LIVE from Regal's Inaugaral Cruise

There is currently a $10 cover charge for Alfredo's and a $3 fee for room service onboard Regal Princess exclusively."

 

So it is not fleet wide-yet.---------

Princess answered me on FB and said that it will be rolled out fleet wide!

With all this talk about the new fees, I have a very different question. Were they able to open up the center staircase for passenger use?

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Thank you for your review. The tip about the lights and a hotel key card is very helpful.

Av8tor thank you so much for your review so far, sorry the thread has gone crazy but these changes have rattled us, made worse by calling Princess UK Who knew nothing about these extra charges, infact the staff member had been on the 4 day first cruise and these charges where not in effect for them :confused:

Anyhow, looking forward to your next instalment. Could I please ask if you get time to post the movies that are being shown, I presume they'll be the same in August...

There are several threads on the fees, so can we please stop hijacking the live thread until there's new news from onboard?

I echo these sentiments!!

Thank you so much for taking time out of your holiday to feed our insatiable thirst about all things Regal!

Do you happen to know if there are free, accessible to all, public showers, possibly in the gym or retreat pool areas? Thank you

No, there aren't, as with the Royal. Princess has built a fabulous new spa with all the bells and whistles and charges for this are $49 per person. On all other ships, this benefit remains.

The Spa is amazing on the Royal and I'm sure it's the same on the Regal. This area is the only one on the ship not run by Princess.

We are looking to our voyage on the Regal in October as she makes her maiden voyage back to Port Everglades from Venice.

Day 3 - Corfu

Just explored Corfu town and the old fort and found a nice small restaurant for lunch. Dining room wait staff getting better and more comfortable working together as a team.

 

Day 4 - At Sea

Slept in late today to catch up on lost sleep and prepare for the many busy port days coming up. Listened to one of the Carnival Corp’s ship design and construction gurus talk about those processes and what can go wrong. Then joined in the special “Super Tuscan” special wine tasting and hit the last half of afternoon trivia. Captain’s Circle club reception is in an hour, then dinner, so the following observations might be short and abrupt, sorry:

 

First off, I need to make a correction; the $3 delivery charge for room service is noted in small print at the bottom of the fruit order card and it is also noted in small print on the room service breakfast order form and it is also noted in the Regal Princess Directory book in each cabin,. But the web site does still list room service as “complimentary.”

 

 

 

The Carnival Corp ship construction guru wouldn’t say that the aft balcony soot problem had been solved, but he did knock on wood when he said he hoped the changes they made would do the trick. BTW, those changes included exhaust stack extensions, new fuel pumps and injector changes. I talked to a cabin steward working the aft cabins and he said he hasn’t noticed the problem like it was on Royal. He was happy to show that the carpets were clean back there with no sooty shoe prints or tracks. I guess only time will tell if it’s really been fixed. We didn’t book an aft balcony do that potential problem so hopefully someone who actually has had one of those cabins will report back.

 

In our deluxe balcony cabin, there are two US standard electrical outlets at the desk along with a European twin pin 220/240V outlet. There’s one combo 120/230V oulett in the bathroom with a razor symbol, but I’d imagine it could also be used for low draw items like phone & camera chargers. There are also two 220V outlets on the wall at the head of the bed(s) down low close to the floor. A bed lamp is plugged into one and the other is “available,” however, when I tried to plug something into mine, I got no power. Not sure about other cabins. The other bed lamp must be powered from a box or outlet behind the non-movable nightstand next to the loveseat.

 

You do have to put your cruise card into a slot by the cabin door to keep the lights on in your cabin. I brought an old hotel key-card from a previous trip and use that instead of my cruise card. I taped the substitute card to the wall near the slot so it’s always available to insert as soon as we walk through the door. That way, I’ll never (hopefully) walk out of the cabin without the cruise card in my pocket…

 

I will continue after our 30 hours in Istanbul… Iyi aksamlar

Good information regarding the "soot" issue. Hopefully this is a good fix and can be incorporated on the Royal.

