Regal March 11th Western Caribbean New to Cruising

In preparation for our first Princess Cruise I had read all of the relevant boards almost daily. I decided that I would document our cruise from the perspective of a new cruiser as most of the threads reviewing cruises were from seasoned cruisers, platinum or elite. We have gone on one other cruise on another cruise line so am not entirely new to cruising. Since I recorded my thoughts daily but was not able to upload on board (did not want to purchase internet) I have put every day here in a very lengthy post.

Day 1

As soon as we picked up our luggage we headed outside and stood in the taxi line for approximately 10 minutes before getting a taxi. It was $20 to the pier. The porter was very helpful and friendly. Boarding was fast and efficient. We were on board by 12:15 and went right to our cabin to drop off our carry on luggage. Staff were stationed at all key points to help you get where you want to go. We were starving so headed to Alfredo’s for salad and pizza. It did not disappoint. We returned to our cabin just before 2pm to find our luggage waiting. Our room steward came by, introduced himself, asked if the room was to our satisfaction and if we needed anything. He promised to get us wine glasses and robes as soon as they were available.

We checked out the shooting simulator. It is a small room that accommodates 5 people at a time, has a big screen target linked to a computer program. We were not permitted to leave until everyone was finished shooting.

Walking the decks on 16, 17, and 18 there are lots of options for seating and places for a quick dip. We needed to be back to our muster station for 3pm so just enjoyed some time in the sun.

We decided to enjoy a drink on our balcony. We have a deluxe balcony room. I have seen a lot of complaints about the tiny balconies but found the space to be quite sufficient for the two of us to sit and chat. By 7:30 we were getting hungry so headed to the Symphony dining room. There was a 30-40 minute wait. We took our buzzer and went and had a pre dinner drink with tapas at Vines. We hadn’t even finished our drinks and we were being summoned for dinner. By this time the dining room was quickly clearing and there was no wait at all. Dinner was lovely and beautifully prepared. I love to cook and try new food and techniques in the kitchen. It has to be exceptional to “wow” me. The hazelnut soufflé was amazing and I always prefer savoury over sweet.

After dinner we went to see the Broadway dance show in Princess theatre (10pm). We arrived 15 minutes before curtain and there were lots and lots of seats available. Even at showtime many seats remained. It was a 45 minute dance show highlighting dance choreography throughout the decades. It was very good but we realized we were far too tired to fully appreciate it.

Day 2

Up at 6:30. One of the best nights sleep that I have had in weeks. Even an unremarkable sunset is worth viewing. I got a few laps in on the walking path. It is a nice warm wind this morning. I am doing my best to take the stairs both for physical exercise and to avoid catching something while crammed into a confined space with several others. The goal is to return home rejuvenated and healthy. I noted the hot tubs were open early. I plan on enjoying my morning coffee in one later this week. We did make a last minute decision to purchase a coffee card to share between us. Starting my day with a large coffee and raisin scone.

Note: we decided not to purchase the internet plan but need to keep in touch with family at home. We followed the instructions to access Ocean Concierge and it is working on my husband’s phone and my IPAD beautifully. I can access FB and Messenger in order to keep in touch with home. I can also check my account status and order onboard services or excursions.

Princess Cays was a great beach day. It was windy so we were thankful that we chose to rent a clamshell. The tendering over was quick and we walked right on. We had taken our snorkel gear but never went in as many said it was cloudy and difficult with the waves. The bbq line was consistently long but moved fast. There was a good selection of food with burgers, sausage, hotdogs, chicken, fish, and ribs. There was also plenty of fresh fruit. Water and iced tea were readily available. We decided to head back around 2:30. The line was very long. We soon learned that the waves were causing problems disembarking to the ship. People were extremely patient recognizing that this is not the norm and that you cannot always foresee a change in weather.

Tonight was Italian night for dinner and we went to the Concerto dining room. We were asked if we wished to share a table. We indicated that we had no preference and were immediately seated at a table for 8. Service was quick and the food was very good. After dinner we headed to see the comedian in the Princess theatre. There was less seat selection available tonight and many arriving late had difficulty finding seats together. It was an enjoyable show and family friendly.

