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.
Welcome to Camp Discovery, Sapphire’s exciting kids’ club born from a partnership with Discovery Communications (yep, the folks behind Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and Discovery Kids). Here, kids get a perfect mix of fun and a little learning on the side.
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.
