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This is a little early, but Happy Cruising day!  Yes, I will say it is a happy cruising day, even though I haven’t departed yet.  Each and every day that I am on a cruise ship will be a wonderful day!  I am starting this a little early, but will depart on the Regal Princess on March 31 for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise! 

Our itinerary –

A little about me – I am a self-proclaimed cruiser, in my humble opinion no better vacation is to be found.  My first cruise was way back in 1980 on the Norwegian Southward.  That ship was wonderful and we had a great trip. 

My past cruises include –

Carnival 2 times

1.       Valor Western Caribbean –  Sept 2005

2.       Carnival Pride Baltimore to Bahamas – Oct.2009

Norwegian 6 times

1.       Norwegian Southward – Eastern 1980

2.       Norwegian Star Alaska – Sept 2008

3.       Norwegian Epic Western Caribbean – Oct 2010

4.       Norwegian Breakaway Bermuda – Sept 2013

5.       Norwegian Escape Western Caribbean – Oct 2017

6.       Norwegian Getaway Eastern Caribbean – October 2018

Royal Caribbean – 7 times

1.       Sun Viking 1980’s

2.       Allure of the Seas Western Caribbean – Oct 2011

3.       Enchantment of the Seas Bermuda Sept 2012

4.       Quantum of the Seas (nowhere) – Nov. 2014

5.       Navigator of the Seas Western Caribbean – Nov 2015

6.       Harmony of the Seas Bahamas – Nov 2016

7.       Independence of the Seas – Feb 2017

And the ‘Big Red Boat’ on Premier cruise lines 1980’s

I am scheduled this year for the Regal Princess and the Norwegian Bliss – Mexican Riveria!

This cruise will be my first Princess, my first solo, and my first birthday cruise!  I am single and during this cruise I will turn 59 years young.  When I was approaching 50, I decided that it would be so much fun to do a birthday cruise.  I tried to find someone that wanted to celebrate with me, but alas, nobody wanted to cruise in April.  So here I am 9 years later going on that birthday cruise by myself.  This cruise is courtesy of my local casino (yep it was oh so free! Lol)  by being a ‘free’ casino cruise you do not have to pay the single surcharge.  I must say that I am both excited and apprehensive about going on Princess by myself. 

I decided to enjoy the entire Princess experience.  I booked Princess EZ air and will actually depart on Sunday morning at 522am connecting in Charlotte arriving in Ft Lauderdale at 12:06pm.  I also purchased the round-trip airport transfers from Princess.  This gives me peace of mind in knowing that should something happen that my flight is delayed, Princess will get me to the ship.  (Let’s hope that we do not need to visit this benefit!)  Typically I like to fly in the day prior to a cruise to ensure that I make it, but since I’m traveling by myself, I didn’t want to spend as much for the one night as I spent for the entire cruise.

Being that I love the balcony, I paid the price to upgrade my cabin to a balcony.  Also, included in my ‘free’ cruise was the Premier Beverage Package.  This package comes at a cost of $482.93 for one person for the week.  I don’t think I would have purchased it had the cruise not have included it in my fare.  I also, prepaid my gratuities, Medallionnet Package for 7 days (only $59.99, such a bargain compared to Norwegian and Royal), and I put $300 Onboard Credit.  So I think I should be ready to go. 

What is the ‘Premier Beverage Package’?

What is Included

• The package includes all beer, wine by the glass and cocktails $12.00 USD and under as listed on our menu(s), or $16.00 AUD and under for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand.

• The package includes all bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, Gong Cha items, Frappés at Coffee & Cones, milk shakes (if available) and Red Bull energy drinks.

• The package provides a 25% discount on the following excluded items: all bottles of wine, one liter bottles of water, canned soda and bottled juices.

• The package may be used on our private islands, all food and beverage venues, and other areas such as the theater or public spaces that offer beverage service. Selections and service are limited to each venue’s menu offerings and operating hours.

• If dining at a specialty dining venue, a large bottle of water (one liter) of still or sparkling is covered by the package.

What is the ‘Medallionnet Package’?  I think it is an all-inclusive internet package.  I have heard that the internet on the Regal Princess is wonderful!

My photo equipment – 1^st of all, I am not a great photographer, but I love to take pictures!  I have a Go Pro Hero 7 Black, a Nikon DX – 3400, and my brand new Samsung Galaxy S10+.  Hopefully, I will get photos from somewhere. 

11 Days Until Departure!

Does anyone have a list of current MUTS on the Regal? Any idea how to find out?

Thanks

9 hours ago, almitra said:

Im cruising aboard Carnival Valor on April 6....1st solo cruise since 1979 (when I cruised solo aboard TSS Mardi Gras) at age 18....ah, the good ole days. LOL

Valor was a nice ship.  Enjoy!

