A staunch detractor “considers” sailing on Regal Princess

[Oh2B@C]

Hello out there in CC land!

 

I haven’t posted much on these boards, preferring to read people’s comments and posting the occasional one of my own when I think it can be useful. I’ve mostly been interested in the debate regarding the Royal and Regal designs. I’ve been staunchly in the “against” column from the get-go because I felt Princess took away too much of the features I loved from those of the Ruby/Crown/Emerald.

 

But now something may (“MAY”) help alleviate that opinion, to what degree, who knows? I have found an itinerary/date/price combo that I may want to try out, and it is on the Regal.

 

I haven’t decided by any means yet… but I am definitely “considering”. And because I am “considering”, I find myself taking a much less polarized view of the ship’s design. Funny how that happens. Almost like if you’ve been driving a Honda all your life and all of a sudden you’re willing to try a Ford. (Sorry Americans, feel free to use that analogy in reverse…;))

 

With this new-found “openness” in mind, I am going through the deck plans and deciding what features I absolutely know will make me cringe, which are a reasonable/mild concern, and which (that’s right!) are actually likely to please me (did I mention: THAT’S RIGHT!)

 

Here we go then

 

Features that are a major concern to me

 

OK, this list won’t have too many items, like I said before, funny how your attitude changes when things become personal…

 

1. Princess Live

 

I cannot for the life of me understand the thinking behind this. “OK Princess execs, let’s gut out the Explorer’s Lounge and replace it with this studio where our Cruise Directors can basically pretend they are Johnny Carson (oops I meant Jay Leno… Oops again, I meant Jimmy Fallon...). This can only be the result of a blackmail campaign by the a/m cruise directors to have a venue built so they can indulge in their desire to have all eyes focused on them as they tell average jokes. From the pictures, the seating looks uncomfortable and awkward, plus I heard they run trivia in there and folks have remarked on the awkwardness and discomfort factors.

 

2. Pools on Lido Deck are not separated, and that ridiculous fountain show in the middle

 

I really LOVE the design where the Calypso and Neptune Pool areas are separated. If MUTS is annoying, (and I do mean IF), it’s nice to retreat to the other area and have the noise only a faint memory.

 

OMG, that is it for the major concerns. What the heck was I going on about all this time…

 

Design features that bother me to various degrees, but not enough that I cannot try to live with (starting from the lowest deck and working my way UP)

 

First, a shout out to the medical center on Deck 4… you hardly ever hear it mentioned AT ALL…

 

1. Wheelhouse Bar and Crown Grill basically touching and falling into one another

 

Don’t like that much, when I go to Crown Grill I want an upscale experience in an enclosed space without having to worry about the goings-on in the bar next door. However, I’ll only go there once per cruise, so I can deal. Perhaps I can ask for a table as far away from the Wheelhouse area as possible?

 

2. No wrap-around promenade

 

In all honesty, that ALMOST made it to category ONE. Why does it not? I guess partly because I don’t spend that much time pretending I am exercising by walking all around the promenade for hours on end. But I do like it as a place to find a somewhat quiet space at certain times of day and watch the sea go by. That will be the deciding factor over my final impression (if I go that is). If there’s tons of people coming and going and falling over each other, I will not be pleased.

 

3. Lack of central stairs from Deck 7 upward

 

Don’t care, except when I am in the middle of the ship and I just don’t feel like hiking up from anywhere. If the darn elevators are packed and people become rude, that will affect my enjoyment. Not enough of a bother to really register because knowing myself, I’ll just go take the front or back stairs (aft and forward?)

 

4. The skywalk

 

To me the dumbest idea they could think of, but since it is not a waste of space truly, I’ll do it once and then move on. No sense in harping about it, not worth it. Like changing the channel when you don’t like what’s on.

 

5. No Skywalker’s, or top deck equivalent space

 

Ooooooh, that ALMOST made it to the first category too, by a HAIR. I love going to Skywalker’s for the view and the Platinum/Elite lounge. That is a great space. Where is the equivalent on any other deck? Is it Club 6??? It’s tucked away down on Deck 6 (oh I just figured out why they called it that…), almost as an afterthought, and next to the CASINO???? It’s going to smell of smoke in there for sure. OK, I am getting myself worked up here. Move this one to category ONE!!!

