Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess is a Princess Cruises ship that entered service in 2004 as the sister ship of Diamond Princess. Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, she carries around 2,670 guests, making her a mid sized ship. She was christened in Seattle on 10 June 2004, becoming the first cruise ship to be christened in the port. Her construction also has an unusual story. A major fire affected the ship originally being built as Diamond Princess, causing delays and leading the two sister ships to exchange names during construction.

One of Sapphire Princess's strengths is the amount of outdoor space available to guests. She has more than 700 balconies, giving many staterooms their own private spot for watching the sea and enjoying some fresh air. The ship has a relaxed feel, with a good mix of open areas, lively venues and quieter places to sit.

The Piazza forms the social heart of the ship. Following a 2012 overhaul, the space gained a wine and tapas bar, bakery, pizzeria and area for performances. Dining choices include five main dining rooms, along with Sabatini's Italian restaurant, Sterling Steakhouse, Alfredo's pizzeria and the International Café. That gives guests plenty of flexibility, whether they want a full meal, something casual or a quick coffee and snack.

Evenings bring a broad choice of entertainment. The two deck Princess Theatre hosts production shows featuring song and dance, as well as other performers. Live music can be found across the ship, with venues offering styles ranging from Latin and ballroom music to piano performances and DJ led dancing at Skywalkers Nightclub.

Away from the main social areas, the Lotus Spa and Fitness Center offers space for relaxation and exercise. Families have access to a dedicated Kids' and Teen's Center, while other facilities include a library, casino and lawn games. The Sanctuary provides an adults only outdoor retreat for guests looking for a quieter setting.