Just Back From the Sapphire Princess R/T to Hawaii Cruise

[Woobstr112G]

Here is my review of our Sapphire Princess cruise to HawaiiFONT]

This was our 13th total cruise and sixth in a row on Princess. We sailed with DW’s sister and her husband. We choose this cruise mainly for the number of sea days and the fact we live less than 100 miles from the port of San Pedro so no flying was involved. We did the same cruise on the Golden in 2011. Liked it so much, we booked this one as soon as bookings opened. Since we lived so close, we didn’t do a pre-cruise stay, just a short ride to my sister’s house who was nice enough to give us a ride to the port. As far as the actual embarkation, it was very smooth for us as we got to the ship quite late. We basically walked right on the ship. We were late due to a last minute medical issue on embarkation day. The issue subsequently cleared up so we decided to sail.

 

I arranged a cruise critic meet and greet in Skywalkers on the first day at sea. The meet and greet was well attended. It was nice to put faces to people you had been electronically corresponding with.

 

We had a Vista suite (D738). The suite is on the aft portion of the ship on Dolphin deck. This was our first aft view cruise and now that it’s over, I am hooked. The balcony was huge and the beam didn’t bother us at all. The suite was well appointed and it was nice having a separate Jacuzzi tub and shower. In my opinion, the closet space was somewhat tiny but there was definitely enough storage space with all the drawers. The best thing by far concerning our Vista suite, was the cabin steward. Fernando from the Philippines was arguably the best cabin steward we’ve had on any of our cruises. He always had a smile on his face and kept our room spotless. The one thing that really impressed me was the level of enthusiasm he displayed despite the fact he had been doing this for twenty years.

 

The Sapphire Princess is a beautiful ship. We had sailed the Diamond on a previous cruise so we were somewhat familiar with the layout. All areas were spotless. All crewmembers that I came in contact with always had a smile on their face and went to great lengths to make sure all passengers enjoyed their cruise. As far as some of the areas of the ship we enjoyed, I’d have to say Alfredo’s was my favorite. The pizzas were great and the venue to enjoy them was nice. I also enjoyed Muts, and the Neptune pool area as well as the Terrace pool area. I did note however the jets on both Jacuzzi’s above the Terrace pool weren’t working for the entire cruise.

 

I made good use of the gym, going early in the morning on most days. I did this to avoid the crowds. When in the gym, I noticed that all of the cardio equipment was in good working order. I tried the thermal suite in the Lotus Spa. I found the stone beds nice. I did note that the temps in both the thermal suite sauna as well as the sauna in the men’s room were a little cool. The steam room in the men’s room was not working when I visited. DW made use of the salon services in the Lotus Spa. She enjoyed the services and did not encounter any hard sell issues.

 

We like to eat later so we choose late seating traditional dining in the international dining room. The time was 7:45 which was different than the 8:15 time I had experienced in the past. We had a table for four which we shared with DW’s sister and husband. Our waiter was Virgil from the Philippines. He was assisted by Edmond who was also from the Philippines. Our headwaiter (sorry, I can’t remember his name) was also very active in ensuring service was up to par. I’d have to say the service was outstanding. The food was very good to excellent. We enjoyed Sabatini’s on embarkation night and found the food and service to be very good. We also enjoyed breakfast each morning in Sabatini’s which was outstanding. Alice, Elena, and Gabriel were the best. In additional to the traditional venues, I enjoyed some tasty burgers at the Trident Grill. I also enjoyed the tasty offerings from the international café. I never really ate a meal in the horizon court, so I can’t really rate it. All in all, I’d say the food quality I encountered was very good to outstanding.

 

There was a variety of entertainment offerings to suite everyone’s tastes. I only saw one production show that I thought was good. Each production show/princess theater show was performed three times (7:00pm, 8:15pm, and 10:15pm). One comment about the 7:00pm show, it was always packed. My guess is people finishing their early meal and late seating folks wanting to go before they ate. In addition to the production shows, the Princess theater also0 had a couple of comedians as well as vocal performers. One thing I did miss from previous voyages was seeing a comedian perform in the Explorer’s lounge. There was always a pianist on Crooners and a quartet in the Wheelhouse bar every night. The quartet was very popular and the dance floor was always full.

