Royal Princess - what do I need to know.

Hi folks,

Getting ready for my first cruise in a year, and looking forward to it. Royal Princess, Eastern Caribbean. I've been on the Grand/Ruby/Crown several times, but this will be my first on the new Royal.

For those who have been, how do they compare, and what are the things I need to check out when I board? I want to book the Crown Grill for the formal nights, as we don't do formal nights, but mostly for us it's about the pool area and sunshine. It is laid out significantly different from the Grand Class of ships?

Thanks for any advice!

Go to Alfredo's sooner rather than later...it is a great place for embarkation lunch! Then you can sit and look at the beautiful piazza.

Just go and enjoy every gorgeous inch of it. Don't sweat the small stuff...there are some big differences, as you've read about, that you'll get over in no time. I'm jealous...I'd go on it again tomorrow! :)

Just got off the Royal today......been on Ruby, Emerald and Coral...my husband and I both liked them better. Very confusing layout on Royal..had a good cruise, but not a great cruise...We aren't picky at all about food, but were not impressed with the the food in either... dining room or buffet this time. Seemed bland this time. We loved the colors and faux wood, it's a beautiful ship....and, really, any cruise is better than no cruise!!!

Sent from my KFJWI using Forums mobile app

7 more weeks for us.

My husband and I absolutely loved the Royal Princess! It was our favorite ship, the best staff and the best food we have had on any of our cruises. We fell in love with the wait staff we had the first night during any time dining and when we didn't get them the second night dinner was just dinner and we missed them so we ended up booking a table in their section for the rest of the cruise. Even though we were in an inside cabin, our room steward treated us as if we were suite passengers.

We did not find the new layout confusing but rather very easy to acclimate to. We did not find any of the issues others have complained about to actually be issues at all, to us they were simply differences. Shouldn't we expect differences on a new class of ships? On the first day there were certainly elevator issues just as there have been on every ship I have been on because everyone seems to be going to the same places at the same times on embarkation day. After that first day we waited less time for elevators than we had on our other Princess cruises which made the lack of a central stair case no big deal. Granted, it was clear that there were people who had made up their mind before getting on the ship that it was going to be a big problem and thus they truly believed it was a problem (I heard whining all the time). I wouldn't have minded having the option to take the stairs mid-ship but it was no problem not having them.

The ship never felt crowded to us which was surprising considering the size. The only place we did actually have trouble enjoying was Alfredo's. On our cruise, that place was packed at opening time all the way through lunch on every sea day.

I don't think there is anything that you need to rush to check out as soon as you board unless you are planning to book the Sanctuary or Enclave. I like to see as much of the ship as possible so we did make sure to tour the Sanctuary and Enclave on embarkation day as we knew that we wouldn't have the chance again.

Have an excellent cruise!!

thank you for all the info

We are booked for a 10 night cruise out of New York in Oct, how much was the Enclave?

Thanks, Anne

My husband and I absolutely loved the Royal Princess! It was our favorite ship, the best staff and the best food we have had on any of our cruises. We fell in love with the wait staff we had the first night during any time dining and when we didn't get them the second night dinner was just dinner and we missed them so we ended up booking a table in their section for the rest of the cruise. Even though we were in an inside cabin, our room steward treated us as if we were suite passengers.

 

We did not find the new layout confusing but rather very easy to acclimate to. We did not find any of the issues others have complained about to actually be issues at all, to us they were simply differences. Shouldn't we expect differences on a new class of ships? On the first day there were certainly elevator issues just as there have been on every ship I have been on because everyone seems to be going to the same places at the same times on embarkation day. After that first day we waited less time for elevators than we had on our other Princess cruises which made the lack of a central stair case no big deal. Granted, it was clear that there were people who had made up their mind before getting on the ship that it was going to be a big problem and thus they truly believed it was a problem (I heard whining all the time). I wouldn't have minded having the option to take the stairs mid-ship but it was no problem not having them.

 

The ship never felt crowded to us which was surprising considering the size. The only place we did actually have trouble enjoying was Alfredo's. On our cruise, that place was packed at opening time all the way through lunch on every sea day.

