Sapphire Princess is the latest ship from Princess Cruises to receive the line’s Sanctuary, a plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting with signature beverages, light meals, massages, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment. Opening on Sapphire Princess marked the completion of a three-year project to add the adults only retreat area to all 14 of the line’s full-size ships.
We first tried the Sanctuary on board Coral Princess sailing in Alaska on our #FollowMeAtSea Twitter Press trip. Once there in the Sanctuary, we didn’t want to leave. It’s a quiet area that offers all the amenities and features of a land-based spa but in the open air sporting grand vistas of wherever the ship may be. For us, that happened to be Glacier Bay.
A fee of $10 per period, AM (from 8am to 12:30pm) or PM (from 1pm to 5pm or later) is a bargain, especially if your particular sailing has a lot of kids on it and a lot of kids make you crazy. There will be no kids here. Guests can sign up in advance once on their ship. I know a lot of frequent Princess cruisers who make that their first stop once on board because the place fills up fast, often selling out the first day.
What I like is that Princess has not oversold it or made it too crowded to accommodate the demand. It’s not wall to wall people like can be found on some decks during peak times.
Debuting in 2006 aboard Crown Princess, the Sanctuary was an hit as it gave passengers the perfect place to take a relaxing break and indulge in a private getaway. To make room for the newest Sanctuary, the sports court on Sapphire Princess was relocated to a new space on top of Skywalkers nightclub. This new area high atop the ship also offers extra lounge chairs and dramatic ocean views.
The installation of The Sanctuary on Sapphire Princess marked the beginning of a transformation for the ship, which will receive 
many more Princess hallmark features when it goes into drydock from January 7 to February 4, 2012. During this extensive revitalization, the ship will receive the signature Piazza atrium with its International Café and Vines wine bar; the line’s second “Alfredo’s” pizzeria which was introduced earlier this year aboard Grand Princess; and the distinctive Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen.
More on the Sanctuary from Princess:
“Serenity Stewards” Attend To Every Need
The presence of Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary underscores the atmosphere of tranquility and service, offering a respite for relaxation. These stewards are on hand to provide passengers with everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizers, to a menu of healthy beverages and fare. Serenity Stewards will also have personal MP3 players with noise canceling headphones available, loaded with themed playlists focused on relaxation for those who want to escape with music.
Al Fresco Massages
The Sanctuary will also feature outdoor private cabanas where passengers can also take advantage of the exclusive Lotus Spa Services at The Sanctuary, including sybaritic favorites such as a Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, a relaxing Swedish Massage or a Full Body Lotus Massage especially for couples. Shorter interludes of massage pampering will also be available as massage therapists will offer back, shoulder, and neck massages using special massage chairs.
When not indulging in spa services, Sanctuary passengers lounge amidst lush greenery, with the presence of gentle breezes, ocean waves, and softly piped-in spa music combining to further insulate the area with relaxation sounds. Guests will relax on plush outdoor furniture including double loungers for couples, as well as deluxe chaise lounges and chairs.
And for those looking for a relaxing end to their day, sunset yoga sessions offer the opportunity to unwind and tone their muscles accompanied by nature’s beauty.
Refreshing Drinks And Healthy Snacks
Passengers can also refresh with a variety of special drinks and snacks created exclusively for The Sanctuary. Each day Serenity Stewards will be on hand to offer passengers an array of drinks and snacks. Signature Sanctuary beverages include healthy smoothies, energy drinks, iced flavored waters and freshly made lemonade. A menu featuring a selection of light bites such as refreshing fruit skewers and lettuce wrapped spring rolls will also be available through the Serenity Stewards.
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