A Rookie's View

Item: Sapphire Princess
Rating: 4
Author: RickeeD

Sapphire Princess Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

RickeeD

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Reviews: 0

Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Inside Passage (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 21, 2011

Ship: Sapphire Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 12 years ago

Review summary

In seeing other ships, it was obvious that the Sapphire Princess was what I would call upper middle class, but for a first-timer that was alright. The port calls for this particular trip were excellent, although I got a bit tired of the "diamond hawking". The balcony suite we had was a perfect size for two people and afforded excellent views and quiet/private time when needed. I really liked the casual/laid back ambiance of the cruise. Would definitely do a cruise again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We dined "traditional" and really liked it. It afforded predicability with a set time to meet with our fellow travellers and the same wait staff. The food overall was what I would call average/outstanding. The wine list was a wee bit limited but overall - EXCELLENT.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

I personally didn't take advantage of the "activities" as this was a defusing time for me - although the one entertainment venue I thoroughly enjoyed was the crew's talent show.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Here's where the Sapphire Princess shone ! Attentive without being obtrusive, appropriately charming & congenial and took the time for personal touches that, given the number of cabins our steward was assigned, was amazing!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Clean, roomy and plenty of storage (which surprised me). Tastful decor and maximum use of limited space. Our location (Caribe Deck) was perfect in that there was a bit of an overhang which was wonderful on rainy days.

Ports of call

Victoria, British Columbia

1 out of 5

This port call was advertised as 1600 - 2359....it didn't arrive until 1900 and didn't afford enough time for what we had hoped for - hence we cancelled two (2) excursions.....

Thumbs Up 0

Juneau, Alaska

3 out of 5

Our docking area was not "ship convenient". One of my fellow travellers did the Tram and marvelled at the views.

Thumbs Up 0

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Of all the ports, Skagway was the most "less touristy" (if that's a word). While not "ship convenient", Skagway offered yet another feel for everyday Alaska and the shopping was much more diverse. Nice galleries.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: White Pass Railway - definite "Must Do" !

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Of all the ports this was the most "ship convenient". Charming city with a wonderful atmosphere. Loved the working port feel of the city - The Artic Bar was a HOOT !!!!!

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Artic Bar - if you want a feel for what the working folks' side of Ketichikan is like this is a

Pros: The Food & Folks I met

Cons: The unexpected VERY short Port Call in Victoria

Recommends Sapphire Princess? Yes!

1 Comment

Other reviews of this sailing

Alaska is beautiful

Just an Alright Cruise

Exceeded our Expectations