Review of Sapphire Princess cruise 10-12

[WillB]

I have cruised many times -- lost count after 20. I cruised on Dawn

Princess in 1997. This was my second Princess Cruise. After

many cruises I finally settled on Crystal with the exception of one

Radisson cruise. Naturally, I was skeptical about what I percieved

was a step down in class, but I went into it with lower expectations

and an open mind. What follows are my impressions which I

believe to be fair and candid.

 

We booked a mini suite and were travelling with friends that I had

met on Crystal. It took us only ten minutes to board the ship, clearly

a record. Our room was fine, good storage, nice sized veranda and

functional bathroom. The bed was hard, so I asked for an egg crate

pad which improved the situation greatly.

 

The bathroom was on the small side, but at least everything worked

-- plenty of water pressure, etc. The only problem is that the

tub/shower is a rather large step up so you have to be careful

getting out of the shower. In addition, I am six feet tall and barely

cleared the ceiling. I would say that if you are over 6 feet 3 inches,

you will have to crouch to avoid hitting your head on the ceiling.

 

The refrigerator is empty with the exception of an ice bucket that

was filled twice a day. There are no champagne or wine glasses

supplied so you have to order them from room service. No

corkscrew is supplied.

 

Although the veranda is open and uncovered, this proved not to be

a problem as people above us were seldom seen looking over.

But, it did mean full sun in the morning or afternoon depending on

whether you are going south or north.

 

It was very easy to set up all our reservations by dialing DINE. That

part worked extremely well.

 

We were on the anytime dining option and so we tried to spread the

restaurants out a bit and hit them all.

 

Pacific Moon -- Pretty good food, good service. We aren't really

Sushi fans, but I am told it was quite good by those that know.

 

Santa Fe -- Perhaps our favorite of the four, the fajitas good and the

guacamoli dip was really good.

 

Sterling -- A big disapointment. Just really below average streak

and prime rib. Not a meal you would want pay for at a restaurant.

 

Vivaldi -- Average pasta and they also featured veal, that we don't

eat.

 

Sabatinis -- Nice idea, but WAY too much food and it takes 3 hours

to get through it. I kept wondering if I should ask the waiter to tell us

when we were half way. I had to get up from the table to take a

break and stretch my legs. By the time the entree came, I was too

full to eat it all.

 

The Buffet -- Very, very average, at best. You could get through the

various stations but finding a table was kind of a struggle at times. I

thought the coffee was pretty good and the orange juice was not

watered down like you find on some ships. But the eggs were

either like rubber, or tended to fall apart when scrambled as if they

used water instead of milk to make them. There was no omlette

station where you could get eggs made to order so they were

usually lukewarm. Smoked salmon was there only occasionally. I

recognized a lot of things from the previous night's dinner.

 

And, for dinner, we really couldn't find anything that was decent at the buffet.

One time we planned to eat at the buffet in the evening but couldn't

find anything edible so we went to Santa Fe.

 

The hot dog grill was fine, about what you'd expect, and the pizza

was not that bad.

 

Roomservice menu was extremely limited and, of course, no hot

breakfast was available. It arrived promptly though.

 

The ship had an Asian themed casino which was the biggest I have

seen on a ship. Service there was pretty good and we must have

spent too much time there because after a while everyone knew our

names.

 

As far as the dancing (and this is a biggie for us since all four of us

are ballroom, latin, swing dancers), The Wheelhouse rotated a trio

and a jazz duo. They'd play anything you want, but left to their own

devices they tended to lapse into Engelbert Humperdink medleys

and such. Also, at times the floor was undancable because this

cruise had a lot of Chinese-Americans from San Francisco and

apparently ballroom dancing has become very popular with them

which really packed the floor. That we like to see, but at times it was

a bit of a problem with so many dancers, mostly beginners who

didn't really understand the line of dance.

 

There was also dancing of and on in the Explorer's Lounge. A nice

room with colorful carpteting featuring lions and tigers, etc. The

band here was better than the ones in the Wheelhouse, but they

tended to show a bias toward country. For intance, if you requested

a waltz, it would be Waltz Around Texas, or an Ann Murray number

that tends to be a rather fast tempo. Again, when the floor filled,

things got difficult.

