Everything "Positively" Royal: All the Positives, Please list somethng positive.

[dmwnc1959]

Yup;

Close indeed. We board in 24 days and a bag drag.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

It's always fun to countdown How Many Days and a Wake Up, Bag Drag, Wheels Up, and then that adrenaline-rushing taxi ride to the ship for Check-in!

 

77 Days and Counting to Royal Princess

490 days and Counting to Regal Princess

 

;)

[Woobstr112G]

It's always fun to countdown How Many Days and a Wake Up, Bag Drag, Wheels Up, and then that adrenaline-rushing taxi ride to the ship for Check-in!

 

77 Days and Counting to Royal Princess

490 days and Counting to Regal Princess

 

;)

 

That's a water taxi.....:D:D:D

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

 

Dave;

 

Enjoy:) Hopefully our paths will cross on a future voyage.....:):):)

 

Bob

[dmwnc1959]

That's a water taxi.....:D:D:D

Bob

 

Yeah, yeah, yeah, just rub it in a little deeper. lol ;)

[dmwnc1959]

Dave;

 

Enjoy:) Hopefully our paths will cross on a future voyage.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Only if you can make your way to a 7-night Caribbean cruise. ;)

[slc22]

 

Dave,

I see that is from the Relief Captain. Who do you think will be Captain in December for our cruises ?

 

Just curious. .

[dmwnc1959]

Dave,

I see that is from the Relief Captain. Who do you think will be Captain in December for our cruises ?

 

Just curious. .

 

That does seem to be a question that is still up in the air. We may not know until we see their name on the Royal Princess Patter and hear their voice for the Emergency Drill.

 

Either way I'd be happy to have either one of them as they both seem to be very personable and fine gentlemen. :D

[kidder kid]

Dave -

 

We are in Cabin D322 for the TA in October. Would you be able to point that out to me in one of your photos.

 

Also, does anyone know who the Captain will be for the TA? The relief captain?

 

Thanks,

Carolyn

[dmwnc1959]

Dave -

 

We are in Cabin D322 for the TA in October. Would you be able to point that out to me in one of your photos.

 

Also, does anyone know who the Captain will be for the TA? The relief captain?

 

Thanks,

Carolyn

 

Here's the 'arrow' for your cabin....:D

 

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9770986994_15750c5975_k.jpg

 

 

Maybe Shogun has some insight as to who the onboard Captain of Royal Princess will be for the rest of the year?

[hockeymum]

Dave -

 

We are in Cabin D322 for the TA in October. Would you be able to point that out to me in one of your photos.

 

Also, does anyone know who the Captain will be for the TA? The relief captain?

 

Thanks,

Carolyn

 

I know listed is Tony Draper has that changed?:)

[lynwar]

Thanks, Dave, I will do my best about a review. I've never written a formal one. I really appreciated the arrow and we went into other photos about the ship after that. We have some friends who were on the Royal the first couple of Florida sails so I'm confident they have broken in the ship for us, especially Crooners. :D

It will be fun finding all the newer spots, although we tend to stay in our comfort zones and relax while on board. I will be in the Internet Café, for sure. I could probably survive being disconnected, but I have a friend who depends on my daily emails and a game, so I basically check in with her. Now, when SHE goes away, I have to wait until she returns. Hmmmmmn. She doesn't have a laptop or IPad or other gizmos like that!!!

 

So, we're about a month out now, based on the date, not the days... we'd better start really getting into the groove. :) Luggage tags and boarding passes have been printed.

 

Take care for now. I'm POSITIVE we'll have a great time, as usual. And, the main reason we stayed with Princess, the wonderful staff on each ship. Positively Smashing!! :)

 

Lynne

[yazoo2008]

I recently sailed on the Royal's Grand Med Aug 22-Sept 3 itinerary with my parents. This was our first ever cruise.

