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Sapphire Princess keeping cruising stereotypes at bay
Sun, sun and sun: Passengers soak up the sun at the shipâs main swimming pool
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Sun, sun and sun:: Passengers soak up the sun at the shipâs main swimming pool.(Princess Cruises) (Princess Cruises)
Sun, sun and sun: Passengers soak up the sun at the ship's main swimming pool. (Princess Cruises)
'Cruising is boring', 'it's for old people', 'it's expensive' and 'it may trigger seasickness and on board claustrophobia' are some of the most common reservations to vacationing on a cruise line.
But those concerns will never come into play once vacationers jump on board the Sapphire Princess ' the first premium cruise line under the Princess Cruises flagship with a base in Singapore.
As among the biggest cruise ships in the world, the Sapphire is so big that it has neighborhoods and all the amenities needed to keep boredom at bay for multi-generational groups ' families and older folks traveling with their children and grandchildren ' and some younger couples.
Not only can passengers lay by the indoor or outdoor pool, or sip on a margarita while relaxing in a warm Jacuzzi but they can also enjoy a spa treatment, workout in a full-size gym and watch a variety of live entertainment, including comedy shows, Broadway musicals, parades and magical performances.
The ship's theater can accommodate 700 people and was designed with great acoustics, the best seats in the house and has stellar acts performing every night. During the day, the theater hosts lectures on history and science.
'What differentiates us from other lines is that we have our own in-house production studio based in Los Angeles for our live events. Our productions are world-class,' said cruise director Callie Smit, who is responsible for keeping passengers entertained.
Another noted attraction is the line's Las-Vegas-glitz Grand Casino, which is only open when the ship is sailing on international waters.
Movies Under the Stars is also a distinct attraction where a poolside movie theater offers passengers the opportunity to enjoy blockbuster Hollywood movies against the backdrop of the sky and sea.
Located on the ship's top deck, the Sapphire makes this experience even more special with personal touches, including comfortable chaise lounges, complimentary popcorn, warm cookies and milk and cozy blankets in the evening.
After hours entertainment is also available, particularly at the line's Skywalkers Disco and Observation Lounge. The lounge is a dance floor during the night but a quiet place during the day with activities that include bible study, overlooking the windows that offer an unobstructed view of the sea and the pools.
While adult passengers can choose from a number of bars and themed restaurants to keep them occupied, the line has not forgotten to give youngsters a fun cruising experience.
Young kids and teens have their own places to hang out. The ship's youth and teen centers are fully equipped with everything from the latest video games and movies, to arts and crafts, foosball tables, board games and jukeboxes.
And for the littlest ones, activities such as kid's karaoke, pizza parties and pajama nights are also available.
This ship's activities run the age-appropriate range for those under 18; Princess Pelicans for ages of 3 to 7, Shockwaves for ages of 8 to 12, and Remix from ages of 13 to 17.
There are five pools on board the Sapphire, including a kids-only pool. The indoor Calypso Reef and Pool is decorated in a coral reef motif, while the Neptune's Reef and Pool is a spacious outdoor area with a lot of space for tanning.
'You cannot get bored. There is plenty to do night and day. You won't get lonely either as you can always befriend other passengers in bars, lounges and pools,' said Harry, 48, a British national who spent around two weeks on the ship, traveling from Singapore to China.
Harry is prone to seasickness, but as he stepped onto the Sapphire he felt as though he was staying in a five-star hotel, equipped with a shopping mall.
'You forget that you're on a ship at all,' said Harry.
The bigger the ship, the fewer passengers feel the motion of the waves. The ship is also built with stabilizers to minimize shaking.
Heavy duty: The Sapphire Princess docks at Singapore in October.
The Sapphire, which carries 2,670 passengers and 1,000 crew members, is fitted with over 750 balconies from which guests can step out and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.
It is a floating hotel with plenty of space. The smallest room, the Interior, is approximately 168 to 182 square-feet.
As the ship is so big, first-time visitors have often get loss inside the ship's maze of alleys.
Day or night, all of the public spaces are well-maintained while not overwhelmed by cleaning staff.
As a premium line, the Sapphire distinct service also includes food, served in more than eight restaurants and eateries that are all free, except for specialty restaurants that may apply cover charges.
At any hour, the line's chefs are busy baking, grilling, steering the ingredients of the passengers' next meal. Bread and pastries are baked fresh three times a day and sauces are prepared by hand.
'Everything is homemade [prepared on the ship from scratch] and freshly prepared. We don't warm-up our food like other cruise operators. Only muffins and bagels aren't homemade,' said Princess Cruises' executive chef Jean Peter Seidel.
Despite the premium services, the Sapphire is not an exclusive up-market cruise.
Rates begin at S$499 (US$387) per person for a four-day trip between Singapore and Penang, Malaysia.
'The Sapphire is a premium cruise but affordable. Cruising is not for the wealthy anymore. Middle-income families can afford it,' said Princess Cruises' Southeast Asia director, Farriek Tawfik.
'While you're on our ship, you won't be treated like passenger waiting to embark, but as vacationer,' he said.
