Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.

Princess Cruise Line

MS Sapphire Princess

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: John Nuttall
Date of Trip: February 11, 2005
# previous cruises: 50 or more
Itinerary: Australia

Although this cruise was booked as a "destination cruise" we absolutely loved the Sapphire princess. There was seldom a big ship feel, as the public rooms are smaller than on most of the 100,000 ton+ ships. The food was good-very good, service excellent, very friendly staff, even the cruise staff, without any of the bored feel you often get from them. The ports were excellent, especially Sydney, Melbourne, Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

The smaller rooms made the ship appear much smaller. We loved the indoor pool area, and the stern pool. Moving Skywalkers was a stroke of genius. The Wheelhouse Bar, the bars scattered around the atrium, and Skywalkers, during the day, were our favorites. All rooms were warm and clubish. The access to Wake View bar has to be looked at. It was nearly always empty. Churchills was the same.

Food was generally good. Sabatini's was excellent, although the amount of food was obscene. Buffets were below average. Anytime eating is wonderful. Service was always excellent. Staff and crew seemed genuinely happy to be on this ship. Cudos to Captain Rynd for being so visible/accessible to all throughout the 12 days. I felt that this kept everybody on their toes.

We had a cabin with balcony. Everything, with the exception of the shower was great. The shower is too small, even for cruise ship standards. Cleanliness, service and facilities were definitely 5 stars.

The production shows have improved considerably on Princess. We were pleasantly surprised. I don't know if this a result of Carnival's presence, but welcome nonetheless. The featured performers were the same tired old shows, unfortunately, and nothing has changed there. A real surprise was the constant positive presence of the cruise staff, throughout the ship. They were happy, friendly and different from many, many other staff members on other cruises.

You can choose excursions or do them yourselves. There is so much to do at all ports. You will not do it all or even come close. Every port leaves you wanting to return, and do something different. We spent 4 days in Sydney pre cruise and still have a full week of activities yet to do there.

A well travelled, 40+ age group. The positive attitude from cruise staff, crew and staff permeates throughout this ship, and must have been contagious. We seldom heard the boorish "Been there, done that" passenger. My wife and I take cruises to escape, so this was one of our biggest surprises. We actually liked most of our fellow passengers!