Explore The Fun And Beauty Of The 'Sapphire Princess' Cruise Ship

Deciding which cruise ship to book passage on is a difficult choice to make. All of the cruise vacation brochures, pamphlets, and websites are meant to dazzle and sell a particular cruise line or cruise ship. With mountains of information, all of it favorable, it can be quite a challenge to find the cruise ship that’s right for you.

Providing luxury accommodations and premium amenities is nothing new to the Princess Cruise Lines. In fact, just one of their ships, the Sapphire Princess, pampers its guests with more than 740 balconied staterooms, fine dining, personal services, and choice entertainment. Considered to be a jewel on the high seas, the Sapphire Princess is a cruise ship of unparalleled beauty, elegance, and dignity.

While Princess Cruise Lines has many seemingly similar ships to choose from, each ship provides a unique cruise experience. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the Sapphire Princess and the amenities and services that she offers. It is hoped that a better understanding of each cruise ship available on the Princess Cruise Lines will help you narrow down your search for the right vessel.

Amenities of the Sapphire Princess

Since you can find comfortable accommodations to suit your needs aboard any cruise ship, you might agree that it is the amenities available and services offered aboard the different ships that really set them apart from each other. Here is a brief overview of just some of the many amenities that you will find aboard the Sapphire Princess:

Dining – Dining is an integral part of any cruise experience. There are several dining options ranging from traditional dining facilities to casual eateries. At each of the establishments onboard the Sapphire, the chefs are creative and strive to offer different menu selections daily. You can choose to partake of a traditional meal served at the same time each day in the International Dining Room; choose from one of the four eateries offering meals round-the-clock; make reservations at one of the specialty restaurants; or choose to grab a snack from the food court or one of the many snack bars.

Entertainment – And you don’t ever have to worry about getting bored on the Sapphire Princess. Theater productions, lounge acts, movies, and casino gambling are just some of the free activities offered that will keep you hopping. The ship features one theater where Broadway quality productions are performed; four hot spots including a casino and three nightclubs; and four lounges.

Activities – Activities aboard are both varied and age appropriate. There are four pools and several hot tubs; a splash pool for the little ones; a fitness area complete with gym; a swim against the current lap pool; a putting course; golf simulators; a jogging track; art exhibits, galleries, and auctions; classes and seminars; and a library. You can also take advantage of duty-free shopping in one of the many boutiques aboard including Lladro, Swarovski, Calvin Klein, Lancome, Estee Lauder, and Clinique among others. There are also three age-appropriate zones where your young ones can swim, play video games, watch movies, do arts and crafts, and participate in various planned activities.

Pampered Extras

The Sapphire Princess also offers many extras that will make your time aboard ship the pampered experience of a lifetime that you expect. Whether you’re enjoying a massage or spa treatment from the spa and health center or getting your hair done at the salon you will always be able to find that something extra to make your cruise truly memorable.

Two other great features of this cruise ship are the wedding chapel and internet café. In the Hearts and Minds wedding chapel passengers can be married by the ship’s captain in one of the few at-sea wedding programs offered by cruise lines. And you never have to worry about being out of touch with the rest of the world; the Sapphire Princess’ internet lounge is one of the largest to be found at sea with 29 stations.

Staterooms of the Sapphire Princess

Your stateroom selection can be one of the most important decisions you make when booking your cruise. There are many different room selections that you can make including a grand suite with balcony, a suite with balcony, a family suite, a mini-suite, an oceanview double with balcony, or one of the interior staterooms. Here is a brief overview of each of the room options aboard the Sapphire Princess:

1. The Grand Suite with Balcony is the largest room that you can book aboard this particular ship. Taking up an amazing 1,330 square feet, this room is complete with all of the necessities plus some luxurious extras including a dining area, a whirlpool tub, a walk-in closet, and a wet bar.

2. The Suite with Balcony is half the size of the Grand Suite and measures anywhere from 525 to 706 square feet. Although it not as large as the Grand Suite, the balcony of this suite is quite large. There is also a separate tub and shower, a walk-in closet, a separate sitting area, and a wet bar.

3. The Family Suite is actually two staterooms that are connected by a common living room. This suite can sleep up to six people and has a private balcony.

4. The Mini-suite is only 334 square feet, but it comes with a lot of extras including a separate sitting area, a walk-in closet, and a separate tub and shower.

5. The Oceanview Double with Balcony ranges anywhere from 237 to 307 square feet and features two twin beds that can be pushed together to create a queen size bed. While there is a spacious closet in this room there is no bathtub so you will have to make do with showers.

6. Interior Staterooms are less than 200 square feet and are similar to the Oceanview Double except that they have no view, window, or porthole. These are the least expensive rooms on the ship.

With all of these things to consider, it can be quite a challenge to find the perfect ship and stateroom for your cruise. Remember to choose the amenities that are most important to you and then factor in the cost before making your final selection.

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About the Author: Jacqueline Michaels, want to know more about Princess Cruise Lines and all about taking a cruise? http://www.cruiselinestips.com has information from your largest concerns down to the smallest detail.

