My opinion of Sapphire Princess and Serenade of the Seas

[seabass23]

I was on the December 3rd – 10th sailing of the Sapphire Princess and the on the Serenade of the Seas September/October 2004 and have a few opinions on the two ships plus food and service comparisons.

 

The ships

Both are beautiful, clean and very enjoyable but some things are better on each. Here’s some area’s that we noticed some differences:

1. The atrium area: Slight edge to Serenade.

It seemed a little more open and went up further.

2. The dining rooms: Even.

The main dining room on Serenade is more dramatic, but the four personal choice dining rooms on Sapphire are very well appointed. (Sapphire’s “Sterling Restaurant” is a disappointment.)

3. Buffet area: Clear edge to Serenade.

There was never a line due to the larger food area and much more elbow room and space between the food stations that were set up for easy “grazing.” Plus the orange, cranberry, etc. juice was much more accessible outside the food area on the Serenade. Sometimes you would have to wait in the food line to get another juice or you would get dirty looks if you just cut in. No trays to put your plates on on the Sapphire.

4. Pool and deck area: Clear edge to Sapphire.

Although the indoor pool area on the Serenade is the prettiest of all, the Sapphire’s six pools with fresh water win. Sapphire’s indoor pool is larger and more user friendly, they have an “endless pool,” pools with beautiful views off the back deck, etc. etc.

5. Fitness Center: Edge to Serenade.

More equipment and space was dedicated to the workout area on Serenade. Both have comparable aerobic areas. The spa area was even—both very nice.

6. Outdoor activities: Slight edge to Serenade.

Serenade has a rock climbing wall and basket ball court, Sapphire has a wonderful paddleball court and better promenade for walking. Both have very nice golf simulators and putting greens. Serenade’s putting greens were better laid out and more “fair.”

7. Kid’s area: Edge to Sapphire.

They have a cool little kiddy pool, two outdoor playground areas, plus all the other amenities the Serenade has.

8. Theatre: Edge to Serenade.

Nicer seating arrangements and appointments. Plus Serenade has a separate movie theatre instead of using a lounge to show movies.

9. Public Rooms: Slight edge to Sapphire.

Both have very nice lounges, bars, casinos, etc. Sapphires seemed a little more open and interesting and Skywalker’s offered better views.

 

The Food

Let me premise this section that neither ships food was anything to write home about compared to a 4 or 5-star restaurant, but there is always plenty and more than good enough for me.

1. Breakfast and Lunch in the Buffet: Slight edge to Serenade.

More choices and separate pasta bar, stir fry, etc.

2. Dinner: Even.

Better beef, chicken and ethnic (Chinese, Thai, Indian) on Serenade, better seafood, pasta and desserts on Sapphire.

3. Lunch on deck: Edge to Sapphire.

Way better Pizza and Cheeseburgers on Sapphire, plus either a sushi, pasta or Mexican buffet served everyday. Better cookies and some interesting choices like hummus on Serenade.

4. Coffee: Stinks on both ships.

 

Service

1. Dining rooms, Cabins, Decks and Bars: Even.

In my opinion both ships had excellent service and what I perceived as happy crews.

[SSsmallwhitecat]

Hey Seabass23,

You rock! Great evaluation! :)

Extra kudos to Seabass23 especially since I am Seabass's wife and I offer a giant “Ditto!” to my hubby's review!! We've had wonderful cruises on both ships and it's always fun to draw comparisons.

One more area of note is that the edge goes to Serenade for ez Internet access. Serenade offers in-cabin access while Sapphire only offers public area hotspots.

We tote the laptop along for e-mail communication and occasional info gathering like weather reports. It's wonderful to be able to access at your leisure in your cabin and came in quite handy when I was quarantined to the cabin for 3 days with a nasty Norovirus on the Serenade. (Word to all: DO NOT, I REPREAT DO NOT, visit the ship's doctor for simple Norovirus or you will most certainly be quarantined. Keep it on the low down, rest, drink fluids, take a bunch of Imodium, wash your hands so as not infect others, and it will pass!)

I'm sure most agree that onboard Internet access falls to low priority behind the joys of sun, swim and endless eating but thought some might find this comparison helpful. Also note that it seems you can access unsecured wireless while in most ports, either from cabin or on deck--altho that would be at your own risk of course.

Keep the reviews commin Seabass23! You are right on target!

[Patfan]

Awsome and honest, thank yo for the great review:D

[sanjoseca]

Yea, I agree, not bad for someone from Sonora:D I'm a flatlander myself.

[jkrislc]

Thanks for the review. It was nice to see the side-by-side comparisons clearly layed out.

 

I've only been on Princess once, but I thought that they were more like RCI than they are different.

[seabass23]

Yea, I agree, not bad for someone from Sonora:D I'm a flatlander myself.

Well I guess I'll have to admit I grew up in Cupertino/San Jose from 1963 until 1991 (went to Homestead H.S.). Perhaps that's why you liked my review...

[Leafpeeper]

My son from LA sailed on Sapphire in May and was not pleased with the desserts. A friend's relative from the east coast also sailed Sapphire in August and agreed that the desserts were not great.

 

I must say that the best buffet I've experienced on a ship thus far was on RCCL Jewel of the Seas in October. I loved that you could choose your meat, poultry, or fish and watch them cook it in front of you--nice and hot when served. I also enjoyed the outdoor seating in the back of the ship--especially nice watching the wake in the moonlight. It was so lovely and quiet dining outdoors under the stars.

[Leafpeeper]

My son sailed on Sapphire in May and was not pleased with the desserts. A friend also sailed Sapphire in August and agreed that the desserts were not great. Funny how a little thing like that is noticed by cruisers.

 

I must say that the best buffet I've experienced on a ship thus far was on RCCL Jewel of the Seas in October. I loved that you could choose your meat, poultry, or fish and watch them cook it in front of you--nice and hot when served. I also enjoyed the outdoor seating in the back of the ship--especially nice watching the wake in the moonlight. It was so lovely and quiet dining outdoors under the stars.