Sapphire Princess, helpful tips, secrets, ideas, etc

last updated: May 10, 11 at 8:38 PM, pacific

Sapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

• DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise
  

• On one or two of the afternoons, they serve an old fashioned British lunch complete with fish and chips and Guiness.
  
  
• It is in one of the dining rooms and is very enjoyable. Look for the announcement in the daily printout.
  
• The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds.
  
• Do take advantage of the teak loungers on the Promenade deck for a quiet read (or nap or watching the water go by.
  
  
• Do visit the Lobby Bar and get your brewed coffee. If you enjoy a nightly cocktail this is also a good place get to know the bartenders and waiters. It's not an International cafe, but they do have a few plates with the wine flights and cookies in the afternoon.
  
  
• Do find your way up to the deck over the bridge for terrific views. No secret door, just go forward on Deck 15.
  
• You can get waffles from the ice cream counter at breakfast time just outside the Horizon Court. The breakfast menu in the dinning room seems limited, but get creative, they will make most any type of omelet you can imagine or any combinations.
  
  
• They will walk around with trays of pastries in the dinning room too. Keep an eye open for the cookie cart being pushed around the pool area during the afternoons. You will want to watch for the special food being offered outside the Horizon Court on some days, examples are special pastas, oriental/sushi buffet or exotic chef creations depending on their whim
  
• Breakfast and lunch are served in the International Dining Room for anyone who wishes to eat there for those meals. There is a nice menu and you will be served by the wait staff. We enjoyed eating there over the buffet in the Horizon Court.
  
• Next to the Passenger Services desk there is a computer where you can swipe your key card and get a print out of your account statement -- any time! Good to check once or twice during the cruise.
  
• The library has a nice selection of books and board games (e.g. scrabble) that you can check out so you needn't haul these along.
  
• You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.
  
• Skywalker's Nightclub is a great place to read during the day - lots of light, quiet, and great views!
  

I was just emailed a ti on facebook....and this is what it said.....

" The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa".

If that is correct r still valid, ca someone confirm this....thanks (and then it will be added to the master list), ok

Don't place dirty dishes in the hallway. Ever. Either leave them for your steward, OR call room service to request a tray pickup, OR, return to the buffet (a server will take them).

I was just emailed a ti on facebook....and this is what it said.....

 

" The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa".

 

 

If that is correct r still valid, ca someone confirm this....thanks (and then it will be added to the master list), ok

Yes, the Lotus Spa pool is open to adults only. It also has a swim-against-the-current feature. It's sheltered too...

btw, the Sapphire still has a sports court at the front of the ship on the Sports deck (it'll be replaced by the Sanctuary at her next drydock). You can play paddle tennis and basketball there...

last updated: May 10, 11 at 11:35 PM, pacific

Sapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

• DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise
  
• On one or two of the afternoons, they serve an old fashioned British lunch complete with fish and chips and Guiness.
  
• It is in one of the dining rooms and is very enjoyable. Look for the announcement in the daily printout.
  
• The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds.
  
• Do take advantage of the teak loungers on the Promenade deck for a quiet read (or nap or watching the water go by.
  
• Do visit the Lobby Bar and get your brewed coffee. If you enjoy a nightly cocktail this is also a good place get to know the bartenders and waiters. It's not an International cafe, but they do have a few plates with the wine flights and cookies in the afternoon.
  
• Do find your way up to the deck over the bridge for terrific views. No secret door, just go forward on Deck 15.
  
• You can get waffles from the ice cream counter at breakfast time just outside the Horizon Court. The breakfast menu in the dinning room seems limited, but get creative, they will make most any type of omelet you can imagine or any combinations.
  
• They will walk around with trays of pastries in the dinning room too. Keep an eye open for the cookie cart being pushed around the pool area during the afternoons. You will want to watch for the special food being offered outside the Horizon Court on some days, examples are special pastas, oriental/sushi buffet or exotic chef creations depending on their whim
  
• Breakfast and lunch are served in the International Dining Room for anyone who wishes to eat there for those meals. There is a nice menu and you will be served by the wait staff. We enjoyed eating there over the buffet in the Horizon Court.
  
• Next to the Passenger Services desk there is a computer where you can swipe your key card and get a print out of your account statement -- any time! Good to check once or twice during the cruise.
  
• The library has a nice selection of books and board games (e.g. scrabble) that you can check out so you needn't haul these along.
  
