Grand class · Princess · In service since 2004
Sapphire Princess
Sapphire Princess is a Grand class cruise ship operated by Princess, in service since 2004. At about 115,875 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,670 guests and ranks #10 by size in the 17-ship Princess fleet we cover.
- 115,875 gross tons
- 2,670 guests
- 951 ft long
Photo: Yankeesman312, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Princess Cruises
- Ship class
- Grand class
- Entered service
- 2004 (22 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 115,875
- Guests
- 2,670
- Length
- 951 ft (290 m)
- Speed
- 21 knots
- Builder
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Flag
- United Kingdom
- IMO number
- 9228186
About Sapphire Princess
Sapphire Princess, delivered in 2004, was built by Mitsubishi in Nagasaki, Japan, alongside its twin, Diamond Princess. The pair are larger variants of the Grand-class design, with a layout that differs from the Italian-built sisters in several public areas. It has spent long stretches in Asia and Australia as well as North America. On board, you get Princess’s calm, traditional style: several pools, Movies Under the Stars, The Sanctuary and a choice of specialty restaurants. Cabins are dated compared with Royal- or Sphere-class ships, but the pace is easygoing and the crowd tends to be experienced cruisers.
Best for: Experienced travelers who want a calm, traditional Princess ship on varied, often longer itineraries.
Sapphire Princess highlights
- Built in Nagasaki, Japan, with a distinctive layout
- Movies Under the Stars
- The Sanctuary adults-only retreat
- Crown Grill and Sabatini’s
- Lotus Spa and fitness center
How Sapphire Princess compares in size
- Star Princess177,800
- Sun Princess175,500
- Enchanted Princess145,281
- Discovery Princess145,000
- Sky Princess145,000
- Majestic Princess144,216
- Regal Princess142,714
- Royal Princess142,714
- Diamond Princess115,906
- Sapphire Princess115,875
- Ruby Princess113,561
- Emerald Princess113,561
- Crown Princess113,561
- Caribbean Princess112,894
- Grand Princess108,806
- Island Princess92,822
- Coral Princess91,627
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Grand class sister ships
Sailing with Princess
Princess Cruises is a mid-priced, relaxed line known for Alaska, smooth MedallionClass technology and a calm, grown-up atmosphere with traditional touches. It sails almost everywhere, from Glacier Bay to Japan and the Mediterranean. It suits couples, retirees and multigenerational families who want comfort without big-ship thrills, less so travelers hunting for water parks or nightlife.
Read our full Princess guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Sapphire Princess FAQs
How big is Sapphire Princess?
Sapphire Princess measures about 115,875 gross tons and is about 951 feet (290 m) long. That makes it #10 of 17 Princess ships we cover by tonnage, and #97 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Sapphire Princess carry?
About 2,670 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Sapphire Princess built?
Sapphire Princess entered service in 2004 and was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Sapphire Princess?
Sapphire Princess belongs to Princess's Grand class, alongside Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess, Caribbean Princess, Diamond Princess, Grand Princess. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Sapphire Princess good for families?
Princess runs kids and teen clubs for ages 3 to 17, split by age, with science, art, games and Alaska-focused Junior Ranger activities on sailings there. The Sphere class’s Park19 adds a family play zone. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Sapphire Princess offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Princess official site.