Sapphire Princess Review (18-25 July)
Don Homsley
beautiful ship. This was our first cruise (and obviously my first review),
so bear with me if this review is not as complete as most people like.
Embarkation: We live in Vancouver, WA so the drive up to the port in Seattle
was only a 2.5 hour trip. There was plenty of parking ($10/day) and you can
even reserve a parking space there online. As I say, though, there seemed to
be plenty of vacant spaces. After dropping off our baggage, we had to wait
until the ship was ready for passengers. We got there early hoping to board
early and then explore. Good plan. Didn't happen. Boarding began promptly at
1200. Even though there seemed to be a million people there, we were in our
stateroom by 1230. My wife and I each brought 3 bottles of our favorite
Riesling in our carry on bag with not even a glance from the security
people. Overall, an extremely organized event.
Stateroom: We had a balcony cabin on the Baja deck. I was expecting a very
small room with a tiny balcony. I was pleasantly surprised to a very
comfortable cabin with an adequate balcony. The room was well appointed with
a comfortable queen size bed. Plenty of complimentary toiletries. Robes in
the closet. All the amenities you might expect (safe, refrigerator, etc.),
but no clock. Need to add my travel clock to the packing list for the next
time. The balcony had a small table and 2 deck chairs. Very nice for viewing
the scenery.
Food/Dining: We had originally booked Traditional Seating, but when we got
on board we found that we were at a table for 6. I know that a lot of folks
like the idea of meeting new people on the cruise, but I, and to a lesser
extent, my wife are not good with small talk and chit chat. Switching over
to the Anytime Dining option was quick and painless. The Sapphire has four
themed dining rooms to choose from. Vivaldi (Italian), Pacific Moon (Asian),
Sterling Steakhouse, and Santa Fe (Tex-Mex). We tried them all and overall
the food was great. Service was only OK, especially in Pacific Moon and
Sterling. Wait staff was not very attentive, extremely long waits for water
refills and dirty plates to be removed from the table. Just annoying enough
to leave an impression. We also ate in Sabatini's. An alternative dining
venue that will cost you $20 per person. This was an eight course
extravaganza that was worth every penny. The 24-hour buffet was ok. We ate
all our breakfasts there and a few lunches. Nothing special. One final
comment - Make reservations for the dining rooms as soon as you can. There
always seemed to be people waiting (some with unhappy looks on their faces).
This is easily done by phone in your room. Room service was very quick.
Entertainment: Lots of shows. We didn't take in any of these as we preferred
to sit on the balcony with a glass of wine or two. We caught an afternoon
movie in the theater one day. Very comfortable and didn't appear to have a
bad seat in the place. The casino was very nice. I took a class on how to
play Craps and then proceeded to win $105. Nice assortment of slot machines
and the usual casino games. Princess has 3 different kid programs (based on
age). The kids must enjoy these activities since I rarely saw any.
Ports of Call/ Excursions: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria BC. All
easy walking distance to the ship if you are in decent shape (Victoria was a
bit of hike!). The excursions that we were interested in were not available
or sold out, so we just amused ourselves by wandering around in the towns.
Since the weather was beautiful, we enjoyed it a great deal.
Disembarkation was quick and painless.
As I said in the beginning, this was our first cruise and I have to say it
was the best, most relaxing vacation I have ever had. It was not perfect,
but it was awfully close. Thanks for letting me ramble! Don
Howie
Don Homsley wrote:
> My wife and I just returned from 7 wonderful days in Alaska aboard this
> beautiful ship. This was our first cruise (and obviously my first review),
> so bear with me if this review is not as complete as most people like.
Thanks much for your nice review.
Howie
villa deauville
While we were on the Golden Princess this past April we booked a
Princess cruise for a future date .
I am very interested in reading all I can about the new Princess ships
and making a choice on which one we will cruise on.
SUNNY<...........So far I tend towards the Star
Jean O'Boyle
"Don Homsley" <hom...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:YIkNc.164380$a24.25896@attbi_s03...
> My wife and I just returned from 7 wonderful days in Alaska aboard this
> beautiful ship. This was our first cruise (and obviously my first review),
> so bear with me if this review is not as complete as most people like.
Thanks for the review, Don..you did a good job!
I didn't know that if was possible to reserve a parking place on
line~~wonder if it is available at other ports?
I also miss a clock in the stateroom and we always take our travel alarm...I
don't understand why the hotels have them and the ships do not...at least
the ones that I have cruised on...With all the timed events offered in the
ship's news letter, it would be nice to have a clock. Even if they have to
bolt it down to the desk or night stand!
Glad the casino did well by you. You were very lucky after just one class!
You did not mention the weather...having just returned from a HAL Alaska
cruise on the Statendam on July 18th, we found it much warmer than we
expected and had to buy some cooler things to wear in Anchorage!
--Jean
SNUMBER6
>Disembarkation was quick and painless.
No matter how quick, easy and routine .. Disembarkation is NEVER painless ...
I never want to leave ...
Be seeing you
In the Village
Number 6
Don & Lynn
feeling to not have to pack and get off the ship. Unfortunately, the last
one in LA, we had to go through customs. That spoiled the day some.
Don
"SNUMBER6" <snum...@aol.com> wrote in message
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Surfer E2468
Been on 31 cruises,and the first is always the very best.
surfer e2468
Tom & Linda
>
> >Disembarkation was quick and painless.
>
> No matter how quick, easy and routine .. Disembarkation is NEVER painless
...
> I never want to leave ...
>
After 7 nights... we're always ready to go back home to the golden
retriever.
--Tom
Don & Lynn
was 7 days around the Hawaiian Islands. The ship was built in 1951 but we
thought it was great. Now after 17 cruises, we would want nothing to do
with a ship like that.
"Surfer E2468" <poco...@webtv.net> wrote in message
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Linsifer
<<SUNNY<...........So far I tend towards the Star>>
The Star is beautiful, Sunny. I just loved the pool areas with all their mosaic
tile and ocean theme. My daughter and her husband had a Caribe balcony on their
honeymoon last October on the Star Princess and they would sail on her again in
a minute. I'd book another inside cabin just to take a cruise on her. :)
Lindsay
Don & Lynn
class, which includes the Golden and the Star. The Caribbean is similar and
bigger. Two fairly new ships are the Coral Princess and sister Island
Princess. They are a bit smaller. I think the Coral is my favorite ship. It
has the most beautiful 4-deck atrium. Smooth sailing
Don
"villa deauville" <SUN...@webtv.net> wrote in message
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