 

A few of my positives:

 

The Pastry Shop staff were happy to make my waffles to order - about 4 minutes longer than the standard time - as I like my waffles extra crispy. Towards the end of the cruise, I also found that the pastry shop has a tea time from 3:30pm to 5:30pm where waffles are also made fresh and smaller cakes like those served at the afternoon tea in the MDR are available. I did not enquire about tea service in the Pastry shop area.

 

Out of the 3 versions I sampled, best tiramisu goes to Alfredo's. Best MDR entrees go to roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and the prime rib. I tried a lot of the appetizer portions of the pasta dishes besides the famous fettuccine in the parmesan basket (basket not included in appetizer portion) and all were delicious with the mac and cheese as a standout for me. The parade of the Baked Alaskas was a fun farewell to the MDR staff.

 

Best bartenders were Marnie and Miguel at the Seaview Bar. They mentioned they will move to the Regal when she sets sail. As a caution, I noticed and Marnie commented that the ($1 million) fountain show does not drain properly and water runs down the stairs, across the deck, and will pool near the Seaview Bar glass floor panels which are slippery when wet. Another caution, there are textured ceramic tiles crossing the decking around the main pool area and I witnessed one young boy slip and fall while running around the deck in his socks during MUTS. Marnie had to tell him and some other boys 'no running.' I also noted that under 21s are allowed to order smoothies and other non-alcoholic drinks but are not allowed to remain seated at the Seaview Bar and I'm sure the Outrigger Bar.

 

With regards to MUTS, I was aware they served popcorn and cookies & milk but at a 10:30pm movie the staff brought by popcorn, Prego's pizza, Swirls vanilla and chocolate ice cream in bowls, and then cookies and milk! I stuck with popcorn and a cocktail.

 

The Princess Theater productions were first rate and they did add a third show on at least one night due to popularity. The theater is beautiful and the lighting was amazing. Illusionist David Cats put on an amazing show with a surprise finale. The farewell Princess singers and dancers show had some amazing stage sets and beautiful costumes.

 

I have no point of reference to compare other cruise lines or ships but I would definitely sail on the Royal again - even mid-ship!!

 

One interesting note, we had traditional dining but did anytime dining one night (at a table with 5 other people) with no wait time. A couple at our table from the east coast of the United States were emphatic that the Royal was a refurbished ship because their TA told them so. So misinformation is out there.

 

Cheers, Steven from California

[Mom33]

I recently sailed on the Royal's Grand Med Aug 22-Sept 3 itinerary with my parents. This was our first ever cruise.

 

A few of my positives:

 

The Pastry Shop staff were happy to make my waffles to order - about 4 minutes longer than the standard time - as I like my waffles extra crispy. Towards the end of the cruise, I also found that the pastry shop has a tea time from 3:30pm to 5:30pm where waffles are also made fresh and smaller cakes like those served at the afternoon tea in the MDR are available. I did not enquire about tea service in the Pastry shop area.

 

Out of the 3 versions I sampled, best tiramisu goes to Alfredo's. Best MDR entrees go to roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and the prime rib. I tried a lot of the appetizer portions of the pasta dishes besides the famous fettuccine in the parmesan basket (basket not included in appetizer portion) and all were delicious with the mac and cheese as a standout for me. The parade of the Baked Alaskas was a fun farewell to the MDR staff.

 

Best bartenders were Marnie and Miguel at the Seaview Bar. They mentioned they will move to the Regal when she sets sail. As a caution, I noticed and Marnie commented that the ($1 million) fountain show does not drain properly and water runs down the stairs, across the deck, and will pool near the Seaview Bar glass floor panels which are slippery when wet. Another caution, there are textured ceramic tiles crossing the decking around the main pool area and I witnessed one young boy slip and fall while running around the deck in his socks during MUTS. Marnie had to tell him and some other boys 'no running.' I also noted that under 21s are allowed to order smoothies and other non-alcoholic drinks but are not allowed to remain seated at the Seaview Bar and I'm sure the Outrigger Bar.

