Sapphire Princess, helpful tips, secrets, ideas, etc

[rorito]

Hi Saruman, Would you give us an overview of Dinner Menus? Monday and Friday were formal? We are deciding on the best nights to do specialty dining. Also, do you dine traditional or anytime and if anytime which venue did you prefer and why?

 

ps thanks for the Hobbit answers! We are also big fans.

[2010_cruisers]

Good morning everyone. We are weeding through all the updates and recent messages, we will take this info and add-subtract many NEW items to the tips list. Please stay tuned and again, thank you for your responses-commentary-contributions. Bye for now.:):):)

[Saruman]

Hi Saruman, Would you give us an overview of Dinner Menus? Monday and Friday were formal? We are deciding on the best nights to do specialty dining. Also, do you dine traditional or anytime and if anytime which venue did you prefer and why?

 

ps thanks for the Hobbit answers! We are also big fans.

Sorry to disappoint travelers from the Shire, but I don't remember the menus, other than the last Formal night, which was the lobster tail and King Prawn, or Beef Wellington, the two favorites at my table...although the fettucine in the parmesan bowl (always available) was a big hit. We did Trad. because we had heard months earlier about long waits on the Sapphire for tables (we were an extended family of seven this trip), and since some of them were newbies, I wanted them to experience the personalized service of the same waiter team. For the record, I heard no complaining from fellow passengers about waits at the Anytime venues!

 

On this particular Alaska run, the Formal Nights were barely Formal. Can't promise that on other cruises. We chose the Monday Formal night to do Sabbatini's. Glad we did the Friday Formal night. The dinner was great. The baked Alaska "parade" was kind of silly, but our Jr. Waiter was a real clown and we cheered him and his little electrified baked Alaska as they conga-ed by.

Needless to say, nobody went away hungry.

Edited June 17, 2011 by Saruman

[2010_cruisers]

I guarantee you, tons of things will be surprises and spontaneous but for the shake of curiosity, I have just a few - light questions:

 

01) How where the feeling. What was your feeling about the 'vibe' of the ship, or how it felt. Was it boisterous noisey, boring ad chill, troubleing and frustrating, sassy, fun...

 

02) What were some things you did do or eat or whatever that you now wished you did...etc.

 

03) How was your cabin, the hallways, the waits fore elevators....what was all that like.

[vakamalua]

we're platinum but haven't been on Princess in about six years. Thanks for the tips as we'll be on the Sapphire in September.

[2010_cruisers]

For the best - most current info on Alaska, check the Alaska forum it has a wealth of information. Also the west coast departures area.

[2010_cruisers]

last updated June 18, 11 (2:03am) pacific

 

Sapphire Princess Tips-Suggestions Sheet:

 

As for the "colored" carpet...red is the port side (I remember it like port wine) blue is starboard.

 

dial DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise (The service in the other dining rooms was hit or miss and rather slow at times. I would recommend making reservations in advance if dining before 6:30. Overall the food was very good and if you don’t see anything you like on that evenings menu you can always choose from the always on the menu selections)

 

On one or two of the afternoons, they serve an old fashioned British lunch complete with fish and chips and Guiness.

 

It is in one of the dining rooms and is very enjoyable. Look for the announcement in the daily printout.

 

Don't forget to buy a future cruise credit before leaving the ship it will serve as your down-payment + you will get on board credit for your next cruise...a win/win situation.

If you buy the Ultimate Kids Soda card try a mock strawberry daiquiris, they are great

 

The Wakeview bar, located below Club Fusion. Not much of a view but a good place to get away from the crowds. (...and, after a pre-dinner drink you can get from the Wakeview Bar to the International Dining Room without having to go up the spiral staircase, walk across the stage, through Club (con)Fusion, back down to Fiesta Deck and through the front entrance by going through the 'secret' door fore of the Wakeview heads.) You come into the aft of the dining room - behind a partition in a waiters' area. Be careful... and give them the 'rite of way' (unless you want to be wearing someone's dinner

 

Do take advantage of the teak loungers on the Promenade deck for a quiet read (or nap or watching the water go by.

 

Do visit the Lobby Bar and get your brewed coffee. If you enjoy a nightly cocktail this is also a good place get to know the bartenders and waiters. It's not an International cafe, but they do have a few plates with the wine flights and cookies in the afternoon.

