sapphire princess cruise boat

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Sapphire Princess Deck Plans & Reviews

Sapphire Princess

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes *
• Beauty Salon *
• Center Court
• Dancing Classes
• Skywalkers Nightclub
• Deck Chess Set
• Deck Parties
• Disco and Dancing
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Whirlpools (8)
• Internet Cafe *
• The Library
• Lotus Spa *
• Shuffleboard
• Solo Travelers Get Togethers
• Ultimate Ship Tour *
• Wine Tasting *
• The Sanctuary *
• The Beach House Teen Lounge
• Camp Discovery Youth Center
• Grand Casino *
• The Shops of Princess *
• Fine Arts Gallery *
• Photo Gallery *
• Guest Services
• Shore Excursions Desk *
• Captains Circle Loyalty
• Future Cruise Planning *
• OceanMedallion
• Wedding Chapel
• Concierge Lounge
• Churchills Cigar Lounge *
• Self_Service Laundry *
• Medical Center
• Club Fusion
• Comedy Shows
• Explorers Lounge
• Movies Under the Stars
• Outdoor Movies
• Princess Theater
• International Dining Room - Main
• Pacific Moon Dining Room - Main
• Santa Fe Dining Room - Main
• Savoy Dining Room - Main
• Vivaldi Dining Room - Main
• Good Spirits at Sea - Craft Cocktails *
• Horizon Court - Buffet
• Horizon Terrace - Casual
• International Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• Trident Grill - Pool Grill
• Alfredos Pizzeria - Gourmet Pizza
• Swirls - Ice Cream
• Sabatinis Italian Trattoria - Italian *
• Crooners Bar - Martini Bar *
• Prego Pizzeria - Pizza
• Calypso Bar - Pool Bar *
• Oasis Bar - Pool Bar *
• Outriggers Bar - Pool Bar *
• Mermaids Tail Bar - Pool Bar *
• Wheelhouse Bar - Pub *
• Wake View Bar - Scenic Bar *
• Sterling Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• Vines Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Casino Bar - Casino Bar *
• Tradewinds Bar - Deck Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 36
• Very Good 34
• Terrible 15
• All languages ( 118 )
• English ( 115 )
• Spanish ( 2 )
• Japanese ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

• CruiseMapper
• Princess Cruises

Sapphire Princess

Cruise line Princess Cruises

• Vancouver (BC Canada)
• Whittier (Alaska)
• Buenos Aires (Argentina)
• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
• Los Angeles (Long Beach-San Pedro, California)

Sapphire Princess current position

Sapphire Princess current location is at South Pacific Ocean (coordinates -9.62554 S / -145.07482 W) cruising at speed of 19.4 kn (36 km/h | 22 mph) en route to LOS ANGELES. The AIS position was reported 15 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess current cruise is 32 days, round-trip South Pacific Islands Hawaii . Prices start from USD 1899 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 05 Apr, 2024 and ends on 07 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Sapphire Princess

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Sapphire Princess Itineraries

Sapphire princess review, review of sapphire princess.

The 2004-built Sapphire Princess cruise ship is the 5th Grand-class Princess Cruises liner, with sisterships Caribbean , Crown , Golden (Pacific Adventure) , Grand , Emerald , Ruby , Star (Pacific Encounter) and Diamond .

The vessel (IMO number 9228186) is currently UK- flagged (MMSI 235103357) and registered in Southampton .

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills CA. A former subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (1977-founded), in 2003, the company merged with Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruise Lines Ltd's assets is the Caribbean private island resort Princess Cays (on Bahamas Eleuthera Island's southern end), located approx 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau .

