We flew JetBlue from Oakland to Long Beach, and hired a car to the San Pedro Harbor. This was our first cruise and we were combining it with a mini-family reunion with family from Texas/Iowa and California. About ten of us.

The Sapphire Princess is one beautiful ship to behold. We were afraid to anticipate anything since it was our first cruise, but we could never have imagined what we were about to experience. We learned that we had received an upgrade from an AE mini-suite category on Emerald Deck to an AB on Dolphin Deck...right around the corner from the elevators and stairways. Terrific location. We chose first seating in the International Dining Room and had the most wonderful waiters, Robert and Norbert. Everyone followed their own interests during the day, spas, golf, swimming, movies, classes, etc. There were more activities than we could actually fit into our schedules.

Service on this ship is remarkable. Princess staff project an image of being happy being there and I found it to be contagious. (Why don't more companies try this?) Entertainment was everywhere, just pick what you want. Jazzy, croony, rock and roll,easy listening, it was lovely just walking around and hearing it all. Read more