 

Do find your way up to the deck over the bridge for terrific views. No secret door, just go forward on Deck 15.

 

You can get waffles from the ice cream counter at breakfast time just outside the Horizon Court. The breakfast menu in the dinning room seems limited, but get creative, they will make most any type of omelet you can imagine or any combinations.

 

They will walk around with trays of pastries in the dinning room too. Keep an eye open for the cookie cart being pushed around the pool area during the afternoons. You will want to watch for the special food being offered outside the Horizon Court on some days, examples are special pastas, oriental/sushi buffet or exotic chef creations depending on their whim.

 

Breakfast and lunch are served in the International Dining Room for anyone who wishes to eat there for those meals. There is a nice menu and you will be served by the wait staff. We enjoyed eating there over the buffet in the Horizon Court. Next to the Passenger Services desk there is a computer where you can swipe your key card and get a print out of your account statement -- any time! Good to check once or twice during the cruise.

 

The library has a nice selection of books and board games (e.g. scrabble) that you can check out so you needn't haul these along.

 

You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered.

 

Skywalker's Nightclub is a great place to read during the day - lots of light, quiet, and great views!

 

The Lotus Pool in the middle of the spa is a great place to get away. It is open to all passengers, whether or not they are using the spa"

 

Orange or Grape Juice ‘it is complimentary at breakfast time (except fresh squeezed OJ). After breakfast hours, there is a charge, even for regular (non fresh squeezed) juice.

 

Headphones are a must if a movie is playing in the "Calypso Pool". There's free popcorn at the "Calypso Pool" during the movie.

 

About the champagne tower / waterfall - watch it once, take a photo if you can. It is a novelty to experience at least once. (it is a bit underwhelming now, but it is still a Princess tradition).

 

Watch out for the Baked Alaska Parade (on one of the formal nights also).

 

Some food suggestions from the MDR were: chicken Florentine with a mushroom and melted cheese topping and a maybe try that spicy shrimp dish. For dessert why not try the Loveboat Dream (for the chocoholic in you)

 

Near Neptune Pool on Lido Deck, Prego Pizzeria features fresh-excellent pizzas are found here from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

 

Trident Grill: on Lido Deck from 11:00am until 6:00pm, this is the best place to order a burger!

 

The Santa Fe dining room offers the main dining room menu, but also prepares guacamole for you table side.

 

Pacific Moon dining room on Deck 6 pulls Asian themes into play. The overall effect is a very upscale and unpretentious. Best place to find Mandarin Duck, Tiger Prawns, fresh sushi, spring rolls, and pot stickers.

 

The Savoy is located aft port on Plaza deck 5. A signature is the prime rib.

 

Vivaldi dining room serves Italian dishes to include ravioli and foccacia!

 

In-Between Meals: Patisserie (7:00am to 11:00pm at the Lobby Bar in the Grand Plaza on Promenade Deck), Sundaes Ice Cream Bar (nominal fee 11:00am to 6:00pm.), Wine and Caviar, Afternoon Tea (3:30pm to 4:30pm - in the main dining rooms. Pastries and finger sandwiches accompany an excellent cup of tea), Room Service (24 hours a day)

 

more Quiet places Lotus Spa-Sun Deck (Deck 15), Library- Plaza Deck (Deck 5), Writing Room-Plaza Deck 5

 

$150 'The ULTIMATE SHIP TOUR is awesome,last 3-4 hours, they gue gifts at the end and serve some champagne & hors d'oeuvre

 

Chef's Table tour and dinner. It's $75/pp, but well worth the cost. It includes a special dinner made by the head chef and hosted by the maitre'd. You'll get a special galley tour while the galley is in full production where you'll eat some scrumptious appetizers and have free-flowing champagne.

 

They serve free ice cream at the buffet around 3:30 each afternoon

 

Beware that the thought of awesome food- a late night snack at the buffet may or may not be a let dow (they have very few items then ad nothing to significant), maybe best to order room service then. (Actually the late night buffet isn't that bad - it is snack-y kind of food - chips and guac, desserts, cookies, hot dogs, fruit, some entree types of food - but there was a fairly good variety and if you're just looking for a snack before bed)

 

Read the Princess Patter newsletter every evening when it is delivered to your cabin. Bring a highlighter pen to mark the events that you want to catch the next day.

