Mission Accomplished: Princess Cruises’ Fleetwide Rollout of “The Sanctuary” Afloat & Relaxation For The Landlocked

The Sanctuary: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Aboard Sapphire Princess

When The Sanctuary debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess, Princess Cruises knew they had a winning feature. It was an instant success as the perfect spot for adult passengers to enjoy a relaxing break and indulge in a private getaway with plush seating, massage cabanas, signature beverages, light meals, attentive service by “serenity stewards,” and soothing personal entertainment. Now, with the snip of a ribbon aboard Sapphire Princess, the line has marked the completion of a three-year project to add their signature “pocket of tranquility”—The Sanctuary—across the fleet. The popular no-kids-allowed retreat is available on 14 Princess ships (sadly, small ships Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess do not offer it).

To make room for the newest Sanctuary, the sports court on Sapphire Princess was relocated to a new space on top of Skywalkers nightclub. This new area high atop the ship also offers extra lounge chairs and dramatic ocean views. The installation of The Sanctuary on Sapphire Princess marks the beginning of a transformation for the ship, which will receive many more Princess hallmark features when it goes into drydock from Jan 7 to Feb 4, 2012. During this extensive revitalization, the ship will receive the signature Piazza atrium with its International Café and Vines wine bar; the line’s second “Alfredo’s” pizzeria which was introduced earlier this year aboard Grand Princess; and the distinctive Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen.

Not Sailing Soon?
No worries, Princess has a relaxing option for those of us who are currently landlocked. To offer a unique way to get away from our everyday routines, Princess Cruises has launched its own radio station on Pandora Internet radio. A first in the cruise industry, the new Princess Cruises Radio features three musical options: the “Relax” station playing soothing easy listening music, the “Rejuvenate” station with more lively, up-tempo sounds, and the “Escape Completely” station for a blend of both relaxing and energizing tracks. Just choose which option you prefer by sliding a controller shaped like a Princess ship.

As Cruise Diva discovered, the music featured on the new Princess station is wide-ranging, with a playlist heavily inspired by the sounds of the 60s, 70s, and 80s—eras that evoke memories of good times for many of us—music that reminds us of positive life events and celebrations. Sort of a way to turn back the clock for those of us who are (ahem) “seasoned” sailors.

Complementing Princess Cruises Radio is a series of a videos available through the Pandora station called “Escape Breaks” that offer you a brief, relaxing cruise-related moments—from watching a sunset to seeing an Alaskan glacier calving into the sea.

In the image above, Sapphire Princess Captain Ivan Jerman cuts the ribbon to open the new Sanctuary with assistance from Cruise Director Tim Donovan (from left) and Hotel General Manager Melania Parnisari. Also on hand were (rear, from left) the Serenity Stewards, Maitre d’ Jean Paul Musiu, Food & Beverage Director Roman Moser, Executive Housekeeper Monico Reyes, Assistant Maitre d’ Vitor Silva, and Customer Services Director Giancarlo Cappa.