Having sailed with several other cruise lines, I have to say that the service we received from every single member of the Princess team was first class. Better than we have ever experienced from any other company.

That said, there are a few areas where Princess really let themselves down on this trip. The Sapphire is due for a complete refurbishment in the next couple of months so it was no surprise that it is looking a little tired. However, I didn't like the fact that they started doing maintenance work during our trip. There were a couple of areas of the buffet restaurant roped off while something was being done to some large cabinets, right by the entrance. They also did some painting on the top deck without putting any 'wet paint' signs up. We found this out when my wife happened to get paint on a brand new top she was wearing. Although an attempt to dry clean (free of charge) was made, the top was ruined and came back in worse condition.

Sanding and varnishing work was also being done on some hand rails around the swimming pool, with guests in very close proximity. Read more