 

I don't think there is anything that you need to rush to check out as soon as you board unless you are planning to book the Sanctuary or Enclave. I like to see as much of the ship as possible so we did make sure to tour the Sanctuary and Enclave on embarkation day as we knew that we wouldn't have the chance again.

 

Have an excellent cruise!!

Very confusing layout on Royal..

I've always been confused about people who say this. I found the actual deck layout of the public spaces quite similar to that of the Grand-class ships. For the most part, the main venues (Princess Theater, shops, casino, atrium with Vines and the International Cafe, aft lounge, lido buffet, the three MDR's) were all in the same place. Sabatini's (not in the same location on all ships) is in a different location (forward of Vines wine bar), but once you knew where it was it really was not an issue. And if you can remember that the Wheelhouse Bar and Crown Grill are now combined, your ahead of the game as the Crown Grill is in the same location.

The interior promenade deck still runs from the Princess Theater to the Vista Lounge as it does on the other Grand-class, although the aft lounge may go by a different name (i.e. Club Fusion).

There are several brand new venues (Alfredo's, Gelato, Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar) in the atrium not on other ships so this may throw some people off since they've never seen them before.

I disembarked a 10-day cruise on the Sapphire yesterday and while the Sapphire is one of my favorite ships, I kept comparing food, service, experience with the Royal and realized that the Royal thoroughly spoiled us for other ships. I didn't find the Royal's layout confusing at all. There are differences between most Princess ships so it always takes a little while to figure out and adjust, no matter what ship I'm on. I can't WAIT to re-board her in September. To be honest, the food quality and variety in the Horizon Court was so great, we never made it to the dining room. We even kept our wine stored in the HC for dinner each night.

Pam, 6 years ago we were on the Sapphire through Alaska. At the time, everything was wonderful, accept the food. For some reason on our July sailing, the food was barely edible: very salty, low quality, poor selections- salad wilty-

I actually lost 5 pounds! (DH joked that maybe Princess should advertise as a weight loss cruise) Other people were talking as well how absolutely dreadful the food was on our sailing. We will be on the Royal in a few weeks, and I have not read any complaints about the food, so we are hoping for the best. Since you have been on both ships, I'm just curious if the Sapphire food was on par with the Royal. We did love the Sapphire itself- All the workers were extremely nice and the ship itself was lovely. I don't think the Sanctuary was on the ship yet--

We spent sea days in glass enclosed pool area (I think it was an adult area) it was just heaven. Anita

We just got off the Sapphire on March 1st, thought the food was excellent as usual.

I have never experienced food as bad as you describe on any Princess cruise.

Hi folks,

 

Getting ready for my first cruise in a year, and looking forward to it. Royal Princess, Eastern Caribbean. I've been on the Grand/Ruby/Crown several times, but this will be my first on the new Royal.

 

For those who have been, how do they compare, and what are the things I need to check out when I board? I want to book the Crown Grill for the formal nights, as we don't do formal nights, but mostly for us it's about the pool area and sunshine. It is laid out significantly different from the Grand Class of ships?

 

Thanks for any advice!

We were on the Royal in February and had no problems getting around, just keep the map they give you with you for the first few days. It was easier than other ships. Did not find a problem with the center stairs, just used the forward and aft stairs. Food was excellent. My husband loved the pastery shop in the Horizon Bistro (next to the Horizon Buffet) No problems getting a booking with Crown Grill just book early in the day or the day before. The thing we found strange was at dinner women were allowed to wear shorts to the dining room room but not the men!!! We did notice less people dressed up for the formal nights. The one thing we did find a little annoying, the Princess Theater was small for the number of passengers so in order to get seats you have to get there at least 1/2 hour before the show. One show we had to sit in different rows. It seems people went to both the early and late show, don't know why. A little inconsiderate so everyone could see the show. Also, if you want to see the shows at night on MUTS get there a little early those seats go very fast.

Loved the Royal - hated all the people at the adult pool on sea days!

Alfredo's was great - we went there when we first boarded the ship and another time during the week - yummy pizza and calzones.

Layout was fine - we always take the stairs, so didn't experience any elevator problem. Saw people waiting a bit for them, but that seemed normal.

