Sapphire Princess Cruise Reviews

Ideal for first-time cruisers, families, and couples aged 30 to 50, Sapphire Princess delivers a high-quality experience with an excellent variety of onboard attractions. Accommodating roughly 2,670 travelers, this Gem-class cruise ship is on the small end of the big-ship spectrum. That means you'll enjoy world-class amenities along with easy boarding and personal service.

True to the Princess brand, Sapphire Princess is an upscale cruise ship offering appealing mid-market fares. It has a little bit of everything, and extensive refurbishments completed in March 2018 have taken the ship to new heights. The refurbished cruise ship features luxurious staterooms, multisensory sleep-enhancing details, and the Princess Luxury Bed, which is arguably the most comfortable mattress at sea.

Families can take advantage of amped-up childcare and teen programs, which include educational activities from Discovery and Animal Planet. Additionally, Sapphire has all-new entertainment. Shows include international Festivals of the World events, Broadway-style shows, Movies Under the Stars, and guest performances ranging from magicians to stand-up comedians and Beatles cover bands. There's live music galore whether you visit the Explorer’s Lounge, Club Fusion, or the top-deck Skywalkers Nightclub.

Day or night, there's always something happening in the lively European-style Piazza. It's home to the International Café, the Vines wine bar, and Alfredo's Pizzeria, a must-try according to Sapphire Princess reviews. In the evening, head to the Promenade Deck where you'll find the Vegas-style Grand Casino, Princess Theater, and popular nightspots like Crooners and The Wheelhouse Bar.

For a day of rest and relaxation, lounge by the Calypso Reef or Neptune's Reef main pools. You can also hit up the backyard-style Lawn Court, or book a facial at the Lotus Spa. With more than a dozen restaurants and a wealth of amenities and activities, the Sapphire Princess is sure to please almost any traveler. Its itineraries are equally diverse.

Sapphire Princess itineraries and departure ports

Sapphire Princess is a globe-trotting cruise ship with homeports in Southampton, Singapore, Shanghai, Adelaide, and Melbourne. It offers regional 2- to 7-day voyages that explore Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and Asia. Itineraries also include grand voyages that sail between London, Rome, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai, and other major cities.

Before you book

This ship is best for: With its comprehensive amenities, Sapphire caters to families, couples, and first-time cruisers looking for a premium experience with the best features of a mid- to large-sized ship.

You should know: Sapphire Princess offers a balanced albeit traditional onboard experience. Previously, the quality of the service and entertainment has varied.

Things to do on Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princes is outfitted for nonstop fun. For families and active travelers, the sports deck is the place to be. This fully loaded ship has three main pools, a splash zone, a multipurpose sports court, and a variety of backyard games ranging from croquet to shuffleboard. Sapphire's next-generation youth center offers age-appropriate spaces for teens, tweens, and younger kids. For adult fun, check out one of the bars and lounges, join a wine tasting, or take a Scholarship@Sea class. Whether you enjoy trivia or are looking forward to visiting the Lotus Spa, Sapphire has more than enough activities to satisfy first-timers and experienced cruisers.

Sapphire Princess highlights

• Four freshwater pools and eight whirlpools
• Multipurpose sports court
• Lawn court and shuffleboard
• Youth center and teen lounge
• Movies Under the Stars
• Festivals of the World
• Broadway-style Princess Theater
• Five main dining rooms
• Many bars and lounges
• Top-deck Skywalkers Nightclub
• Vines wine and tapas bar
• VIP Sanctuary sundeck
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Award-winning Lotus Spa
• Duty-free Shops of Princess
• Vegas-style Grand Casino

Sapphire Princess cabins

Completely refurbished in 2018, Sapphire Princess' cabins feature sleep-enhancing hypoallergenic linens, plush Princess Luxury Beds, and a soothing neutral ambiance approved by sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus. This large cruise ship has 1,337 cabins, including 216 oceanview accommodations and 522 balcony rooms. According to Sapphire Princess deck plans, interior cabins start around 160 square feet, and accommodations go up to 323 square feet for minisuites. Select interior and oceanview cabins feature extra Pullman berths ideal for families and groups. Refurbishments also introduced new Club Class accommodations that include priority boarding, preferred restaurant seating, and other perks.