Sapphire Princess

In 2004, the Sapphire Princess became the first cruise ship to ever be christened in the Port of Seattle. It was the second vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet to be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - after its sister ship, the Diamond Princess, was launched earlier the same year.

The liner can typically be found in the Pacific, sailing along the western seaboard of the US, Canada and Mexico. During the summer, Alaskan cruises are by far the most popular routes, with ports of call including Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria and Juneau.

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In the winter, the ship makes its way south, along the California coastline to Los Angeles, where it departs on regular voyages to the Mexican Riviera.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,100
Year entered service: 2004
Beam (ship width): 123.0 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26.4 feet
Length: 951.4 feet
Tonnage: 115,875
Crew: 1,238
Maximum speed: 22 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 14
Number of swimming pools: 4
Number of cabins: 1,337

Food, cuisine and dining

If you enjoy the traditional style of cruise dining, then the International is the place to go. This is one of the main dining rooms and it serves three meals a day. Dinner is a semi-formal affair every night and passengers who decide to eat here will need to choose between two set services. They will also enjoy the same waiter and table mates every evening.

For a bit more flexibility, then Anytime Dining is the better choice. With this option, you can select when and where you eat, depending on your appetite and mood. There are four venues that you can choose from if this is what you prefer: Pacific Moon, Santa Fe, Savoy and Vivaldi.

In addition, there are several specialty restaurants that you may want to consider, some of which are casual and others are formal - extra charges may also be incurred by eating at select venues like:
• Sabatini's
• Horizon Court
• Wine bar
• Prego Pizzeria
• Sterling Steakhouse
• Patisserie
• Sundaes
• Trident Grill
• Room service
• Ultimate Balcony Dining
• Afternoon tea

On-board entertainment and activities

Three venues are available for stage shows. The Princess Lounge is the biggest and offers large-scale productions several times on each voyage. In addition, Club Fusion and Explorers both host music, dancing and cabaret most nights.

Another popular option to keep busy on your voyage is to attend some of the Scholarship@Sea programmes. These teach guests about a wide range of topics - from cooking lessons and arts and crafts to computing, photography and even marine biology.

Other activities include spending time in the casino, playing bingo or singing your heart out in a karaoke lounge. There are plenty of quiet places to enjoy a drink and do some people watching, while the internet cafe, library and shops are also fabulous diversions.

Meanwhile, the kids' programme includes youth centres that are open throughout the day and there are also play areas, dedicated pools, hangout areas and youth discos to help keep younger cruisers occupied.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you like to unwind with a swim, the Sapphire Princess won't disappoint. It has four swimming pools, including one specifically for fitness purposes, and an additional kids pool means that your dip won't need to be interrupted by splashing youths.

For other workout options, there's a large gym that's fully equipped with exercise machines and there's a fitness studio where aerobics classes are held. A putting green, sports court and jogging track are also available.

In addition, there's a large spa where you can relax with some time in the thermal suite, or get a treatment like a massage or facial.

Cabins

There are more than 1,300 rooms on the Sapphire Princess, spanning several categories and a wide range of price grades - meaning that there should be something for everyone, even if you're looking for affordable cruise deals.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and plenty of storage space, not to mention comfortable beds and furnishings. Plus, you'll enjoy a nightly turndown service and chocolates on your pillows.