• You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.
  
• Skywalker's Nightclub is a great place to read during the day - lots of light, quiet, and great views!
  
• The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa"
  

While the Wakeview Bar is a great secluded spot, I do not believe it offers bar service. Also, time your visit carefully as not to get stuck down there during one of the many activities in Club Fusion when exiting would mean barging right onto the stage.

• In regards to 'movies under the stars', (poolside movie night) - they will hand out blankets for chairs and even freshly made pop corn.
  

last updated: May 11, 11 at 1:33 PM, pacificSapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

• DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise
  
• On one or two of the afternoons, they serve an old fashioned British lunch complete with fish and chips and Guiness.
  
• It is in one of the dining rooms and is very enjoyable. Look for the announcement in the daily printout.
  
• The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds.
  
• Do take advantage of the teak loungers on the Promenade deck for a quiet read (or nap or watching the water go by.
  
• Do visit the Lobby Bar and get your brewed coffee. If you enjoy a nightly cocktail this is also a good place get to know the bartenders and waiters. It's not an International cafe, but they do have a few plates with the wine flights and cookies in the afternoon.
  
• Do find your way up to the deck over the bridge for terrific views. No secret door, just go forward on Deck 15.
  
• You can get waffles from the ice cream counter at breakfast time just outside the Horizon Court. The breakfast menu in the dinning room seems limited, but get creative, they will make most any type of omelet you can imagine or any combinations.
  
• They will walk around with trays of pastries in the dinning room too. Keep an eye open for the cookie cart being pushed around the pool area during the afternoons. You will want to watch for the special food being offered outside the Horizon Court on some days, examples are special pastas, oriental/sushi buffet or exotic chef creations depending on their whim
  
• Breakfast and lunch are served in the International Dining Room for anyone who wishes to eat there for those meals. There is a nice menu and you will be served by the wait staff. We enjoyed eating there over the buffet in the Horizon Court.
  
• Next to the Passenger Services desk there is a computer where you can swipe your key card and get a print out of your account statement -- any time! Good to check once or twice during the cruise.
  
• The library has a nice selection of books and board games (e.g. scrabble) that you can check out so you needn't haul these along.
  
• You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.
  
• Skywalker's Nightclub is a great place to read during the day - lots of light, quiet, and great views!
  
• The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa"
  
• Orange or Grape Juice ‘it is complimentary at breakfast time (except fresh squeezed OJ). After breakfast hours, there is a charge, even for regular (non fresh squeezed) juice.’
  
• In regards to 'movies under the stars', (poolside movie night) - they will hand out blankets for chairs and even freshly made pop corn.
  

This ship goes into dry-dock in Jan 2012, she will be outfitted...then with the movies under the stars......screen, speakers, etc

last updated: May 11, 11 at 2:00 PM, pacific

Sapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

• DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise
  
• On one or two of the afternoons, they serve an old fashioned British lunch complete with fish and chips and Guiness.
  
• It is in one of the dining rooms and is very enjoyable. Look for the announcement in the daily printout.
  
• The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds.
  
• Do take advantage of the teak loungers on the Promenade deck for a quiet read (or nap or watching the water go by.
  
• Do visit the Lobby Bar and get your brewed coffee. If you enjoy a nightly cocktail this is also a good place get to know the bartenders and waiters. It's not an International cafe, but they do have a few plates with the wine flights and cookies in the afternoon.
  
• Do find your way up to the deck over the bridge for terrific views. No secret door, just go forward on Deck 15.
  
• You can get waffles from the ice cream counter at breakfast time just outside the Horizon Court. The breakfast menu in the dinning room seems limited, but get creative, they will make most any type of omelet you can imagine or any combinations.
  
• They will walk around with trays of pastries in the dinning room too. Keep an eye open for the cookie cart being pushed around the pool area during the afternoons. You will want to watch for the special food being offered outside the Horizon Court on some days, examples are special pastas, oriental/sushi buffet or exotic chef creations depending on their whim
  
• Breakfast and lunch are served in the International Dining Room for anyone who wishes to eat there for those meals. There is a nice menu and you will be served by the wait staff. We enjoyed eating there over the buffet in the Horizon Court.
  
• Next to the Passenger Services desk there is a computer where you can swipe your key card and get a print out of your account statement -- any time! Good to check once or twice during the cruise.
  