 

With regards to MUTS, I was aware they served popcorn and cookies & milk but at a 10:30pm movie the staff brought by popcorn, Prego's pizza, Swirls vanilla and chocolate ice cream in bowls, and then cookies and milk! I stuck with popcorn and a cocktail.

 

The Princess Theater productions were first rate and they did add a third show on at least one night due to popularity. The theater is beautiful and the lighting was amazing. Illusionist David Cats put on an amazing show with a surprise finale. The farewell Princess singers and dancers show had some amazing stage sets and beautiful costumes.

 

I have no point of reference to compare other cruise lines or ships but I would definitely sail on the Royal again - even mid-ship!!

 

One interesting note, we had traditional dining but did anytime dining one night (at a table with 5 other people) with no wait time. A couple at our table from the east coast of the United States were emphatic that the Royal was a refurbished ship because their TA told them so. So misinformation is out there. They need a new TA!

Cheers, Steven from California

 

Thanks for the mini review and tips.:D You have wonderful self control if you limited yourself to just popcorn and a drink at the movie. :D

Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

[sunsetbeachgal]

Steven, What a great itinerary for a first time cruise! Thanks for your review!

Edited September 18, 2013 by sunsetbeachgal

[gracie65]

I recently sailed on the Royal's Grand Med Aug 22-Sept 3 itinerary with my parents. This was our first ever cruise.

 

A few of my positives:

 

The Pastry Shop staff were happy to make my waffles to order - about 4 minutes longer than the standard time - as I like my waffles extra crispy. Towards the end of the cruise, I also found that the pastry shop has a tea time from 3:30pm to 5:30pm where waffles are also made fresh and smaller cakes like those served at the afternoon tea in the MDR are available. I did not enquire about tea service in the Pastry shop area.

 

Out of the 3 versions I sampled, best tiramisu goes to Alfredo's. Best MDR entrees go to roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and the prime rib. I tried a lot of the appetizer portions of the pasta dishes besides the famous fettuccine in the parmesan basket (basket not included in appetizer portion) and all were delicious with the mac and cheese as a standout for me. The parade of the Baked Alaskas was a fun farewell to the MDR staff.

 

Best bartenders were Marnie and Miguel at the Seaview Bar. They mentioned they will move to the Regal when she sets sail. As a caution, I noticed and Marnie commented that the ($1 million) fountain show does not drain properly and water runs down the stairs, across the deck, and will pool near the Seaview Bar glass floor panels which are slippery when wet. Another caution, there are textured ceramic tiles crossing the decking around the main pool area and I witnessed one young boy slip and fall while running around the deck in his socks during MUTS. Marnie had to tell him and some other boys 'no running.' I also noted that under 21s are allowed to order smoothies and other non-alcoholic drinks but are not allowed to remain seated at the Seaview Bar and I'm sure the Outrigger Bar.

 

With regards to MUTS, I was aware they served popcorn and cookies & milk but at a 10:30pm movie the staff brought by popcorn, Prego's pizza, Swirls vanilla and chocolate ice cream in bowls, and then cookies and milk! I stuck with popcorn and a cocktail.

 

The Princess Theater productions were first rate and they did add a third show on at least one night due to popularity. The theater is beautiful and the lighting was amazing. Illusionist David Cats put on an amazing show with a surprise finale. The farewell Princess singers and dancers show had some amazing stage sets and beautiful costumes.

 

I have no point of reference to compare other cruise lines or ships but I would definitely sail on the Royal again - even mid-ship!!

 

One interesting note, we had traditional dining but did anytime dining one night (at a table with 5 other people) with no wait time. A couple at our table from the east coast of the United States were emphatic that the Royal was a refurbished ship because their TA told them so. So misinformation is out there.

 

Cheers, Steven from California

 

 

Thanks so much for dropping by to give us your views. Did you make it to The Retreat Pool at all or any of the new surcharge restaurants?

[Carolyn R]

Thank you Steven. I board three weeks from today in Venice.

 

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise!

