LIVE from the Royal Princess - 30 days, Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale - 9/27 - 10/27

[Cruisin' Grandma]

We are in an "Owner's Suite (closet is a better term)" on Dolphin deck. The cabin # is D726. Just my opinion, but if you are thinking of booking one, one piece of advice; don't. It is a colossal waste of money for what you get.

 

Bob

 

I'd take your suite in a hearbeat, it's bigger than our main level!

 

Lola in Hamilton

[CruisinChris]

Can you get oysters served the "old-fashioned way", (on the half-shell) or do they only sell oysters doused in alcohol? I'd be stunned to learn that a Seafood Bar would not serve a customer a half dozen oysters on the half-shell with cocktail sauce, but they would serve the customer a half dozen oysters served in shot glasses covered in vodka. Has anyone on board tried to get "just the oysters"?

 

Problem is they only load food on turnaround days. Much of the food has common vendors no matter where in the world they're loading and products are shipped via container (on container ships). Dairy and produce are the chief things that vary by supplier around the world.

 

I'm respect your opinion about how long an oyster will live out of the water in proper refrigeration but I doubt whether all those conditions can be met with foods that have to be delivered to, loaded on and sustained on a ship. I think this is why we don't see oysters, mussels or clams on the half shell on ships. I think they'd love to offer it but it's not practical.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[kruisey]

Problem is they only load food on turnaround days. Much of the food has common vendors no matter where in the world they're loading and products are shipped via container (on container ships). Dairy and produce are the chief things that vary by supplier around the world.

 

I'm respect your opinion about how long an oyster will live out of the water in proper refrigeration but I doubt whether all those conditions can be met with foods that have to be delivered to' date=' loaded on and sustained on a ship. I think this is why we don't see oysters, mussels or clams on the half shell on ships. I think they'd love to offer it but it's not practical.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app[/quote']

Thank you.:cool:

Looking for ward to reading Pia's days at sea..:)

[riclop]

I'd take your suite in a hearbeat' date=' it's bigger than our main level!

 

Lola in Hamilton[/quote']

Not for all the$$$$ he paid for it.

[ibfern]

My friends are in a mini suite and I think it's very nice. They have a large couch which can double as a bed, has 3 large seat cushions, and is very comfortable. The destination area is large with lots of storage on it. The bathroom is roomy too with a tub. Unfortunately the balcony is small, the same size as regular balconies and there is only a small table and 2 chairs with stains on them.

 

After walking around the aft part of the ship yesterday on many floors, we noticed lots of tar and soot on the floors. Princess needs to divert the exhaust cent away from the ship, and of course they cannot control the wind but maybe cover the areas?

[RichNY]

Did you request the wine room when you reserved at CG? I have 8 in my group as well.

 

Actually no we did not request it. The Maiter'd at Sabatinis in the morning is the same one at the CG in the evening. We got into a conversation and he said he would give us the wine room..I suggest you stop by the CG a day or two before your dinner and request it.

I have to expand on my comment about the CG. If you get there later in the evening the "noise" level of the outside entertainment will go up.. this is probably what Bob experienced.

BTW the food and the service were fantastic..enjoy.

Edited October 23, 2013 by RichNY

[Pam in CA]

Here are my impressions after two weeks on the ship:

 

The Royal is a lovely ship. At first glance, it's a "Wow!" Hits are the Piazza, food and entertainment, which have been great. The buffet is HUGE and almost overwhelming the first day or two with the choices and variety. The expanded Alfredo's menu is a big hit. People really like it and are raving. The Piazza and larger International Cafe area is a big hit. There's been some great entertainment there.

 

My standard balcony cabin is fine. Not big but the bathroom is bigger, the bed is far more comfortable and the pillows are fabulous. It's definitely bigger than my oceanview cabin on the Island last year. My balcony is narrow but adequate. I've spent some time on it over the last couple of days.

 

Love the couches near the pool. Once we were at sea and it warmed up, I've been able to grab one and curl up and read. There's no real shade in the Retreat so I've avoided that. Haven't checked out the Sanctuary yet. Poolside, chair hogs abound.

