’re much more intimate, I would also love to go back to Australia and also visit parts of Asia. At the moment, though, we don’t have any cruises planned. I started my career in Darlington playing the Dame in a pantomime and they’ve invited me back this year. So, when my time in Darlington is done, we will definitely go somewhere.
Let’s chat more about your recent cruise aboard Sky Princess. How did Princess Cruises differ from other cruise lines you’ve sailed with?
Well, I think the difference is the luxury. Sky Princess was so luxurious in every way; the way she looks, the public areas, the suite, everything was gorgeous. And the staff were absolutely wonderful, looking after us was second nature to them. They were all marvellous, if I could have given each of them a thousand dollars I would have done.
How did you enjoy staying in the Most Luxurious Accommodations at Sea?
The suite, oh, the suite! It was very impressive. To have a bathroom with a bath and shower and a separate loo was incredible. There was lots of space and of course, the staff! Everything about it was good.
Princess Cruises is renowned for its impeccable service. Did the updated health and safety regulations on board impact your opportunity to build relationships with Sky Princess’ fabulous crew?
No, not at all. The only difference was that the staff had to wear face masks. No matter where we were on the ship, the staff were spectacular, and we didn’t have to lift a finger.
As a thespian, you must have been drawn to Sky Princess’ extensive entertainment. Did you have the chance to watch an original musical production or catch a movie under the stars?
The entertainment was sensational! The shows were just out of this world. The stage was so impressive and the productions were even better. We saw several singers, a wonderful magician and two of the original musical productions as well as the excellent live music that was featured in the bars and lounges. There’s something going on all the time which I think is fantastic. We didn’t catch a movie under the stars because we watched most of the films in the comfort of our cabin but I heard the experience was excellent.
The ship’s spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments. Which did you take advantage of?
Oh, Lotus Spa! It was spectacular. And full of lovely people. We had some wonderful treatments, I had a manicure and pedicure and a detoxifying seaweed massage which was brilliant and so very luxurious. This list of treatments was endless, though, we were spoilt for choice. It was great, really good.
Princess MedallionClass enables impressive personalisation and service. Could you tell us about your experience using the technology on Sky Princess?
It was fantastic! Truly unbelievable. It’s like looking into the future - the fact that your cabin automatically opens as you approach it is so impressive. And then being able to pay for things with it too! We had our MedallionClass devices on lanyards around our necks but there are lots of other ways to carry them. We saw lots of our fellow travellers with their MedallionClass on their wrists like watches. It is a brilliant way to travel and I got the impression a lot of passengers like that sort of space-age technology. I think they think, “Ooh, this is rather special.”
What were the standout features of Sky Princess? Would you recommend her to friends and family?
Absolutely I would - she offers a truly unique experience. The cabins are marvellous, the entertainment is wonderful, the spa is fantastic and the concierge is so impressive.
What was the most memorable part of your voyage?
I think the most memorable part of our voyage… ooh, difficult question this one, there are so many things to choose from. I think it has to be how special the staff made us feel. Whether you’re in an inside cabin, whether you’re in a suite, whatever, wherever you are on the ship you’re special.
One last question! What message would you give to our readers?
One thing I would say to someone who is thinking of going on a cruise… go for it! It is the most wonderful experience and you won’t regret it.
What a lovely sentiment. Thank you for your time, Biggins!
Follow in Biggins’ footsteps and experience Sky Princess for yourself with our fantastic range of Caribbean cruises.