The 2700-passenger ship Sapphire Princess and nearly the same sister Diamond Princess have some Grand-class variations in terms of size and facilities. Distinctions aside, over the past half-decade, Princess has been busy standardizing this class of vessels - adding poolside jumbotrons (Movies Under the Stars), "Piazza-style" atriums and adult-only deck areas (the Sanctuary) originally found only on the line's newest vessels, Crown, Emerald and Ruby. Sapphire Princess emerged from a month-long overhaul in February 2012, gaining signature facilities. The formerly dull atrium has been reorganized into the effervescent Piazza, a public zone with a wine and tapas bar, bakery, pizzeria and performance place. And after years of dedicated service, the rest of the vessel benefited from the refurbishment, too. Throughout Sapphire Princess cruisers will find new bar countertops, tiling, teak decking around the major swimming pool, furniture in the casino, an upgraded buffet and a new top-deck "lawn court" (artificial grass) for putting, bocce and croquet.

Decks and Cabins

Most Sapphire Princess staterooms (1339 total, in 33 grades) are 170-ft2 balcony cabins (522). Almost 75% of the ship's outside staterooms have private step-out balconies. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 27. The largest accommodation is the Grand Suite (615 ft2 / 57 m2, with terrace sized 115 ft2 / 11 m2).

The boat has 16 decks , of which 13 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Nearly all dining options onboard Sapphire Princess are complimentary, including the five main dining rooms: Vivaldi, Pacific Moon, International, Santa Fe and Savoy Dining Room. There is also a free-of-charge buffet, pizza place, ice cream counter and grill. All main dining rooms offer the same menu items, though each has a small selection of signature items, most of which can be made in appetizer size. On cruises that are not full, certain main dining rooms will not be open. On some of the sea days, Savoy opens for a special British-style pub lunch featuring fish and chips, steak and kidney pie.

Follows the complete list of Diamond Princess restaurants and food bars.

• Savoy Restaurant (ship's aft Dining Room; offers traditional dinner at 5:30 pm, as well as Anytime Dining between 8-10 pm, and British pub lunch)
• Pacific Moon Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room for Breakfast 7-9 am, Lunch 12-1:30 pm, Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30 pm; features Anytime Dining for Dinner between 5:30-8 pm or 8-10 pm)
• Vivaldi Restaurant (dinner only aft Dining Room; offers traditional dinner at 5:30 pm, as well as Anytime Dining between 8-10 pm)
• Santa Fe Restaurant (forward Dining Room, Anytime Dining/dinner only)
• International Restaurant (aft Dining Room, with 2 dinner seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m.)
• Sabatini's Restaurant (Italian speciality restaurant; reservations recommended)
• Trident Grill & Prego Pizzeria (self-service, complimentary fast food bar)
• Horizon Court (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary)
• Sterling Steakhouse (specialty restaurant for seafood, grills, steaks)
• Alfredo's Pizzeria (complimentary)

In April 2024 Princess Cruises announced that starting September 14th (2024) fleetwide would be introduced 3 distinct main dining/dinner table service options – Traditional, Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime. By the new program (introduced with Sun Princess) on each ship are allocated 3 separate dining rooms - one for Traditional dining (offering early and late dinner seating), one with Reservable times, and one for Walk-in Anytime (open-seating). The new options are integrated with the OceanNow service, allowing anything to be ordered anytime, and delivered anywhere onboard.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The 2-deck Princess Theater serves as ship's main entertainment venue. There, guests can catch one of the traditional song-and-dance Princess Cruises' production shows. The theatre also offers a variety of other acts, including magicians and juggling comedians. At night, virtually every bar offers some kind of music and enough room for dancing: from Latin and ballroom music in Club Fusion and DJ dance music in the Skywalkers Nightclub to light piano at Crooners. Theme nights (50s rockabilly, Country & Western and Caribbean deck party) are also common.