 

Misses seem to be the Crab Shack and the Seafood Bar. Hardly ever see anyone in them. The food in the buffet has been so good that we've eaten dinner there almost every night. Last night was a "miss" though with almost everything spicy Indian food. It was great if you like that but it's not for everyone. I had some and it was good but too spicy for my taste. Didn't see anyone having fondue. Tonight is Italian Trattoria in the buffet so it should be good.

 

The elevators are a mess and the lack of a central staircase has had a huge impact. Instead of people being able to walk up or down a deck, you have to take the elevator. This is a big miss. :( Haven't checked out the promenade deck yet. Another miss is no Explorer's Lounge. People I've talked to don't like the redesigned Wheelhouse.

 

Another big miss is that the Casino is pretty much totally open so all that smoke seeps into the photography area and the Piazza. I sure wouldn't buy a photo because it would reek. Fortunately, the smoke doesn't seem to affect Club 6 which is right next door. However, Club 6 is really weird. It's long and narrow and almost split in two. Poor substitute for Skywalkers.

 

I would not recommend you book on Marina deck unless you're forward under Lido cabins. There is little or no sound insulation between the cabins and the Horizon Court/Bistro or public deck. I get carts moving overhead between 3:30-4:30am every morning along with drawers banging and other noises from the serving stations. My sister, in an inside nearby, gets carts rolling overhead throughout the day and evening from the Horizon Court/Bistro. Same for cabins under the pool decks.

 

People rarely walk across the SeaWalk. It's more novelty than anything else. Yes, you can see directly into the balconies below but they can also see up. Do not wear a skirt or anything loose or else those on the balconies will get an eyeful. :) Couldn't see into the cabins.

 

Even though this is a big ship with a lot of passengers, I have yet to feel it's crowded (except in the elevators) even though the first day or so after sailing from Madeira were cool and windy. I've never had a problem finding a table in either the Horizon Court or Bistro at any time, haven't had a problem finding a seat in the Piazza.

 

Many people are taking the roll of paper out of the holder in the bathroom and leaving it on the counter. The stewards aren't putting it back. Otherwise, you have to be a contortionist to get to it, particularly if there's a new roll in which case, it's almost impossible to pull the paper out directly without getting just one or two small pieces at a time.

 

The roll call has been great. Lots of activities planned and some really good people. It's fun walking through the ship and saying, "Hi!" to people as you go along. There are a few very crabby people, though. I was in the elevator the other day and a woman practically shouted (as she was pushed to the back): "I can't wait to get off this god forsaken ship! It's been hell!" There are a few like that. Overall, I'd say that other than the elevator issues, people are enjoying the ship and the cruise.

 

Hope this info helps.

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Royal Princess (0615 local time). We are beginning our fourth of seven full days at sea as we make our way to Ft. Lauderdale. After today there will only be three days left on the Royal. As with any cruise, DW and I are always a little sad as the cruise is nearing the end. We will be happy though when we get back home and pick up Misha from the kennel.

 

Not much on tap for today. Holli wants to do Sabatini's for breakfast so I'll be waiting till 0930 to have breakfast. After that I'll do a little laundry, a little packing, and then hit the gym. Seas are a little more rocking today. Nothing for us, but definitely noticeable.

 

Last night we again had dinner in Alfredo's. This has definitely been our favorite spot during the cruise. Franco (the head waiter that run's the place) is a true gem. Not sure where we'll eat tonight.

 

I would also agree with almost everything Pam said in the previous post. Despite my previously stated issues with my cabin (which put somewhat of a downer on the cruise), I think Pam is spot on. The only subjective difference I would state is I wasn't too fond of the HC food.

 

That's about all for now. Hope everyone has a great day......:):):)

 

Bob

Edited October 23, 2013 by Woobstr112G

[Pia1913]

Good morning people and welcome to sea day numero quatro. Weather remains nice, seas remain calm and temp is supposed to get to upper 70’s. We know Florida is on the horizon, at least weather wise, since right now it’s quite humid. One thing I need to tell you straight off. It was fondue night in HC and aft part of Port was sectioned off for this. Same as Crab Shack. As of 7:30 PM there were a total of six tables in use for this event. We and our friends dined on this side. Again. And it was open, as was the entire other side. Nothing has changed this entire cruise; since Barcelona. After dinner, we watched another silly movie in our cabin; This Means War with Reese Witherspoon.

