CRUISING SAPPHIRE PRINCESS with John Pond.

I recently cruised on the Sapphire Princess,  a large vessel, 3100 passengers and 1238 crew. The mix was Americans, Australians, New Zealander’s and a few British together with a smattering of other nationalities giving a pleasant international feel. This was one of the largest ships I had sailed on to date and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. On sea days there is so much choice activity wise. The entertainment was outstanding and the food choices went on forever.

Dining in the many optional restaurants makes every night an event, the same menu is available in most restaurants except “The Steak House and Sabatini’s”, these two have a US$15 extra charge and offer exciting alternative dining. The food in the regular "free" main dining rooms is excellent and "optional dining" unnecessary, but fun. Of course room service is complimentary and very good, but I prefer to eat and be served as part of a great shipboard experience.

Unpack once and enjoy. Princess have several new ships available to us in summer as well as the permanently based P&O ones in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you haven't been cruising yet, your missing out on a great experience.