Curious about the latest updates on the Sapphire Princess cruiseship inside cabins after the 2023 dry dock? In this detailed Princess Cruises review, we’ll walk you through the inside cabin experience, highlighting updates from the recent refurbishment, and sharing our honest opinion on what has changed. With our top Princess Cruises tips and tricks, you’ll get insights into cabin features, comfort upgrades, and the latest MedallionClass technology. Whether you’re new to Princess Cruises or planning a 2024 voyage, this inside cabin tour covers everything you need to know—from onboard amenities and what’s new to practical advice for making the most of your stateroom on the Sapphire Princess.
Background: Sapphire Princess Dry Dock Highlights
The Sapphire Princess recently underwent a two-week refurbishment in Portland, Oregon. The biggest transformation you’ll see? The striking new HD screen for Movies Under the Stars, providing a high-definition outdoor entertainment experience. Other enhancements included improvements to ventilation, plumbing, reupholstered furnishings, and state-of-the-art sound and automation upgrades in the theater, which promises a more immersive experience during onboard shows. While the public spaces saw the most attention, updates to inside cabins were more subtle, as many cabin improvements—such as the MedallionClass experience and re-carpeting—were added over the years leading up to this dry dock.
Inside Cabin Tour: What to Expect
1. Room Layout & Closet Space
Inside cabins on the Sapphire Princess have a cozy yet functional layout, with the open closet positioned conveniently near the door and opposite the bathroom. This design offers ample hanging space, with a large shelf above for extra storage. Next to the closet, you’ll find a mirrored shelving unit with six adjustable shelves for organizing smaller items. An additional tip: we like to relocate the life vests to the overhead shelf in the closet area, which frees up even more accessible storage.
See our Full Video Walkthrough on YouTube by clicking below:
2. Bathroom Features
The bathroom layout is typical for most Princess Cruises’ inside cabins: a single sink with a reasonable-sized vanity and three small shelves for toiletries. You’ll find the shower on the opposite side of the sink, with a retractable clothesline that’s great for drying swimwear. Amenities include Princess-branded shampoo and body wash in large bottles, but you may want to bring your own conditioner. There’s no magnifying mirror provided, so if you like to bring your own, we recommend a suction-cup style for flexibility.
3. Comfortable Cabin Bed & Climate Control
The Princess Luxury Bed lives up to its name, offering a comfortable night’s sleep with high-quality linens. However, our biggest cabin comfort question—was there a noticeable change in air conditioning? In our cabin, it felt fine, though we noted some temperature inconsistencies in the hallway during our cruise, a reminder that climate control can vary in older ships. If you’re sensitive to temperature, pack an extra layer or light blanket just in case.
4. Updated Technology: MedallionClass Experience and In-Room TV
Every Sapphire Princess cabin now includes the MedallionClass experience, which streamlines check-in, onboard purchases, and door access. Your stateroom is also equipped with a flat-screen television with various entertainment options. Both of these updates were rolled out across the fleet a few years ago, but they enhance the convenience and connectivity on board, which was once limited to public spaces.
Our Favorite Tips & Tricks for Inside Cabins on Sapphire Princess (click the highlighted text link for more information)
Utilize Magnetic Hooks
With limited space, magnetic hooks can be a game-changer. Use them to hang hats, jackets, lanyards, or even cords, keeping everything off the floor and more accessible.Bring a Portable Mirror and Night Light
Inside cabins don’t have natural lighting, so a small portable nightlight can be helpful for navigating at night. The suction-cup mirror is useful if you prefer a magnified mirror for makeup or shaving and allows flexibility in placement.Use an Over-the-Door Organizer
This is one of our favorite cruise tips, especially for inside cabins where countertop space is limited. An over-the-door organizer on the bathroom door keeps everything from toiletries to sunscreen organized and out of the way.Luggage Storage Under the Bed
With 13 inches of clearance, there’s plenty of space under the bed for suitcases and bags, freeing up more closet space for clothing and other essentials.Laundry Options
Inside cabins do not include complimentary laundry service unless you’re a Captain’s Circle Elite member. However, you can do laundry in the ship’s laundromats, available for a small fee. We bring laundry detergent sheets for convenience and use them for both the sink and washing machines.
What’s New in the Inside Cabin?
If you’re curious about changes to the inside cabins post-dry dock, here’s a quick rundown. While the overall layout remains the same, the cabin includes several previously added enhancements that have become standard across Princess Cruises. Key updates you’ll notice include the Princess Luxury Bed, designed for maximum comfort, and an in-room flat-screen television that complements the MedallionClass experience, allowing for easy access to entertainment and on-demand services. The cabin itself didn’t undergo any major new alterations in this dry dock, but you can count on fresh carpeting and a clean, inviting look.
Our Final Assessment
So, did the latest dry dock bring big changes to inside cabins? Not really. The upgrades to public areas—like the Movies Under the Stars screen, theater sound, and ventilation—definitely added appeal to the ship overall, but our cabin felt familiar and comfortable rather than noticeably different. With the Sapphire Princess’s unique itineraries, including routes to South America and Antarctica, it’s a great ship choice, especially if you’re looking for a deal.
Is an Inside Cabin Right for You?
If you’re the type of traveler who spends minimal time in your room, an inside cabin is a budget-friendly option that lets you cruise more frequently. While small, these cabins are well-appointed and comfortable for those who prioritize exploring the ship and ports over having a balcony or ocean view.
We Want to Hear from You!
Have you sailed on the Sapphire Princess recently, or do you have a favorite inside cabin tip? Comment below or on our YouTube video, with your thoughts and experiences. Remember, all proceeds from our channel are donated to charity, so every view, like, or comment makes a difference. We’ve also placed links to some of the items we mentioned in this video’s description—using these links helps support our mission, with no extra cost to you.
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