 

The minute you board the ship and put your bags in your room...Don't go to the Buffet!! First of all it is crowded, second of all... Go make all your reservations! Dining, Spa, and Excursions!! helpful travel tip: take binoculars and extra memory for your digital camera

 

The Lotus pool is an "Adults Only" pool. Pacific Moon (Ginger Prawns), The Savoy(pork chops) and the Santa Fe(Faijitas)...all yummy.

 

For the SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM LOVERS......go to the SUNDAES ICE CREAM BAR on LIDO DECK 14 mid-ship between the NEPTUNE POOL and the CALYPSO POOL...unlike some cruise ships who charge an extra fee for ice cream temptations outside of the "buffet" offerings, there is NO CHARGE for the ice cream here!

 

...if you prefer your SOFT SERVE "sundae" style in a dish rather than a cone, be forewarned...there are NO DISHES at SUNDAES ICE CREAM BAR...but...you can easily grab a bowl from the adjacent HORIZON COURT BUFFET and the server at SUNDAES ICE CREAM BAR will be happy to fill the bowl for you and add some toppings if you planned on using the Wifi connection, then bring your laptop instead of IPad, for those who have the IPad and planned on using it. There's a constant disconnection problem with the IPad. RC internet staff informed me that it's IPad interference problem and there's nothing they can do about it.

 

Princess Spa tip: There will be drawings throughout the cruise for free services. Most of the time, you have to be there at the appointed time to win. It is worth showing up. This is especially true on sunny days in port where drawings may be offered before leaving port. Some people will still be off the ship and enjoying the sights. That will increase your odds of winning.

 

Staying Informed for Children: The Fun Zone, the home of kids' activities, has their own newsletter detailing specific times and places of the kids' events. It's available just outside the pick-up/drop-off areas for the kids.

 

If you have more then a couple of sea days consider the thermal spa pass. They only sell a limited number so get it as soon as you board the ship. It is a great way to relax.

 

If you have anytime dining and want to eat late there is never a wait after 7:45. If you do that you could arrange to have the same table every night and get to know our wait staff.

 

If you like coffee the coffee card is a great investment. It allows you to have unlimited fresh brewed coffee and 12 specialty coffee drinks. The mass produced coffee in undrinkable.

 

We did not attend but I believe the English lunch is in the Savoy dining room.

 

On the Lido Deck where the Pizza and Hamburger Stands are ( good quick lunch and tasty) they are open in the morning - one is a made to order omlette station, the other is a belguim waffle station - good start to the morning with out having to deal with the buffet!

 

One thing I kept reading about Sapphire Princess was to avoid uncovered mini suites. I'm so glad I ignored that advice, some in our group did not want to be that far aft on the ship. The uncovered balconies were absolutely fine. We did not care that some people may have looked down onto our balcony, we just chatted with them. You have to remember that we could also look up onto their balconies The extra cabin space was well worth the uncovered balcony...we're not the type of people who are doing anything that would be

 

Laundry fees: Last week on the Sapphire they were also only $1.00.

 

Auto-tip charge for inside, ocean view and balcony cabins increased Wednesday on the Star Princess from $10.50 to $11.00 a day.

 

Formal nights were Monday and Friday.

 

There were about 5 drink specials every day after 8PM for $4.99.

Use a battery operated or wind up clock, back lit (instead of a plug in clock).

 

Sometimes, ordering a drink at dinner can take a while in Anytime dining, so order right in the beginning to give you some time to enjoy it before food comes.

 

If this matters to you....take note that appetizers and desserts were better than the main course.

My best tip for those who choose Anytime is to make reservations on the first day for the rest of the week – they fill up quickly.

Sabatini’s was wonderful but a word of caution, don’t eat anything else all day because the portions are huge!

The Jeopardy game show is fun to attend and participate in.

