Sapphire Princess, helpful tips, secrets, ideas, etc

last-time cruiser_09 · June 21, 2011

Not many people take the time to make such a comprehensive list and more, thanks.

2010_cruisers · June 21, 2011

last updated June 20, 11 (9:35 pm) pacific

Sapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

As for the "colored" carpet...red is the port side (I remember it like port wine) blue is starboard.

dial DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise (The service in the other dining rooms was hit or miss and rather slow at times. I would recommend making reservations in advance if dining before 6:30. Overall the food was very good and if you don’t see anything you like on that evenings menu you can always choose from the always on the menu selections)

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.

Don't forget to buy a future cruise credit before leaving the ship it will serve as your down-payment + you will get on board credit for your next cruise...a win/win situation.

If you buy the Ultimate Kids Soda card try a mock strawberry daiquiris, they are great

Power Hour was from 8pm until close. The drinks were a blue margarita, strawberry daquiri, pina colada, singapore sling and a long island iced tea.

You can send yourself casino credits which were great to cash out when we were going on shore for an excursion. This helped us from having to carry large sums of money. You just take your voucher(s) to the casino and cash them when needed.

Sabatini’s was wonderful but a word of caution, don’t eat anything else all day because the portions are huge!

If you like your non-alcholic beverages why not purchase a Ultimate Kid Package. UKP. But anyone can buy one! Was $56.35 pp for the week and it is used sodas, fresh squeezed orange juice, smoothies, mocktails, etc

The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds. (...and, after a pre-dinner drink you can get from the Wakeview Bar to the International Dining Room without having to go up the spiral staircase, walk across the stage, through Club (con)Fusion, back down to Fiesta Deck and through the front entrance by going through the 'secret' door fore of the Wakeview heads.) You come into the aft of the dining room - behind a partition in a waiters' area. Be careful... and give them the 'rite of way' (unless you want to be wearing someone's dinner

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.

About the champagne tower / waterfall - watch it once, take a photo if you can. It is a novelty to experience at least once. (it is a bit underwhelming now, but it is still a Princess tradition).

Watch out for the Baked Alaska Parade (on one of the formal nights also).

Some food suggestions from the MDR were: chicken Florentine with a mushroom and melted cheese topping and a maybe try that spicy shrimp dish. For dessert why not try the Loveboat Dream (for the chocoholic in you)

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.

They serve free ice cream at the buffet around 3:30 each afternoon

Beware that the thought of awesome food- a late night snack at the buffet may or may not be a let dow (they have very few items then ad nothing to significant), maybe best to order room service then. (Actually the late night buffet isn't that bad - it is snack-y kind of food - chips and guac, desserts, cookies, hot dogs, fruit, some entree types of food - but there was a fairly good variety and if you're just looking for a snack before bed)

Read the Princess Patter newsletter every evening when it is delivered to your cabin. Bring a highlighter pen to mark the events that you want to catch the next day.

The minute you board the ship and put your bags in your room...Don't go to the Buffet!! First of all it is crowded, second of all... Go make all your reservations! Dining, Spa, and Excursions!! helpful travel tip: take binoculars and extra memory for your digital camera

The Lotus pool is an "Adults Only" pool. Pacific Moon (Ginger Prawns), The Savoy(pork chops) and the Santa Fe(Faijitas)...all yummy.

For the SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM LOVERS......go to the SUNDAES ICE CREAM BAR on LIDO DECK 14 mid-ship between the NEPTUNE POOL and the CALYPSO POOL...unlike some cruise ships who charge an extra fee for ice cream temptations outside of the "buffet" offerings, there is NO CHARGE for the ice cream here!

...if you prefer your SOFT SERVE "sundae" style in a dish rather than a cone, be forewarned...there are NO DISHES at SUNDAES ICE CREAM BAR...but...you can easily grab a bowl from the adjacent HORIZON COURT BUFFET and the server at SUNDAES ICE CREAM BAR will be happy to fill the bowl for you and add some toppings if you planned on using the Wifi connection, then bring your laptop instead of IPad, for those who have the IPad and planned on using it. There's a constant disconnection problem with the IPad. RC internet staff informed me that it's IPad interference problem and there's nothing they can do about it.

