Cruise News
As Sapphire Princess returns to Southampton for the summer, Princess Cruises has announced the ships’ namesake gin-based cocktail will be served exclusively onboard the vessel.
The ‘Sapphire Princess’ was created in partnership with the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, located in nearby Hampshire at Laverstoke Mill.
Inspired by the 2,670-guest ship and its Mediterranean ports of call, the bright blue-hued drink is the newest addition to the ship’s cocktail menu, complementing the extensive beverage options already available onboard.
New Shore Excursion
Princess Cruises has introduced an exciting new excursion for 2019. The visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery will be available on the day of disembarkation in Southampton. The in-depth tour offers guests the chance to learn the process of gin production, taste the signature botanicals for which the distillery is renowned and toast their holiday. For more information on the tour read my post Bombay Sapphire Distillery with Princess Cruises.
I was very fortunate to be invited by Princess Cruises to enjoy a guided tour at Laverstoke Mill hosted by Sam Carter, Senior Brand Ambassador for the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. After the tour we were treated to a very special class on how to make the Sapphire Princess Cocktail.
The drink includes a generous measure of Bombay Sapphire gin, which is itself made with botanical ingredients sourced from several of the countries and destinations Sapphire Princess sails to.
Sapphire Princess Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 45ml Bombay Sapphire Gin
- 15ml Blue Curacao
- 15ml MARTINI Bianco Vermouth
- 15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Splash of Prosecco
Glassware: chilled martini cocktail glass
Method: Squeeze the lemon juice into a cocktail shaker and add all other ingredients (except the sparkling wine) including lots of cubed ice and shake well for 10 seconds. Using a fine tea strainer, strain the cocktail into a martini cocktail glass and add a splash of Prosecco. Garnish by squeezing an orange peel disc over the drink, allowing the oils from the orange skin to rest on the top of the drink. Then using a knife, make a cut 1/3rd of the way through the orange peel disc and place on the rim edge of the glass.
Here’s a video I took from our class with Sam Carter.
The cocktail’s mixers include Blue Curacao to evoke the sea. A splash of Prosecco signifies the fizz and bubbles created by waves in the water.
Sapphire Princess Offers
Sapphire Princess will spend April – October 2019 sailing to a variety of destinations from Southampton including the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords and Canada & New England.
The new cocktail is available on sailings including:
An 11-day Canary Islands cruise, departing October 8, 2019 on Sapphire Princess. Sailing roundtrip from Southampton. Ports of call include Vigo, Spain, Madeira (Portugal), Santa Cruz De Tenerife (Spain), Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), Lanzarote (Canary Islands). Prices from £1,099 per person click here for details.
A 14-day Mediterranean Adventurer cruise, departing August 17, 2019 on Sapphire Princess. Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, ports of call include Seville (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (Provence – France), Livorno (Florence/Pisa – Italy) Civitavecchia (Rome – Italy), Alghero (Sardinia), Ceuta (Spanish Morocco – Spain). Prices from £1,249 per person click here for details.
To book visit www.princess.com
For a tour of the ship, check out the video of me with Ben and David having a bit of fun onboard Sapphire Princess.