Day 3

Up at 8am today for a sea day. We went to the buffet this morning. There was anything you could possibly want for breakfast and plenty of room to sit. Waiters were constantly circulating with coffee, juice and water. The only complaint was that the toast was cold...1st world problems🙂

When I arrived back to my room yesterday there was a $50 spa coupon “Random act of Princess” for a port day. I booked this morning to treat myself to a manicure. We will see if they try to upsell me at the appointment but they were wonderful at booking and no pressure.

It was a great day at sea. Lots of sunshine. Grease (the original) played on the big screen this morning followed by a concert. There was also poolside entertainment and a live band this afternoon. The patter was full of activity options but we were enjoying a good book and a view of the ocean on the decks so never ventured in. I had ordered a pina colada and when I took a sip it was sickly sweet. My husband, who has a sweeter tooth than I, also agreed that it was far too syrupy. I have sampled many pina coladas in my lifetime but have never had one this sweet. I asked to return it and was told that I could not because I had taken a drink. I was informed that they cannot adjust the sweetness, that it is a mix. I then asked for a glass of ice to tame it. It wasn’t long before she returned and took my drink, which I hadn’t touched since she left and took a replacement order. I guess she just needed to confirm with her supervisor. Warning: Don’t order the tropical drinks unless you like your drinks very sweet.

Tonight was the first formal night. There were gowns, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, shirts and ties. No one was turned away from the dining room because they did not have a jacket. I was quite comfortable in a cocktail dress and my husband with a dress shirt and tie. The captain introduced himself and many of his crew just after 7pm in the piazza. Following his greeting the maitre’d poured the champagne tower with guests helping for a photo op. Complimentary champagne, mimosas, and orange juice were served. We retired early tonight after a long day in the sun.

Day 4

Today was a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica. I began the day with my complimentary manicure in Lotus Spa. The manicurist did try to sell me product but did not pressure me when I politely declined. We did not book any excursions for Falmouth but toured the secured area of the port. The shops were like the chain shops found at many of the Caribbean ports as well as artisans in a craft market. I believe that many had the same idea as us as the adult only pool area was busy with a limited number of seats left. We watched a martini “flare” show in the main piazza before dinner. It was a lot of fun to watch. After dinner we enjoyed the production of Fiera. Beautiful dancing and familiar tunes set to a storyline.

We had booked a shore excursion for today at Grand Cayman. The water was rough loading the tenders but calmed as the day progressed. The tender process and filtering to appropriate excursions was smooth and well organized. The Atlantis submarine excursion was fabulous. We were down as low as 109ft travelling along the reef. We saw a lot of smaller fish, sponges, coral and 2 sea turtles. The commentary was very informative. We did visit a local restaurant after our trip. The view from the restaurant was very nice but be prepared that prices are in Cayman dollars ($1.25 ).

I enjoyed afternoon tea today. It was not my husband’s cup of tea 😉 so I went alone and joined the company of others at a larger table. Waiters in tuxedos and white gloves circulated with an assortment of tea sandwiches, sweets, and scones. I almost did not go because I was running late and felt very under dressed. Before I was able to turn myself around and make a hasty exit I was being escorted to a table. I quickly looked around and realized that what I was wearing was not being judged nor out of place with the other attendees. Of course tonight is our second formal night so I will ensure that I dress more appropriately for dinner.

Day 5

Today was our final port, Cozumel. We booked a private Jeep and snorkel tour. It was considerably less expensive than the boat excursion that was similarly describe. It had great online reviews. We thought it was just ok. The stops made were typical tourist stops with many other tourist at the same locations. Every stop involved someone trying to make an additional sale: tequila, souvenirs, photos, drinks. The snorkelling was “guided” with someone taking your picture as you followed him. He was discreetly feeding the fish as we swam making the appearance of more fish than there really were. We were scheduled to leave port at 10pm. A dance party on the deck was happening as we sailed off.

Day 6

Today was a sea day and I was determined to get the most out of the warm weather. Despite the wind it has been a fabulous day to soak in the sun and finish my book. There was lots to do today if you wanted to keep busy. There was a (complimentary)pub lunch in the Crown grill, a sale of souvenirs, clothing, purses, etc., dance lessons, etc., etc., We really enjoyed the comedian so went to his second performance tonight before dinner. We decided to carry or luggage off for the benefit of a speedier trip to the airport as our flight is scheduled for 11:40.

