Ship Comparison
Sapphire Princess vs Island Princess
For a vibrant, activity-packed cruise with global flair, Sapphire Princess delivers; for a smaller, traditional, and intimate journey, Island Princess is a comfortable choice.
The verdict
Choosing between Sapphire Princess and Island Princess ultimately depends on your preferred cruise style. Sapphire Princess offers a more dynamic, activity-rich experience with a bustling central Piazza and diverse dining, ideal for multi-generational groups seeking constant engagement and value. Island Princess, while a year older, provides a more traditional and intimate voyage, perfect for those who appreciate a comfortable, familiar pace and specific itineraries like the Panama Canal. Both ships deliver Princess's signature service and quality, but Sapphire leans into lively offerings, while Island fosters a quieter, classic ambiance.
Choose Sapphire Princess if…
Travelers seeking a lively, activity-filled cruise with diverse dining and entertainment options, suitable for multi-generational families and social cruisers who appreciate a vibrant atmosphere and good value.
Best for
- Multi-Generational Family Adventurers who enjoy a vibrant, active, and kid-focused environment.
- Social & Active Cruisers seeking lively entertainment, live music, dancing, and sports activities.
- Global Gastronomes & Wine Enthusiasts looking for diverse culinary experiences, specialty dining, and wine tastings.
- Value-Conscious Global Explorers who want extensive entertainment and activities across varied international itineraries.
Avoid if
- You prefer modern cabin bathrooms, as some are noted as old and small.
- You require complete privacy on all balconies, as some Mini-Suite and Suite verandas are exposed.
- You are on a tight budget for internet access, as MedallionNet® Wi-Fi can be pricey.
Choose Island Princess if…
Cruisers desiring a more traditional, intimate, and comfortable experience, particularly those interested in specific itineraries like the Panama Canal, and guests who prefer a relaxed pace over constant high-energy activities.
Best for
- Serenity Seekers looking for peaceful retreats, adults-only spaces, and a calm onboard atmosphere.
- Traditional Voyageurs who appreciate a classic, comfortable, and unpretentious cruise experience.
- Family Fun-Seekers, especially during school holidays, due to well-staffed kids' and teen programs.
- Those specifically interested in Panama Canal transits, as the ship is custom-built for this itinerary.
Avoid if
- You dislike dated aesthetics and potentially crowded public spaces, despite a 2015 refurbishment.
- You prefer extensive late-night entertainment options, as activities are limited after midnight.
- You need consistent quality across all specialty dining, as some venues have received mixed reviews.
Overall Vibe
Sapphire Princess
The Sapphire Princess, launched in 2004 and refreshed in 2018, presents a lively, midsized ship experience that belies its age. It successfully blends traditional cruising elegance with a modern, activity-rich environment. The ship's overall feel is one of good value and easygoing enjoyment, with its vibrant Piazza serving as a central hub for social interaction and entertainment. Despite being a Grand-class ship, its thoughtful layout and recent updates ensure a comfortable and engaging atmosphere without feeling overwhelming, offering a balanced blend of relaxation and spirited fun for all.
Island Princess
The Island Princess, built in 2003 and last refurbished in 2015, offers a classic, comfortable, and traditional cruise experience. As a Coral-class vessel, it's a mid-sized ship that provides a more intimate feel compared to larger vessels, appealing particularly to first-time cruisers or those who prefer a familiar, unpretentious journey. While some areas might show their age despite the refurbishment, the ship maintains a welcoming ambiance. It’s designed for those who seek a relaxed retreat, providing a solid foundation for an enjoyable holiday without unexpected frills.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Sapphire Princess
Carrying up to 2,670 passengers with a dedicated crew of 1,100, the Sapphire Princess fosters a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere, often attracting multi-generational groups. The ratio of approximately 2.4 guests per crew member ensures attentive service without feeling overly formal. Public spaces, especially the bustling Piazza, are designed for social interaction, contributing to a vibrant and active environment. Guests will find a dynamic balance of quiet corners and lively hubs, making it suitable for those who enjoy a mix of activity and leisure, creating a lively yet comfortable community at sea.
Island Princess
With a capacity for 1,974 passengers and a crew of 900, the Island Princess offers a slightly more intimate atmosphere, with a guest-to-crew ratio of about 2.2:1. This allows for a comfortable and traditional cruise experience, though some public areas can feel crowded, particularly on sea days. The ship is generally family-friendly, especially during school holidays, but tends to cater to those seeking a more subdued and familiar ambiance. It’s a good choice for travelers who appreciate a comfortable pace and a friendly, communal vibe without the constant bustle of larger ships.
Dining
Sapphire Princess
Dining on Sapphire Princess offers a broad palette of flavors, with five distinct complimentary main dining rooms: Savoy, Vivaldi, Pacific Moon, Santa Fe, and The International, each providing a unique setting for Anytime or Traditional dining. Casual options include the Horizon Court buffet, Alfredo's Pizzeria, and the Trident Grill. Specialty venues, available for an additional cost, elevate the experience with Sabatini's Italian, the Sterling Steakhouse, and the fun Crab Shack, both "pop-up" concepts within the Horizon Court. The International Café offers complimentary pastries with for-fee gourmet coffee, while Chocolate Journeys provides sweet indulgences. "Dine My Way" offers Personalized mealtime flexibility.