　

There are multiple lectures being presented today, both in the morning and afternoon.

1. Mysteries of the Ocean Deep, by Jules Talarico

2. Age of Exploration: A Voyage that Changed American and the World, by Jeana Rogers

3. Liners to the Sun, Part I, by John Maxtone-Graham

4. Birth of a Cruise Ship, by engineer Chris Joly

　

Movies today will be Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Iron Man 3 - all on MUTS. Afternoon movie in the theater; “Great Expectations.” (the one from 2012).

　

There will also be a backstage tour at 11:00 AM, Runway at Sea fashion show in the Piazza, and multiple trivias, one of which will be on the British Royal Family. Elite wine tasting is also this morning; we’ll be missing this one. 11:00 AM is not exactly our preferred wine time.

Tonight in the theater we can see comedian Al Katz (I really like this guy) or wait until later in the evening for Ye Olde Pub Night. We loved the pub presentation on the last leg, but doubt we will do it again.

Responses and Comments:

1. We had the wine room in Crown Grill for six. I suppose it depends on the reservations they get for that specific night.

2. Some people think they need to insult me. So be it. And BTW, there was no formal advertising of the UST.

3. Rich: No disagreement. Just explanation. I’m up there every morning and night and we use the Port side.

4. Anne: I think spending money depends on the passengers and not their status. The dining room sales have been mobbed, as was the tee shirt sale yesterday afternoon. I haven’t bought anything this trip, other than in the perfume/makeup dept. I don’t wear tee shirts and I don’t buy jewelry. But lots of others make up for what I don’t purchase. :)

5. I finally got to the three card poker table. Made a fast win and a quick getaway.

6. Pam's presentation was terrific. As is Pam. :D

7. Gym crowded this morning. People feeling guilty

[catsforkids]

Here are my impressions after two weeks on the ship:

 

The Royal is a lovely ship. At first glance, it's a "Wow!" Hits are the Piazza, food and entertainment, which have been great. The buffet is HUGE and almost overwhelming the first day or two with the choices and variety. The expanded Alfredo's menu is a big hit. People really like it and are raving. The Piazza and larger International Cafe area is a big hit. There's been some great entertainment there.

 

My standard balcony cabin is fine. Not big but the bathroom is bigger, the bed is far more comfortable and the pillows are fabulous. It's definitely bigger than my oceanview cabin on the Island last year. My balcony is narrow but adequate. I've spent some time on it over the last couple of days.

 

Love the couches near the pool. Once we were at sea and it warmed up, I've been able to grab one and curl up and read. There's no real shade in the Retreat so I've avoided that. Haven't checked out the Sanctuary yet. Poolside, chair hogs abound.

 

Misses seem to be the Crab Shack and the Seafood Bar. Hardly ever see anyone in them. The food in the buffet has been so good that we've eaten dinner there almost every night. Last night was a "miss" though with almost everything spicy Indian food. It was great if you like that but it's not for everyone. I had some and it was good but too spicy for my taste. Didn't see anyone having fondue. Tonight is Italian Trattoria in the buffet so it should be good.

 

The elevators are a mess and the lack of a central staircase has had a huge impact. Instead of people being able to walk up or down a deck, you have to take the elevator. This is a big miss. :( Haven't checked out the promenade deck yet. Another miss is no Explorer's Lounge. People I've talked to don't like the redesigned Wheelhouse.

 

Another big miss is that the Casino is pretty much totally open so all that smoke seeps into the photography area and the Piazza. I sure wouldn't buy a photo because it would reek. Fortunately, the smoke doesn't seem to affect Club 6 which is right next door. However, Club 6 is really weird. It's long and narrow and almost split in two. Poor substitute for Skywalkers.