Princess Spa tip: There will be drawings throughout the cruise for free services. Most of the time, you have to be there at the appointed time to win. It is worth showing up. This is especially true on sunny days in port where drawings may be offered before leaving port. Some people will still be off the ship and enjoying the sights. That will increase your odds of winning.

Staying Informed for Children: The Fun Zone, the home of kids' activities, has their own newsletter detailing specific times and places of the kids' events. It's available just outside the pick-up/drop-off areas for the kids.

If you have more then a couple of sea days consider the thermal spa pass. They only sell a limited number so get it as soon as you board the ship. It is a great way to relax.

If you have anytime dining and want to eat late there is never a wait after 7:45. If you do that you could arrange to have the same table every night and get to know our wait staff.

If you like coffee the coffee card is a great investment. It allows you to have unlimited fresh brewed coffee and 12 specialty coffee drinks. The mass produced coffee in undrinkable.

We did not attend but I believe the English lunch is in the Savoy dining room.

On the Lido Deck where the Pizza and Hamburger Stands are ( good quick lunch and tasty) they are open in the morning - one is a made to order omlette station, the other is a belguim waffle station - good start to the morning with out having to deal with the buffet!

One thing I kept reading about Sapphire Princess was to avoid uncovered mini suites. I'm so glad I ignored that advice, some in our group did not want to be that far aft on the ship. The uncovered balconies were absolutely fine. We did not care that some people may have looked down onto our balcony, we just chatted with them. You have to remember that we could also look up onto their balconies The extra cabin space was well worth the uncovered balcony...we're not the type of people who are doing anything that would be

Laundry fees: Last week on the Sapphire they were also only $1.00.

Auto-tip charge for inside, ocean view and balcony cabins increased Wednesday on the Star Princess from $10.50 to $11.00 a day.

Formal nights were Monday and Friday.

There were about 5 drink specials every day after 8PM for $4.99.

Use a battery operated or wind up clock, back lit (instead of a plug in clock).

Sometimes, ordering a drink at dinner can take a while in Anytime dining, so order right in the beginning to give you some time to enjoy it before food comes.

If this matters to you....take note that appetizers and desserts were better than the main course.

My best tip for those who choose Anytime is to make reservations on the first day for the rest of the week – they fill up quickly.

Sabatini’s was wonderful but a word of caution, don’t eat anything else all day because the portions are huge!

The Jeopardy game show is fun to attend and participate in.

Packing TIP: They said the self serve AND valet laundry would not be available until our final day at sea. They closed the laundry rooms the last 2 days of the cruise, so might as well pack more than enough undies and essentials clean clothes left for travel home. About clothing: 'I wore jeans during the day with long sleeve shirts. I wore this with heavy fleece jackets in the morning on the Promenade Deck (with earmuffs, scarf and gloves and sunglasses to block the wind). The sun comes up early like 4:15 am and it is glorious to be out at the front of the ship, but dress warm

Cabin E732 - We had this cabin last week on the Sapphire, right at the back of the ship - really large, lots of room and just the right place to be while sailing in Tracy Arm. Would go for this cabin every time if possible, a little noisy whilst docking, but a small sacrifice to make for fabulous views

Go to the internet Cafe (which is to send a free 'eCard to people when u r away ad not for email time).

Also, At the Pursers Desk ask for a Deck . Possibly FREE Playing Cards are given if asked (or maybe a small fee

Put the wastepaper basket or a small hand carry piece of luggage between the door and the bathroom. It will keep the door barely open to allow enough light into the cabin so you can make your way safely in the night if necessary.

The best times to get on the Internet is between midnight and six am. The worst time is from noon until midnight.

Ask for the Princess slippers. They are promotional give-aways

Buy only one soda card. Use it for both of you. Go to different bars.

There is a change machine in the laundry room so you do not need to take quarters - or get change at the Pursors desk. I think the cost was $1 each for washer, dryer and detergent (but it may have gone up), you might want to consider taking the 3 in 1 laundry sheets instead of using detergent.

other PCL tips:

• Complementary plate of assorted stuffed olives at the martini bar.