The flatscreen TV does have USB ports for device recharging.

I wondered how many folks locked themselves out of there cabin when they forgot to remove the Cruisecard from the light slot. I like your idea of using a hotel key card and if that really works it will be on my packing list for the upcoming Regal voyage.

The Spa is amazing on the Royal and I'm sure it's the same on the Regal. This area is the only one on the ship not run by Princess.

 

We are looking to our voyage on the Regal in October as she makes her maiden voyage back to Port Everglades from Venice.

If Princess is not running the spa, who is? What do you get for $49?

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Day 5 - Istanbul

We had an all-day private tour with a licensed guide and hit all the “normal” sites in the old town (if you ever get there, do see the underground cisterns and also the Harem section of the palace), lunch at a nice restaurant and finally the Grand Bazaar area. Then we went on a nighttime dinner cruise on the Bosphorous. To say we were pooped-out when we got back to the ship after midnight is a big understatement.

Day 6 - ½ day in Istanbul

Got a late start so we just shopped in the spice market area and had lunch at the foot of the Galata Bridge on the way back to the ship. Found a small grocery store near the port and bought some sparking water to bring onboard. Made it aboard just before they started calling out names and cabin numbers looking for stragglers. Tonight is another formal night and the Captain’s Gala dinner. I wonder how many orders of lobster and shrimp I can eat this cruise…

More Observations:

The outside Promenade deck does NOT go all the way around the ship. From mid-ship, under the seawalk & seaview where there are no lifeboats, you can go all the way to the aft outside of the ship, but there’s a bulkhead that prevents you from actually turning the corner and going across the stern. Part of this aft promenade is a narrow covered walkway well back from the water (between the inside edges of the lifeboats and the promenade deck side wall), then the walkway opens up again and is uncovered back to the aft. Going forward from the mid-ship open area, the walk way is covered and set back from the water like explained before. This forward-mid section ends just where the entrance to Princess Theater is. From there the walkway opens up again and is right out at the side of the ship, but there is a gate labeled “Crew Only” that blocks access to this forward portion. This description is for the starboard side that I explored. I THINK it’d be the same on the port side, but I haven’t walked over on that side.

Dance floor in the Piazza are is marble. Vista Lounge has what appears to be a wood laminate floor in the shape of a 60’ long arc about 15’ in width. Club 6 has about a 20’ x 20’ wood ( probably laminate?) dance floor plus an adjacent marble circular area that’s right in front of the doors. Wheel House Bar is right outside the Crown Grill and does not have a dance floor at all. I’m no expert, but I think Regal won’t be known as a place for serious ballroom dancers.

Retreat area wind blocks have been added up over the entrance to the Sanctuary and clear glass panel walls are fixed as the forward side of each cabana. While it is breezy up in the retreat area when underway, I can’t say how well the modifications reduce the wind since I haven’t sailed on Royal and have nothing to compare it to.

Seats in the Princess Theater do not go all the way to the side walls so there is access to rows up and down the side aisles. I did notice that there are no fold-out tables or glass/cup holders at each seat like other ships so you have to hold your drink or place it on the floor.

There are men’s and woman’s shower areas back in the fitness center. Can’t speak for the other side, but the men’s has two showers, changing benches, towels and about 20 or so lockers. The lockers have electronic combinations like the cabin safes, so I’d bet it won’t be long until inconsiderate cruisers leave there junk locked in them for entire cruises. Using them as their own private lockers will prevent others from having access just for a single workout.

Now for the bad news; I saw soot on the aft decks this evening. Not a lot mind you, but there were big black flakes scattered around the very aft edge of deck 17 near the terrace pool and then I could see more down on the Horizon Court terrace and the balconies of decks 14 and 15. Maybe folks that have had aft balconies will be able to tell us if it’s an improvement over Royal.

That’s all for now. If I don’t answer all questions LIVE, I’m sorry and I’ll try to get them all after I’m back home…

Thank you for continuing to post. I'm learning a lot from the experiences you share with us.