 

As far as excursion go, in Hilo we did a helicopter excursion (ship based) that was amazing and worth every penny. In Honolulu we did the Paradise Luau (privately arranged) that was very good. In Kauai we visited the Waimea Canyon (ship based) which provided some great VIEWS. Rained a little bit while we were there but it didn’t detract from the views. In Maui we did a whale watching excursion (privately arranged) on a small boat. We saw tons of whales but got quite wet.

The weather for the entire cruise was overall good. We had some rough seas the first night out and the second to last sea day coming back. Rough seas don’t bother me so it was not a big deal.

 

All in all this was a great cruise. I could us doing this cruise from time to time for the simple reason of not having to fly. I would also definitely recommend this itinerary to anyone who loves sea days. It’s a great way to relax or get motivated for your next cruise which for me will be in October on the new Royal. Inaugural T/A, that’s what I’m talking about…..:):):)

 

Bob

p.s. I'll hopefully have my pictures uploaded in a week or so.....:)

[scootin_cruizer]

I always enjoy the Sapphire, she is heading out to sea towards Mexico as I type. Beautiful site.:)

[Colo Cruiser]

Great review Bob, thanks.

[rdsqrl]

I enjoyed your review, thanks! I'm so glad that medical issue didn't crop back up or impede your vacation. What was the weather like in your Hawaiian ports -- warm, hot?

[Phyljim]

Great review Bob. Throughly enjoyed it.

[Woobstr112G]

I enjoyed your review, thanks! I'm so glad that medical issue didn't crop back up or impede your vacation. What was the weather like in your Hawaiian ports -- warm, hot?

 

Overall, the weather was fine. There was a little rain as we ended our helicopter excursion on Hilo. There was some rain when we reached the Waimea Canyon on Kauai. There was no humidity, that I noticed, whatsoever.....:):):)

 

Bob

[poncho1965]

What was the weather like in your Hawaiian ports -- warm, hot?

 

I can add; none of our ports stops was exceedingly cold or hot. Rain on Hilo all day but it was pleasant. On the sea days I can speak for my family and say we were disappointed in that most were overcast and cooler for the family's tastes. Rough seas first and last days but none of us were bothered by this. It was a highly enjoyable cruise! Bob we did not get to visit much but it was a pleasure to meet you and Holli! Thanks for your review! I for one would do this cruise again, not having to fly rates highly in my book! It's good to be home but wow the cruise went by fast!:o Now to plan for next year.

[melody hounddog]

I love at sea days. We have this trip booked for Christmas on the Star - our first suite!

 

Mel

[jfgdbg]

Enjoyed your review.

 

How did your disembarkation go? Was it slowed or very late?

[Woobstr112G]

Enjoyed your review.

 

How did your disembarkation go? Was it slowed or very late?

 

Disembarkation wasn't too bad. Took about 15-20 minutes to reach the customs inspector. Once there, it was very quick. Our luggage was ready when we walked into the storage room.....:):):)

 

Bob

[CruisinLow]

Great review. Thanks Bob. I too love those sea days.

[Woobstr112G]

Forgot to mention this in my earlier review. I had some good luck in the casino but I really thought the casino was quite lacking. The Sapphire Princess is a fairly good sized ship. Nearly the same as a Crown class ship. The casino however seemed to have a lack of slot machines. One part of the casino looked basically like a seating area for smokers. I thought the casino on the Golden, which is a smaller ship was much better and offered more gambling options.

[ganny3]

Thanks for your good review.

 

We are sailing on the Star in 2014 and have been looking at going to the Paradise Cove Luau. Can you give me some information about your private tour there? We sail at 11 and the reservations people have assured us they would have us back to the ship in time. Do you think they are being realistic?

Thanks

Barbara

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info ..

[Woobstr112G]

Thanks for your good review.

 

We are sailing on the Star in 2014 and have been looking at going to the Paradise Cove Luau. Can you give me some information about your private tour there? We sail at 11 and the reservations people have assured us they would have us back to the ship in time. Do you think they are being realistic?

