Sapphire Princess, helpful tips, secrets, ideas, etc

77Network · June 23, 2011

The questions that haven't been answered are the ones I posted:

I really want to take some good pictures in Alaska. Are there any digital photography sessions/enthusiast groups that meet during the cruise? If so, can anyone share experiences and associated cost?

For any other photographers out there, what was your best/favorite shot?

If so, I apologize for bothering you.

I don't remember anything like that. You could try to set one up, but prolly not worth the effort.

I think you are going to find that most places will have too much water vapor in the air to get really good photos. So if you try to take some photos of the mountains you are likely to get a lot of grey in the photo. I think you will find the photos that come out best will be the ones that have some kind subject matter in the foreground as well as off in the distance. So try to find a spot with some trees that open up to a nice view or something like that.

You might also want to try to carry your camera around while you are on deck. We saw about 30 – 50 whales during the trip, but by the time you go get your camera they will be gone.

treasure4two · June 23, 2011

My opinion in red/:77 Network, nothing against your opinion

I think you are going to find that most places will have too much water vapor in the air to get really good photos.I never heard of too much water vapor to get pictures. We use Canon digitals and find they do great. Most digitals do great-many very simple with good results. So if you try to take some photos of the mountains you are likely to get a lot of grey in the photo. Mountains are hard, because you are usually at too much distance to get details, but I question lots of grey comment. What might cause a problem is rain or cloudy weather, that may cause pictures to be dim or less clear. Sunlights helps so much to give you better pictures.I think you will find the photos that come out best will be the ones that have some kind subject matter in the foreground as well as off in the distance. Most camera lens can not focus on two objects, one close and one in distance. It will focus on one object and the other one will be out of focus/blurred, but could still be nice. So try to find a spot with some trees that open up to a nice view or something like that.

You might also want to try to carry your camera around while you are on deck. We saw about 30 – 50 whales during the trip, but by the time you go get your camera they will be gone.

Great idea! Suggestion, have it on a strap on your wrist or around your neck, so you do not drop it overboard. :D

I am a published photographer (but not an expert), as I back up my husband as he is a professional photographer. I have learned alot from him plus learned by not doing it right at first. I have been on other cruise lines that offered photography classes, but not sure about Princess. Just look for someone with a larger camera, Canon or Nikkon, and ask them questions. You will find that professional or amatuers love to help budding photographers. Have fun and click away!

2010_cruisers · June 24, 2011

Um - no gelato and no coffee bar, you hae to get your 'better' coffee at the may bars around the ship

Ok .

2010_cruisers · June 25, 2011

This link will work,or u can go to g o g g l e .com (images)

http://www.google.ca/search?q=sapphire%20pricess&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1272&bih=817

IECalCruiser · June 25, 2011

You will be on the Sapphire in August, but for those sailing her after her January 2012 drydock this is from my post on another thread,

I just received the 2012-2013 Cruise Atlas in the mail today and for the first time the deck plans of all Princess ships are shown. I saw a Sanctuary on the Sapphire which will be added during her January drydock, so I looked more closely. It appears that Princess has included the post drydock deck plans for the Sapphire. If accurate, this is apparently much of what will be done during her drydock.

A new pizzeria (Alfredo’s?) will occupy the current Circle Desk and Library area and a new Vines Wine Bar will occupy the current Writing Room and Future Cruise Sales area. This will be similar to the new arrangement on the Grand.
The Circle Desk, Future Cruise Sales and Library will occupy what was part of the Casino on the starboard side of the elevators and stairway across from the current Arcade.
The new International Café will occupy the Shore Excursions Desk area. It appears that the Lobby Bar area will be essentially unchanged as on the Star, Caribbean and Golden rather than the new reworked area on the Grand.
The Shore Excursions Desk will occupy the current Arcade area. The Arcade appears to be gone for good.
The Savoy Dining Room will be combined with the Vivaldi Dining Room and a portion of the old Savoy Dining Room along the windows will be converted into the new Crown Grill.
The Wake Bar is no more to make room for an expansion of the International Dining Room to compensate for the seating lost in the portion of the old Savoy Dining Room turned into the Crown Grill.
The Internet Café is being reduced in size and Sabatini’s will expand along the windows on the port side.
No Window Suites or Tea Library.