Sad story: Upon arriving at the fenced gate to be admitted back to the ship/dock area - there was a family of four there that the Bliss had left without. 😢 I'm not sure of their itinerary - but I truly hope that their stop the next day was Tortola which would at least only be a ferry ride away. Have you ever witnessed someone being left by a cruise ship?

Yes, in October on the Norwegian Getaway.  They called out for a family, than eventually the man came walking over and was talking to the person at the fence.  He gestured like they lost the fanny pack.  The person at the gate made him walk all the way to the other end of the fence and than back.  His wife showed up about this time.  Than the man stood at the fence and waved at us as we left the port.  So sad. (but yes our next stop was Tortola, so it could have been worse)

I am anxious, my first solo is in 40 days!  So far, i'm not seeing that anyone is on the cruise Solo with my.  The Roll Call is not very active, so who knows!  But, hey, it is a cruise and I'm sure it will be fun!  I am so excited to be trying Princess and the Regal looks like a great ship to hang out and people watch!  The pool area looks great, lots of activities, I am sure it will be fine....on that huge ship enjoying the sunshine!  Anybody else going on the 2 solo cruises I have booked?

Regal Princess - March 31 - April 7, 2019

Norwegian Bliss - October 6 - 13, 2019

22 hours ago, MaryBethV said:

One week ago today we were enjoying a gorgeous day in St. Thomas. Now we are back in the land of snow and ice. So, this trip report is my post-cruise-therapy-session and you are invited to join me. 😉  

 

A few things about us…

 

This is our 3rd cruise overall and our 1st on Princess. Last year we took two cruises on NCL - one as a couple and one with all four of our kids (that was fun, but NUTS). Links to those trip reports are in my signature for those that are interested. This time it was just myself & my husband (DH) and our younger two. DH and I are in our early 40’s (I’m going with “early 40’s” as being anything 45 or under-ha!) Our son (DS) is 16 and our daughter (DD) is 14.  

 

We live close to Lake Michigan and our family vacations have usually been spent on it’s shores… looks like the ocean, no salt, no hostile sea creatures you need to avoid, and powdery sand beaches for miles and miles. However, sun & swim season here is pretty much limited to July and August unless you are part polar bear. While we LOVE MI... getting away mid-winter for a week in the sun is definitely recommended for maintaining a measure of sanity.

 

I love to cook, grill a fabulous steak, pretend I’m Italian and make fresh pasta, grow my own herbs & veggies in my little backyard garden, etc… SO - food on any vacation is pretty important to our family. Food photos will follow with my OPINIONS. Why play food critic? Well, I find it a bit useless when someone says they love or hate the food but give no actual reasons why! Remember, everyone is different and food is nothing if not subjective.

 

In the past, I was a professional photographer for 15 years. For this trip, I did the unthinkable -- I left my ‘real’ camera with all my beautiful lenses at home. I did bring the GoPro (but didn’t even use it). So, all photos and videos are from my trusty little iPhone. Did I miss my Canon with my 70-200 lens my DH calls the "paparazzi lens"? Yes - especially when pulling into ports and when trying to capture sunsets. It was nice not to lug it, but I probably won’t leave it at home again. I’m not sure who said it, but I do love the quote “The best camera is the one you have with you.” That is true. Whatever the camera - it is capturing memories that is important.

 

Planning, researching, and reading Princess reviews for the last year or so was half of the fun for me. DH and kids were happy to let me do my planning thing and just be ‘along for the ride’ when the time came. This trip report will likely be long and detailed with a lot of photos, menus, and info. - if that is not your thing, bail now!!! I always say there are two things I am definitely not: a light packer and concise bullet-point-style writer. My *goal* is to add to this trip report a little every day - and I will finish - promise. Bailing on your own therapy session is frowned upon.

 

Let the cruise countdown begin!

 

 

Our Cruise: Regal Princess - February 3-10, 2019 - Eastern Caribbean

 

 

Monday, January 28th | 7 days pre-cruise

 

 

First of all - so thankful nobody was hurt! However… what would happen now??? We even rented a little bungalow and couldn’t wait to visit Princess’ private island on the first day of the cruise. Would we get to go to Princess Cays? Would we be diverted to Half Moon Cay or Grand Turk? (cue mad last-minute research…) Would we have another Sea Day?

 

Thursday, January 31st | 4 days pre-cruise

 

 

Winter in West Michigan arrived late - but when it arrived it came determined to make up for lost time! Leading up to our departure our kids had SIX snow days in a row. Some because of snow, some because the windchill temps were in the -40’s. By the time we would return from this trip they would have a break longer than Christmas break! We were hoping the weather would at least calm down enough to get out of MI and to Atlanta...

 

 

 

Excited to read your review!  I will be on the Regal March 31st, 1st Princess cruise!