• Pre purchase internet minutes before you leave you’ll get free minutes based on the package you pick.

• Escargot!!!

• Insulated travel coffee mug

• One of the dining rooms will be open for lunch on embarkation day.

• Volcano dessert, available on children's menu basically a huge banana split.

• When you open the little door under the TV for the plug, well, there are extra outlets not being used. But not if it’s a flat screen

• Ask for Egg crates, top sheet, robe, slippers, bed topper, and upgraded pillows.

• Always ask if there is a charge.

Coffee Card for $31 is of ok to good value

• Under your bed is more bedding.

• Cocktails for $3.99 in all the bars after 8.00pm (which included certain bottled beers, Pina Coladas, Long Island Iced Teas and Singapore Slings as well as "well drinks"). A suggestion to pay $7.50 for a double sounded like a better deal.

• Request that the steward remove the soft drinks and bottled water from inside and on top of the fridge to make room for our own drinks.

• Request extra hangers.

• Passenger Service Desk (also called the Hotel Manager) will make a hole in our card which we hang on lanyards. They will also do that for you in the casino and give you a lanyard.

• There is another electrical point under the bed.

• Bring a roll of quarters and laundry supplies.

• If you decide to eat in a specialty restaurant you may want to make the reservation for the last night

• Sabatini’s reservation for the night that they are serving Italian food in the main dining room.

• Reservations for the steak house ask to sit at the counter overlooking the kitchen area, fun to watch the staff put it altogether and see the teamwork involved.

• The Fettuccine Alfredo!!! Plus it’s served in a Parmesan bowl, a crispy melted cheese bowl.

• Bring along a small electric alarm clock.

• On the first day, we simply ask to see the week’s menus and look over what’s happing for the week. Then make plans for the week there and then. The MD or any head waiter can show them to you.

• Can go up to the Spa to shower.

• Take 3 or 4 of those black metal binder clips or plastic clothes pens and hang them on the bottom edge of the shower curtain.

• Computer station in the Future Cruise booking area or Internet Cafe, free e-postcard, 300 character limit but you could send more than one message to the same email address if you need to get a longer message out.

• Befriending the maitre'd, the head waiter, and everyone who takes care of you.

• Appetizers and sushi are free in the Vines wine bar but not the cheese.

• When you get off of the elevator to go to your room, one side of the ship on every passenger deck the hallways have blue carpeting. The other side has blue carpeting but there is some red in that side.

• Duck liver pâté appetizer.

• Various lamb entrees.

• Last night of the cruise, head up to the Horizon Court (or the International Café) for some pre-travel treats. Cookies are always available. We put a couple cookies in our zip loc bag(s) for our travel home the next day.

• Ask for anchovies on your Caesar salad at dinner.

• Take a pop-up mesh hamper for your dirty clothes.

• Empty luggage? The Steward will stow it for you.

• Find out when/where the Muster drill is and go get your life jacket. Take it with you a little ahead of time and "beat the crowd".

• Highlighters for Princess Patters and highlight times/ places/ activities, etc for the next day

• Sticky notes for when spouse sleeps in to leave a note on the MIRROR or DOOR

• Magnet to put it on the door.

• Water bottles for on shore.

• Clothes line in the bathroom for swimming clothes

• On disembarkation day if you are trying to get on an elevator to get down to the disembarkation decks, push the up button, ride up and then down as the up elevators are not full.

• We take our empty water bottles up to the buffet and fill them from the water spigots there (late at night just before we go to bed) oh and we might pick up some desserts to eat too lol!!!

• twice-baked goat cheese soufflé,

• Lobster and Scampie Dinner with a side of Alfredo.

• Purex 3-in-1 strips

• air freshner

• waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.

• empty beach bag a place to put all your purchases

3:30 Horizion Court's fresh warm cookies and brownies to die for!

PCL offers stretching, abs classes and Pilates, yoga and spinning for $12/class or $30 for three classes.

if you have time in Skagway, visit the Jewell Gardens

If you are nice-cordial with your room steward, they might leave an extra ice bucket ready in our stateroom filled with ice.

if you like King Crab, Tracy's Crab Shack is the place to go in Juneau. Second best dinner I had on the trip!

