Princess Cruises Sapphire Princess

Drinks Overview

Sapphire Princess boasted more than a dozen dedicated bars sprinkled across the ship. Bar service could also be ordered at the pool areas, inside the theater, and at the casino. We particularly enjoyed Crooners, where martinis were shaken against Promenade Deck views (great at sunset) and Skywalkers Nightclub, which was a terrific place for reading and enjoying the view during the day, followed by light (very light) dance music at night.

One of the ship’s bars appears to be semi-permanently closed: The Wake View Bar, reached by a remote circular staircase from the back of Club Fusion, was never staffed during our cruise, but proved a good hideaway for those playing board games or cards. You’ll see a few photos of this hideaway on the Club Fusion page.

A 15-percent service charge was added to all drink orders. The minimum age for drinking was 21.

Beer & Wine

The wine list on Sapphire Princess was not the most extensive (about 90 bottles) but virtually the entire selection was priced under $40. There were a few celebrities in the bunch (Opus One for $169; Ornellaia super Tuscan for $140), but we noted a number of passengers brought their own wine aboard.

Wines available by the glass included Chateau St. Michelle Riesling, Kendall-Jackson chardonnay, Robert Mondavi pinot noir, Ravenswood zinfandel, at prices ranging $6.25-$7.95. Korbel brut reserve was available in 187ml bottles for $7.25.

The beer selection included the usual domestic favorites for $4.25, plus Bass, Dos Equis, Blue Moon and Beck’s for $4.95.

Mixed Drinks

Martinis were priced $7.95 and included the traditional “007 Classic,” plus Key Lime Pie, Cosmopolitan and Passionada. There was a long list of margaritas at most of the bars, all $7.50, as were other mixed drinks such as the Beverly Hills Iced Tea, mojitos and mai tais.

Spirits started at $5.50 for Canadian Club bourbon, Dewar’s White Label scotch and Absolut vodka; Bombay Sapphire gin, Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch and Grey Goose vodka were $6.95.

Drink Packages

Several drink packages were available for cabin consumption. A six-pack was available for the price of five for beer ($21.25) and soda ($9.75); four 187ml bottles of wine were $25 (brand unspecified) and a beer and wine package availed three 187ml bottles of wine and four beers for $32. There was also non-alcoholic drink package: the Ultimate Kids Package of unlimited soft drinks, mocktails, milk shakes and juices was $7 per day, “for kids aged 2 to 102.”

Non-alcoholic Options

Non-alcoholic cocktails included the No-Jito, Sunshine Daiquiri and Key West Cooler, all priced $4. A coffee card was priced $29 for 15 drinks at the International Café, a good deal for those wanting a better grade of java.