Toilet paper holder was just fine (for those who think it's hard to get to) :)

Excellent food and service in Concerto dining room - Olesya and Roger were our servers and couldn't have been better.

Room steward didn't want to be there, but still got the job done.

Wonderful cruise. We will be on a smaller ship next time though.

Crown Grill was wonderful

Kim

We are going in April. We booked 8:15 traditional dining. In the past we booked 6pm traditional. Will this be a conflict with the shows and activites?

If we do not do dining one evening do we have to let them know we are dining somewhere else that evening?

We were on the Royal March 2 - 9 and absolutely loved the ship - no complaints at all other than we had to leave! We have sailed on many Princess ships and love them all and the Royal has some new features, which are great as well as some old favorites. We never had a problem with the elevators and the "lack" of central stairs was not an issue at all for us.

Loved Horizon Court and the Pastry Shop - always had something for everyone and never had trouble finding a place to sit. We loved it so much we never went to the dining room but did go to the Crown Grill twice and it was wonderful!

The crew is one of the best we have ever seen - always energetic and friendly. Loved the Vista Lounge as the seating makes it easy for everyone to see the stage. Ye Olde Pub night was hysterical.

Go and enjoy everything the Royal has to offer! We would sail the Royal again in a heartbeat!!

We are going in April. We booked 8:15 traditional dining. In the past we booked 6pm traditional. Will this be a conflict with the shows and activites?

If we do not do dining one evening do we have to let them know we are dining somewhere else that evening?

I had 8:15 dining. The production shows are shown three times during

The evening. One if them is before dinner. So I always saw the show

Then whet to eat. It looks like the early show is easier to get a seat.

As I stated above, 6 years ago, on the sailing that I was on, the food really was that bad on Sapphire.----Complaints seem to be limited to the sailing that I was on, many complaints, so it wasn't just me, for the record. All I was saying is that hopefully that was an isolated sailing with horrid food. Good to know that on recent sailings the food was for the most part, at least ok. I really liked that ship. So far most people have stated the the food on Royal is good to excellent- hopefully my sailing week won't be a fluke!

Loved the Royal - hated all the people at the adult pool on sea days!

What was the problem with the adult pool that made you hate everybody? Are you referring to the retreat pool?

The Royal is a beautiful ship but it's misses outweigh it's pluses for us. Biggest issues for me was the overall terrible quality of the food in the HC. The service in the HC was also bad. The central staircase wasn't an issue. But the elevators were usually an issue. I doubt we'll ever book a cruise on her or the Regal. That is unless there was an itinerary we just had to sail and if they've definitely solved the aft soot issues. Having sailed the Royal and seeing just how tiny the regular balconies really are, I would only book the larger aft facing suites. The soot was a real issue for us back in October.....

Bob

Food is probably the single most subjective aspect of a cruise. Someone who couldn't find anything worth eating in the Horizon Court, finding the overall quality of the food terrible and the service bad, can be countered in the LIVE report from the same cruise from folks who were eating in that same venue for literally every meal and found it quite good, with the service being gracious, courteous, and friendly. And it has happened. Did happen.

I spent two weeks on Royal Princess this past December, ate in every single venue at least once, and found the overall food quality much better than what I had experienced the year before on Ruby Princess.

For the OP, some things to know if you already don't:

- The passenger stateroom corridors are all lined with 1000 amazing photographs from contest winners. Take time to enjoy some of them.

- On the last evening of the cruise, all of the different fountain shows play in sequence. It's nice to see if you happened to miss them during the week.

- Make your specialty dinning reservations as soon as you embark and before eating lunch. Go to the venue itself after dropping off your luggage and speak with the Maitre D. It beats waiting on the Dine Line.

- Instead of the Horizon Court for embarkation lunch, head for Alfredo's. All of the food is complimentary, beverages are extra charge. They have an excellent Summer Sangria. Or try a Cuban Sandwich at the International Cafe with the Soup of the Day and some fresh made cookies. All the food at the IC is also complimentary.

- Grab a Chili and Lime Crab Margarita from Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar. It's not a drink, but a margarita glass full of crab meat and avocado. For only 6$ it's a great deal.

