Sapphire Princess

The main outdoor pool deck has a large pool, two hot tubs and loungers in both sun and shade, with a pool bar on the deck and another one level up. A grill serves burgers and hot dogs on one side, pizza is on the other, and an ice cream counter sits nearby. Higher up, the sun decks face the giant Movies Under the Stars screen, a concept Princess debuted, with popcorn and blankets on cooler evenings.

At the very top front of the ship, The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat guests can reserve for a fee, by the day or for the whole cruise. Expect padded loungers and day beds, elevated service, all-day food such as breakfast and bento boxes, and a couples' massage area. Numbers are kept low so it stays quiet. Just below, the Lotus Spa pool has a soaking pool, hot tubs and Asian-inspired design, steps from the spa.

The Horizon Court is the casual buffet, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with stations repeated on both sides of the ship. Look for a large salad bar, charcuterie, grab-and-go sandwiches, soups, a carving station and international dishes such as Indian curries. A kids' corner serves mac and cheese, tater tots and grilled cheese. Mornings bring an egg station, omelets and made-to-order waffles and pancakes, with complimentary coffee, tea and juices close by.

Skywalkers sits at the very top aft of the ship, with views all the way around. It's a nightclub at heart, entered by escalator, with a DJ booth, a full bar, a large lit dance floor and booths that seat big groups together. TVs come on for sporting events and karaoke. By day it's one of the quietest spaces on board, with plenty of natural light, and it also hosts activities and get-togethers.

Camp Discovery splits kids by age, with programming from Discovery and Animal Planet tied to the places the ship visits. The Treehouse (ages 3 to 7) has crafts, video games, a reading corner, a puppet theater and an outdoor play area. The Lodge (8 to 12) adds lounge seating, Nintendo Switch stations, foosball and science experiments. Teens 13 to 17 get the Beach House, with a stage for karaoke and dance parties, a DJ booth and movie nights.

The Lotus Spa covers massages, wraps, med-spa treatments, a full salon, teeth whitening, manicures and pedicures. The thermal suite (extra cost, by the day or for the cruise) has heated ergonomic loungers, a gentle sauna, aromatic steam and several experience showers. The locker rooms have their own complimentary sauna and steam room. The fitness center offers free weights, circuit machines and cardio, plus a studio for classes like TRX and spin.

Modeled on an Italian town square, the three-story Piazza is the ship's gathering place, with live music through the day and evening. Good Spirits serves specialty cocktails and hosts mixology demonstrations, the International Café has specialty coffee and light bites around the clock, Alfredo's Pizzeria bakes pizzas in an open kitchen, and Vines pours wine for tastings. Up above, the Crooners piano bar overlooks it all.

Sabatini's is the ship's Italian specialty restaurant (extra cost), open for dinner every evening, and suite guests can enjoy an elevated breakfast here too. An open kitchen sends the aromas your way as you walk in, and you can watch the chefs slicing cured meats. The menu runs from antipasti through an extensive selection of pastas to mains and dessert. Danny has dined here dozens of times and says he has had a great meal every time.