Bring EXTRA cheap wire hangers, as the ship never supplies enough in the closet.

USE room service for BREAKFAST! IT IS SO nice NOT to rush around in the morning.

Imagine having your food and a drink on the second level around the covered pool area, I think it's called the Conservatory, there are loungers and hardly anyone goes up there.

They had a waffle station at the ice cream place in the morning and the waffles were fabulous.

Best play for a "good" cup of coffee on-board, lobby bar on Plaza deck in the Atrium

In case you like using the hot tubs late (they are typically open most of the day but close around 11:30 pm)

The only secret to getting in the dining room without a jacket is wearing a LONG SLEEVE SHIRT.

In the SPA area - Yes, the locker rooms have lockers. You give your room card to the person at the spa desk and he or she gives you a key to one of the lockers.

A tip.... don't be afraid to ask for seconds or even thirds.

Also, bring clothes for layering (ear bands also are good and a pair of thin gloves - just in case).

Bring binoculars.

We bring our own quarters in case the machine is out so we don't have to go searching for working change machine.

We also bring a couple of the Purex 3-in-1 sheets a few other posters mentioned.

I like that it's not a liquid or powder and is a detergent that won't spill in our luggage. Plus the 3-in-1 sheets are a detergent, softener, and anti-static sheet. It also makes everything in the luggage smell nice as well.

If you want to read at night on your balcony, bring a light - just in case your outside light does NOT work.

We love theLotus Spa: The Swedish Massage – Full Body Massage, 50 min $119.

--------------Corrections......changes...are below:---------

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. No guarantees that you will get what you write in.

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. There are many juices available such as apple, cranberry, prune and other available for breakfast in the DR or the HC if you ask.

Headphones are a must if a movie is playing in the "Calypso Pool". There's free popcorn at the "Calypso Pool" during the movie. The Sapphire will not have MUTS until next January so no movies at the “Calypso Pool”

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. No longer true - the separate menus were discontinued about two years after launch.

The Savoy is located aft port on Plaza deck 5. A signature is the prime rib. No longer true - the separate menus were discontinued about two years after launch.

Vivaldi dining room serves Italian dishes to include ravioli and foccacia! No longer true - the separate menus were discontinued about two years after launch.

They serve free ice cream at the buffet around 3:30 each afternoon. Not since the soft serve was made free at Sundaes.

Read the Princess Patter newsletter every evening when it is delivered to your cabin. Bring a highlighter pen to mark the events that you want to catch the next day. You can get an extra copy of the Patter at the Passenger Services Desk on Fiesta deck

Pacific Moon (Ginger Prawns), The Savoy(pork chops) and the Santa Fe(Faijitas)...all yummy. The Vivaldi’s special dish is Osso Bucco

if you planned on using the Wifi connection, then bring your laptop instead of IPad, for those who have the IPad and planned on using it. There's a constant disconnection problem with the IPad. RC internet staff informed me that it's IPad interference problem and there's nothing they can do about it. There was a tip on another thread on how to close programs on the iPad to free up memory. This might correct the WiFi problem .

Saruman · June 21, 2011

Saruman, thanks for offering! I'll take you up on it. :) Just a few questions on activities that are hopefully listed in the Patters.

1. Do they offer a meet/greet or introduction to the kids area staff? I'm sure they do, but a previous cruise (on RCCL) had it on the first night and I'm curious what time they have it.

2. What are the hours of the kids area (for 5 or 6 year olds)?

3. Do they offer Zumba? If so, how much is it and when is it offered?

4. What is the distance of the jogging track? Well, that may not be in the Patter, but I'm still curious about it.

Thanks!

1. Not exactly a M&G, but here's what the Patter said in the "Welcome Aboard" issue:

12:30 - 3PM Youth and Teen Open House/Registration

6PM-10PM Youth Evening Activities

6PM -3AM Teen Evening Activities

2. Don't know this, but I think they open soon after breakfast. Perhaps you need to do a site search on specifics?

BTW, when we traveled with extended family with a 5 year old, he was initially reluctant to attend. By the second visit, he wanted to do that instead of the shore excursions we planned with him!