• The library has a nice selection of books and board games (e.g. scrabble) that you can check out so you needn't haul these along.
  
• You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.
  
• Skywalker's Nightclub is a great place to read during the day - lots of light, quiet, and great views!
  
• The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa"
  
• Orange or Grape Juice ‘it is complimentary at breakfast time (except fresh squeezed OJ). After breakfast hours, there is a charge, even for regular (non fresh squeezed) juice.’
  

It has been great so far......., lets keep up this thread, thank you. All your gracious PCL cruisers, please assist, and send in your tidbits, suggestions, ideas, thoughts about this ship.....thank you.

:)

FUN 2010 Cruisers - no, it wasn't in the wheelhouse pub; I believe it was in the Savoy dining room which is one of the main dining rooms. And it is sit down full service with waiters. Best part - it wasn't crowded at all. Try it, you'll like it!

Princess doesn't have an interactive TV system and probably won't anytime in the near future (apparently because of cost to install). The introduction of the kiosk at the Pursers desk is a good compromise and works fine for us.

The interactive TV on Oasis was nothing but trouble for us. And not always "interactive". And it was ALWAYS slow...when it worked. The Princess idea seems better...

We will be on Sapphire in July!

BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.

!

Don't count on it!! Many people have reported that they did not send them when they wrote them in.

LisaH, when u get off the ship, and maybe as u send in your review or commentary on the Sapphire...would you and anyone kindly just report your best tips, suggestions and insights for all of us..ok. Please and thank you.:)

*** These may not be stellar tips but it is still very good information.

• Headphones are a must if a movie is playing in the "Calypso Pool". There's free popcorn at the "Calypso Pool" during the movie.
  

• Near Neptune Pool on Lido Deck, Prego Pizzeria features fresh-excellent pizzas are found here from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
  

• Trident Grill: on Lido Deck from 11:00am until 6:00pm, this is the best place to order a burger!
  

• The Santa Fe dining room offers the main dining room menu, but also prepares guacamole for you table side.
  

• Pacific Moon dining room on Deck 6 pulls Asian themes into play. The overall effect is a very upscale and unpretentious. Best place to find Mandarin Duck, Tiger Prawns, fresh sushi, spring rolls, and pot stickers.
  
• The Savoy is located aft port on Plaza deck 5. A signature is the prime rib.
  
• Vivaldi dining room serves Italian dishes to include ravioli and foccacia!
  
• In-Between Meals: Patisserie (7:00am to 11:00pm at the Lobby Bar in the Grand Plaza on Promenade Deck), Sundaes Ice Cream Bar (nominal fee 11:00am to 6:00pm.), Wine and Caviar, Afternoon Tea (3:30pm to 4:30pm - in the main dining rooms. Pastries and finger sandwiches accompany an excellent cup of tea), Room Service (24 hours a day)
  
• more Quiet places Lotus Spa-Sun Deck (Deck 15), Library- Plaza Deck (Deck 5), Writing Room-Plaza Deck (Deck 5
  

LisaH, when u get off the ship, and maybe as u send in your review or commentary on the Sapphire...would you and anyone kindly just report your best tips, suggestions and insights for all of us..ok. Please and thank you.:)

Absolutely and was planning on it. We will be in a covered mini suite on Emerald Deck (E715) and I will comment on that as well.

I am sooooo excited.!

The ULTIMATE SHIP TOUR, if you can afford it, is a fantastic way to see "behind the scenes" of what goes on during your cruise. The "complimentary gifts" that are given to you, as part of the tour, more than make up the cost per person of $150. The tour lasts 3-3 1/2 hours and involves a lot of walking up and down stairs. Our tour took us behind the stage in the Theater, into the Forward Hold at the bow, through the well-equipped Medical Center, through the Galley and freezers, prep areas, storage areas, to the Print Shop, to the Photo Lab, and finally to the Bridge with the Captain. Head personnel in each area described everything and answered questions. Cameras are not allowed for security reasons. Food treats were offered in the Galley. At the end of our tour, we met in one of the lounges for some champagne & hors d'oeuvres. THE TOUR IS LIMITED TO 12 PEOPLE. You have to sign up at the Passenger Service Desk immediately when you board the ship. You need to included clothing sizes when you sign up...for the plush Princess Bathrobe and Chef's Tunic that you'll receive after the tour. A "lottery" drawing may be done to "pick" the passengers that will ultimately go on the tour. You will get a confirmation letter in your cabin.