 

 

Packing TIP: They said the self serve AND valet laundry would not be available until our final day at sea. They closed the laundry rooms the last 2 days of the cruise, so might as well pack more than enough undies and essentials clean clothes left for travel home. About clothing: 'I wore jeans during the day with long sleeve shirts. I wore this with heavy fleece jackets in the morning on the Promenade Deck (with earmuffs, scarf and gloves and sunglasses to block the wind). The sun comes up early like 4:15 am and it is glorious to be out at the front of the ship, but dress warm

 

Cabin E732 - We had this cabin last week on the Sapphire, right at the back of the ship - really large, lots of room and just the right place to be while sailing in Tracy Arm. Would go for this cabin every time if possible, a little noisy whilst docking, but a small sacrifice to make for fabulous views

 

Go to the internet Cafe (which is to send a free 'eCard to people when u r away ad not for email time).

 

Also, At the Pursers Desk ask for a Deck . Possibly FREE Playing Cards are given if asked (or maybe a small fee

Put the wastepaper basket or a small hand carry piece of luggage between the door and the bathroom. It will keep the door barely open to allow enough light into the cabin so you can make your way safely in the night if necessary.

The best times to get on the Internet is between midnight and six am. The worst time is from noon until midnight.

Ask for the Princess slippers. They are promotional give-aways

 

Buy only one soda card. Use it for both of you. Go to different bars.

 

There is a change machine in the laundry room so you do not need to take quarters - or get change at the Pursors desk. I think the cost was $1 each for washer, dryer and detergent (but it may have gone up), you might want to consider taking the 3 in 1 laundry sheets instead of using detergent.

 

 

other PCL tips:

 

• Complementary plate of assorted stuffed olives at the martini bar.

• Pre purchase internet minutes before you leave you’ll get free minutes based on the package you pick.

• Escargot!!!

• Insulated travel coffee mug

• One of the dining rooms will be open for lunch on embarkation day.

• Volcano dessert, available on children's menu basically a huge banana split.

• When you open the little door under the TV for the plug, well, there are extra outlets not being used. But not if it’s a flat screen

• Ask for Egg crates, top sheet, robe, slippers, bed topper, and upgraded pillows.

• Always ask if there is a charge.

 

Coffee Card for $31 is of ok to good value

 

• Under your bed is more bedding.

• Cocktails for $3.99 in all the bars after 8.00pm (which included certain bottled beers, Pina Coladas, Long Island Iced Teas and Singapore Slings as well as "well drinks"). A suggestion to pay $7.50 for a double sounded like a better deal.

• Request that the steward remove the soft drinks and bottled water from inside and on top of the fridge to make room for our own drinks.

• Request extra hangers.

• Passenger Service Desk (also called the Hotel Manager) will make a hole in our card which we hang on lanyards. They will also do that for you in the casino and give you a lanyard.

• There is another electrical point under the bed.

• Bring a roll of quarters and laundry supplies.

• If you decide to eat in a specialty restaurant you may want to make the reservation for the last night

• Sabatini’s reservation for the night that they are serving Italian food in the main dining room.

• Reservations for the steak house ask to sit at the counter overlooking the kitchen area, fun to watch the staff put it altogether and see the teamwork involved.

• The Fettuccine Alfredo!!! Plus it’s served in a Parmesan bowl, a crispy melted cheese bowl.

• Bring along a small electric alarm clock.

• On the first day, we simply ask to see the week’s menus and look over what’s happing for the week. Then make plans for the week there and then. The MD or any head waiter can show them to you.

• Can go up to the Spa to shower.

• Take 3 or 4 of those black metal binder clips or plastic clothes pens and hang them on the bottom edge of the shower curtain.

• Computer station in the Future Cruise booking area or Internet Cafe, free e-postcard, 300 character limit but you could send more than one message to the same email address if you need to get a longer message out.

• Befriending the maitre'd, the head waiter, and everyone who takes care of you.

• Appetizers and sushi are free in the Vines wine bar but not the cheese.

• When you get off of the elevator to go to your room, one side of the ship on every passenger deck the hallways have blue carpeting. The other side has blue carpeting but there is some red in that side.

• Duck liver pâté appetizer.

• Various lamb entrees.

• Last night of the cruise, head up to the Horizon Court (or the International Café) for some pre-travel treats. Cookies are always available. We put a couple cookies in our zip loc bag(s) for our travel home the next day.

• Ask for anchovies on your Caesar salad at dinner.

• Take a pop-up mesh hamper for your dirty clothes.