Still looking for solo's going on the Regal Princess March 31 - April 7, 2019 or the Norwegian Bliss Oct 6 - 13, 2019.

Sorry to be a bother, so far both roll calls are slow!

Merry Christmas!  I'm enjoying your post, have a great trip!

On 12/7/2018 at 11:25 AM, 8373seth said:

Our first live blog. This will be our 12th cruise, our 2nd on NCL. We will be in a balcony. We are leaving Cincinnati now and will be staying at The Broadmoor Miami Beach. 

 

Hopefully we will provide some valuable information and maybe even a bit of entertainment for you. 

 

Please ask questions! 

 

Its 31F here. Sunny but cold. Looking forward to warm Miami. 

Sure leave me in Ohio while you go enjoy the sunshine!  Have a great cruise!!!

On 10/27/2018 at 3:45 PM, Livetolove said:

I just lost my husband a few months ago.  We traditionally cruised every year for my birthday.

I made the decision to continue the tradition on my own.

Does anyone have any experience and/or suggestions for me as a solo traveler?

Any insight is appreciated!

Thank you! 

So sorry for your loss.  Hopefully, you will find this cruise will offer you joy and you will have a great time!  I will be taking my first solo cruise next year and while I am apprehensive, I am excited about the prospect.  I think that a cruise offers so much, that you will not have time to be board.

Did you say when your birthday cruise is?  I hope for smooth sailing and as much interaction with your fellow cruise guest as you want.

On 11/1/2018 at 1:35 PM, JoseyP said:

Nope, but i am getting on Regal Princess today!!

Did you have a great trip?

14 hours ago, WarEagle76 said:

Wonder if Princess will follow RCCL and implement a new online bidding system for upgrades. (New RoyalUP program). 

That is how NCL handles the upgrades as well.  They send you the 'bid' option 90 days prior to the cruise and you may or may not get the upgrade.

Our RC is very slow, doing the Regal 3/31 Caribbean, no traffic at all.  

When we go on vacation, we expect that only happy events happen.  It is a extremely sad reminder that bad things happen even while we are on vacation.  RIP, thoughts and prayers to the family, the other passengers, and the crew.  Such a sad event. 

I booked my trip with EZ Air, decided to fly in the day of the cruise and it is so much easier with the EZ Air since they gtd that I will get to the ship!

On 11/6/2018 at 1:12 PM, Tinyturtle22 said:

Upgraded this morning for the 11/24 Epic 11 day. Went from cabin 12110, a very good location IA cabin that was a CAS rate, to a very good location B2 on deck 14. $165 X 2 = $330. I’m solo for this trip.

I thought you only had to pay for the number of folks in the room (1 or 2) so, if you are solo, you pay 2 x for the upgrade? thanks,

Great photos!  Thank you for taking time and sharing!

Just upgraded my Bliss to a Spa Balcony, so I will get to experience this wonderful place!  I did it years ago on my Star cruise to Alaska, but haven't since.

19 hours ago, Georgie562 said:

 

The cruise already happened. The OP wasn't able to post because Cruise Critic was updating.. or downgrading  ; )

yes, the old site was so much better than the 'new improved' site!

On 10/20/2018 at 7:46 PM, time4sun said:

Are you able to get money from your card to play in the casino?  I know some cruise lines charge 3% to do such......

Yep, just got off the Getaway and put $800 on my room prior to going.  They still charged a 3% fee to get money from money I had placed for my own On Board Credit!  

So I now have 2 solo cruises booked!  The Regal Princess - Eastern Caribbean March 31, 2019 (7 nights) and the Norwegian Bliss - Oct 6, 2019 Mexican Rivera (7 nights)!  Anyone else on either?

Sailing on the Getaway next week. Just got awarded an upgrade from a Balcony (BC) to a Haven Penthouse (H5). Bid $1010 which was squarely in the Fair category. Feeling pretty pumped, I think I saved at least 50%. Especially since the balcony was comped by Casino at Sea.

Congratulations!!! I too am on CAS, but I go the 13th on the Getaway! Have a great trip and bring her back ready for our group!

Yep. We are on your sailing. I am not holding my breath! I suppose a lot of people were like us who wanted to go the Eastern Caribbean for a change. We will be fine. Just happy to be going!!

I'm sure! I was scheduled on this same cruise/week last year on the Escape and ended up going Western. I debated Western again, but wanted to go Eastern with everyone else! Oh well, I hope they are ready for our crazy group!

It looks like our cruise is pretty full! I just looked at the Spa Mini Suites - Sold Out, Spa Balcony - 3 available. The Haven only shows 2 Spa Suites available no other category...Oh well, I booked the room that I was happy with and I believe that is the room I am sailing in!

Oh bother, I am still in limbo waiting on my upgrade bid! The waiting is the hardest part!!!

I'm on the Getaway - Oct 14 - 21..... :loudcry: