Sapphire Princess Review

A lot better than fighting the snow in Michigan...

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Sapphire Princess
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DrJohn
First Time Cruiser • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Dec 2009

This review covers b2b cruises on the Sapphire, Dec 5 and 12. We have done the Mexican Riviera cruise 7 times before, 3 times on the Sapphire. We have really enjoyed this ship in the past - especially the 4 themed anytime dining restaurants. When we first sailed her they each had their own unique menus, unfortunately that changed to only a signature entrEe now. But it is great to always be able to get osso buco in the Vivaldi!

Cabin We booked HH gty for these cruises - we used to be balcony people but now prefer outsides for a number of reasons. We did not receive cabin assignments until 3 days before sailing - did not know the second cruise cabin until halfway through the first cruise -- but others on the cc roll call had received not only cabin assignments shortly after booking but had also received upgrades from their initial cabin assignment. We were upgraded slightly on both cruises, the first time to E118 which is a cabin forward where the window looks out on the promenade deck. It was probably our worst ever cabin on Princess. It is supposed to be "unobstructed" but the view is the promenade deck and ship structure - and often people standing or walking by, and some pause to peek in the window. If you are a "private person" you would want to keep your curtains closed at all times. It was rather ironic that we were "upgraded" to a DD cabin but it was right next to a HH cabin! Both cabins had almost the same view. On the second cruise we were assigned P236, a forward cabin near the art gallery. Although this was a lower rated cabin (EE) in the Princess scheme of things it was larger than the first, not as far forward, close to the lobby bar to simplify going for morning coffee (can't take the room service variety), and we could keep our curtains open! Booking a gty always has its risks - but on the second voyage we learned many of those on our cc roll call received substantial upgrades, even from HH to BB. Again, the Princess administrative processes can be very strange but apparently our 37 cruises with Princess aren't of much value when they decide who should get the really good upgrades. I've been doing some independent research on Princess upgrades on cc and talking with passengers and am reaching the conclusion that "who you know" may be the most important factor (Friends and family and TAs?).

Dining The Sapphire has 4 different anytime dining restaurants, each with their own theme and signature main dish - otherwise they use the same dinner menus as traditional dining. The Vivaldi is used as a traditional dining room for early seating, then converts to anytime dining at 8:00 pm. As a result it is usually "least busy" if you dine at 8 or later. It is possible to get a specific dining room and table and time assigned on the Sapphire - that was impossible for us to do on the Golden last April. While we opted to cycle through all the different dining rooms for some variety, we also found it advisable to make reservations as wait times experienced by some friends were excessive - 30 to 45 minutes. Dining room food was inconsistent - sometimes great, sometimes good, and sometimes not so good. Every chef has their own style and dishes we have loved on other ships had a very different presentation on the Sapphire. Overall dining room food was ok. Horizon Court was basic as usual and generally good - but not as varied as other ships - breakfast meat offerings were minimal. The pizza and burgers and hot dogs on the Lido deck were superb as usual! Dining room service was also inconsistent although the Vivaldi was much better than the others. Service seemed slower than on other Princess ships, and on one occasion it took 15 minutes before our order was taken. There seem to be many jr waiters who are not very experienced as waiters. But saving the best for last - Sabatini's on the Sapphire is great - don't miss it!

Cabin Review

E118 - listed as oceanview but is actually obstructed as it looks out on the promenade deck and ship superstructure with people passing by all day. small cabin. Would never choose this cabin.P236 - great location near to art gallery and lobby bar, nice size

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