Princess Sapphire in Alaska vs. Coral in Alaska

[snpcruiser]

My family and I were scheduled for July 2020 Princess Coral of the Seas Southbound Glacier Cruise which was obviously cancelled.  We want to reschedule for 2022 but I see Coral is no longer an option and Sapphire is running the same route for 2022.  We chose Coral mostly because of the itinerary (2 glacier viewings Hubbard and Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway) but also because of all of the recommendations saying Coral was one of the best options for Alaska specifically because of size and viewing areas.  Is Sapphire a good replacement for Coral in that regard or should we consider other cruise lines with ships well suited for Alaska with similar itineraries? If so which cruise lines/ships would you recommend? 

[Heidi13]

Sapphire is well finished and is a great ship for Alaska.

[Coral]

Sapphire is a great ship for Alaska!

[John99]

Hi snpcruiser,

 

We are currently looking at an Alaska Cruise Tour for July 2022 with the Sapphire being our choice which is the Grand Class ship.  This is our 3^rd Cruise Tour in Alaska.  Tour DB4 11 day Denali Explorer.  Land tour first then sail south out of Whittier.  Yes, Princess currently has the Coral sailing out of Australia for 2022.  For 2022, Princess has 3 ships with Alaskan itineraries – Majestic, Grand and Sapphire.  Please note the Majestic (Royal Class) does not have a wrap around promenade deck like the others ships.   Whatever ship and/or itinerary you chose make sure to plan for 2 nights in Denali.

 

We chose the Sapphire.  The Sapphire was recently refurbished with an extension dry dock of 2 weeks. Plus, the promenade deck.  See below for details. 

Also, please check out youtube.com.

Type in:  “Sapphire Princess cruise ship”

There you will find several walk-through videos some only one to two years old.

 

The 2018 dry dock refurbishment (2-week project, completed in Singapore😞

 

• New bow livery
• All cabins were upgraded with the custom-made Princess Luxury beds.

• Renovated the wellness center (Fitness Center and Lotus Spa )
• Renovated all retail shops
• Renovated corridors and hallways.
• Princess Theatre (indoor movie lounge) received new LED screen (15x5 m / 49x16 ft).
• Theater's show programs have been upgraded with the new production show like "Bravo". The musical is offered on formal nights.
• A new category cabin (Club-Class Mini-Suite) was introduced with VIP amenities and reserved dining area. Price-inclusive amenities also include expedited dinner seating, priority services (embarkation/disembarkation), complimentary wine, expanded menu, premium bathrobes.
• SHIP SYSTEMS: Inspection and repair of propellers, exchangers, propulsion as well as hot and cold water lines.

Hope this helps.   John

[snpcruiser]

Thank you all.  I am feeling much more relaxed about rebooking on Sapphire for 2022.  

[Coral]

1 hour ago, snpcruiser said:

Thank you all.  I am feeling much more relaxed about rebooking on Sapphire for 2022.  

I was on the ship summer 2018 in Norway and she was in great condition.