2010_cruisers · June 25, 2011

IECalCruiser, thanks for sharing-awesome.

rorito · June 25, 2011

An excellents link for Sapphire info!

http://www.1mpages.com/CruiseDailyBulletins.html#SapphirePrincess

Credit goes to BlewWater!

paradise4ever · June 25, 2011

You mentioned brewed coffee in the lobby bar. Is there a charge for this? During discussion some say yes and some say no. You only have the liquid coffee in the buffet free all other coffee has a charge.

IECalCruiser · June 26, 2011

You mentioned brewed coffee in the lobby bar. Is there a charge for this? During discussion some say yes and some say no. You only have the liquid coffee in the buffet free all other coffee has a charge.

Coffee in the Dining Rooms, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse, the Buffet and Room Service is from syrup and is free (you may want to tip your Room Service waiter). Fresh brewed coffee is available at Crooners Bar on Promenade deck and the Lobby Bar on Plaza deck. Regular is $1.25 + 15% gratuity or Large is $1.75 +15% gratuity. With a coffee card $29 +15% gratuity you get 15 specialty coffees and unlimited fresh brewed coffee.

2010_cruisers · June 26, 2011

Coffee in the Dining Rooms, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse, the Buffet and Room Service is from syrup and is free (you may want to tip your Room Service waiter). Fresh brewed coffee is available at Crooners Bar on Promenade deck and the Lobby Bar on Plaza deck. Regular is $1.25 + 15% gratuity or Large is $1.75 +15% gratuity. With a coffee card $29 +15% gratuity you get 15 specialty coffees and unlimited fresh brewed coffee.

* Thanks for sharing. BTW, Sapphire was in town last night (Victoria, BC)., so we drove up o see her. She is a lovely ship, and I hope t collect some NEW pointers from as many people, asap. Stay tuned, and bye for now.

LEtue · June 27, 2011

You will be on the Sapphire in August, but for those sailing her after her January 2012 drydock this is from my post on another thread,

I just received the 2012-2013 Cruise Atlas in the mail today and for the first time the deck plans of all Princess ships are shown. I saw a Sanctuary on the Sapphire which will be added during her January drydock, so I looked more closely. It appears that Princess has included the post drydock deck plans for the Sapphire. If accurate, this is apparently much of what will be done during her drydock.

A new pizzeria (Alfredo’s?) will occupy the current Circle Desk and Library area and a new Vines Wine Bar will occupy the current Writing Room and Future Cruise Sales area. This will be similar to the new arrangement on the Grand.

The Circle Desk, Future Cruise Sales and Library will occupy what was part of the Casino on the starboard side of the elevators and stairway across from the current Arcade.

The new International Café will occupy the Shore Excursions Desk area. It appears that the Lobby Bar area will be essentially unchanged as on the Star, Caribbean and Golden rather than the new reworked area on the Grand.

The Shore Excursions Desk will occupy the current Arcade area. The Arcade appears to be gone for good.

The Savoy Dining Room will be combined with the Vivaldi Dining Room and a portion of the old Savoy Dining Room along the windows will be converted into the new Crown Grill.

The Wake Bar is no more to make room for an expansion of the International Dining Room to compensate for the seating lost in the portion of the old Savoy Dining Room turned into the Crown Grill.

The Internet Café is being reduced in size and Sabatini’s will expand along the windows on the port side.

No Window Suites or Tea Library.

Thanks for posting this....I haven't opened my Cruise Atlas but I will now :)

BridgeMates · June 27, 2011

* Thanks for sharing. BTW, Sapphire was in town last night (Victoria, BC)., so we drove up o see her. She is a lovely ship, and I hope t collect some NEW pointers from as many people, asap. Stay tuned, and bye for now.