3. Yes, Sapphire offered Zumba!

4. Never saw the jogging track. Perhaps the Princess site can answer that?

Enjoy!!! Have a great trip!

Edited June 21, 2011 by Saruman

flamomo · June 21, 2011

I just disembarked the Sapphire 2 days ago, and have to say she is WONDERFUL ship. The service on all levels and in all areas was the best I have experienced on any of the 9 Princess ships I have cruised on ....... but Princess service has always been great, and this one is even better than the norm. Every one of the staff and crew members, from the Captain down, were pleasant, smiling, polite, eager to please, and a joy to encounter.

We did the Chef's Table, and it was super good. We went to the Captain's luncheon for Most Traveled, and it was excellent.

I'm booked for 2 more cruises on her in the Fall, and cannot wait to get back aboard, and feel completely pampered.

rorito · June 21, 2011

I just disembarked the Sapphire 2 days ago, and have to say she is WONDERFUL ship. The service on all levels and in all areas was the best I have experienced on any of the 9 Princess ships I have cruised on ....... but Princess service has always been great, and this one is even better than the norm. Every one of the staff and crew members, from the Captain down, were pleasant, smiling, polite, eager to please, and a joy to encounter.
We did the Chef's Table, and it was super good. We went to the Captain's luncheon for Most Traveled, and it was excellent.

I'm booked for 2 more cruises on her in the Fall, and cannot wait to get back aboard, and feel completely pampered.

Thanks Flamomo! If you happened to save all of the patters and are willing to scan them it would be wonderful! We are excited to sail Alaska for the first time in August. I hope you write a review of your trip!

2010_cruisers · June 21, 2011

Just got off the Sapphire last Sunday and had a fabulous trip! You'll love it - my favorite places on the ship - Sabatini's, The Wheelhouse Bar and deck 18 (The Skywalker Nightclub) --- service staff was outstanding!

* We had Anytime Dining and liked the flexibly - had many opportunities to sit with a variety of people and found that to be fun....

BridgeMates · June 21, 2011

I just disembarked the Sapphire 2 days ago, and have to say she is WONDERFUL ship. The service on all levels and in all areas was the best I have experienced on any of the 9 Princess ships I have cruised on ....... but Princess service has always been great, and this one is even better than the norm. Every one of the staff and crew members, from the Captain down, were pleasant, smiling, polite, eager to please, and a joy to encounter.
We did the Chef's Table, and it was super good. We went to the Captain's luncheon for Most Traveled, and it was excellent.

I'm booked for 2 more cruises on her in the Fall, and cannot wait to get back aboard, and feel completely pampered.

Great to hear the Sapphire is so nice. We'll be on it in a couple of weeks. We'd love to make the Capt's luncheon. Do you happen to know how many days the cut off was? Were there a lot of Elites on board for your cruise? Just hoping.......:):):)

yensid1071 · June 22, 2011

Saruman, thanks for the info! That does give me an idea of what to expect. And my wife will be happy about Zumba!

Your experience with your extended family's 5 yr old is very similar to our cruise on the Monarch (RCL) last year. Once our daughter got to the kids area, that is *all* she wanted to do. We were an afterthought until the end of the cruise. lol! So I expect this cruise to be the same, which is fine. She won't want to go ziplining anyway. :)

The Princess site wasn't vey specific regarding kid center hours. The info just gave a general bit of info and indicated it would vary by ship.

The deck plan info on their website says a jogging track is on the Sports Deck, but the illustration makes it look very small. I was wondering what the distance around it would be as well as the distance around the ship on the Promenade Deck. I'm sure they'll have the info once we get onboard, so it's no biggie to wait. Thanks again! :)

2010_cruisers · June 22, 2011

Sapphire Princess Children’s / Kid’s Programs & Babysitting

The Sapphire Princess offers kids' programs for ages 3-17. Youth groups are divided based on age.

Princess Pelicans - ages 3-7
Features an indoor/outdoor play area with tricycles, outdoor games and arts and crafts.
Shockwaves - ages 8-12
Shockwaves activities include Guitar Hero, science experiments and pizza parties.
Teen's - ages 13-17
Teen's have their very own place called "Remix" where they can hang out and listen to music, take Hip-Hop dance lessons or play games on the PlayStation.

The "Fun Center" for all age groups is located on Deck 15(Sun) Aft. Age-appropriate planned activities are provided throughout the cruise.

Read our article for a detailed overview of Princess Cruises youth program -- this includes what to expect, costs, late night babysitting services, slumber parties and child care. Parent's can even leave the kid's on the ship when the Sapphire Princess is in port.

Babysitting on the Sapphire Princess

There is no in-cabin babysitting on the Sapphire Princess. There are, however, evening programs available that will take care of kid's so parents can enjoy the ship.

Sapphire Princess Children's / Kid's Programs & Babysitting Tips:

Princess has a Youth Security program in place. Staff in their early 20's wearing the bright yellow polo shirts patrols the entire ship discouraging questionable behavior before it gets out of hand. Because of their age, there is more of a rapport developed between the younger age group than a policing force and it works. For those of us who are not in this age bracket, the "yellow shirts" are great for getting information and directions.
The staff is not allowed to change diapers, so if your child needs changing, you will be paged on the pager you are given when signing up for the program.
There is no in-cabin babysitting.
Sign up for all groups is the first night. Check the Princess Patter for details.

2010_cruisers · June 22, 2011

Just some thoughts I read (not mine ) but we can share them:

If you are putting your kids any of the Youth programs and they have a great time, you should consider tipping the Youth Director. The youth staff works extra hard at making certain your kids have a great time, and, if your kids' experience finds that to be true, it is appropriate for you to show your consideration to the staff.

As Princess doesn't have a formal system or guidance for tipping the Youth Staff, you will need to bring cash for this tip.

Our tip guidance is $5 per day, per child. Make certain that the Youth Director understands that the tip should be shared amongst the staff. You will be one of the few who tip the youth staff and they will usually be sincerely appreciative.

treasure4two · June 22, 2011

Just got off the Sapphire last Sunday and had a fabulous trip! You'll love it - my favorite places on the ship - Sabatini's, The Wheelhouse Bar and deck 18 (The Skywalker Nightclub) --- service staff was outstanding!

* We had Anytime Dining and liked the flexibly - had many opportunities to sit with a variety of people and found that to be fun....

Did you do the Master Chef Dinner? We are really interested in doing that.

2010_cruisers · June 23, 2011

BTW - next tips we will start quoting the names of the people...- everyone think it is our tips, when all we are doing is being the messenger. So, to you answer you...no, we did NOT do this, but our friends did. I will post as often and as many of NEW peoples tip and suggestions but we will start using their names or initials...anyways, let keep the information free-flowing. Thanks everyone. :)

Edited June 23, 2011 by 2010_cruisers

2010_cruisers · June 23, 2011

Stevesan, says

Excellent gelato is available at the cafe on Plaza Deck for a mere 50 cents/scoop. Minimum serving is three scoops.

2010_cruisers · June 23, 2011

If you are collector, try the shot glasses at Grapevine Wine Tasting - there are 6 different metal designs on them

77Network · June 23, 2011

Stevesan, says

Excellent gelato is available at the cafe on Plaza Deck for a mere 50 cents/scoop. Minimum serving is three scoops.

The sapphire does not have a cafe on the plaza deck.

I think these tips need to be cleaned up a bit. Many of them are wrong.

flamomo · June 23, 2011

Did you do the Master Chef Dinner? We are really interested in doing that.

My friend and I did the Chef's Table on the Sapphire last week, and it was excellent. It is definitely worth the $75 per person. And Exec Chef Nilo (I can't remember his last name) is a very personable.

If you are considering doing it, you should call the "dining line" and request to be put on the list as soon as you get to your cabin, as they only seat 10 at it.

Also, take a pair of closed toe shoes .... on the Sapphire they do require them for the time you are in the Galley.

2010_cruisers · June 23, 2011

last updated June 23, 11 (9:09 am) pacific

Not everything has been added from this entire thread, and we have tried NOT to add things that have been refuted or not confirmed ok. If anyone wold like to scour this while list, and let us know how we are doing..please add or let us know what we should change, thanks.

2010_cruisers · June 23, 2011