Day 7

We were in port just after 6am. We woke at 6:20, grabbed a coffee and were directed towards the symphony dining room to wait disembarkation. Contrary to what we had been informed at guest services, you cannot just walk off. You have to wait for your walk off group to be called. We were off the ship by 7:45 and in the taxi ($22.00) by 8:40 heading to the airport. By 9:30 we were waiting at our boarding gait. It was a wonderful trip with very few complaints.

A couple of add on notes:

We had debated about the drink package. We decided to opt out due to the fact that we had 4 ports of call. I really wanted to determine for future cruises how much we spend on drinks and the value of the drink package for us. We like our beer, wine, and cocktails and decided not to limit our consumption just because we opted out of the package. The package would have cost us just over $ 1000 Canadian and our bar bill totalled close to $600 Canadian for the week (currently at 33% exchange rate). This included the purchase of a coffee card. I tracked our coffee consumption costs. We started every morning in the international cafe, me with a large brewed coffee and my husband with his specialty coffee. Occasionally, we would have a tea or coffee later in the day. The coffee card cost us $36.00 (US) and our coffee bill if we had paid per purchase would have been approx. $60. (US). Bar service was good within the ship. We found on deck it was very slow, especially if you were not right on the pool deck, not that it was a big deal to walk to the bar.

 

We ate one breakfast in the dining room and then opted for the buffet. The food was just as good with great selection. We also ate most of our lunches in the buffet. We tend to eat lighter lunches but again, the selection was good. We opted for both Concerto and Symphony dining rooms for dinner. We never had more that a 30 minute wait and found that if we ate around 8pm there was never a wait. There was no pressure to share a table if we wished to eat at a table for 2. If you are a foodie, the menu was appealing with a good selection. I always had 1 or 2 courses that I thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately there was usually one course that fell short and did not meet expectations. This inconsistency was a little disappointing. FYI, the Norman Love desserts were beautiful in presentation and taste. The “by the glass” wine selection at dinner was limited and twice the wine that I ordered was not available. On one of these occasions it was the featured wine on the menu. Every evening an after dinner liquor was featured for $3.00. Often the waiters had a sales pitch to do about an upcoming tasting or featured dinner.

Very nice review.

Great review and thank you so much for taking the time. Very informative.

Thanks for your report. And as a local I apologize for your getting hosed by two different taxi drivers. Even in above average Sunday port traffic the meter should have been no more than $13-14. Guess the drivers took you in and out the 17 St entrance to the port (closest to Terminal 2 but furthest from the airport) rather than the direct ramp between FLL and the I-595 entrance to the port.

Very nice review thanks.

Tony

Great review.

 

Welcome to the world of cruising.

 

Keith

Thanks for your report. And as a local I apologize for your getting hosed by two different taxi drivers. Even in above average Sunday port traffic the meter should have been no more than $13-14. Guess the drivers took you in and out the 17 St entrance to the port (closest to Terminal 2 but furthest from the airport) rather than the direct ramp between FLL and the I-595 entrance to the port.

 

Good to know. Thank you.

Thanks for your report. And as a local I apologize for your getting hosed by two different taxi drivers. Even in above average Sunday port traffic the meter should have been no more than $13-14. Guess the drivers took you in and out the 17 St entrance to the port (closest to Terminal 2 but furthest from the airport) rather than the direct ramp between FLL and the I-595 entrance to the port.

My first time cruising out of FLL a few years ago, the taxi fare was about $24. We did wait in some traffic but I thought that was a bit high ($30 with tip, solo). So now I always use the shared GO shuttle, which was $12pp as of last year, ($14-15 with tip). I've gotten vans and occasionally a town car with GO. Uber always prices much higher if I check.the app.

Thanks for your review. My friend and I were on the Regal in January. We loved the cruise so much that we have booked the same itinerary in the same cabin for next January.

Thanks for your review. We have an upcoming cruise to Western Caribbean in May. I am wondering if the ship's time in Cozumel was the same as the actual time there or did the ship keep a different time? We want to schedule an excursion that is not ship sponsored and want to coordinate the best time. Thank you for your help.

Barbara

"I began the day with my complimentary manicure in Lotus Spa. The manicurist did try to sell me product but did not pressure me when I politely declined. "

 

May I ask what manicure you opted for? I got a similar coupon for $50 and I tried to book the fire and ice manicure that was $50 and was told I couldn't use my coupon unless the treatment itself was over $50....I said it does not say that on the coupon that was given to me for celebrating my bday on the ship...the lady continued to argue with me so I just left.