Island Princess
The Island Princess provides a comfortable array of dining choices, anchored by two complimentary main dining rooms, Bordeaux and Provence, which offer both Anytime and Traditional seating. For casual meals, guests can enjoy the Horizon Court buffet, the poolside Princess Pizzeria, and The Trident Grill. A unique specialty offering is the Bayou Café & Steakhouse, serving New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine with live jazz for an additional charge. Sabatini's Italian restaurant is also available for a fee, and a complimentary Alfredo's Pizza is a popular lunch spot. Chocolate Journeys and "Dine My Way" add further culinary appeal.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Sapphire Princess
The Sapphire Princess boasts a comprehensive entertainment lineup, centered around the Princess Theatre with its lavish productions and a modern LED wall. For a lively evening, Skywalkers Nightclub, perched high on the Sky Deck, offers sweeping panoramic views and transforms into a vibrant dance club. Club Fusion is another spot for dancing, karaoke, and themed parties. Guests can also enjoy Movies Under The Stars on the pool deck, try their luck at the Grand Casino, or find live music in the Piazza, Explorers Lounge, Wheelhouse Bar, and Crooners Bar, ensuring plenty of options for varied tastes throughout the day and night.
Island Princess
On Island Princess, entertainment is classic and engaging, primarily found in the two-level Princess Theatre, showcasing production shows and guest performers like comedians and musicians. Movies Under The Stars offers poolside films, concerts, and sporting events. The Princess Casino provides gaming thrills, while Explorers Lounge hosts cabaret acts and karaoke. Live music is a staple in the Wheelhouse Bar and Crooners, creating a warm, club-like ambiance. However, guests seeking late-night action should note that options are limited after midnight, with most bars and lounges winding down, making it more suited for early evening enjoyment.
Cabins & Suites
Sapphire Princess
The Sapphire Princess offers a range of accommodations, from Interior cabins (168-182 sq ft) to Oceanview (183-194 sq ft) and Balcony staterooms (237-300 sq ft). Mini-Suites, including the enhanced Reserve Collection, are a spacious 323 sq ft with a separate sitting area. Suites range from approximately 460 to 932 sq ft, featuring luxurious amenities, priority services, and larger balconies. However, some standard bathrooms are noted as old and small, with clingy plastic shower curtains. Additionally, certain Mini-Suite and Suite balconies on Decks 9 and 10 are partially exposed, which is something to consider for privacy.
Island Princess
Accommodations on Island Princess span from Interior staterooms (158-162 sq ft) and Oceanview (146-206 sq ft) to Balcony (214-222 sq ft) and Mini-Suites (323 sq ft), plus various Suites up to 510 sq ft. All cabins feature standard amenities like flat-screen TVs and comfortable bedding. While Suites offer enhanced perks such as complimentary laundry and dedicated dining, standard cabin decor is described as somewhat bland. Bathrooms across standard categories are typically small with fixed-head showers and plastic curtains. Balconies can also be on the smaller side, and the Promenade Deck is U-shaped, not a full circuit for walking.
Service & Onboard Style
Sapphire Princess
Service on Sapphire Princess is supported by a crew of 1,100 attending to 2,670 guests, contributing to a relaxed and attentive experience. The ship embraces Personalized services like "Dine My Way," allowing guests to customize their meal times. While MedallionNet® Wi-Fi is fast, it can be pricey, either by the minute or through packages. Suite guests and those in Club Class Mini-Suites benefit from priority embarkation, disembarkation, and complimentary laundry, enhancing their journey with added convenience and a touch of luxury, reflecting a commitment to guest comfort and a smooth onboard flow.
Island Princess
With 900 crew members serving 1,974 passengers, Island Princess maintains a strong guest-to-crew ratio, fostering a comfortable and traditional service style. Guests benefit from "Dine My Way" for flexible meal planning and 24-hour room service. Suite guests enjoy priority embarkation and disembarkation, along with other exclusive perks. While an Internet cafe is available with various pricing options, the overall onboard style is geared towards a classic cruising experience, prioritizing comfort and established routines over cutting-edge technology, making it a familiar and welcoming environment for many guests.
Best Itineraries
Sapphire Princess
The Sapphire Princess is known for its diverse global itineraries, offering guests opportunities to explore a wide array of destinations across the world. Its versatility allows it to sail from numerous ports, attracting a broad international passenger base and providing varied cultural immersion experiences.
Island Princess
The Island Princess is particularly notable for being custom-built to transit the Panama Canal. This unique design feature makes it an exceptional choice for those specifically interested in experiencing this iconic engineering marvel and the itineraries that showcase it.
What reviewers say
Sapphire Princess
4.5/5A good-value ship packed full of entertainment and activities. Despite its age, recent refurbishments have kept it fresh, offering quality food and a relaxed, easygoing vibe for all ages.
Island Princess
4/5Island Princess is ideal for those seeking a traditional cruise experience without surprises. It offers comfort, good food, and engaging programs for all ages, making for an enjoyable holiday.
Itineraries to compare
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