 

We danced a little at Club Fusion, but they play mostly house mix or

some oldies that you can swing to but little else.

 

We finally made it to Skywalkers, a really beautiful room, one night

and were the only ones there. The DJ did not bother to look up and

acknowlege our presence. Mostly hip-hop and trance.

 

There was no orchestra dancing before shows.

 

I thought the service by the staff was really quite good. Many were

very friendly and good at remembering your name and what you

drink, something that you get used to on Crystal, so that part was

very nice and a bit of a surprise. Cabin steward was a gem, and so

were many of the bartenders. The waiters tried hard and many of

them were great.

 

The only staff that needs a good talking to is the photographers.

Rude and nearly obnoxious at times. And what's with blocking off

the gangway in port so everyone has to wait in line whether they

want a picture or not?

 

Tendering -- There are so many people on this ship that if you are in

port for a half day and have to tender, good luck! By the time you

finally get to the port it's almost time to get in line to reboard. At

least that's how it felt. This has to be address. Tendering in Cabo

San Lucas was better because it was a full day in port.

 

The Captain's party was a bit lame. Everyone standing with a drink

in your hands so you can't even clap for the crew. Although, where

do you put 1300 passengers for this event? Not in the atrium; that

just doesn't work at all.

 

The Wakey-Wakey show was pretty funny. Did you know they do

this at 1:30 AM?

 

Churhhill's Cigar Bar is not really a cigar lounge. It's a bar where

they allow you to smoke a cigar. There are no easy chairs, just bar

chairs which are actually a bit uncomfortable. And the accoustics

are bad -- it's very noisy, not relaxing. They show the international

ESPN which tends to be sports like, English "football", beach

soccer, and motorcycle racing.

 

We only went to one show, Piano Man. The singing was fabulous

and the dancing needs a little work. Pretty enjoyable, though.

 

I may write more, but that's all I can manage for now.

 

Summary:

 

Ship -- A

Food -- C

Stateroom -- B

Staff and Service -- A

Embarkation and Debakation -- A+

Entertainment -- B

Spa - A

Activities -- B-

Value -- A+

 

I will cruise this line again.

[Sheebah]

..you covered a lot of ground that I've never seen on this board. Thanks for covering the dance floors and cigar bar.

[CharlesDC]

Very fair and honest review. Thanks for posting!

[nycruise]

WillB: We were on the same cruise, had a great time. The weather was perfect (with the exeception of San Diego), one bad day out of 10 isn't too shabby. We had an balcony on Baja Deck Aft, comfortable with the exception of the tight shower. Your review was right on, although I would give the food a higher rating. Have to agree that the value was A++. What did you think of the ports? It was a first time for us, and with the exception of San Diego (for obvious reasons) we enjoyed them all, especially Mazatlan. Don't know if you made it to the Champagne Waterfall party, or the Deck party the night we left Mazatlan, we thought both were fun and felt it showed how hard everyone on the ship worked to show the passengers a good time. Thanks for the great review.

[lggfly]

Going on Sapphire in 2 weeks. Thanks for the review, especially the info on dancing. My wife and I love to dance, and no one ever talks about that in their reviews.

 

What, no omelette station????? I don't think I've ever seen a breakfast buffet on a cruise without an omelette station...bummer!

 

Lon

[WillB]

The ports in Mexico were great if you like to shop. We wished we had room to take back more stuff. There was some excellent pottery that was really beautiful.

 

This side of Mexico is a lot better than the Caribbean side in my opinion. It was my first time in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and Mazatlan. I liked all of them.

 

It was a shame the weather was so poor in San Diego. We braved the zoo in the rain and got soaked but were glad we did it.

 

One other thing on the ship was that it tended to lurch from side to side on a windy day. Not going to knock you off your feet or anything but it was unusual. I speculate that the ship is so big and rides so high out of the water that a wind will kind of play tricks with it.

 

I am the laundry geek. For your info, bring plenty of quarters, although there is a change machine in the laundry room, too, that takes dollars. Detergent is a dollar, softener is a dollar, the washer is a dollar, and the drier is a dollar. So that would be four dollars per load, except that one drier cycle will not do it, so add another dollar. That's five dollars per load. Drier sheets are not available. Irons and ironing boards are there.