- Try a Brownie Blast sundae with Nutella ice cream at Gelato. Yum! Gelato has a lot of wonderful sundaes (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), banana splits, as well as large waffle cones. In the afternoon the reportedly have sweet crepes. Use can use your Cafe Selects Coffee Card here as well to pay for the purchases.

- In the evening, Trident Grill has BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and wings.

- The first showing in the Princess Theater seemed to be the least busy, the 8:30pm showing always the most packed. Get there at least 30 minutes ahead of time for a good seat if going to the later shows.

- Pub Lunch is held twice; on the first full sea day and on the the final sea day. Both had slightly different menus. Get there early if possible, it starts at 11:30am and is held at the Crown Grill and Wheelhouse Bar.

- They still have a Free afternoon tea, but also a special Royal Afternoon Tea held in the seating area of the atrium under Bellini's. It's 10$ per person and uses larger, more upscale finger foods and special blends of teas. I really enjoyed it.

- Speaking of Bellini's, try one, They are delicious!

- Vines is a nice place to relax in the late morning and very early in the afternoon. There are lots of large windows overlooking the ocean.

- There is no wrap around Promenade Deck, but instead there are large seating areas amid ship outside of Crooners/Facets, and aft outside of The Vista Lounge. The aft seating areas have wonderful padded loungers, the ones amid ship has wicker-styled chairs and tables. If you need a place for walking or running, there is a circuit track topside. Seven times around is a mile.

- Try the SeaWalk at least once. It may be gimmicky, but it is a wonderful view forward and aft, and looking down.

- The Horizon Terrace aft of the Horizon Court is a great outdoor place to sit with your food or drink. Try the complimentary chips and salsa that come with your tasty beverage from the Outrigger Bar.

- Don't forget The Pastry Shop at breakfast with fresh made waffles. Or the International Cafe with their version of the Egg McMuffin. There is also a Made to Order Omelet station in the Horizon Court all the way aft on the starboard side.

- Don't miss the bartender shows at the SeaView Bar. Think Tom Cruise from Cocktail.

- The Sun Deck aft of the pool and aft of the Fitness Center has a LOT of loungers if you don't need to be right by the pool.

- The In Stateroom Entertainment System has tons of complimentary movies and TV shows. You can also access your shipboard account from there and check your balances.

If you have time, you may also get some tips from my 2-week B2B LIVE thread. There are also a lot of pictures here...

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1950107

Hope this helps! Go and have a GREAT cruise!!!

P.S. Quite a few of us who sailed her in the Inaugural Year are booked again on Royal Princess or her sister Regal Princess, and can't wait to get back!!!

:D:D:D

Need2cruisesoon-

Yes, I'm referring to the Retreat Pool -

Lots of chair hogging going on. Limited number of chairs by the pool. Had to be there at 7:30 am to grab a chair near the pool.

There are plenty of chairs away from the area, but we like to sit by the pool. We tried several times on the first sea day and did not find a seat at all. On the second sea day, we asked the pool attendant to remove towels that had been placed on the chairs 2 1/2 hours before (according to a nice lady nearby)

Kim

Food is probably the single most subjective aspect of a cruise. Someone who couldn't find anything worth eating in the Horizon Court, finding the overall quality of the food terrible and the service bad, can be countered in the LIVE report from the same cruise from folks who were eating in that same venue for literally every meal and found it quite good, with the service being gracious, courteous, and friendly. And it has happened. Did happen.

 

I spent two weeks on Royal Princess this past December, ate in every single venue at least once, and found the overall food quality much better than what I had experienced the year before on Ruby Princess.

 

For the OP, some things to know if you already don't:

 

- The passenger stateroom corridors are all lined with 1000 amazing photographs from contest winners. Take time to enjoy some of them.

 

- On the last evening of the cruise, all of the different fountain shows play in sequence. It's nice to see if you happened to miss them during the week.

 

- Make your specialty dinning reservations as soon as you embark and before eating lunch. Go to the venue itself after dropping off your luggage and speak with the Maitre D. It beats waiting on the Dine Line.