Do you know if we'll have any problem getting a cab at Buchart Gardens to return to the ship when it closes around 10pm? We'll be there from about 7to midnight. Since there are four of us, we think it would be best to do it on our own. Any help appreciated.

Me2 · June 28, 2011

An excellents link for Sapphire info!

http://www.1mpages.com/CruiseDailyBulletins.html#SapphirePrincess

Credit goes to BlewWater!

Thanks! Very useful, current info. Sure do appreciate it,

2010_cruisers · June 28, 2011

5 Things Cruisers Regret Not Bringing On Board

Probably not just for Alaska trips, but probably for all over trips on the Sapphire:

Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones -- Noise Canceling Headphones are nice on the cruise, but great on the airplane.

Nikon D5100 A DSLR Camera is generally much better than a camera phone or point and shoot. They handle low light situations well (great for interior dinner shots for example), take sharp pictures, and generally make it possible to capture all your fun! We're partial to Nikon, but this Canon is good as well: Canon EOS Rebel T3i

Kindle -- The kindle is good in sunshine (making it easier to read than an iPad), light, and you can easily get new books if you run out.

Snorkel Kit -- Having your own snorkel kit is much better than renting, and usually higher quality too.

Walkie Talkies -- Walkie Talkies are great as on most cruises it's still impossible/very expensive to use mobile phones

2010_cruisers · June 28, 2011

Tips for Cruising to Alaska

Remember everyone has different tastes and preferences and suggestions and ideas, so here are my tips. For anyone else who has been to Alaska on a cruise, please feel free to add your tips:

1) Dress in layers. Weather in Alaska can change on a dime. Bring clothes that are easy to layer on and easy to layer off. Its not nearly as cold in Alaska during the summer as most people seem to think

2) Bring either an umbrella or rain jacket with a hood. Most people don't realize that Southeast Alaska, where most cruising is done is well known for rain. In fact Ketchikan averages a 1/2 inch or rain a day!

3) Bring a pair of binoculars. Powerful binoculars are obviously better than weak ones, but weak ones are better than no ones! In order to get a good view of wildlife in the water or along the shoreline, a pair of binoculars is a must.

4) Bring sunglasses. This may seem weird, but boy was I sorry when I went dog sledding and was naieve enough to leave my sunglasses in my backpack back at basecamp. If you are planning on landing on a glacier or going to a dog sled camp these will come in handy. When everything is as bright as can be and completely snow white everywhere, you'll be grateful you brought sunglasses!

5) Bring lots of film for your camera or enough memory for your digital camera. It seems that almost everywhere you turn in Alaska there is some new amazing, wonderful and absolutely breathtaking sight. You don't want to be stuck missing that perfect Kodak moment because you didnt bring enough film. If thats a case, then you're gonna have to hope that your memory is good enough to remember all that you saw in Alaska

6) Take advantage of seeing and doing truly Alaskan activities. Try a helicopter ride and land on a glacier, go dog sledding, go bear watching, go salmon fishing, go crabbing, go to a wildlife preserve, go to a native village, go see the totem poles. You don't want to go home and regret not seeing the things that make Alaska truly unique and special. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, don't let it pass you buy.

7) Read and research the cities and towns you'll be stopping at. There is so much history in each town and a plethora of activities. Pick the one that most interests you. Make a list of the things you want to do and see, then pick a cruise based upon that list. Alaska is more about the cities and the scenery than it is about the cruise line or ship

8) Most of all, go and enjoy this truly unique experience. Alaska is the great wide open the great unknown. You've never experienced anything like this great land before. Every turn of the head brings new experiences, new pictures. Get off the ship enjoy the city and the locals. Make the most of your chance to experience this great place.

:):confused::) Hope this helps, ad hope this was worthy of everyone's time ad important information

2010_cruisers · June 28, 2011

last updated June 28, 11 (1:42 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.

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

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

Extra Pointers are: