Cruisetravel

Princess Cruises “The Sanctuary” Review and Photo Tour

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Sailing on a family cruise was a dream come true. Everyone had a great time. From the kids club to the dining, it made for a great family vacation!

We were so excited to make our first cruise together as a family with Princess Cruises aboard the Crown Princess. Tons of thanks to Princess Cruises PR for hosting us on this special cruise. All opinions are mine and those of family. We hope you enjoy this insight, review, and tips of the Princess Cruises California Coastal Cruise.

the sanctuary

I’m writing this post a week and a half after we returned from our cruise. I’m going to be honest, it’s hard to look at these pictures, especially of The Sanctuary, because I want to be back there right now!

We didn’t really discover The Sanctuary until the last full day and Pete and I both said this has to be at the top of the list of things to do on a Princess Cruise.

It was THAT awesome. Let’s talk more about it.

things for adults to do crown princess

The Sanctuary is located at the back of the ship in a somewhat secluded area. A few days before my oldest and I attended the astronomy session and it was right in front of The Sanctuary because the location is so quiet. 

When we were in The Sanctuary it wasn’t filled up… we also went on a port day so that might have helped. I’ve heard that it gets very busy so you will want to make your reservations as soon as you can. We just went over first thing in the morning to secure our spots. 

When we got there we paid for the upgrade fee to use The Sanctuary ($20 for 1/2 day and $40 for full-day per person, must be over 18). After that, we picked out our chairs, and then they got working on getting them ready for us. Since we did a half day, when we returned later that afternoon our lounge chairs were all prepared for us with towels and blankets.

the sanctuary on crown princess

Pete actually came up while I was getting a pedicure so this is how I found him when I arrived… I haven’t seen him this relaxed in a long time!

the sanctuary crown princess

We had the area to ourselves… but even if it had been full it wouldn’t have felt that way. There was a nice amount of space around each over-sized lounge chair.

adults only crown princess

relaxing in the sanctuary

crown princess sanctuary

The Sanctuary has its own special menu that you can order off of for a $3 per person delivery charge. The options are made to be on the healthier side and we found them all to be very tasty! Pete had the veggie burger (not pictured) so there are vegetarian options too!

Right when you arrive you are offered drinks and your water is topped off constantly. It’s a whole new level of pampering!

sanctuary food menu

And then at 3 pm, they serve traditional tea. I love tea! It’s the same tea that is served in the main dining room, but tea in The Sanctuary is a whole new experience. I was so bummed that it was the last day or I would have done this every single day had I know how awesome it would be. Pete’s not a “tea” person and they had coffee for him. 

afternoon tea princess cruises

It was such a relaxing afternoon… and you can even schedule massages in their private cabanas if you like. I highly recommend spending at least one day at The Sanctuary! You will love it!

How do you like to relax?

PS. See our complete Crown Princess, Princess Cruises Review and Detailed Daily Posts Here.

Heather Reese
the authorHeather Reese
Heather Delaney Reese is the storyteller and photographer behind the lifestyle and family travel blog, It's a Lovely Life®! For the past decade, she has vacationed over 150 days a year with her family. She is a vegan, and loves being by the water, spending time with her children, husband, 2 Shih Tzus and Cat.

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