 

There is a very nice paddle tennis court on top of the ship forward.

 

One tip I definitely recommend if you are dining for two at the anytime restaurants: The tables for two are very, very close. After enduring that one evening I learned to ask for a table set apart and told them I would be happy to wait for that table. Never had a problem again. Never had to wait.

 

The coke card was 25 dollars for the ten days. Definitely a good deal and avoids having to sign a chit all the time. I drink three or four a day and I figured I saved 20 dollars or more, plus eliminated to checks. The little can doesn't hold much so I quickly learned to leave that in the room and just get a glass.

[melissa_bel]

Hi Will!

Thanks for the review, very interesting. Next time you are on Princess, if you want a hot item for breakfast delivered in your room, you can write it on your card. Same thing for dinner, you can order from the dinning room menu and it'll be delivered. Just don't forget to mention everything you need (even condiments).

[Screwbit]

Melissa: Great point. We've always been in mini's, and never had a problem getting ANYTHING we wanted for breakfast.

 

WillB: We will be on Sapphire to Alaska next year, and are doing PC dining, which we really prefer. I've noticed some conflicting reports on these boards about reserving dining times. I know you should try to book everything at once if possible, but have seen some posts where people on both the Diamond and Sapphire were being told the only times they could reserve were either before 6:30 or after 8:30. Was this the case for you? We really prefer something in the 7 or 7:15 area. Also, what kind of waits did you notice for folks with no reservations? Thanks for any help. Glad you seemed to enjoy your cruise.

[nycruise]

Screwbit: No reservations were taken before 8PM, except for real early, like 5:30. We made 8pm reservations and found the restaurants half empty when we arrived. Not sure what type of wait there was earlier, but 6pm -7:30 seems to be the peak time.

[WillB]

Melissa: Great point. We've always been in mini's, and never had a problem getting ANYTHING we wanted for breakfast.

 

WillB: We will be on Sapphire to Alaska next year, and are doing PC dining, which we really prefer. I've noticed some conflicting reports on these boards about reserving dining times. I know you should try to book everything at once if possible, but have seen some posts where people on both the Diamond and Sapphire were being told the only times they could reserve were either before 6:30 or after 8:30. Was this the case for you? We really prefer something in the 7 or 7:15 area. Also, what kind of waits did you notice for folks with no reservations? Thanks for any help. Glad you seemed to enjoy your cruise.

 

We dined four times with another couple that like to eat early. No problem booking for 6:30 when we ate with them. We usually eat at 8 and that was no problem either. Booked one for 7:30, too. I think as the cruise wears on, the restaurants free up to the point you can just show up. At least that's how it was on our 10 day cruise.

[sailorgirl]

WillB, thanks for your review. It was particularly interesting to me since I, too, have had a few reservations about what to expect. We're on the Nov. 1st itinerary. Our past cruises have been on Crystal, Radisson and Cunard, so we have become a bit spoiled. However, we always go with an optimistic attitude and expect to enjoy! So I'm sure we will.

[WillB]

WillB, thanks for your review. It was particularly interesting to me since I, too, have had a few reservations about what to expect. We're on the Nov. 1st itinerary. Our past cruises have been on Crystal, Radisson and Cunard, so we have become a bit spoiled. However, we always go with an optimistic attitude and expect to enjoy! So I'm sure we will.

 

Sailorgirl,

 

Since you have cruised on the luxury lines, I will try to contrast this ship with those that you have come to be spoiled by. Many of these things are very small but I think you will understand where I am coming from.

 

No assistant waiters.

 

You order a salad and it comes with the dressing on it -- whatever they decide is the right amount.

 

No one will help you with your tray at the buffet.

 

No omlette station for eggs made to order.

 

Captain's party can't even be considered the same event as on Crystal...although Radisson's aren't great either.

 

Dance to duos or trios. No sextet. No orchestra.

 

No bar set up in your room, although you can get one if you ask.

 

Lot's of people -- although the ship does absorb them pretty well.

 

The piano bar can't compare to Avenue Saloon -- you aren't near the preformer.