 

6. Aft section, pool, etc…

 

Yeah, I spend a lot of time on the back of the ship when I sail Crown/Ruby/Emerald. It’s a great design, lots of space to sit or just stand by the rail and stare out at the ocean. The aft pool is kind of nice on those ships too. It’s hard for me to judge how they arranged the aft section of the Regal. I see there’s a terrace pool. I have to find more pictures and comments. But that’s probably one feature I have to see for myself – DRAT!

 

Actually I am going on YouTube right now to see if there’s any videos that could help…

 

…

 

…

 

Whew, I found 1,123,354 Regal Princess videos… That took some time…

 

Still not decided either way. Looks like there’s a bit of room back there. Still have to see for myself. DRAT!

 

Things they got right

 

1. The buffet

 

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!! More space, more choices, more variety. Not that little cramped broom closet with the same exact choices on both sides. WELL DONE.

 

2. Alfredo’s

 

I forget, is it free to eat there??? If so, then I am ALL IN.

 

3. The Adults-only Retreat Pool looks nice. Again, if free to use, great addition.

 

I am neutral as to every other design feature unnamed in this post

 

Oh, and I guess I should mention the itinerary I am looking at: October 24, 2015, New York to Fort Lauderdale, 10-Days. Living in Montreal, I can take AMTRAK down to NYC the day before and spend the night. From FLL it is a very easy and affordable flight back home.

[shredie]

Go for it. I'm with you in my opinion of the big ships, but I would try one if the opportunity came up (like when they move one to the west coast, lol.) You can serve as our canary, flying into the mine to see if it's livable. We will all be grateful to you for the sacrifice! ;):D

[Colo Cruiser]

Sounds like you already sailed! You have hit all the points.

The stairs issue I never would have known about until I read it here on CC.

When we sailed the Regal it was a non issue and I forgot about it once onboard. We tend to go forward or aft to head up or down.

As far as the aft dipping pool, that's exactly what it is and between the soot and smokers there we tried once or twice and never went back.

 

We ended up spending many sea days all the way aft on the Promenade deck facing what we could see of the wake.

 

We never made it anywhere near the fountains.

 

I think you should sail her at least once. Its really not that bad. ;)

[Pam in CA]

Yes, the Retreat pool area is free (not sure why it wouldn't be.)

 

Princess Live is a little weird but I actually liked attending some shows there. It's more intimate than the big lounges and theater.

 

As for the pool, just go to the Retreat pool. It's separated from the main pool.

 

We had drinks every night in the Wheelhouse. It didn't bother us that we were right near the Crown Grill.

 

With new ships having to conform to the newer marine standards, there isn't much choice regarding the lifeboats on Promenade deck. Particularly for a line that does muster inside and not out on deck.

 

The Grand also doesn't have a central staircase and I haven't seen constant harping about that for the past 14 years. :) Yes, it's an inconvenience if you are midship. I personally don't book cabins midship on any ship as I much prefer being towards the aft.

 

Yes, the Skywalk is useless but it doesn't take away from anything. It's a gimmick. Once you've walked across, you forget it's even there.

 

Yes, I missed Skywalkers but then I also missed the Adagio Lounge. Club 6 is nice but the smoke from the casino next door has gotten into all of the furniture and it smells, as will you. :(

 

The aft pool on the Regal is kind of a bandage, slapped on.

 

Overall, I feel that the many improvements such as the Horizon Court, Horizon Bistro, outweigh the negatives. There are many things to like about the Royal/Regal and I've really missed them on my other cruises.

[ar1950]

Go for it. There is more to like than not like on the Regal. We enjoyed it. :cool:

[RDC1]

Spent 20 days on the Royal in January.

 

I greatly prefer the older ships. The Royal and Regal remain my last choice among the Princess ships.

[Oh2B@C]

Spent 20 days on the Royal in January.

 

I greatly prefer the older ships. The Royal and Regal remain my last choice among the Princess ships.

 

I think that when all is said and done I will still prefer the older ships. But I am glad I went through the exercise of considering whether or not to take a Regal cruise with an interesting itinerary, because it made me realize I can live with some of the design changes.

