Sapphire Princess or Zuiderdam to Alaska?

[irvine]

Hi everyone,

 

I am in a dilemma and hope I can get some opinions. I can't decide between the above 2 ships. I am ok with both itineraries. It just boils down to which ship I want to take. I was on Island Princess (2005) and Westerdam (2006) previously (also to Alaska). I loved the Westerdam, but didn't like the Island Princess much because of the food. The food was poorer quality than what I had in the Westderdam or even Carnvial. But I see in that Sapphire Princess has a higher rating in the reviews than Island Princess. So, I am torn between the 2 now.

 

I prefer more formal cruising with some Asian foods in the menu. I see that HAL has that, not sure if Princess has changed their menu since the last time I was on Island Princess in 2005. I would appreciate anybody with experience with those 2 ships that can offer some advice. I am currently booked on Sapphire for 5/16. Have to decide by 3/2 (final payment date). Zuiderdam would cost me $580 more for my family of 4. Thanks in adance!

[camrosegirl]

Hi,

 

Is your Sapphire Princess cruise roundtrip Vancouver? Usually the Sapphire does 1 way Vancouver-Whittier while the Zuiderdam does round trip Vancouver.

[irvine]

Sapphire is northbound vancouver to whittier. Zuiderdam is roundtrip vancouver. But I am ok either way. My air fare is covered.

[sammiedawg]

I've done both ships but neither was in Alaska. IMO Princess dinner food is better than Holland America but HAL has a better buffet.

We loved the Sapphire Princess, a very beautiful ship. We enjoyed Zuiderdam the first year or two it sailed, thought it was kind of gaudy. I believe it has been refurbished recently.

We like both lines and don't think one line is necessarily superior to the other.

[hogwildcruzers]

We have been on both and they are our two favorites....we just sailed on the Sapphire this past Oct......can't say one is better than the other, although the Sapphire is quite larger and we did the dine anytime and enjoyed the several different themed restaurants......I will have to say, that the Sapphire does have real fried eggs on the morning buffet, and they were very good......but HAL does Alaska so well.

[Assateague Island Princes]

A vote for HAL here - excellent food, free 24-hour room service with large and diverse menu, BEST beds afloat, larger cabins, and THE most wonderful crew around. It would definitely be HAL for us - has the past two times to Alaska and will be again in 2010! In our opinion, they just seem to do it right.:D

[InTheWASide]

Hi everyone,

 

I am in a dilemma and hope I can get some opinions. I can't decide between the above 2 ships. I am ok with both itineraries. It just boils down to which ship I want to take. I was on Island Princess (2005) and Westerdam (2006) previously (also to Alaska). I loved the Westerdam, but didn't like the Island Princess much because of the food. The food was poorer quality than what I had in the Westderdam or even Carnvial. But I see in that Sapphire Princess has a higher rating in the reviews than Island Princess. So, I am torn between the 2 now.

 

I prefer more formal cruising with some Asian foods in the menu. I see that HAL has that, not sure if Princess has changed their menu since the last time I was on Island Princess in 2005. I would appreciate anybody with experience with those 2 ships that can offer some advice. I am currently booked on Sapphire for 5/16. Have to decide by 3/2 (final payment date). Zuiderdam would cost me $580 more for my family of 4. Thanks in adance!

 

I'm on the Star Princess May 10 SEA roundtrip with stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan (and Victoria because of the Jones Act)

 

then on the Zuiderdam on Seoptember 19 with the same stops minus Victoria since its a roundtrip VAN.

 

The Star Princess was a little more last minute. I was going to be doing a coastal 7 day from San Pedro to Vancouver for $850/pp plus tax on an inside... paying for air... etc etc

 

Got wind of a promo that has since expired but was 7 day Alaska out of Seattle with a MINI SUITE for $699/pp plus tax. No air. etc etc

 

How could I refuse? :)

 

If the rates are good enough and you have the time I would say do both, but if you can only do one I would say try the Zuiderdam. You'll be able to see the changes that happened on Westerdam in 2007 AND get a little different ship decor at the same time :)