Sapphire Princess Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Posted on 7 June, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

Princess Cruises Sapphire Princess has completed its 20th year in service.

Built at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Japan, the cruise ship was delivered to the company on May 27, 2004.

After crossing the Pacific Ocean, the Sapphire Princess arrived in Seattle for its christening ceremony in 2024 following its delivery.

The event took place at the port on June 10, 2004, and included Nancy Murkowski, the wife of Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski, serving as godmother.

Three days later, the Sapphire Princess kicked off its inaugural season, which included a series of seven-night cruises to Alaska and Canada sailing roundtrip from Seattle.

After a fall season offering ten-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera from San Francisco, the 2,600-guest ship repositioned to Australia for the 2004-05 winter.

At the time, the ship became the newest and largest to ever sail in the region, offering itineraries to New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The Sapphire Princess continued to cruise in the Pacific Ocean during most of its career, with itineraries also visiting Southeast Asia and the Far East.

In 2014, the vessel was chosen to introduce the Princess Cruises brand to the Chinese market as the Sapphire Princess sailed from Shanghai for a four-month season that included itineraries to various destinations in South Korea.

Four years later, the ship debuted in Europe with a series of cruises departing from Southampton in England.

In recent years, the Sapphire Princess has been spending summer in Alaska before heading south for winter programs in South America and Antarctica.

In 2024, the ship is also scheduled to offer cruises in the Caribbean before heading to the South Atlantic and debuting in Brazil.

A sister to the 2004-built Diamond Princess, the Sapphire Princess project was based on Princess Cruises’ Grand class.

Slightly larger than its predecessors, the ship has undergone several refurbishments during its 20-year career.

As part of one of its most recent refits, it received new Princess Luxury beds, in addition to upgrades to public areas including its fitness centre, spa and retail shops.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance to Resume Service

Posted on 12 September, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

The Radiance of the Seas is set to return to revenue service on Sept. 15, Royal Caribbean International confirmed.

After seeing two cruises cancelled due to propulsion issues, the 2001-built vessel is set to resume its regular schedule in Alaska.

“Our Marine technical team has given us green light and we’re thrilled to announce that the Radiance of the Seas will be returning to service,” the company said in a statement sent to booked guests.

“With repairs wrapping up and sea trial preparations underway, we’re now able to confirm our ability to sail as intended,” Royal Caribbean added.

The company also explained that the Radiance’s technical issue was contained to the propulsion system, impacting only the ship’s speed and ability to make it to ports on time.

“In response to some comments seen and heard, seaworthiness was never in question,” the statement continued.

“Thank you for your patience and continued understanding as we worked to resolve this issue. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or looking to explore, relax and recharge – we have no doubt your time with us will be nothing short of amazing,” Royal Caribbean concluded.

Concluding its summer program in Alaska, the Radiance of the Seas continues to offer seven-night cruises in the region through late September.

Sailing from Seward and Vancouver, the itineraries feature visits to several destinations, such as Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.

The Sep. 15 sailing, for instance, sails from Seward to Vancouver and features six ports of call in Alaska and Canada.

Following a repositioning cruise via the Panama Canal, the Radiance of the Seas is set to launch a winter season in the Caribbean in October.

Based out of Tampa, the 2,000-guest ship is scheduled to offer a series of four- to seven-night cruises to Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas that extend through early April 2024.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruises Onboard Radiance of the Seas

Posted on 7 September, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International is cancelling a second sailing onboard the Radiance of the Seas.

Facing propulsion problems, the 2001-built vessel remained docked in Seward since Sep. 1 and is no longer going to sail as scheduled on Sep. 8.

“As you may know, Radiance of the Seas’ propulsion system experienced a technical issue. Our crew started working on restoring the system immediately and we deployed the best experts,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement sent to booked guests.

“Despite our efforts, we were unable to complete the needed repairs to make it in time to Vancouver. As a result, we’ll be cancelling our Radiance of the Seas September 8th, 2023 sailing,” the company added.

Spending the summer in Alaska, the 2,000-guest vessel was scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise on that date.

Sailing from Vancouver to Seward, the open-jaw itinerary included visits to Juneau, Sitka, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, in addition to scenic cruising at the Hubbard Glacier.

“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news,” Royal Caribbean said.

Affected passengers will receive a full refund of the fare paid for the cruise, in addition to a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year.

The reimbursement will be processed within 14 business days, Royal Caribbean said and will include taxes and fees, pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, shore excursions and any flights purchased through the company.

Royal Caribbean will also reimburse guests for non-refundable pre-purchased travel fees incurred, including flight, hotel, train ticket or rental car. The company is set to cover up to $250 per guest for domestic changes or up to $500 per guest for international changes.

Citing propulsion problems, Royal Caribbean had already cancelled the Sep. 1 sailing onboard the Radiance of the Seas.