This was a highlight of our trip and we just counted it as an "excursion" at sea expense!

HAVE A GREAT TIME ON YOUR CRUISE...you'll love the SAPPHIRE PRINCESS and ALASKA! What a great combination!

Debjo

last updated May 13, 11 at 8:04 PM, Pacific

Sapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

• DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise
  

• On one or two of the afternoons, they serve an old fashioned British lunch complete with fish and chips and Guiness.
  

• It is in one of the dining rooms and is very enjoyable. Look for the announcement in the daily printout.
  

• The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds.
  

• Do take advantage of the teak loungers on the Promenade deck for a quiet read (or nap or watching the water go by.
  

• Do visit the Lobby Bar and get your brewed coffee. If you enjoy a nightly cocktail this is also a good place get to know the bartenders and waiters. It's not an International cafe, but they do have a few plates with the wine flights and cookies in the afternoon.
  

• Do find your way up to the deck over the bridge for terrific views. No secret door, just go forward on Deck 15.
  

• You can get waffles from the ice cream counter at breakfast time just outside the Horizon Court. The breakfast menu in the dinning room seems limited, but get creative, they will make most any type of omelet you can imagine or any combinations.
  

• They will walk around with trays of pastries in the dinning room too. Keep an eye open for the cookie cart being pushed around the pool area during the afternoons. You will want to watch for the special food being offered outside the Horizon Court on some days, examples are special pastas, oriental/sushi buffet or exotic chef creations depending on their whim
  

• Breakfast and lunch are served in the International Dining Room for anyone who wishes to eat there for those meals. There is a nice menu and you will be served by the wait staff. We enjoyed eating there over the buffet in the Horizon Court.
  

• Next to the Passenger Services desk there is a computer where you can swipe your key card and get a print out of your account statement -- any time! Good to check once or twice during the cruise.
  

• The library has a nice selection of books and board games (e.g. scrabble) that you can check out so you needn't haul these along.
  

• You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.
  

• Skywalker's Nightclub is a great place to read during the day - lots of light, quiet, and great views!
  

• The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa"
  

• Orange or Grape Juice ‘it is complimentary at breakfast time (except fresh squeezed OJ). After breakfast hours, there is a charge, even for regular (non fresh squeezed) juice.
  

• Headphones are a must if a movie is playing in the "Calypso Pool". There's free popcorn at the "Calypso Pool" during the movie.
  

• Near Neptune Pool on Lido Deck, Prego Pizzeria features fresh-excellent pizzas are found here from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
  

• Trident Grill: on Lido Deck from 11:00am until 6:00pm, this is the best place to order a burger!
  

• The Santa Fe dining room offers the main dining room menu, but also prepares guacamole for you table side.
  

• Pacific Moon dining room on Deck 6 pulls Asian themes into play. The overall effect is a very upscale and unpretentious. Best place to find Mandarin Duck, Tiger Prawns, fresh sushi, spring rolls, and pot stickers.
  
• The Savoy is located aft port on Plaza deck 5. A signature is the prime rib.
  

• Vivaldi dining room serves Italian dishes to include ravioli and foccacia!
  

• In-Between Meals: Patisserie (7:00am to 11:00pm at the Lobby Bar in the Grand Plaza on Promenade Deck), Sundaes Ice Cream Bar (nominal fee 11:00am to 6:00pm.), Wine and Caviar, Afternoon Tea (3:30pm to 4:30pm - in the main dining rooms. Pastries and finger sandwiches accompany an excellent cup of tea), Room Service (24 hours a day)
  

• more Quiet places Lotus Spa-Sun Deck (Deck 15), Library- Plaza Deck (Deck 5), Writing Room-Plaza Deck 5
  

• $150 'The ULTIMATE SHIP TOUR is awesome,last 3-4 hours, they gue gifts at the end and serve some champagne & hors d'oeuvre
  

So...anyone got anymore hits, tips, suggestions...thanks, please send it in, asap, thanks..:)

I can't believe that no one has mentioned that you should try for the Chef's Table. It's $75/pp, but well worth the cost. It includes a special dinner made by the head chef and hosted by the maitre'd. You'll get a special galley tour while the galley is in full production where you'll eat some scrumptious appetizers and have free-flowing champagne. Then you'll be escorted to your table for a multi-course dinner with appropriate wine pairings. Afterward, you'll get a cookbook and a photo of the experience. Call the DINE line immediately upon boarding and get your name on the list. They only hold a few Tables per voyage and have 10-12 people attend at a time.

