Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	431
Accommodation	200	168
Food	400	256
Service	400	293
Entertainment	100	82
Cruise	400	314

How this score is created

Sapphire Princess has an instantly recognizable funnel due to two jet engine-like pods that sit high up on its structure, but really are mainly for decoration. This is the second ship to be constructed by a Japanese shipyard for Princess Cruises (sister ship Diamond Princess debuted in 2004). The ship is similar in size and internal layout to Golden Princess, Grand Princess and Star Princess (although of a slightly greater beam). Unlike its half-sister ships, however, all of which had a “spoiler” (containing a discotheque) located aft of the funnel, this has thankfully been removed from both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, and has been replaced by a more sensible (and less weighty) aft-facing nightclub/discotheque structure (Skywalkers Nightclub) set around the base of the adjoining the funnel structure. The view from the nightclub overlooks aft-facing cascading decks and children’s pool.

In December 2002, while the ship was under construction in the shipyard (as Diamond Princess), a fire broke out on Deck 5 and did much damage. The ship’s hull was switched with that of identical sister Sapphire Princess, which was also under construction in the same yard at the same time.

The actual hull form in Sapphire Princess (and sister Diamond Princess) is slightly different to that of other “Grand Class” ships, and is slightly wider. Electrical power is provided by a combination of four diesel and one gas turbine (CODAG) unit; the diesel engines are located in the engine room, while the gas turbine unit is located in the ship’s funnel housing, on each side of which is a cosmetic pod that resembles a jet aircraft engine. Four areas focus on swimming pools, one of which is two decks high and is covered by a magrodome (retractable glass dome), itself an extension of the funnel housing.

The interiors of the ship are overseen and outfitted by the Okura Group, whose Okura Hotel is one of the best in Tokyo. Fit and finish quality is superior that of the Italian-built Golden Princess, Grand Princess and Star Princess. Unlike the outside decks, there is plenty of space inside the ship (but there are also plenty of passengers), and a wide array of public rooms to choose from, with many “intimate” (this being a relative word) spaces and places to enjoy. The passenger flow has been well thought out, and works with little congestion. The decor is attractive, with lots of earth tones (well suited to both American and European tastes). In fact, this ship is perhaps the culmination of the best of all that Princess Cruises has to offer from its many years of operating what is now a well-tuned, good-quality product. An extensive collection of art works has been chosen, and this complements the interior design and colors well.

This ship also has a Wedding Chapel. The ship’s captain can legally marry (American) couples (a live web-cam can relay ceremonies via the internet), due to the ship’s Bermuda registry and a special dispensation (which should be verified when in the planning stage, according to where you reside). Princess Cruises offers three wedding packages – Pearl, Emerald, Diamond. The “Hearts & Minds” chapel is also useful for “renewal of vows” ceremonies.

Gaming lovers should enjoy what is presently one of the largest casinos at sea (Grand Casino), with more than 260 slot machines; there are blackjack, craps and roulette tables, plus newer games such as Let It Ride Bonus, Spanish 21 and Caribbean Draw Progressive. But the highlight could well be the specially linked slot machines that provide a combined payout.

Other features include a library/CD-Rom computer room, and a separate card room. Ship lovers should enjoy the wood-paneled Wheelhouse Bar, finely decorated with memorabilia and ship models tracing part of parent company P&O’s history. Aft of the International Dining Room is the Wake View Bar, with a spiral stairway that leads down to a great viewing spot for those who want to watch the ship’s wake; it is reached from the back of Club Fusion, on Promenade Deck.

A high-tech hospital is provided, with live SeaMed tele-medicine link-ups with specialists at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles available for emergency help.

For youngsters and teenagers there is a two-deck-high playroom, teen room, and a host of specially trained counselors. Children have their own pools, hot tubs, and open deck area at the stern of the ship (away from adult areas).

Sapphire Princess is a grand playground in which to roam and play when you are not ashore. Princess Cruises delivers a fine, well-packaged holiday product, with some sense of style, at an attractive, highly competitive price, and this ship will appeal to those that really enjoy big city life, with all the trimmings and lots of fellow passengers. The ship is full of revenue centers, however, which are designed to help you part with even more money than you paid for in the price of your cruise ticket (cruise lines have become increasingly shrewd). Expect to be subjected to a stream of flyers advertising daily art auctions, “designer” watches and the like, while “artworks” for auction are strewn throughout the ship.

Whether a cruise aboard this ship really can be considered a relaxing holiday is a moot point, but with so many choices and “small” rooms to enjoy, the ship has been extremely well designed, and the odds are that you’ll have a fine cruise holiday, as long as you plan your movements and timing carefully.

The dress code is formal or smart casual (translated by many as jeans and trainers). Gratuities to staff are automatically added to your account, at $10 per person, per day (with gratuities for children charged at the same rate). If you want to pay less, you’ll need to go to the reception desk to have these charges adjusted (that could mean lining up with many other passengers wanting to do the same). The onboard currency is the US dollar.

If you are not used to large ships, it will take you some time to find your way around this one, despite the company’s claim that this vessel offers passengers a “small ship feel, big ship choice.”

Lines tend to form for many things aboard large ships, but particularly so for the purser’s (information) office, and for open-seating breakfast and lunch in the four main dining rooms. Long lines for shore excursions and shore tenders are also a fact of life aboard large ships such as this, as is waiting for elevators at peak times, embarkation (an “express check-in” option is available by completing certain documentation 40 days in advance of your cruise) and disembarkation.

You’ll have to live with the many extra charge items (such as for ice cream, freshly squeezed orange juice, and activities such as yoga, group exercise bicycling and kick boxing classes (at $10 per session), and $4 per hour for group babysitting services (at the time this book was completed). There’s also a charge for using the washers and dryers in the self-service launderettes

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008