 

- Instead of the Horizon Court for embarkation lunch, head for Alfredo's. All of the food is complimentary, beverages are extra charge. They have an excellent Summer Sangria. Or try a Cuban Sandwich at the International Cafe with the Soup of the Day and some fresh made cookies. All the food at the IC is also complimentary.

 

- Grab a Chili and Lime Crab Margarita from Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar. It's not a drink, but a margarita glass full of crab meat and avocado. For only 6$ it's a great deal.

 

- Try a Brownie Blast sundae with Nutella ice cream at Gelato. Yum! Gelato has a lot of wonderful sundaes (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), banana splits, as well as large waffle cones. In the afternoon the reportedly have sweet crepes. Use can use your Cafe Selects Coffee Card here as well to pay for the purchases.

 

- In the evening, Trident Grill has BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and wings.

 

- The first showing in the Princess Theater seemed to be the least busy, the 8:30pm showing always the most packed. Get there at least 30 minutes ahead of time for a good seat if going to the later shows.

 

- Pub Lunch is held twice; on the first full sea day and on the the final sea day. Both had slightly different menus. Get there early if possible, it starts at 11:30am and is held at the Crown Grill and Wheelhouse Bar.

 

- They still have a Free afternoon tea, but also a special Royal Afternoon Tea held in the seating area of the atrium under Bellini's. It's 10$ per person and uses larger, more upscale finger foods and special blends of teas. I really enjoyed it.

 

- Speaking of Bellini's, try one, They are delicious!

 

- Vines is a nice place to relax in the late morning and very early in the afternoon. There are lots of large windows overlooking the ocean.

 

- There is no wrap around Promenade Deck, but instead there are large seating areas amid ship outside of Crooners/Facets, and aft outside of The Vista Lounge. The aft seating areas have wonderful padded loungers, the ones amid ship has wicker-styled chairs and tables. If you need a place for walking or running, there is a circuit track topside. Seven times around is a mile.

 

- Try the SeaWalk at least once. It may be gimmicky, but it is a wonderful view forward and aft, and looking down.

 

- The Horizon Terrace aft of the Horizon Court is a great outdoor place to sit with your food or drink. Try the complimentary chips and salsa that come with your tasty beverage from the Outrigger Bar.

 

- Don't forget The Pastry Shop at breakfast with fresh made waffles. Or the International Cafe with their version of the Egg McMuffin. There is also a Made to Order Omelet station in the Horizon Court all the way aft on the starboard side.

 

- Don't miss the bartender shows at the SeaView Bar. Think Tom Cruise from Cocktail.

 

- The Sun Deck aft of the pool and aft of the Fitness Center has a LOT of loungers if you don't need to be right by the pool.

 

- The In Stateroom Entertainment System has tons of complimentary movies and TV shows. You can also access your shipboard account from there and check your balances.

 

If you have time, you may also get some tips from my 2-week B2B LIVE thread. There are also a lot of pictures here...

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1950107

 

Hope this helps! Go and have a GREAT cruise!!!

 

 

P.S. Quite a few of us who sailed her in the Inaugural Year are booked again on Royal Princess or her sister Regal Princess, and can't wait to get back!!!

 

:D:D:D

Nice report and good advise. We look forward to adding to this list.

Nice report and good advise. We look forward to adding to this list.

THANKS! I also wrote a pretty comprehensive review that may have some information of interest...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=246787

:D

Need2cruisesoon-

Yes, I'm referring to the Retreat Pool -

Lots of chair hogging going on. Limited number of chairs by the pool. Had to be there at 7:30 am to grab a chair near the pool.

There are plenty of chairs away from the area, but we like to sit by the pool. We tried several times on the first sea day and did not find a seat at all. On the second sea day, we asked the pool attendant to remove towels that had been placed on the chairs 2 1/2 hours before (according to a nice lady nearby)

 

Kim

This is the case on every cruise I have been on. We learned early on that we didn't really need a lounger by the pool. There were many a short distance away and in a quiet location. We found a seaview much more pleasant than a pool view. When we wanted to use the pool, we walked a very short distance and after exiting the pool, we went back to our lounger to relax and dry off.

We have never failed to find a lounger nor have we bothered worrying about getting up at the crack of dawn to get one. :D