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Your Adventure Awaits On A Cruise Ship

When most of us think of the words cruise ship, we envision the Love Boat or the Titanic. Well, not all the time, but often that's the first thing that comes to mind. Actually, a cruise ship doesn't have to be that big, and many countries have their own cruise ship lines. A cruise ship is also called a luxury ship, but that doesn't mean that only rich people can sail on her. You may not find Gopher or Doc on board, but a cruise ship offers a unique way to travel at a slower pace so that you get to know your fellow passengers and are able to intermingle at various venues provided by cruise ship activity and entertainment directors. Airline or train travel doesn't allow for such pleasures, nor does driving. For anyone who hasn't been on a cruise ship, adventure awaits!

A cruise ship is also called a passenger ship and is used for those seeking a pleasure voyage to various destinations around the world, from Tahiti to Rio, to the Canary Islands and Hong Kong. Today, a cruise ship line offers the best in travel comforts and perks. With a cruise ship, the entertainment on board is as important as the ultimate destination, and most cruise ship lines will make sure to schedule exciting events that will entertain various age groups.

The very first cruise ship built expressly for the purpose of transporting vacationers from Point A to Point B was called the Prinzessin Victoria Luise. She was built in 1900. So began the age of transatlantic transportation that hit a rough spot after the sinking of the Titanic. Following that accident, Albert Ballin, the manager of Hamburg-America Line, made it a point to send his cruise ship captains across the North Atlantic in the worst winter weather to prove that the ill-fated sinking of the queen of all liners was not the norm, but rather an isolated incident. He succeeded, and other shipping lines followed his example.

A cruise ship is equipped to withstand bad weather and is capable of sailing great distances to exotic ports of call or down your country's coastline. One of the most popular cruise ship destinations for world travelers is the Alaskan cruise, which offers delighted passengers sights and sounds that can't be seen anywhere else.

There are many different kinds of cruise ship, and some are large, which others are only moderately so. Most come with affordable small to medium sized cabins, and a cruise ticket will generally include all the food and entertainment on board as well as tickets to events or locations listed on the ships port of call sightseeing lists. A cruise ship offers hotel style living, fine dining and even theatrical entertainment all in one place. Some cruise lines offer a cruise ship geared more toward the younger crowd, like Disney, while others offer nothing but exquisite elegance. Which cruise ship you choose will not only depend on your tastes, but your pocket book as well.

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About the Author: Chonticha Marijne, ready to embark on a cruise ship adventure of your very own? Find out more about starting your cruise ship journey right at theCoolestCruises.com.

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Five Quick Tips Before Taking A Cruise Ship Vacation

Cruising is a wonderful and relaxed way to see several countries while enjoying the sun. Today, cruise trips are extremely popular due to their low cost and luxury travel experience.

However, like all travelling, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you start to plan your cruise ship vacation.

Here are some cruise tips to help guide you on your journey.

1. All inclusive cruises are not available

Most all cruise lines do not offer an all inclusive cruise package. Alcohols, soft drinks and even water all needs to be paid for when on cruise ships. The only things included are the cruise itself, your cabin and generally at least 1-2 meals a day.

2. Shop around and consult different cruise travel agents

Cruise travel agents are like travel agents, but are experts in cruising. Be prepared to tell the cruise agent exactly what you are looking for. You could visit 5 different agencies and receive 5 different quotes for the same cruise. In addition, look for deals in off weeks. A fare may be $2000 one week and $800 the following week.

3. Be aware of added charges

If you are planning to cruise alone and don't want to share your cabin, you can anticipate a single's supplement charge of 10% to 100% of a per person's rate (depending on cruise line). In addition, a lot of cruises require you to pay extra for any cruise shore excursions, or any special activities that are offered on board. Be prepared to spend an additional 30% of the cost to take part in any of these activities.

4. Knowing when the best time to cruise is

Cruising is usually a little cheaper during the spring or fall. Weather can be uncertain, especially in the fall given many Caribbean destinations could have hurricane seasons during this time. This is something to watch out for. The dry season for Caribbean cruises is during the summer where as the rainy season is during the winter. Other cruise lines have short cruising seasons, such as Alaska cruises which normally run from May to September.

5. Have fun!

One of the most important tips that I can give to you on your cruise ship vacation is to have a great time. Relax! After all it's your vacation and you deserve to make the most out of it. There are many things for you to do, fancy dinners and dressing up, meeting new friends, visiting exotic locations, being on deck in the sun, doing cruise shore excursions, and much more! It's important to have fun, so when you come back you feel better about yourself and that you got the most out of your time and money.

Remember, cruising is an absolutely exceptional way to spend your vacation. They are very relaxing and a very enjoyable way to spend some time away. However, like all vacations, you need to know what is required before purchasing your dream cruise ship vacation. Keep this in mind and I have no doubt your cruise trip will be a complete success!

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About the Author: At Tropical Beach Destinations we share the secrets of Specialty Travel that your travel agents wish they knew. Learn exclusive travel tips, ideas and ways to save money from REAL experienced world travelers!

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