Sapphire Princess Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,020 reviews

Sapphire Princess - Alaska

Review for Alaska Cruise on Sapphire Princess
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tennisqueen
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2011
Cabin: Balcony
Traveled with children

Here's our review of our cruise to Alaska from August 14-21. To put things in perspective we are a "young" 48 and 51 year-old couple, have cruised before on Celebrity to the Caribbean and appreciate a higher level of quality and service. We were a party of eight (6 adults, 2 teenaged girls), celebrating my mom's 75th birthday. Unfortunately this Princess cruise did not meet our standards. Fortunately, the spectacular scenery and adventure saved this trip from disaster.

Arrived in Seattle the day before. I recommend taking the light rail from the airport to downtown as it is most economical. It's just a bit of a schlep to get to. Had great weather for walking around. We had a delightful lunch at Lola's and a stroll through Pike's Place Market. We recommend both. Had an absolutely horrible dinner at Amore and would not recommend going there. Great walking and people-watching town. Hyatt Place Hotel was just fine even though it was a bit away from downtown.

Boarding the Sapphire Princess the next day was a bit chaotic. We got to the ship around 11:45 and lines had already formed but it wasn't horrible. Got on board and raced to one of the specialty dining rooms to book the Chef's Table which we heard such amazing things about here on Cruise Critic. I thought it would be a special way to celebrate my mom's birthday. Were we shocked, disgusted and disappointed that they recently raised the fee for that from $75/per person to $95/per person!!!! What a ripoff. Instead we made a reservation at Sabatini's for the last night. This was just the start of what we encountered in extra charges and shameless, high-pressure solicitation. First day pushing drink cards, wine tasting, spa treatments. Later in the cruise, pushing port shopping and offering inflated prices for tours, photos, a cookbook, special drinks, fitness classes.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BA

Cabin A510

Decent size, convenient to elevators. However, cabin is located under pool and there was a lot of noise from deck chairs being moved and/or people walking.

Not sure if smoking is allowed on balconies but unfortunately there were some smokers below us in the uncovered balcony rooms which was a bit unpleasant.

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