Sapphire Princess Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,021 reviews

We loved the Mexican Riviera cruise!

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Sapphire Princess
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Romy40
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Mar 2009

We drove to San Pedro and parked in the cruise terminal parking lot ($12/day, total was $84). Arrived 12:45 p.m. and we were in our cabin by 1:00 p.m. Our balcony was covered; starboard. The cabin was clean and our steward arrived soon to introduce herself. We never had to ask her for anything. She kept the room spotless and the toiletries stocked. Luggage arrived by 1:30 p.m. It was 85 degrees; unseasonably warm for L.A. Seas were calm. Despite the Spring Break time of year, the ship did not feel crowded. Ate lunch at Horizon Court Buffet. Muster was quick and easy with all at our station having a seat. We did sail away on Promenade; aft. We were the only ones there. Aaaah. We did traditional dining (late seating) in the International Dining Room. Our waiter Rafael was very good. Our table companions were our age and of similar occupations. How do they do that? We hit it off with them immediately, and for the first time, we ate every dinner there; including 2 formal nights. We found the menus to be quite varied with many choices. Everything we tried was served piping hot and tasted great. The desserts were decadent. Hmmmmmm. The sea days were relaxing. We did nothing but read, lounge around, and eat. The burgers by the pool were tasty as always. The ice cream at Scoops was cheap at $1.25 for 2 scoops, and sundaes with 2 toppings were $3.50. We did not attend any shows, bingo, auctions, or anything! This was a first for us, but we just did not feel like participating. We were quite content. I spent most of the time looking out over the ocean with binoculars watching for sea life. I saw some whale spouts, lots of dolphins, and a sea turtle. The seas were the calmest we have ever experienced. Some times it was like glass - - very Twilight Zone-like! At night the stars were visible. Arrived Puerto Vallarta and did the Las Caletas excursion. It was fantastic! Emilio was in charge of our boat (it had a canopy). He kept us entertained and watered. The weather was perfect. Not too many on the boat. 90 minute ride to Las Caletas with narration by Emilio. Arrived Las Caletas, photo taken with a giant boa constrictor, then with a tiny monkey. Food was buffet but good. All drinks were included and bottomless. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks were included. Watched a falcon demonstration; well trained bird - beautiful and vicious looking. 5-6 hours later boarded boat for return trip; shorter route - 40 minutes. Hilarious "Grease" the musical show by Emilio and staff. I highly recommend this excursion. It was great. Mazatlan excursion was the bird estuary/Stone Island. Captain Polo lead the tour; small launch with canopy. He was very knowledgeable on the birds and the mangrove trees. We loved this laid back tour; very educational too with Captain Polo being quite the professor! Lunch was included at Stone Island and was quite good with plenty of sodas or water or beer. Had about an hour to swim. We were flagged down to help a woman who had been thrown from a horse, but EMT's arrived right after we did. I think she broke her collar bone. Dinner tonight included a big surprise for our table. The Captain joined us! Yes! Why us? We have no idea, but it was fascinating to talk with him for 2 hours. Cabo was a short stop. No problems tendering; very organized. Princess is organization personified. We did a short boat ride to Los Arcos (the arch), and some shopping. Leaving Cabo was very different. Once we rounded the point, the wind began to howl and the white caps were very evident. Our last sea day was overcast, windy, and cool. Disembarking was quick. We waited in a dining room; everyone had a seat, and when they called us, we walked right off the ship! Amazing! Probably 10 minutes total time after they called us. We were in our car and headed home. It was a terrific cruise. We found the staff to be friendly and hard working. The excursions were worth every penny. Yes, we ate and drank the food and water. Emilio explained that we did not have to worry on ship's excursions. The water and ice - purified, and the food prepared under strict sanitary conditions. He said they would get pulled from Princess' excursion list if the passengers got sick. We had NO problems. Our previous Mexico experiences were Ensenada and Tijuana - - sooo NOT like PV, Mazatlan, Cabo! The waters were beautiful and clean. I saw no floating trash. Captain Polo explained Mexico's commitment to conservation. Our fellow cruisers were a mixed age. Those we had contact with were friendly and talkative. We enjoy meeting people. This was our 3rd Princess cruise, and we are very happy with them, and will book our next cruise with Princess. We felt very pampered and well taken care of. It sure was a surprise to have the Captain join us for dinner.

Cabin Review

Covered balcony, large closet for clothes/suitcases, good location midship.

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