SAPPHIRE PRINCESS
The Grand Dame of the fleet. A heavily-modified "Gem Class" vessel loved for her wide beam, low center of gravity, and traditional ocean liner feel.
- Guests
- 2,670
- Tonnage
- 115,875
- Launch
- 2004
- Crew
- 1,100
The Prodigy Verdict
The Best of the Classics.
Sapphire Princess holds a unique place in the fleet. Built in Japan, she features a wider beam than her sisters, which translates to wider decks and improved stability in rough waters (making her ideal for Alaska and Drake Passage crossings). She retains the "handle" spoiler at the rear (Skywalkers Nightclub), but unlike the Grand Princess, the exhaust stack does not obstruct the view. While she lacks the massive glass domes of the new Sphere class, many loyalists prefer Sapphire for her connection to the ocean and lower passenger density.
- Glacier Viewing: The wide promenade deck and Skywalkers lounge offer superior, warm viewing angles.
- Crowd Avoidance: Significantly better passenger-to-space ratio than the Royal Class ships.
- Traditionalists: Those who prefer a true promenade deck and classic teak vibes.
- The Age: While well-maintained, cabin bathrooms are small and styling in hallways is dated (early 2000s beige).
- Tiered Balconies: Cabins on Dolphin Deck generally have no roof, meaning higher decks can look down on you.
- Power Outlets: Bring a non-surge converter; outlets by the bed are rare in non-suite cabins.
The Zones
The layout is traditional Princess, centered around the Piazza, but with unique features specific to the Gem Class.
The Piazza
The three-deck atrium. It is smaller than the Royal Class piazzas but feels more intimate. The hub for coffee, music, and casual events.
Skywalkers
The "Handle" at the rear of the ship. A nightclub/lounge suspended 15 decks up. Provides arguably the best indoor views on any ship in the fleet.
Calypso Reef
The covered pool deck. Featuring a retractable glass roof (magrodome), this area is vital for Alaska and Antarctica sailings, allowing swimming in any weather.
The Sanctuary
An adults-only retreat forward. On Sapphire, this is a paid day-pass area with plush loungers. It is quiet, but lacks the private pool found on newer ships.
M.U.T.S.
Movies Under The Stars. The open-air midship pool deck features a giant LED screen for films, concerts, and NFL games. Popcorn is free.
Explorers Lounge
A secondary show lounge. The decor is African-safari themed (a quirk of this class). It hosts trivia, art auctions, and smaller bands.
Dining & Provisions
Sapphire Princess is unique for her four "Themed" main dining rooms. While menus are often unified now, the distinct decor remains a highlight.
Main Dining
5 Venues
Sapphire features the International Dining Room (aft) and four smaller themed rooms: Pacific Moon (Asian), Santa Fe (Southwest), Savoy, and Vivaldi.
International Café
24-Hour Bistro
Located in the Piazza. Famous for shrimp salad, paninis, and desserts. The coffee costs extra (unless on a package), but the food is free.
Prego Pizzeria
Poolside Slice
The classic poolside pizza counter. Serves New York-style thin crust slices. Perfect for a quick lunch while watching M.U.T.S.
Alfredo's Pizzeria
Sit-Down Pizza
Located near the Piazza. Offers individual gourmet pizzas (far superior to Prego). *Cover charge applies unless on Princess Plus/Premier.
Sterling Steakhouse
Classic Grill
A "pop-up" style steakhouse usually located in the rear of the Horizon Court buffet area. High quality beef, though the atmosphere is less formal than Crown Grill.
Sabatini's
Italian Trattoria
The flagship Italian venue. Located on Deck 7 near the Piazza. Known for the burrata appetizer and lobster-three-ways.
Where It Sails
Sapphire Princess is a globetrotter, often deployed on longer, destination-rich itineraries rather than short Caribbean hops.
- Alaska Inside Passage (Vancouver)
- South America & Antarctica
- Asia & Transpacific Repositioning
Because she has a covered pool and Skywalkers lounge, she is the perfect hardware for cold-weather cruising (Alaska/Antarctica), allowing views without the wind chill.
Check Availability
See current pricing for Sapphire Princess sailings.
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Cost Reality
Older ships like Sapphire often offer lower base fares, but the "Princess Plus" package is highly recommended to cover daily essentials.
- Main Dining Rooms (5)
- International Café (Food)
- Prego Pizzeria (Poolside)
- Movies Under the Stars
- Sterling Steakhouse ($)
- Alfredo's Pizzeria (Cover)
- Sanctuary Day Pass
- Specialty Coffees
On embarkation day, skip the buffet and head to one of the main dining rooms for a relaxed sit-down lunch. It's open, but few people realize it.
The Vibe Check
Is this ship for you? It is traditional, quiet, and nautical.
Relaxed elegance. You won't find go-karts or laser tag here. Entertainment focuses on production shows, live musicians in the Piazza, and enrichment talks.
Typically 50+, especially on longer itineraries. However, during Alaska summers, you will see plenty of multi-generational families.
Ready to explore? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
Understanding the "Tiered Layout" of the Grand/Gem class is critical to avoiding privacy issues on your balcony.
Dolphin Deck Mini-Suites
These offer great interior space and a tub, but the balconies are completely uncovered. Passengers on decks above can look right down at you.
Caribe Deck Balcony
The gold standard. Caribe balconies are double the size of others and are half-covered, half-open, offering the perfect mix of sun and privacy.
Grand Suite
Located aft with a massive wrap-around balcony. Ideal for scenic cruising (Alaska/Panama Canal) but be aware of potential soot from the stack.