RickEk, thanks...i will add that to the tips-suggestions sheet:):)

last updated May 14, 11 at 10:43 am, pacific

Sapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

• DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise
  

• On one or two of the afternoons, they serve an old fashioned British lunch complete with fish and chips and Guiness.
  

• It is in one of the dining rooms and is very enjoyable. Look for the announcement in the daily printout.
  

• The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds.
  

• Do take advantage of the teak loungers on the Promenade deck for a quiet read (or nap or watching the water go by.
  

• Do visit the Lobby Bar and get your brewed coffee. If you enjoy a nightly cocktail this is also a good place get to know the bartenders and waiters. It's not an International cafe, but they do have a few plates with the wine flights and cookies in the afternoon.
  

• Do find your way up to the deck over the bridge for terrific views. No secret door, just go forward on Deck 15.
  

• You can get waffles from the ice cream counter at breakfast time just outside the Horizon Court. The breakfast menu in the dinning room seems limited, but get creative, they will make most any type of omelet you can imagine or any combinations.
  

• They will walk around with trays of pastries in the dinning room too. Keep an eye open for the cookie cart being pushed around the pool area during the afternoons. You will want to watch for the special food being offered outside the Horizon Court on some days, examples are special pastas, oriental/sushi buffet or exotic chef creations depending on their whim
  

• Breakfast and lunch are served in the International Dining Room for anyone who wishes to eat there for those meals. There is a nice menu and you will be served by the wait staff. We enjoyed eating there over the buffet in the Horizon Court.
  

• Next to the Passenger Services desk there is a computer where you can swipe your key card and get a print out of your account statement -- any time! Good to check once or twice during the cruise.
  

• The library has a nice selection of books and board games (e.g. scrabble) that you can check out so you needn't haul these along.
  

• You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.
  

• Skywalker's Nightclub is a great place to read during the day - lots of light, quiet, and great views!
  

• The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa"
  

• Orange or Grape Juice ‘it is complimentary at breakfast time (except fresh squeezed OJ). After breakfast hours, there is a charge, even for regular (non fresh squeezed) juice.
  

• Headphones are a must if a movie is playing in the "Calypso Pool". There's free popcorn at the "Calypso Pool" during the movie.
  

• Near Neptune Pool on Lido Deck, Prego Pizzeria features fresh-excellent pizzas are found here from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
  

• Trident Grill: on Lido Deck from 11:00am until 6:00pm, this is the best place to order a burger!
  

• The Santa Fe dining room offers the main dining room menu, but also prepares guacamole for you table side.
  

• Pacific Moon dining room on Deck 6 pulls Asian themes into play. The overall effect is a very upscale and unpretentious. Best place to find Mandarin Duck, Tiger Prawns, fresh sushi, spring rolls, and pot stickers.
  
• The Savoy is located aft port on Plaza deck 5. A signature is the prime rib.
  

• Vivaldi dining room serves Italian dishes to include ravioli and foccacia!
  

• In-Between Meals: Patisserie (7:00am to 11:00pm at the Lobby Bar in the Grand Plaza on Promenade Deck), Sundaes Ice Cream Bar (nominal fee 11:00am to 6:00pm.), Wine and Caviar, Afternoon Tea (3:30pm to 4:30pm - in the main dining rooms. Pastries and finger sandwiches accompany an excellent cup of tea), Room Service (24 hours a day)
  

• more Quiet places Lotus Spa-Sun Deck (Deck 15), Library- Plaza Deck (Deck 5), Writing Room-Plaza Deck 5
  

• $150 'The ULTIMATE SHIP TOUR is awesome,last 3-4 hours, they gue gifts at the end and serve some champagne & hors d'oeuvre
  

• Chef's Table tour and dinner. It's $75/pp, but well worth the cost. It includes a special dinner made by the head chef and hosted by the maitre'd. You'll get a special galley tour while the galley is in full production where you'll eat some scrumptious appetizers and have free-flowing champagne.
  

RickEk, thanks...i will add that to the tips-suggestions sheet:):)

Make sure that you add that you need to sign up for the Chef's Table the moment you board by calling the DINE line from your cabin or see the folks that are sitting at a table outside the specialty restaurants. This is important... it seems that they fill the Table on a first-come, first-serve basis. :)