• Empty luggage? The Steward will stow it for you.

• Find out when/where the Muster drill is and go get your life jacket. Take it with you a little ahead of time and "beat the crowd".

• Highlighters for Princess Patters and highlight times/ places/ activities, etc for the next day

• Sticky notes for when spouse sleeps in to leave a note on the MIRROR or DOOR

• Magnet to put it on the door.

• Water bottles for on shore.

• Clothes line in the bathroom for swimming clothes

• On disembarkation day if you are trying to get on an elevator to get down to the disembarkation decks, push the up button, ride up and then down as the up elevators are not full.

• We take our empty water bottles up to the buffet and fill them from the water spigots there (late at night just before we go to bed) oh and we might pick up some desserts to eat too lol!!!

• twice-baked goat cheese soufflé,

• Lobster and Scampie Dinner with a side of Alfredo.

• Purex 3-in-1 strips

• air freshner

• waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.

• empty beach bag a place to put all your purchases

 

3:30 Horizion Court's fresh warm cookies and brownies to die for!

 

PCL offers stretching, abs classes and Pilates, yoga and spinning for $12/class or $30 for three classes.

 

if you have time in Skagway, visit the Jewell Gardens

 

If you are nice-cordial with your room steward, they might leave an extra ice bucket ready in our stateroom filled with ice.

if you like King Crab, Tracy's Crab Shack is the place to go in Juneau. Second best dinner I had on the trip!

Bring EXTRA cheap wire hangers, as the ship never supplies enough in the closet.

USE room service for BREAKFAST! IT IS SO nice NOT to rush around in the morning.

 

Imagine having your food and a drink on the second level around the covered pool area, I think it's called the Conservatory, there are loungers and hardly anyone goes up there.

 

They had a waffle station at the ice cream place in the morning and the waffles were fabulous.

 

Best play for a "good" cup of coffee on-board, lobby bar on Plaza deck in the Atrium

 

In case you like using the hot tubs late (they are typically open most of the day but close around 11:30 pm)

 

The only secret to getting in the dining room without a jacket is wearing a LONG SLEEVE SHIRT.

 

In the SPA area - Yes, the locker rooms have lockers. You give your room card to the person at the spa desk and he or she gives you a key to one of the lockers.

A tip.... don't be afraid to ask for seconds or even thirds.

 

Also, bring clothes for layering (ear bands also are good and a pair of thin gloves - just in case).

Bring binoculars.

We bring our own quarters in case the machine is out so we don't have to go searching for working change machine.

 

We also bring a couple of the Purex 3-in-1 sheets a few other posters mentioned.

 

I like that it's not a liquid or powder and is a detergent that won't spill in our luggage. Plus the 3-in-1 sheets are a detergent, softener, and anti-static sheet. It also makes everything in the luggage smell nice as well.

If you want to read at night on your balcony, bring a light - just in case your outside light does NOT work.

 

We love theLotus Spa: The Swedish Massage – Full Body Massage, 50 min $119.

 

 

 

 

--------------Corrections......changes...are below:---------

 

You can order breakfast to be delivered to your room by completing the breakfast card in your room and hanging on your outside cabin door knob before retiring for the evening. Preprinted choices on the breakfast card are for a Continental type breakfast BUT you can pencil in omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc and it will be delivered. No guarantees that you will get what you write in.

Orange or Grape Juice ‘it is complimentary at breakfast time (except fresh squeezed OJ). After breakfast hours, there is a charge, even for regular (non fresh squeezed) juice. There are many juices available such as apple, cranberry, prune and other available for breakfast in the DR or the HC if you ask.

Headphones are a must if a movie is playing in the "Calypso Pool". There's free popcorn at the "Calypso Pool" during the movie. The Sapphire will not have MUTS until next January so no movies at the “Calypso Pool”

Pacific Moon dining room on Deck 6 pulls Asian themes into play. The overall effect is a very upscale and unpretentious. Best place to find Mandarin Duck, Tiger Prawns, fresh sushi, spring rolls, and pot stickers. No longer true - the separate menus were discontinued about two years after launch.

The Savoy is located aft port on Plaza deck 5. A signature is the prime rib. No longer true - the separate menus were discontinued about two years after launch.