The Spa is amazing on the Royal and I'm sure it's the same on the Regal. This area is the only one on the ship not run by Princess.

 

We are looking to our voyage on the Regal in October as she makes her maiden voyage back to Port Everglades from Venice.

I believe the casinos are also outsourced. I think I read somewhere that they use the company that runs the Carnival casinos. But I do remember when the change took place, the atmosphere in the casinos changed.

I believe the casinos are also outsourced. I think I read somewhere that they use the company that runs the Carnival casinos. But I do remember when the change took place, the atmosphere in the casinos changed.

The internet person and the art galleries are also outsourced.

Thanks for your time to take us along with you! :)

LuLu

Thanks for the info about the showers by the fitness center! I was wondering about that!

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Thanks for the updates & the Regal's "expansion" of the promenade deck is what I expected after sailing on the Royal. Apparently they only opened the gates under the lifeboats & that area is so narrow it's not really a big difference. It is what it is and I'll continue to go to the gym or use the upper deck's track to exercise. The open sections of the promenade are much wider than the traditional promenade deck on other ships and had comfortable furniture to use.

The soot that you described on open decks I've experienced an other ships as well. On the Golden's upper deck sometimes there were small pellets of soot on the open top deck covering loungers when it was downwind of the adjacent stacks.

Thanks again for taking your time to share your cruise with us...it's greatly appreciated! :)

Day 5 - Istanbul

We had an all-day private tour with a licensed guide and hit all the “normal” sites in the old town (if you ever get there, do see the underground cisterns and also the Harem section of the palace), lunch at a nice restaurant and finally the Grand Bazaar area. Then we went on a nighttime dinner cruise on the Bosphorous. To say we were pooped-out when we got back to the ship after midnight is a big understatement.

 

Day 6 - ½ day in Istanbul

Got a late start so we just shopped in the spice market area and had lunch at the foot of the Galata Bridge on the way back to the ship. Found a small grocery store near the port and bought some sparking water to bring onboard. Made it aboard just before they started calling out names and cabin numbers looking for stragglers. Tonight is another formal night and the Captain’s Gala dinner. I wonder how many orders of lobster and shrimp I can eat this cruise…

 

More Observations:

 

The outside Promenade deck does NOT go all the way around the ship. From mid-ship, under the seawalk & seaview where there are no lifeboats, you can go all the way to the aft outside of the ship, but there’s a bulkhead that prevents you from actually turning the corner and going across the stern. Part of this aft promenade is a narrow covered walkway well back from the water (between the inside edges of the lifeboats and the promenade deck side wall), then the walkway opens up again and is uncovered back to the aft. Going forward from the mid-ship open area, the walk way is covered and set back from the water like explained before. This forward-mid section ends just where the entrance to Princess Theater is. From there the walkway opens up again and is right out at the side of the ship, but there is a gate labeled “Crew Only” that blocks access to this forward portion. This description is for the starboard side that I explored. I THINK it’d be the same on the port side, but I haven’t walked over on that side.

 

Dance floor in the Piazza are is marble. Vista Lounge has what appears to be a wood laminate floor in the shape of a 60’ long arc about 15’ in width. Club 6 has about a 20’ x 20’ wood ( probably laminate?) dance floor plus an adjacent marble circular area that’s right in front of the doors. Wheel House Bar is right outside the Crown Grill and does not have a dance floor at all. I’m no expert, but I think Regal won’t be known as a place for serious ballroom dancers.

 

Retreat area wind blocks have been added up over the entrance to the Sanctuary and clear glass panel walls are fixed as the forward side of each cabana. While it is breezy up in the retreat area when underway, I can’t say how well the modifications reduce the wind since I haven’t sailed on Royal and have nothing to compare it to.

 

Seats in the Princess Theater do not go all the way to the side walls so there is access to rows up and down the side aisles. I did notice that there are no fold-out tables or glass/cup holders at each seat like other ships so you have to hold your drink or place it on the floor.