Follows the complete list of Sapphire Princess lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Piazza Atrium (3-deck open floor area; features live performances entertainment and lobby Bar Piazza)
• International Cafe (24-hour specialty coffee bar and patisserie)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Platinum Studio
• Library (with Internet stations); Internet Cafe (24-hour)
• Princess Diamond Theatre (2-level musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• Churchill Lounge & Bar (smoking lounge and sports bar)
• Calypso Cove Shop; Essence Shop; Meridian Bay Shop; Facets Shop
• Princess Sapphire Grand Casino
• Crooners Lounge & Bar (live music; also used for seminars)
• Explorers Lounge & Bar (disco/show lounge; hosts karaoke, comedy, game shows and art auctions)
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Club Fusion Lounge (hosts dance classes and quizzes, after 7:30 p.m. becomes Disco Nightclub)
• Scoops Bar (Sundaes Ice Cream Bar, complimentary)
• Vines Bar; Outrigger Bar (poolside bar); Tradewinds Bar; Wake View Bar
• Lotus Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with Aerobics Studio)
• Hearts & Minds (Wedding Chapel)
• Movies Under the Stars (LED screen outdoor cinema)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playing areas
• The Conservatory (recreation area); The Oasis relaxation area
• The Sanctuary (adult-only sundeck/open-air area)
• Calypso Reef & Pool area; Neptune's Reef & Pool area
• Jogging Track; Sports Court (volleyball, basketball, European football); Deck Chess, Shuffleboard; Princess Links mini-golf course, Cybergolf simulator
• Skywalkers Disco Nightclub

Itineraries

Sapphire Princess itinerary program is based on seasonal Asia cruises departing from homeport Singapore and China (Beijing, Tianjin, Hong Kong ). The list of visited ports of call, includes Bali, Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Saigon, Nha Trang, Phuket, Ko Samui, Bangkok, Sihanoukville. Itineraries lengths vary between 3- and 13-days.

In summer 2019, the liner was relocated to Europe via 37-day Suez Canal repositioning cruise from Singapore to Southampton UK (homeport). After ending the summer European season, the ship returned back to Asia for a 6th Singapore-homeporting season (2019-2020).

Sapphire Princess is scheduled to enter drydock in April 2020 and then to cruise on two "Grand Asia" voyages between Shanghai and Singapore. The liner was to be homeported in Shanghai (May through October 2020) when was planned to depart for Melbourne to start an inaugural Australian season.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the Sapphire Princess ship was paused for ~2,5 years (March 2020 thru September 2022). Operations were scheduled to restart on August 28, 2022 (repositioning voyage from Asia to Australia/Hong Kong to Sydney). However, this program was canceled (the liner was redeployed from Australia to the USA) as well as the summer 2022 season (Mexican Riviera and Hawaii) based on homeporting in Los Angeles/Long Beach California . The ship restarted services on Sept 24th.

Sapphire Princess - user reviews and comments

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Other Princess Cruises cruise ships

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• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
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Sapphire Princess Wiki

Princess Cruises Sapphire ship is of company's Grand-class vessels, with sistership Diamond . The other fleet mates from this class are Caribbean , Crown , Emerald , Golden (now Pacific Adventure) , Grand , Ruby , Star (now Pacific Encounter) . Sapphire is the fleet's second liner built by a Japanese company - MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation). Both vessels have no spoilers across the stern. Ship's godmother was Nanci Gore Murkowski (First Lady of Alaska between Dec 2002 - Dec 2006). The christening ceremony was on June 10, 2004, held in Port Seattle WA . Sapphire cruise ship was the first ever to be named in that port. The inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) started on May 16, 2004. nearly a month before the naming ceremony.

The hull of what is today Diamond Princess was initially named "Sapphire Princess". Fire damaged the decks of the other ship in the Japanese shipyard (with hull name "Diamond Princess"). Princess Cruises wanted to have first a ship called Diamond, so Sapphire was renamed to "Diamond Princess" and completed first. Diamond was renamed to Sapphire and completed soon afterward.

Ship's engines can work with either HFO (heavy fuel oil) or MGO (marine gas oil). MGO emissions are much lower, but it is also rather costly. However, some cruising destinations, as Alaska for instance, have very high emission standards, so MGO is a necessity.

