It’s a cool January evening in Buenos Aires, and I’m standing in a crowd of locals, all tapping their toes to a throbbing tango rhythm. All around me: passion, precision, and the kind of confidence that comes from dancing for generations. This is how my 35-day odyssey on the Sapphire Princess begins – not with a whimper, but with a whirl. This grand voyage isn’t just a cruise; it’s a full-blown adventure, a parade of continents and cultures, where every port is a new page in a story you’ll be telling for years.
Before we get too swept away by the escapades ashore, let’s talk about the Sapphire Princess – the ship itself. Princess Cruises prides itself on comfort, warmth and that golden mean between luxury and friendliness, and the Sapphire Princess lives up to the reputation. There’s an airy piazza at the heart of the ship, over 700 private balconies (yes, I counted), and enough gourmet dining and entertainment venues to keep even the most restless traveller busy on sea days.
Evenings bring “Movies Under the Stars”- a jumbo screen by the pool – and twice on this cruise you’ll want your best frock or blazer for the formal nights (don’t worry, the atmosphere’s festive, not fussy). The adults-only Sanctuary is perfect for some quiet time; the Lotus Spa offers deep massage and even facials with Antarctic minerals. Onboard menus swing from South American classics to Asian fusion, with a chef’s table experience that’s worth the splurge. The two-story theatre hosts dazzling shows, but my favourite spot is on deck, watching the world slide by over the ship’s rail.
Embarkation kicks off in Argentina’s spellbinding capital. Buenos Aires is art deco, wide boulevards, and the irresistible drama of tango in every plaza. Take a local lesson – don’t worry, they’ll have you gliding at least a little – and fuel up with juicy steak and red wine. Visiting San Telmo for its antiques and street markets gives you a taste of the city’s vibrant, vintage soul. Set aside time for the haunting beauty of Recoleta Cemetery, where legends lie in crypts shaded by aged trees. Each evening, the city pulses with energy – a fitting prelude to the wild places ahead.
January is prime time for Antarctica. The Antarctic summer glimmers (relatively speaking), days stretch long and bright, and wildlife comes alive. Penguins shuffle about with their chicks; seals and whales nurse their young as glaciers thunder in the distance. The Sapphire Princess turns southwards, crossing the Drake Passage with anticipation crackling through the ship. There are few places on earth more humbling than Antarctica: sculpted icebergs litter the channel, powder-blue against pristine horizons.
You might catch a lecture with the ship’s naturalists or watch from the balcony as the ship glides past a pod of orcas. Zodiac excursions get you close to the action – crunching through brash ice, eye-level with Antarctic terns or stately Gentoo penguins. The silence in these frozen landscapes is almost spiritual; the scale, indescribable. You won’t want to leave, but the dance of continents calls.
From pure white silence to riotous colour – the arrival in Rio de Janeiro is a sensory explosion. Sugarloaf Mountain watches over the city, Christ the Redeemer’s arms wide above golden beaches. Head to Copacabana and Ipanema for people-watching and samba, then visit Lapa’s tiled steps and sample local street food (think cheesy pão de queijo and sticky-sweet brigadeiros). Every bend unveils another glittering vista, and the city’s famed energy is infectious. Spend an afternoon at Jardim Botânico and watch the monkeys chase through royal palms; in the evening, let live samba bands lead you out of your comfort zone. The Sapphire Princess sails away surrounded by music and laughter.
A few days later, the Canary Islands beckon. Lanzarote – sometimes overlooked, but never underestimate the drama here. Imagine black lava landscapes, white villages, and palm trees against cobalt blue sky. Docking in Arrecife, take a stroll along the seafront or grab a shuttle if you’re keen to dig deeper. The island’s volcanic legacy means surreal caves and geysers to explore. Pop into a bodega for a glass of Malvasia, the local wine – crisp, floral, and uniquely Lanzarote.
If you’re an art lover, don’t miss César Manrique’s house for a glimpse of how nature and design blend on this island. If beaches are more your thing, Playa Blanca and Playa Papagayo are serene stretches of golden sand washed by the Atlantic.
A stop in Casablanca is a plunge into another world entirely: sprawling markets, palm-shaded boulevards, and the behemoth Hassan II Mosque – one of the largest in the world. The city’s port is just 1.5km from downtown, but best to hop a shuttle or taxi. Spend a morning bargaining for spices in the Old Medina, or take a guided tour to Quartier Habous for handicrafts and pastries. Casablanca’s allure is in juicy contrasts – modest attire in mosques, exuberant colour in the souks. Don’t leave without tasting a tagine (lamb, prunes and almonds, slow-cooked to perfection) and noting the city’s gentle French echoes.
The cruise’s final stop is Barcelona – foodie heaven. Here, the ship’s chef has some stiff competition. Spend hours browsing La Boqueria or Santa Caterina markets. Sample Catalán staples: jamón ibérico, creamy Manchego, and an endless parade of tapas. Set sail on a cocktail catamaran or take a paella-making class if you’re so inclined. Barcelona’s cuisine is as bold and creative as its famous Gaudí buildings – fresh, colourful, and utterly unforgettable.
In the evening, catch local musicians improvising in the Gothic Quarter or settle in for dinner at a breezy seaside café. The Mediterranean sun sets, casting honeyed light across the city’s rooftops – one last gift.
What makes this 35-day voyage truly special is the contrast and variety: icy Antarctica, pulsing mega-cities, volcanic islands, Moorish mosaics, and decadent Mediterranean flavours. No two days are alike. The Sapphire Princess is more than just a vessel between ports; she’s your home, your retreat, and your ticket to worlds you may only visit once. Whether it’s learning to tango in Buenos Aires, whale watching in Antarctica, samba in Rio, hiking lava fields in Lanzarote, bargaining in Casablanca’s markets, or devouring tapas in Barcelona, each stop is a highlight.
For lovers of diversity, adventure, and culinary delight—there’s simply nothing like it. And when you finally step off the Sapphire Princess, suitcase full and mind spinning, you’ll realise: the world’s riches aren’t just found in one place, but in the journey itself.
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