Recreation
For a little friendly competition (or just to shoot some hoops), head to the Sports Court — perched about as high as you can get on the ship, right above Skywalkers Lounge on what’s effectively Deck 19. Here, you’ll find a full basketball court that also doubles as a soccer pitch.
Looking for something a little more leisurely? Tucked away midship above the Neptune Pool, the Lawn Court is a delightful little oasis. Climb a quick flight of stairs and you’ll find yourself in a sunken green bowl with a soft grass lawn, perfect for a game of croquet, bocce, or a relaxed round on the nine-hole golf course. Equipment is available to borrow from the nearby shop.
Sun Decks
Sapphire Princess shines when it comes to outdoor relaxation. One of the best sun decks is at the aft end of Deck 16, where you’ll find plenty of space, two inviting hot tubs, and a convenient bar — it’s practically your own private retreat.
If you want to sneak away from the crowd even further, climb the steep stairs to the Sports Court deck above Skywalkers Lounge — where you’ll discover another quiet sun deck with sweeping views.
At the opposite end of the ship, there’s more sunbathing around and just above the adults-only pool, also on Deck 16.
For a little splurge-worthy serenity, visit The Sanctuary (Deck 16 forward). This luxurious, adults-only retreat offers plush cushioned loungers, private massage cabanas, signature beverages, complimentary light meals, and attentive on-call stewards. The Sanctuary costs $20 for a half day or $40 for a full day, with an additional $3 service fee for dining orders. There’s also a discounted full-cruise rate if you can’t get enough of this bliss.
Sapphire Princess Services
The heart of the ship is its stunning Piazza on Deck 5 — an Italian-style atrium buzzing with life. Across its three soaring decks, you’ll find a bakery, a wine/sushi/tapas bar, a pizzeria, and even a stage for live performances.
Guest Services, Shore Excursions, and the Captain’s Circle Loyalty and Future Cruise Sales desks are all conveniently located on Deck 6. Meanwhile, Deck 7 hosts an array of boutiques featuring duty-free items, essentials, Princess-branded goods, and designer finds like Church handbags.
Art lovers will enjoy the Art Gallery on Deck 5, and just one deck up, bookworms can cozy up in the library — a comfortable space with a modest collection of fiction and nonfiction.
Need to stay connected? The Internet Café (Deck 7) might seem old-school in today’s world of smartphones, but it’s surprisingly popular.
Photography fans will want to stop by the Photo Gallery nearby, and those looking for professional portraits can book a session at the Platinum Studio on Deck 16 forward.
For convenience, self-service launderettes are available on every passenger deck — a lifesaver for longer cruises!
Spa & Fitness
Lotus Spa
Step into serenity at the Asian-inspired Lotus Spa, where camel and sage tones, exotic plants, and heavy black doors transport you into a world of relaxation. (Fun fact: The Sapphire Princess was built in Japan, and the spa’s peaceful style reflects its heritage!) Even the staff’s black kimono-style uniforms were specially designed by fashion icon Sue Wong.
The spa features 16 treatment rooms offering a range of massages and facials, from wallet-friendly options to indulgent splurges like the 24-karat Gold Facial ($325 for 90 minutes). Look out for daily specials — especially on port days — and discounts for booking multiple treatments at once.
There’s also a Thermal Suite with two steam rooms, a sauna, and heated tile loungers. A week-long pass is $99 per person or $179 per couple; day passes are $20. Not in the mood to splurge? Both the men’s and women’s changing rooms have a small steam room you can use for free.
Fitness Center
Stay active at Sapphire’s top-notch fitness center, featuring 35 cardio machines, 17 weight-training stations, and 12 spinning cycles. A variety of fitness classes are available, too — including Boot Camp ($120 for four sessions), personal training ($85/hour), and Pilates ($12/hour).
Early risers can take advantage of free morning fitness classes and seminars focusing on feet, posture, and overall wellness.
Prefer fresh air while working out? The ship’s jogging track is located on Deck 7 — 2.5 laps equals one mile!
Bars and Lounges
Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail, a quiet nightcap, or lively dancing, Sapphire Princess offers an excellent range of bars and lounges scattered throughout the ship — including vibrant spots like Club Fusion and the Explorers Lounge.
Services
Expect a full range of services to make your cruise effortless:
- 24-hour room service
- Internet Café and Wi-Fi access
- Boutique shopping
- Full-service medical center
- Expert concierge and shore excursion planning
Outdoor fun includes multiple swimming pools, hot tubs, and ample lounging areas. The spacious Promenade Deck invites guests to enjoy strolls with stunning ocean views, while the Sports Court hosts basketball and paddle tennis games.
Spa & Fitness
Sapphire Princess offers a serene, full-service Lotus Spa and a modern fitness center complete with group exercise classes, personal training, and ocean-view workout equipment. Indulge in massages, facials, and beauty treatments — perfect for recharging between adventures.
Fun for Kids and Teens
While Princess Cruises might not be the first name that pops to mind for family vacations, Sapphire Princess rolls out the red carpet for kids and teens alike. Family-friendly touches include special family meals, interconnecting cabins, port-day kids’ club drop-offs, and all-ages activities like family discos. Plus, thanks to a 2018 refurbishment, the onboard kids’ spaces are better than ever.
Kids (Ages 3–12)
Sapphire Princess’ youth programs are thoughtfully divided by age group, with two main spaces:
- The Treehouse for ages 3 to 7 (and under-3s accompanied by a parent)
- The Lodge for ages 8 to 12
A few highlights:
- The facility is perched up on Deck 15, flooded with natural light.
- There’s an outdoor play area and a splash pool — a rare find on modern ships!
- A welcome event on embarkation day makes registration easy. (Bonus: kids get a muster station wristband for safety.)
The Treehouse is a colorful wonderland packed with a climbing frame, a soft play zone, a mini-theater, books, arts and crafts, gaming stations, and more. Outdoor access leads to a splash pool on one side and a playground with slides and hoops on the other. Activities might include learning magic tricks, themed Animal Planet afternoons, discos, and plenty of arts and crafts.
(Note: All 3- to 7-year-olds must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian.)
The Lodge caters to the 8–12 crowd with cool spaces like a dance-floor-style area, video gaming stations, foosball, air hockey, and comfy hangout spots. Activities lean more sporty and competitive — think giant Connect Four, trivia games, bingo, and creative design challenges. With prior permission, kids in this group can sign themselves in and out.
Hours of Operation:
- Sea Days: 9 a.m.–noon, 1–5 p.m., and 6–10 p.m.
- Port Days: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and 6–10 p.m. (Lunch included during the day.)
You’ll also spot kid-friendly activities sprinkled around the ship, like a lively “Wizard of Oz” sing-along one afternoon in Club Fusion.
Need a night off? Group kid-sitting for ages 3–12 is available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for just $5 per hour. (Pre-booking is a must. Private babysitting is not offered.) Minimum sailing age is 6 months.
Teens (Ages 13–17)
Older kids can chill out at The Beach House, a trendy teen lounge right next to the younger kids’ spaces. Designed like a cool nightclub, it features a circular dance floor, a mocktail bar (no alcohol, but plenty of creative drinks!), comfy seating, foosball, and even a synthesizer for budding musicians. Giant TVs and gaming stations complete the vibe.
Programming is more casual — teens can pop in and out freely. Activities include Scary Movie Night, Rock the Boat dance parties, video game tournaments, craft sessions, and friendly competitions.