Thanks

Barbara

 

Hi Barbara. I booked the tour directly with the website. I would, if I were you, pay a little extra for the "deluxe" package. You sit right next to the stage and you get table service instead of having to stand in the buffet line. You also get some extras including three premium drink tickets, free photos, and some cool insulated bags. We took a cab from the dock to the Ala Mona hotel which is one of their pick up points. I think the cost was about twelve dollars or so. The company will not pick up at the dock but will drop you off there. We were there around 4:00pm for a 4:15 pickup by the Paradise Cove Bus. After we got on the bus, the first thing the host told us was we would definitely be back in time for the 11:00pm departure. He also told us the people from the dock would be the first ones dropped off. We did have several participants that were on the island for a land vacation.

Hope this helps.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Cruiserkenn]

Thanks so much for the great review.

 

I have noticed that most of the helicopters have four rear seats, with two in the middle. Do you know if people could see really well from the middle rear seats?

 

Thanks!

 

Aloha and mahalo :)

[sunsetbeachgal]

The Sapphire is my favorite Princess ship...we loved Alfredos and the whole open design of the piazza..I have high hopes for the piazza on the Royal as that is one of our favorite spots to sit and relax :D

[sassyredhat]

Great review Bob, and is pretty much what we experienced on our Sapphire Hawaii cruise.

Thanks for the info about the luau. :) I want to see one, but without the all day trip to the PCC. Too much with my health issues.

I believe the Star will be the ship we will be on next time.

Pat

[ganny3]

Hi Barbara. I booked the tour directly with the website. I would, if I were you, pay a little extra for the "deluxe" package. You sit right next to the stage and you get table service instead of having to stand in the buffet line. You also get some extras including three premium drink tickets, free photos, and some cool insulated bags. We took a cab from the dock to the Ala Mona hotel which is one of their pick up points. I think the cost was about twelve dollars or so. The company will not pick up at the dock but will drop you off there. We were there around 4:00pm for a 4:15 pickup by the Paradise Cove Bus. After we got on the bus, the first thing the host told us was we would definitely be back in time for the 11:00pm departure. He also told us the people from the dock would be the first ones dropped off. We did have several participants that were on the island for a land vacation.

Hope this helps.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Bob,

Thanks so much. This is exactly what we are planning and it's good to hear that you made it without missing the ship. We have talked with them once and they sounded so helpful but it is good to know you have done it without a problem.

Thanks again

Barbara

[jfgdbg]

Disembarkation wasn't too bad. Took about 15-20 minutes to reach the customs inspector. Once there, it was very quick. Our luggage was ready when we walked into the storage room.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Thanks for replying. Sounds like you had a wonderful cruise.

[HRPro]

Great review, Bob, and really enjoyed your live from as well. Now, looking forward to the Royal and getting to meet you and Holli.:)

[Woobstr112G]

Great review, Bob, and really enjoyed your live from as well. Now, looking forward to the Royal and getting to meet you and Holli.:)

 

Thanks fot the kind words. Holli & I are looking forward to meeting you as well.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Just wanted to let everyone know I've got all the patters scanned and uploaded to my flickr page. I also have the ship pictures uploaded as well. There are a few areas of the ship I forgot to takee pictures of.

Bob

[happymom88]

Thank you for the review and pictures. We have sailed on the Sapphire only once but she is my favorite. She must have been in drydock since we sailed on Sapphire. The International Cafe and Alfredo's were not there. Is there still pizza by the pool since they have added Alfredo's?

[Woobstr112G]

Thank you for the review and pictures. We have sailed on the Sapphire only once but she is my favorite. She must have been in drydock since we sailed on Sapphire. The International Cafe and Alfredo's were not there. Is there still pizza by the pool since they have added Alfredo's?

 

There is still pizza by the pool and it is still very tasty:D Alfredo's is table service with a menu which contains four or five different types of pizzas. However, if they have the ingredients, feel free to go rogue and have whatever your heart desires for toppings (as they will make it for you). I was sort of familiar with the design of the Sapphire as we sailed on the Diamond in 2009. A couple of additional observations I've thought of (after I wrote my review) is I was somewhat hoping they'd have included a Crown Grill when they did the upgrades. I also don't like the way they installed Vines as sort of an afterthought right next to Alfredo's. I never saw anyone actual patronizing the venue. IMHO, it will be another underutilized venue like the Godiva Chocolate shop on the Golden.....

Bob