 

I would not recommend you book on Marina deck unless you're forward under Lido cabins. There is little or no sound insulation between the cabins and the Horizon Court/Bistro or public deck. I get carts moving overhead between 3:30-4:30am every morning along with drawers banging and other noises from the serving stations. My sister, in an inside nearby, gets carts rolling overhead throughout the day and evening from the Horizon Court/Bistro. Same for cabins under the pool decks.

 

People rarely walk across the SeaWalk. It's more novelty than anything else. Yes, you can see directly into the balconies below but they can also see up. Do not wear a skirt or anything loose or else those on the balconies will get an eyeful. :) Couldn't see into the cabins.

 

Even though this is a big ship with a lot of passengers, I have yet to feel it's crowded (except in the elevators) even though the first day or so after sailing from Madeira were cool and windy. I've never had a problem finding a table in either the Horizon Court or Bistro at any time, haven't had a problem finding a seat in the Piazza.

 

Many people are taking the roll of paper out of the holder in the bathroom and leaving it on the counter. The stewards aren't putting it back. Otherwise, you have to be a contortionist to get to it, particularly if there's a new roll in which case, it's almost impossible to pull the paper out directly without getting just one or two small pieces at a time.

 

The roll call has been great. Lots of activities planned and some really good people. It's fun walking through the ship and saying, "Hi!" to people as you go along. There are a few very crabby people, though. I was in the elevator the other day and a woman practically shouted (as she was pushed to the back): "I can't wait to get off this god forsaken ship! It's been hell!" There are a few like that. Overall, I'd say that other than the elevator issues, people are enjoying the ship and the cruise.

 

Hope this info helps.

I appreciate your post (also your Boston Strong duck :) )

 

Will board next spring (5 days after running Boston) with an excited and open mind ;)

Edited October 23, 2013 by catsforkids

[long cruiser]

Pam,great post.We travel with you on the diamond back in may.

long cruiser

[bulldog on water]

Mussels were available and on menu in CG last Feb. on the Caribbean P.

[Shogun]

Hi Pam

Your post brought back so many memoires

 

Agree 100% with what you have said

 

Check out the seating and bar at the aft was very quite when we were onboard

 

Yours Shogun

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Forums mobile app

[billco]

I think someone asked a while back for a list of likes about the Royal. Following are things I really like. I am trying to limit my list to just the Royal and not focus on things that are on or will be on most Princess ships, such as activities, entertainment, lectures, or for fee items.

 

1. Gym and walking/jogging track. Treadmills are always open with no posted time limits. Track has designated lanes for walkers and jiggers. Benches & water fountain.

 

2. TRX class. I am going to retake this class on the Maiden Caribbean and considering follow up on return to home at a local facility, possibly buying my own strap. Hope they add TRX across the fleet.

 

3. Expanded Alfredo's. Don't remember, but the pasta stuffed eggplant was very good. Have had dinner twice and lunch once. Probably once more on this cruise. Free coffee isn't offered.

 

4. Super Tuscan Wine Tasting.

 

5. Intranet and Flat Screen TVs . Ability to check account status and on demand. Also able to attach HDMI cable to watch movies on iPad and Android devices.

 

6. Bathroom facilities, balconies, and chairs are fine. Wouldn't say they they fit "really like", but no complaints. No problem with toilet roll holder, but then I practice a lot of Yoga.

 

7. Piazza.

 

8. Princess Live, Nice to walk past, see something going on, and stop in.

 

9. Beds are comfortable. No crack in the middle.

 

10. Like love seat in deluxe balcony without having to upgrade to mini suite.

 

Mostly like Royal Princess.

 

Just my opinion.

 

Super Tuscan Wine Tasting

 

Tasted wines were Terre More Dell' Ammiraglia, Lucente Della Vite, Le Volte Dell' Ornellaia, Tignanello, and Solaia.

 

Each wine was paired with a food, mostly meat or in our case vegetables. Maitre'D was very accommodating. Breads, breadsticks, crackers, and water was also provided. Sabatini's has 25 Super Tuscan Wines on the Menu.