Sapphire ship's flag-state (registry) was changed from Bermuda (Hamilton) to UK (London) in 2014. Ship's Captain was Paolo Ravera - brother of Diamond Princess' Captain Stefano Ravera. Ship's current Captain (Master) is Paul Slight.

Sapphire Princess 2018 refurbishment review

The ship's drydock refurbishment in 2018 (2-week project conducted in Singapore ) resulted in a new bow livery.

All cabins were upgraded with custom-made Princess Luxury beds.

Also renovated were the wellness complex (Fitness Center and Lotus Spa), all retail shops, all corridors and hallways.

Princess Theatre (indoor show lounge) received a new LED screen (15x5 m / 49x16 ft). Theater's show program was upgraded with the new production show "Bravo". The musical is offered on formal nights.

A new category cabin (Club-Class Mini-Suite) was introduced with VIP amenities and a reserved dining area. Price-inclusive amenities also include expedited dinner seating, priority services (embarkation/disembarkation), complimentary wine, expanded menu, premium bathrobes.

The ship's last drydocking was in April 2023 (conducted at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle WA USA ) and included mainly regularly scheduled maintenance works, as well as hull cleaning and painting.

Sapphire Princess

Courtesy of Princess Cruises |

Find a Cruise on Sapphire Princess

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Built in 2004 and last refurbished in March 2018, Sapphire Princess holds 2,670 passengers. With 1,100 crew members on board, the ship provides a more tailored experience than some of its larger competitors. 

The ship's Interior staterooms span 158 to 162 square feet and are appointed with minifridges and flat-screen TVs. Cruisers can also opt for Oceanview and Balcony cabins, as well as Mini-Suite and Suite category staterooms. Reserve Collection rooms offer all the amenities found in Mini-Suites, plus some add-ons like an exclusive dining area and priority embarkation and disembarkation.

When it comes to dining, passengers can choose from a total of six venues, including a main dining room, two specialty restaurants and several casual eateries ranging from a pizzeria to burgers and fries.

Activities are equally diverse, ranging from wine tastings to spa treatments to educational lectures through the ship's Discovery at SEA program. In the evenings, Sapphire Princess offers activities like poolside film screenings, dancing at the top-deck Skywalkers Nightclub and games in the casino.

Sapphire Princess sails to ports in Alaska, California, Hawaii, South America and more.

Pros & Cons

Refurbished in 2018

Some recent cruisers were unimpressed with the entertainment

• Expert Rating » 3.5
• Traveler Rating » 4.0
• Health Rating » 3.0

Sapphire Princess ranks # 15 out of 15 Princess Cruises Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 15 in Best Princess Cruises
• # 34 in Best Cruises to Alaska
• # 37 in Best Cruises for Groups
• # 71 in Best Cruises for Couples

Sapphire Princess offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Sapphire Princess contains 13 decks. Find out which features are available on each Sapphire Princess deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 551 guests have reviewed Sapphire Princess , giving it a rating of 4 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type.

Ship Photos

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Sapphire Princess Overview

Dazzling like the gem she is named for; Sapphire Princess is designed to indulge every craving! Over 50% of the staterooms onboard are balconies, allowing Princess guests to start and end each day with the sights of their destination from the comfort of their room. No matter where you’re cruising on Sapphire Princess , the incredible entertainment, gourmet cuisine and all her other features will make this a vacation you’ll never forget. Now a Medallion-class ship, Sapphire Princess gives the option for guests to customize every aspect of their cruise, from dining reservations to shore excursions and even drink delivery – just tap the app and next thing you know, a fresh drink is in your hand. For more information on Sapphire Princess , her onboard amenities, and itineraries, call our Princess experts at 1-800-377-9383!

• Passenger Capacity: 2,670 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2004
• Last Refurbished: 2018

Sapphire Princess Cruise Destinations

Princess Cruises offers a wide array of cruising destinations, as well as a Cruisetour program that is revered in the cruising industry. This impressive selection includes over 100 itineraries reaching over 300 ports all across the world. Whether cruise to take in the beautiful fall foliage of Canada and New England or a splendid voyage to sunny Tahiti, Princess Cruises can offer you a great value with an exceptional experience. Other destinations include, but are not limited to: Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Australia, and more. 

Choose an Alaska cruise, where you can explore the tundra or view the natural beauty, take a dog sled ride or kick back in some hot springs!

Alaska Cruisetours

A Princess Cruises Alaska Cruisetour is the best choice for a full, in-depth adventure in the Last Frontier.

Unleash your adventurous side when you cruise to Antarctica with Princess Cruises.  

Eastern Caribbean

Adventures in the rainforest and sunny beach days at Princess Cays—two pieces of the perfect Eastern Caribbean cruise.

Panama Canal

Experience the canal in all its grandeur and view the wonders of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans’ surrounding areas during your Panama Canal cruise.

South America

Snorkel in colorful coral reefs and immerse yourself in hustling, bustling cultural hubs with a South America cruise.

South America Cruisetours

Journey through energetic cities and stunning landscapes on a land and sea adventure to South America.

South Pacific / Tahiti

French Polynesia’s animated culture and natural, gorgeous landscapes are the highlight of each and every day of a cruise to Tahiti and the South Pacific.

Southern Caribbean

Get in touch with the island cultures, ecosystems, and delicious tropical cuisine of a gorgeous region with a Southern Caribbean cruise.

U. S. Pacific Coast

From San Francisco treats to Hollywood streets, it’s call about the West Coast—choose a California Coastal cruise.

Sapphire Princess Departure Ports

Princess Cruises has one of the most extensive set of sailings. Their ships travel the world embarking from popular ports like New York City, Vancouver, Venice and Los Angeles. They also have cruises that sail from smaller, more exotic ports like Kobe in Japan and Valparaiso in Chile. We’ll help you find a Princess cruise you’ll love, give us a call today. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Whittier, Alaska

Experience the best of the Last Frontier in quaint Whittier, Alaska. Enjoy the clear water filled with salmon, red snapper and trout along with the freely roaming wildlife, all combining to make Whittier a treat to visit.

San Antonio, Santiago, Chile

Experience the history of San Antonio or head to Santiago to experience everything Chile’s capital has to offer. The choice is yours!

Sapphire Princess Deck Plans

Fiesta deck, promenade deck, emerald deck, dolphin deck, caribe deck, sapphire princess staterooms.

Balcony (B2)

The Premium Balcony stateroom is appointed with the same fine amenities as our Balcony stateroom but features a larger balcony. This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore.

Balcony (B4)

Balcony (ba).

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. ItÂ’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bc), balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf).

Inside (ID)

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Inside (IA)

Inside (ib), inside (ic), inside (ie), inside (if).

Oceanview (OV)

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. Features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room: two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (OW)

Oceanview (oy), oceanview (o5).

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room.

Oceanview (OC)

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room: two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (OZ)

Oceanview staterooms with partially or obstructed views are a great value. They feature a picture window providing natural light and added ambience. You'll find them comfortable and welcoming with all the amenities of an interior stateroom.

Oceanview (OF)

Twin beds that make up into a comfortable queen-size bed. Picture window (categories E-HH obstructed). Refrigerator and TV. Spacious closet. Bathroom with shower.

A premium stateroom category featuring our best located Mini-Suite staterooms, as well as the great amenities found in all Mini-Suites - plus premier dining benefits and luxurious perks. Each night, enjoy Club Class Dining, an exclusive dining area. Other amenities include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary one-time wine set-up and so much more.

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of Champagne. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed, premium bathroom amenities and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

The Grand Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

The Owner's Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

These suites are for larger families or groups traveling together and include special suite-only benefits and two bathrooms — connected by a large living room, which leads to an expansive private balcony. Each suite sleeps up to eight people.

Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Photo Gallery for Sapphire Princess Cruise Ship

A lot has changed since the days of the Love Boat . Check out this photo gallery of what a Princess ship looks like in the 21 st century. 

Enjoying a snack on the balcony

Sapphire Princess

The Sanctuary

Top 10 Sapphire Princess Cruises

• Sapphire Princess 4 NIGHT U. S. Pacific Coast CRUISE Departing From Los Angeles, California (May 2024)
• Sapphire Princess 13 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR H411 Departing From Whittier, Alaska (May 2024)
• Sapphire Princess 7 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Whittier, Alaska (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Sapphire Princess 17 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR H413 Departing From Whittier, Alaska (May 2024)
• Sapphire Princess 15 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR H413 Departing From Whittier, Alaska (May 2024)
• Sapphire Princess 10 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR H412 Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024)
• Sapphire Princess 12 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR H412 Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024)

Learn More About Princess Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about Princess Cruises' handicap accessible cruise ships and accommodations for guests with special needs, disabilities or mobility restrictions.

Savor dining aboard Princess Cruises, including the Main Dining Room, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse, Crown Grill, Bayou Café, International Café, Chef's Table, room service and more.

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Enjoy Princess Cruises' onboard entertainment, including Movies Under the Stars, stage shows, dancing, karaoke, comedy shows, casino games, bars and lounges.

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Engage in Princess Cruises' onboard activities, including movie nights, ScholarShip classes, pools, hot tubs, poolside activities, sports courts, art auctions, ship tours, duty-free shops and more.

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Learn how Princess Cruises takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Princess Cruises' awards.

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Unwind at Princess Cruises' spa and fitness programs from the Lotus Spa and Lotus Fitness centers. Relax with a massage, facial, pedicure or Botox, or get a workout with a gym class.

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From holidays to weddings, make your Princess Cruises vacation even more special by celebrating at sea.

Explore Princess Cruises' premium staterooms, including suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms. Princess Cruises' family- and mini-suites give you room to spread out.

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Learn about cruising with children aboard Princess Cruises. Most ships have youth programs for ages 3+, including kidsitting, youth dining, youth centers and teen lounges.

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Investigation Update on the   Sapphire Princess

Cruise Line : Princess Cruises

Cruise Ship : Sapphire Princess

Voyage Dates : April 5–May 7, 2024

Voyage number: H408

Number of passengers who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of passengers onboard : 94 of 2,532 (3.71%)

Number of crew who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of crew onboard : 20 of 1,066 (1.8%)

Predominant symptoms : diarrhea and vomiting

Causative agent : norovirus

Actions : In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises and the crew aboard the ship reported the following actions:

• Collected stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases for testing.
• Isolated ill passengers and crew.
• Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to the ship’s outbreak prevention and response plan.

VSP remotely monitored the situation, including review of the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures.

Note : The gastrointestinal illness cases reported are totals for the entire voyage and do not represent the number of active (symptomatic) gastrointestinal cases at any given port of call or at disembarkation.

Learn how passengers can protect themselves with these  tips for healthy cruising .

• Inspection Reports
• About Inspections
• Cruise Ship Outbreak Updates
• About Noroviruses on Cruise Ships
• VSP Operations Manual   [PDF – 5 MB]
• VSP Construction Guidelines   [PDF – 4 MB]
• Illness Prevention Information
• Publications

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Sapphire princess photo gallery.

Norovirus: Nearly 200 sick in outbreaks on Princess, Royal Caribbean ships, CDC says

FILE - Tourists crowd upper decks and stateroom balconies as the Anthem of the Seas owned by Royal Caribbean International on Aug. 9, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Nearly 200 passengers on U.S. cruise ships suffered from diarrhea and vomiting in norovirus outbreaks in April, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reported that 94 of the 2,532 (3.71%) passengers on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess ship reported getting sick during its current voyage. The 32-day, roundtrip cruise began on April 5 and ends on May 7, according to the cruise tracking and information site CruiseMapper . 