Vivaldi dining room serves Italian dishes to include ravioli and foccacia! No longer true - the separate menus were discontinued about two years after launch.

They serve free ice cream at the buffet around 3:30 each afternoon. Not since the soft serve was made free at Sundaes.

Read the Princess Patter newsletter every evening when it is delivered to your cabin. Bring a highlighter pen to mark the events that you want to catch the next day. You can get an extra copy of the Patter at the Passenger Services Desk on Fiesta deck

Pacific Moon (Ginger Prawns), The Savoy(pork chops) and the Santa Fe(Faijitas)...all yummy. The Vivaldi’s special dish is Osso Bucco

if you planned on using the Wifi connection, then bring your laptop instead of IPad, for those who have the IPad and planned on using it. There's a constant disconnection problem with the IPad. RC internet staff informed me that it's IPad interference problem and there's nothing they can do about it. There was a tip on another thread on how to close programs on the iPad to free up memory. This might correct the WiFi problem .

[2010_cruisers]

If you like a different work out, try yoga - just note that the fitness center won’t hold a class unless at least four people come.

[2010_cruisers]

re: Entertainment

 

The ship is clean, beautiful, a bit dated but very nice - however, the Sapphire Princess entertainment was GOOD, but not exceptionally GOOD..so you may want to plan to do other things.

[2010_cruisers]

To all he parents - hello, but to all the dads - Happy Fathers Day.

 

:) :) :)

[2010_cruisers]

Drinks during the "power hour" are are UD$3.99 plus tip. This is for well drinks, that is house brands. That can be from 4-7 PM.

[2010_cruisers]

Good Points

Service throughout the ship was fantastic, no language barriers, great food, lots of entertainment choices.

Bad Points

Tours a little overpriced.

General Comments

Overall it was great and we'd highly recommend it for anyone. We regret not taking the time to go inland and if we had to do over we would, probably prior so that jet lag was over before embarking. Here are the highlights:

 

Rooms:

We booked the least expensive room category and our only real complaint was the bed being hard. We paid 1/5 the price that the balcony cabins were going for at the time of booking. We saw only a handful of people out on their balconies at any given time and since it's light 20 hours a day, the lack of windows was a plus for sleeping.

 

Service:

Service throughout the ship was fantastic - no language barriers.

 

Food:

Also fantastic. The 24-hour buffet is for real - a full selection of foods whenever you want with plates that are temptingly big. The dining room food was a notch above and a great opportunity to try new things. Pizza is good - especially the 4 cheese. I am a vegetarian and it was heaven for this - dedicated vegetarian station at the buffet and a designated section on the dining room menu.

 

Tours:

Overpriced and in some ways disappointing. Having said that we would still go on some tours if we had to do it over, we'd just do more research on which ones are worth it and of course book it ourselves once we got off the ship rather than through Princess. Special Note: The Yukon Suspension Bridge is not in the Yukon. We went on this tour specifically to go to the Yukon and in fact you don't leave British Columbia.

 

Nightlife/Entertainment:

Lively until a little after midnight and a sparse crowd after that. There are lots of choices for all ages so you won't be bored. A newsletter is delivered to your room daily outlining the next day's events and they are broadcast as well for a reminder. We loved this.

 

Demographic:

Mostly Americans, a few fellow Canadians and about 50% over the age of 40. You wouldn't feel out of place at any age.

 

Attire/Weather:

Don't let other reviewers make you think you need to dress up all the time. Other than the formal nights (on which jeans were still sparsely noted) people can and do wear whatever they want including tracksuits.

 

It was an average of 12 degrees each day with partial sun and we were told this was great weather for Alaska. Depending what climate you are used to you may even need a light hat and gloves. You'll want closed toe shoes mostly and a warm waterproof jacket.

 

Extras:

We underestimated how many extras there would be to pay for on top of alcohol, tours and service charges. Eg: Bingo, Yoga, wine tasting, bottled water, hot chocolate, internet - which was crazely expensive. The formal night photos are $25 or was it more for each.

[2010_cruisers]

Drinks during the "power hour" are are UD$3.99 plus tip. This is for well drinks, that is house brands. That can be from 4-7 PM.

 

Power Hour was from 8pm until close. The drinks were a blue margarita, strawberry daquiri, pina colada, singapore sling and a long island iced tea.