[yazoo2008]

Thanks for the mini review and tips.:D You have wonderful self control if you limited yourself to just popcorn and a drink at the movie. :D

Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

 

Actually, I was saving room for some late night snacks at the International Café!

 

One note about the mozzarella panini at the International Café. I remember someone on the forums had mentioned that you do not grill a certain type of mozzarella cheese. My mother ordered a mozzarella and tomato panini and it was removed from the refrigerator behind the display case and put in the panini press. She remarked that only the bread was warmed on the outside and the cheese and tomato inside remained 'stone cold.' I suppose it all depends on how long it is left in the press because the ham and cheese croissants I had were nicely warm and melted. My you, the croissants came from the display case and not the fridge.

 

The one area of the ship I wish I had more self control in was the casino. Maybe I just know the right way to play the penny slots but the pick your prize machine took $10 in less than 20 seconds - literally 6 spins with one $.20 payout. The bright side was the Passenger Service desk can take the casino off your key card which solved my casino problem.

 

Thanks so much for dropping by to give us your views. Did you make it to The Retreat Pool at all or any of the new surcharge restaurants?

 

I will preface this by saying we spent most of our port mornings to lunch time off the ship. The few times I visited the retreat pool area I was able to find an empty lounger although there were a lot of "reserved" loungers with a towel, book, etc. On one windy afternoon a deck attendant was removing the curtains from the retreat cabanas. The one day I chose to use the retreat pool there were 6 or 7 people in the pool and I went elsewhere. From what I observed, all of the jacuzzis in retreat and main pool areas were only luke warm to the touch and were never crowded.

 

We were so impressed by the food and service in the MDRs that we chose not to try the surcharge restaurants - plus the MDRs were already "prepaid."

[dmwnc1959]

THANKS Steven (yazoo2008) for coming back and letting us know how much you enjoyed your cruise. It sounds like you had a lovely time! :D

[yazoo2008]

Thank you Dave (dmwnc1959)!

 

Here is the menu from our second formal night - to hopefully whet some appetites.

 

 

[dmwnc1959]

Thank you Steven. I board three weeks from today in Venice.

 

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise!

 

Hi Carolyn,

 

I hope you have a great cruise! Looking forward to hearing your impressions of Royal Princess, either on the Live thread or upon your return stateside. :D

 

 

 

Thank you Dave (dmwnc1959)!

 

Here is the menu from our second formal night - to hopefully whet some appetites...

 

See, now you've gone and done it. I had planned on avoiding formal nights in the MDR. Now that I've seen the menu I'm going to have to juggle my finely tuned 'Dining Calendar' and possibly rent a tux! ;)

 

 

.

Edited September 19, 2013 by dmwnc1959

[hockeymum]

Thank you Dave (dmwnc1959)!

 

Here is the menu from our second formal night - to hopefully whet some appetites.

 

 

 

Thank You for posting my mouth is watering now. We leave 2 weeks today and on the ship in Venice 6 days later.:D

[castle12]

Thank You for posting my mouth is watering now. We leave 2 weeks today and on the ship in Venice 6 days later.:D

 

We were also on the Aug 22-Sep 3 Grand Med cruise. In my opinion the beef wellington was the best meal I had in the MDR.

 

castle12

[Astro Flyer]

We were also on the Aug 22-Sep 3 Grand Med cruise. In my opinion the beef wellington was the best meal I had in the MDR.

 

castle12

I'm always struggle to decide between the Lobster Tail & King Prawns and the Beef Wellington. My waiter places both on one plate & it makes a good "surf & turf". I eliminate earlier courses & maybe dessert but I still enjoy my pasta 'appetizer'. :D

[dmwnc1959]

Doing another Happy Dance!!! :D:D:D

 

[yazoo2008]

My mom and I actually had a chance encounter with Captain Dino as we waited for an elevator on Aloha deck forward. He was ascending the staircase and I said "Hello Captain" and he said he hoped we were enjoying our cruise. I mentioned it was our first and he wished us many more wonderful cruises in the future. :D

 

Steven