[Iamcruzin]

Pam thanks for the update. Your reviews are always informative and well balanced. Thanks for confirming the mid-ship elevator situation. Let's hope they modify the mid-ship staircase on the Regal. It's been done before so It's a possibility.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Thanks all fin this voyage for the reviews. Pam, I also missed the Explorer's Lounge very much.

Edited October 23, 2013 by sunsetbeachgal

[Guest USC Traveler]

pam...thank you for your insightful posts. i'm so happy you are having a good voyage.

[Rick-cruiser]

The elevators are a mess and the lack of a central staircase has had a huge impact. Instead of people being able to walk up or down a deck, you have to take the elevator. This is a big miss. :(

 

I shall accept your conceding with me on this... ;)

 

.

[dchip]

Thanks for all the info about the ship this morning. Happy to hear there are good pillows. I can take mine out of the suitcase. Packed and ready to fly out on Saturday!

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!!

 

Cheers, Denise

[gracie65]

Actually no we did not request it. The Maiter'd at Sabatinis in the morning is the same one at the CG in the evening. We got into a conversation and he said he would give us the wine room..I suggest you stop by the CG a day or two before your dinner and request it.

 

I have to expand on my comment about the CG. If you get there later in the evening the "noise" level of the outside entertainment will go up.. this is probably what Bob experienced.

BTW the food and the service were fantastic..enjoy.

 

Thanks for the tip. That would be a lovely way to spend the evening there with a group, glad I saw your post. I am disappointed they stopped serving the Crown Grill Scalloped Potatoes they were amazing!!

[san diego sue]

Food is so subjective.

On our 12 day cruise on Royal, didn't really care that much for dinner in Horizon Ct. I try to stay away from foods in sauces or veggies

soaked in butter. So for us, even though service a lot to be desired in Dining Room, was a better choice. However, not to say that the Buffet food wasn't good, just that I couldn't eat a lot of it.Same at lunch time, preferred the International Cafe(for a sandwich and salad)or Alfredos.

Did enjoy the breakfasts in Buffet when we didn't order room service.

Pam hit it right in her observations of the ship. The elevator problem mid ship was a big problem. Forward or aft cabins work better with access to the stairs.

 

[gracie65]

 

2. TRX class. I am going to retake this class on the Maiden Caribbean and considering follow up on return to home at a local facility, possibly buying my own strap. Hope they add TRX across the fleet.

How much are they charging for the TRX classes? Have you seen yoga or Pilates offered and if so, how much?

 

 

 

4. Super Tuscan Wine Tasting.

Where was this done at? Have you also done the Wine Maker's Dinner?

 

 

Love hearing your perspective, hope you enjoy your remaing days, aren't you also on first Caribbean sailing? I'm on the third so can't wait to hear how if any, things change.

[spyro1952]

Again, thank you Pam and everyone else for posting your impressions of the Royal Princess. I am so looking forward to both my TA sailings on the Royal in April & September. If any of you have a chance to peak in on D410, a premium balcony, I would appreciate it. I re-booked this room for the Sept. TA. I also caught the 3 for 1 sale so with the price drop and almost $500 of OBC, it worked. :D

 

Some info I've just come across: USA today just reported the Regal is ahead of schedule and they've added cruises in May & June. For the OP, I think they are probably beyond the point of adding a mid-ship stairway.

Also, I just noticed on the Princess web site that cabin categories are being re-organized for sailings after 10/29/13. This is new as it wasn't on there last Thursday when I searched for a new room for September. I don't really know what the differences are going to be or what the price differential will be. :confused:

Enjoy the last few days of your cruise and a safe journey home to all.

Marcia

[kruisey]

Pam mentioned there was smoke in the Piazza from the casino.This is the same thing I encountered on Island Princess in passageway next to an open area of casino.The reason I don't sail on her because have been tested and have high allergy to cigarette smoke.

Thank you Pam because I have booked a very expensive cruise on next years Regal so I am going to cancel.There are so many different areas in the Piazza

that I would not be able to venture into:(

[slc22]

So enjoying reading all your posts. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us.

 

Enjoy the rest of the sea days....