Launched in 2004 and freshly refurbished in 2025, Sapphire Princess is one of Princess Cruises' longest-serving ships — and one of its busiest. The 115,875-gross-tonne vessel carries 2,670 passengers looked after by roughly 1,100 crew, and of her 1,337 cabins more than 700 have private balconies, which explains why she's a favourite with travellers who like a view with their morning coffee.
Her itinerary map is unusually varied. Right now she splits her year between Europe and Asia, running everything from week-long Mediterranean sailings to longer Japan Explorer and Escapes to Asia routes. The big news for 2027/2028: she transfers to Australia, homeporting from Fremantle in Western Australia — good news for Aussies who won't need a long-haul flight to board.
Onboard, the formula is classic big-ship Princess. The fare covers the Main Dining Room (with traditional, flexible or walk-in seating), the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, Prego Pizzeria — voted 'Best Pizza at Sea' by USA TODAY — plus the poolside Trident Grill, which turns into a smokehouse barbecue each evening. If you want to splash out, there's a long list of extra-charge venues: Crown Grill for steak, Sabatini's for Italian, Makoto Ocean from chef Makoto Okuwa, a Brazilian churrascaria and a multi-course Chef's Table. An app-based OceanNow delivery service brings food anywhere on the ship for a fee.
Entertainment spans the Princess Theater's original productions, a Vegas-rules casino, Movies Under the Stars by the pool and Skywalkers Nightclub, which hangs 15 decks above the water with a neon dance floor. Quieter options include the adults-only Sanctuary with cabanas and massages, the glass-roofed Conservatory pool, and the Lotus Spa. Kids are well catered for with three age-banded clubs (3–7, 8–12 and teens), and families can book Two Bedroom Family Suites sleeping up to eight.
Cabin choices run from compact interiors to suites up to 86 square metres, with Mini-Suites — some sleeping six — striking the sweet spot for many families. Solo travellers can book any standard cabin at a single-occupancy fare, though unlike Princess's newest ships there are no dedicated solo studios.
Worth knowing before you book: the base fare doesn't cover drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities or specialty dining, but Princess Plus and Premier packages bundle those in. Most nights are Smart Casual, with 'Dress to Impress' formal nights once on short sailings and more often on longer ones. If you like a big, polished ship with plenty of balcony space and a wide mix of regions to sail from, Sapphire Princess is an easy pick — and the 2027/2028 Fremantle season will be the moment to catch her down under.