[2010_cruisers]

Money TIP:

 

 

• You can send yourself casino credits which were great to cash out when we were going on shore for an excursion. This helped us from having to carry large sums of money. You just take your voucher(s) to the casino and cash them when needed.
  

 

Casino Credit Available in $25, $50 and $100 increments.

Item #6003 - $25.00

Item #6004 - $50.00

Item #6005 - $100.00

 

 

ps To place an order, just call 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or use the order form provided.

[BridgeMates]

We've booked a last minute deal on the Sapphire with our son and DIL for July 10th. This review helps in deciding what to bring not knowing about the weather. I have been in Alaska when they had a "heat wave." Maybe now we'll throw in the gloves and a little warmer jacket than I'd planned.

Will welcome any information anyone might want to share.

Sandy

[Saruman]

Will welcome any information anyone might want to share.

Sandy

 

Other than the shoe sizes of the Assistant Waiters and the exact temperature of the Calypso Pool, I can't imagine that there is much information left to share that 2010 Cruisers hasn't already amassed on this thread! :D

 

Have a great trip! Alaska is awesome!

Edited June 20, 2011 by Saruman

[2010_cruisers]

Other than the shoe sizes of the Assistant Waiters and the exact temperature of the Calypso Pool, I can't imagine that there is much information left to share that 2010 Cruisers hasn't already amassed on this thread! :D

 

Have a great trip! Alaska is awesome!

 

Saruman and everyone....this thread is funny at times and informative - but it was created-started by me but not solely by me. This thread has numerous and significant contributors from so many. We are lucky for such good attention to this ship, and thank you all for any-all tidbits and more. It has been very cool thread to attend to, thanks once again.

 

ps more informarion will added at some point during this day.

[DeBlasio1]

Saruman and everyone....this thread is funny at times and informative - but it was created-started by me but not solely by me. This thread has numerous and significant contributors from so many. We are lucky for such good attention to this ship, and thank you all for any-all tidbits and more. It has been very cool thread to attend to, thanks once again.

 

ps more informarion will added at some point during this day.

 

Hello,

Thank you for starting this very informative thread. I was doing some research on this ship for next years cruise and came across this wealth of information. It is a great idea this thread, which every ship had one similar to this.

Have a great day and thank you again.:)

[beshears]

FUN/2010 cruiser, YES, you are a "wealth" of information.

 

You had mentione about getting a "kids" soda card, and trying out the "mock strawberry daiquiri." I love strawberry daiquiri's. Would the "kids" be the same as a "virgin," and if not, what do you think the difference is?

 

We just got off the Sapphire in April, and I did not know this.

[2010_cruisers]

We were emailed some ague info about researching some items for Alaskan travelers. The suggestion was for people to email 'the visitor's bureaus in your ports' ad also try and g o g g l e for 2-1 coupons and more.

 

*** Does anyone have any coupons for shore excursions, restaurants, taxi rides, museums, tours and more.

[2010_cruisers]

http://www.toursaver.com/

[2010_cruisers]

New Tip:

 

 

• If you like your non-alcholic beverages why not purchase a Ultimate Kid Package. UKP. But anyone can buy one! Was $56.35 pp for the week and it is used sodas, fresh squeezed orange juice, smoothies, mocktails, etc
  

[2010_cruisers]

Sabatini’s was wonderful but a word of caution, don’t eat anything else all day because the portions are huge!

[2010_cruisers]

• The 3 for 1 package is a good deal where you choose 3 mini treatments.
  

[yensid1071]

BTW, I have all the Patters from 6/5-6/12, should anyone need details from them. No scanner at the moment, but will be happy to look anything up for the next day or so....:)

 

Saruman, thanks for offering! I'll take you up on it. :) Just a few questions on activities that are hopefully listed in the Patters.

 

1. Do they offer a meet/greet or introduction to the kids area staff? I'm sure they do, but a previous cruise (on RCCL) had it on the first night and I'm curious what time they have it.

2. What are the hours of the kids area (for 5 or 6 year olds)?

3. Do they offer Zumba? If so, how much is it and when is it offered?

4. What is the distance of the jogging track? Well, that may not be in the Patter, but I'm still curious about it.

 

Thanks!