 

There are men’s and woman’s shower areas back in the fitness center. Can’t speak for the other side, but the men’s has two showers, changing benches, towels and about 20 or so lockers. The lockers have electronic combinations like the cabin safes, so I’d bet it won’t be long until inconsiderate cruisers leave there junk locked in them for entire cruises. Using them as their own private lockers will prevent others from having access just for a single workout.

 

Now for the bad news; I saw soot on the aft decks this evening. Not a lot mind you, but there were big black flakes scattered around the very aft edge of deck 17 near the terrace pool and then I could see more down on the Horizon Court terrace and the balconies of decks 14 and 15. Maybe folks that have had aft balconies will be able to tell us if it’s an improvement over Royal.

 

That’s all for now. If I don’t answer all questions LIVE, I’m sorry and I’ll try to get them all after I’m back home…

Thanks for checking in. Sounds like they've made some improvements from the Royal that will enhance cruisers' experiences. Enjoy another great day aboard her.....:):):)

Bob

I believe the casinos are also outsourced. I think I read somewhere that they use the company that runs the Carnival casinos. But I do remember when the change took place, the atmosphere in the casinos changed.

From what I understand, the minute that Carnival Corp. took over Princess, they transferred the casino dept. to Miami.

If Princess is not running the spa, who is? What do you get for $49?

Steiner runs the spas on Princess.

I've sent my email also!

I sent an e mail about the new charges and said if it is true then I will consider another cruise line....and I really mean it. I am Platinum having sailed 9 Princess cruises and just sailed 3 Celebrity cruises in the past 3 years and certainly will consider going back to Celebrity or going on the Quantum of the Seas. It's not the few extra dollars it's how Princess is doing it and trying to nickel and dime us. Very Very Very poor marketing and customer relations. I guess they don't care if they loose their loyal cruisers. This will turn into a BIG mistake.

Richard

I sent an e mail about the new charges and said if it is true then I will consider another cruise line....and I really mean it. I am Platinum having sailed 9 Princess cruises and just sailed 3 Celebrity cruises in the past 3 years and certainly will consider going back to Celebrity or going on the Quantum of the Seas. It's not the few extra dollars it's how Princess is doing it and trying to nickel and dime us. Very Very Very poor marketing and customer relations. I guess they don't care if they loose their loyal cruisers. This will turn into a BIG mistake.

Richard

Then how do you feel about Celebrity's changes to their drink plans? Even more of a mistake consider that people had already paid for them or selected them as a benefit only to find that they were worth less due to the changes.

Princess might have a few small charges, but Celebrity's charges tend to be higher. Their dining venues in the $45 and $50 dollar per person instead of $25 on Princess. Drink prices are higher. For example my normal coffee drink is $3.25 on Princess vs $5.50 on Celebrity.

Then how do you feel about Celebrity's changes to their drink plans? Even more of a mistake consider that people had already paid for them or selected them as a benefit only to find that they were worth less due to the changes.

 

Princess might have a few small charges, but Celebrity's charges tend to be higher. Their dining venues in the $45 and $50 dollar per person instead of $25 on Princess. Drink prices are higher. For example my normal coffee drink is $3.25 on Princess vs $5.50

 

On Princess you get what you pay for

I am Platinum having sailed 9 Princess cruises and just sailed 3 Celebrity cruises in the past 3 years and certainly will consider going back to Celebrity or going on the Quantum of the Seas.

Remember that starting late spring in 2015, it will be based in Shanghai. Cost of flying there will be bigger than the cost of paying extra for room service on Princess.

Have they announced on the ship yet they are dropping the charges?

Is it in the PP.

Make sure you get any charges already made back.

This is the reply I got from Princess via my FB page

Hi Gail, we apologize for the confusion this weekend regarding charges onboard Regal Princess. We've listened to our valued guests and Facebook fans, and based on the feedback, for the time being both room service and Alfredo’s pizzeria charges being trialed on Regal Princess will be halted. We acknowledge we need to provide our guests prior notification of any such changes to our onboard experience, and we promise to do this in the future.

Hats off to them x