Another 20 of the 1,066 crew members on board also reported getting sick, the CDC said.

Cruise ship rescued 14 stranded at sea for over a week

This was the scene from the lunch buffet during the first full day of cruising for the Icon of the Seas. The crew rescued all 14 from the distressed boat which was dwarfed by the largest cruise ship in the world.

On Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas ship, 67 of the 1,993 (3.36%) total passengers on board became ill during a voyage that began on April 8 and ended on April 22, according to the agency. Two crew members aboard also got sick. 

In both of the norovirus outbreaks, the main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting, the CDC said.

Princess Cruises told FOX Television Stations that "at the first sign" of an increase in passengers reporting gastrointestinal illnesses, "we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitization procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus."

"Our sanitization program, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard," the company told FOX Television Stations.

Royal Caribbean International did not immediately return a request for comment, but the CDC said in its notice that the company also took several steps in response to the outbreak – including isolating the sick passengers and crew members and "increased cleaning and disinfection procedures." 

RELATED: 'Vampire facials' at unlicensed spa likely resulted in HIV infections: CDC

Cruise ships expose passengers to high volumes of people and new environments, which can "create the risk for illness from contaminated food, or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact," the CDC says. 

The agency recommends that anyone feeling sick should report their illness. If it happens before the voyage, travelers can ask their cruise line about any possible alternative cruising options. 

Those on board should wash their hands often to prevent illness, as well as get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. 

This story was reported from Cincinnati.

Nearly 200 people sick in norovirus outbreaks on Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises ships

Nearly 200 people got sick in norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International ships.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 94 of the 2,532 guests on Sapphire Princess reported being ill during its April 5 cruise, along with 20 crew members. The round-trip cruise, which left from Los Angeles with stops in Hawaii and the South Pacific, will end on May 7, according to CruiseMapper .

On Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, 67 of its 1,993 guests reported being ill in addition to two crew members during a cruise that ended April 22, according to the CDC . The two-week voyage sailed from Tampa, Florida to Los Angeles with stops in countries like Colombia and Panama, according to CruiseMapper .

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In both outbreaks, the guests and crew members’ main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

Princess, Royal Caribbean and the ships’ crews implemented heightened cleaning and disinfection measures and isolated those who were sick, among other steps, the health agency said.

"Onboard the most current sailing of Sapphire Princess, there have been a small number of cases of mild gastrointestinal illness among passengers, the cause likely is the common but contagious virus called Norovirus," a Princess spokesperson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. "At the first sign of an increase in the numbers of passengers reporting to the medical center with gastrointestinal illness, we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitization procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus. Our sanitization program, developed in coordination with the CDC, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard."

Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CDC has logged six outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships that met its threshold for public notification since the beginning of the year. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in five, while one was unknown.

The illness is often associated with cruise ships but outbreaks occur in communities on land as well, according to Dr. Sarah E. Hochman, a hospital epidemiologist and the section chief of infectious diseases at NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital.

“There's not something special or unique about cruise ships,” she said. “It's really any type of congregate setting, but it's also happening out in the community on a much smaller scale among households and household contacts. It just doesn't come to the attention of public health as much as it does for larger congregate settings.”

Hochman said the virus is “incredibly infectious” and congregate settings tend to have many shared surfaces, such as handrails in cruise ship stairwells or elevators. “And so, if you just have one person who's shedding the virus and touches the surface and then someone else touches it and then touches their mouth, that's how it can spread in those types of settings.”

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer isn't as effective against norovirus, and Hochman emphasized that washing hands with soap and water “will do a lot to prevent the spread.”

The news comes after more than two dozen Silversea Cruises guests got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the luxury line’s Silver Nova ship during a sailing that began in late March.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nearly 200 people sick in norovirus outbreaks on Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises ships