 

A lack of the personal touches, like free anything -- they hate free. No little eats at the bar.

 

 

BUT, as I said, taken for what it is, it's an excellent value and, although it is a different experience, it's really very good. The food isn't that great, but you won't go hungry. The ship is beautiful. The service is quite good.

[melissa_bel]

WillB,

Little detail...

If you're in a suite (or if you are an elite member), you have a bar setup... it's free for the first setup, after that, unfortunately, they charge you but hey, it's not a luxury line. ;)

[nycruise]

WillB: FYI, we asked for "dressing on the side" each evening for the salad and it always showed up on the side, but you did have to ask.

[WillB]

WillB,

Little detail...

If you're in a suite (or if you are an elite member), you have a bar setup... it's free for the first setup, after that, unfortunately, they charge you but hey, it's not a luxury line. ;)

 

Melissa,

 

I was really referring to wine glasses and champaigne glasses. They do give you a couple of water glasses that can be used for cocktails, but we got the rest from room service.

[WillB]

One other thing that came to mind about this cruise. One other good thing about this cruise is that you didn't have to fight for a deck chair in a good location.

 

And they have very nice teak deck chairs on the prominade deck, perfect for reading.

[donna5]

Willb,

 

Most of the bars on Princess have bar snacks if you ask for them. I like that better than having bowls of snacks that get stale or have everyones fingers in them. I have seen snack mix, beer nuts, nut mix, pretzels, and the last one I saw someone with potato chips. I like to have a little snack with my martini, so if no snack then no martini.

[Cruisin'40]

Okay, I have to know the details of the "Wakey Wakey", when and where and is it worth staying up for?:rolleyes:

[WillB]

Okay, I have to know the details of the "Wakey Wakey", when and where and is it worth staying up for?:rolleyes:

 

It's a morning show covering the day's activities. It is hosted by the cruise director and the deputy cruise director. Stupid, corny, and pretty funny.

[WillB]

Willb,

 

Most of the bars on Princess have bar snacks if you ask for them. I like that better than having bowls of snacks that get stale or have everyones fingers in them. I have seen snack mix, beer nuts, nut mix, pretzels, and the last one I saw someone with potato chips. I like to have a little snack with my martini, so if no snack then no martini.

 

I was referring to the hot Hors’ dOuvres that are always around at cocktail time on the premium cruise lines.

[donna5]

In the early to mid 90's Princess would have theme happy hours and hot appetizers that normally went on a theme night (like Mexican). But then the price for a cruise was a heck of a lot more.

 

Just for my own FYI what lines have the hot appetizers. I may have to try one of them.

[WillB]

In the early to mid 90's Princess would have theme happy hours and hot appetizers that normally went on a theme night (like Mexican). But then the price for a cruise was a heck of a lot more.

 

Just for my own FYI what lines have the hot appetizers. I may have to try one of them.

 

Crystal Cruises never miss an opportunity to whip a munchie on you. And Radisson is good about it, too.

 

In fact, in leiu of the midnite buffet, or a 24 hour buffet. Crystal serves "lite bites" which are butlered hors douvres. :)

[Judith02]

Hi WillB. We are going on the same itinerary on the Crystal Serenity in January and looking through shore excursions. Could you please tell me something about what to see in the various ports (PV, Mazatlan, Ixtapa, Cobo San Lucas, and San Diego) and the places you found excellent pottery. Thanks. Judith

[Judith02]

Forgot to ask you how the weather was in Mexico? I am assuming that it will be hot there in February -- in the 80s or so???

[sailorgirl]

Hi WillB -

 

You couldn't have reviewed it better. Having just completed our 10 day Mexico cruise on Sapphire, I would have to "second" most all of your comments. Especially about the food. I tried not to make comparisons with Crystal or Radisson or Cunard's Princess Grille, but there was a big difference in the food quality . We thought the song and dance programs were great. We went with a penthouse and were delighted with the extra space and huge verandah with nicer more comfortable furniture. Also, we had complimentary laundry and dry cleaning, stocked bar, fresh flowers and fruit, and some preferred treatment. Only worth it, however, if you enjoy spending a bit of time in your cabin and on your verandah which we do.