We sailed on Princess for the first time. Getting on was fast and easy. Our room was fine, no complaints. We had a great time once we got the hang of the unusual layout of the Sapphire Princess. I had to drop breadcrumbs to find the main dining room but eventually got the hang of it. Our problem was simple.... The overall service took a back seat so that crew members could spend their time selling passengers everything possible. In order to be able to drink soda pop without paying a fortune I purchased the "sticker" for $30.00 that allowed me a very small cup that could be filled with soft drinks for free. I consider the following to be a perfect example of on - board sales run amok. On our last night we decided to pony up the $15.00 pp to eat at their Sterling Steak House. We had a wonderful meal. The steak was excellent. I asked for a diet coke. The server actually asked me to pull out my "sticker" so I could have the diet coke for free. That's right. I paid an EXTRA $15.00 for the meal and they still asked for my sticker so I could have a nickels worth of soda. Has it really come to this? When we disembarked for our excursions there were crew members SELLING water to passengers rather than providing water to make passengers more comfortable. What a sad commentary. Everyone understands charging for alcohol, but charging for water and soda? Come On!

We have decided that prior to our next cruise we will find a cruise line that provides service rather than constant sales pitches from the crew. I actually felt sorry for crew members who, I am certain, felt uncomfortable selling everything from wine to you name it. We go on cruises for the service and to be pampered.

Finally, on the Sapphire we found the food to be very good but the meals were small, the variety questionable, and the presentation sadly lacking. What has happened to the days when the chefs would proudly create works of art with chocolate, fruit, ice sculptures, etc. The cruise industry is making a strategic error trying to save pennies rather than service passengers.