Written like seasoned pro :)

 

 

Thanks for sharing your first cruise with us

Srpilo

Thanks for your review. We have an upcoming cruise to Western Caribbean in May. I am wondering if the ship's time in Cozumel was the same as the actual time there or did the ship keep a different time? We want to schedule an excursion that is not ship sponsored and want to coordinate the best time. Thank you for your help.

Barbara

The ship switches to local port time. If the itinerary says you will be in port at 10am that is port time. Double check your final excursion email though. The company we went through said they would check port arrival times to ensure accuracy but our email confirmation from them had us an hour earlier than arrival. They told us we were late and took an hour off of our tour.

"I began the day with my complimentary manicure in Lotus Spa. The manicurist did try to sell me product but did not pressure me when I politely declined. "

 

May I ask what manicure you opted for? I got a similar coupon for $50 and I tried to book the fire and ice manicure that was $50 and was told I couldn't use my coupon unless the treatment itself was over $50....I said it does not say that on the coupon that was given to me for celebrating my bday on the ship...the lady continued to argue with me so I just left.

That is really unfortunate because that is the manicure I received. When I booked they asked me what type of services I liked. I said I was in desperate need of a manicure and would use my coupon for that. I didn’t even look at a list of services. When I arrived the manicurist said asked me if it wasn’t the fire and ice manicure because it is exactly $50. I paid the $7.50 in gratuities.

Written like seasoned pro :)

 

 

Thanks for sharing your first cruise with us

Srpilo

Thank you for the lovely compliment. I just know how helpful the information was while I was planning and dreaming.

That is really unfortunate because that is the manicure I received. When I booked they asked me what type of services I liked. I said I was in desperate need of a manicure and would use my coupon for that. I didn’t even look at a list of services. When I arrived the manicurist said asked me if it wasn’t the fire and ice manicure because it is exactly $50. I paid the $7.50 in gratuities.

I was on the crown last year and they wanted to know ahead of time what i wanted and then booked it...as i was walking away she informed me that i couldn't use the coupon/gift card...so u cancelled it...later dh went back with it snd tried 2 speak to a manager was told she was not on duty...he tried next day different time got same answer. I will say that the trip on the crown was unlike any other princess cruise...90% of the staff was unhappy and lots of reviews b4 our cruise stated this...our tablesmates even complained to the head waiter about our waiter. But the staff at the IC and the photogs were great...we just loved them and they truly made the cruise better...our steward as well...but hardly any staff said good morning or hi like normal. It was a unique cruise...we think that most may have been nearing the end of their contract...but we made the best of it and didnt let them ruin the fab cruise. Perhaps i will give the salon another try on another ship if i were to get one of those again.

 

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Thanks for posting your review. We sailed on the eastern Caribbean itinerary last month on the Regal and had a great time.

Thanks for your review. We have an upcoming cruise to Western Caribbean in May. I am wondering if the ship's time in Cozumel was the same as the actual time there or did the ship keep a different time? We want to schedule an excursion that is not ship sponsored and want to coordinate the best time. Thank you for your help.

Barbara

While in cozumel you are on central time, when you go to bed after leaving cozumel you turn your watch foward one hour.

Thanks for your report. And as a local I apologize for your getting hosed by two different taxi drivers. Even in above average Sunday port traffic the meter should have been no more than $13-14. Guess the drivers took you in and out the 17 St entrance to the port (closest to Terminal 2 but furthest from the airport) rather than the direct ramp between FLL and the I-595 entrance to the port.

 

We have had three different taxi drivers turn off the meter and charge us $20 (or more) for a trip from our hotel (near the Harbor Market) to the airport and for our trip from the cruise port to the the hotel and on another trip from the airport to our hotel. I argued with one of them, but to no avail. The one from the hotel to the airport charged us $20 while another one from the same company going the same trip charged by sister and her husband $11. Her driver even commented to ours that he was overcharging us!

 

Is there any manner to report drivers that do this? If the fare was supposed to be this much, I would understand, but I just hate the feeling of being cheated.

 

Thanks for any info you can give me.

Great trip report. Thank you.

Wonderful review. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

Thanks for the review.