[jagsfan]

Royal's Horizon Buffet caused me to eat more meals on the Lido deck than I ever did before on any cruise ship. Regal's is the same. Bountiful choices, all fresh, smiling faces replenishing everything so hot foods are hot and cold foods cold. Omelets made to order. Made any design flaws immaterial.

[beg3yrs]

Yes, it is free! You're ALL IN!

[dickinson]

I was on the Royal. The promenade deck actually has a few areas where you can sit outside in lounge chairs. The one area I saw was like a HUGE deck so if you enjoy sitting outside there then this might be nice for you.

 

We really enjoyed the Royal. None of your top issues are things that would stop me from going on her again. Every ship has its cons but for me this is not enough for me to say never again. We were in Club 6 for trivia a couple of times and I smelled no smoke. The casino actually has a large open area in the ceiling. Maybe the people on my cruise were not smokers?

 

We ate one night in the Crown Grill and the Wheelhouse did not interfere with our enjoyment. Maybe itinerary and passenger demographics make a difference.

 

I say go for it! These things won't ruin your cruise. If you decide you prefer older ships well then at least you will know this for sure.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Go for it and have fun!

 

I totally miss some of the things like the promenade deck, Explorers lounge, etc. that the Regal and Royal did away with, but we just love these ships and have had such fun cruises on them. For us, the pluses far outweigh the negatives,

Edited July 5, 2015 by sunsetbeachgal

[CruisingObsessed]

Kind of depends on the itinerary. We spent 12 days on Royal (very similar to Regal) in May for British Isles, and for this it was ok. Nice buffet, loved Alfredos, didn't plan on doing many activities anyway. The cavernous interior spaces were great when it's cold. A staff member told me this was the first cruise the Royal sailed actually full, and the staff was nervous, but it did fine because it was cold and people were mostly indoors.

 

I would never book it for a hot weather cruise. The minimal exterior space would be insufficient on a sea day imo if the ship was full. I expect lots of struggles for loungers, and I would miss the ability to view the wake way too much.

 

The fountains are a joke, what a waste of space! They should put more loungers in there imo and get rid of them.

 

I personally liked the seawalk, the view was fun. I visited there several times. I was alone all but one of them. :rolleyes:

[SoCal Cruiser78]

I think that when all is said and done I will still prefer the older ships. But I am glad I went through the exercise of considering whether or not to take a Regal cruise with an interesting itinerary, because it made me realize I can live with some of the design changes.

 

I agree with you on the older, smaller (relatively speaking) ships. But I enjoyed the exercise as well. I've decided that if I do try the Royal or Regal, it will be for a T/A. I can't imagine a port-intensive itinerary (especially tender ports) with that many pax being herded on and off at each stop :eek:.

Edited July 6, 2015 by SoCal Cruiser78

[LHC Kirby]

RELAX . . . . . . just go do it..... go with a positive attitude not a chip on your shoulder (oopps too late :-) )

 

If you don't like it, stay away for the future :-):)

[skynight]

After being on the Royal, I agree with everything you mention, especially Princess Live with 'fake' tv shows. It is as if the designers never were on a cruise, with their plans to increase passengers, but reduce the number of lounges. You forgot to mention Hobbit size balconies and the soot issues. However, I did, and you can have a nice time on the Royal or Regal.

Edited July 6, 2015 by sknight

[dickinson]

I agree with you on the older, smaller (relatively speaking) ships. But I enjoyed the exercise as well. I've decided that if I do try the Royal or Regal, it will be for a T/A. I can't imagine a port-intensive itinerary (especially tender ports) with that many pax being herded on and off at each stop :eek:.

 

We found no issues at all getting on or off the ship at all the BI ports (including the tender ports). No different for us than other cruises we have taken.

[Oh2B@C]

LOVING the comments so far. Keep 'em coming. Thank you for not making this the same old tired debate that has come up in so many other posts.

 

You forgot to mention Hobbit size balconies and the soot issues.

 

Always an interior stateroom for me, so no issues there. :)

 

We found no issues at all getting on or off the ship at all the BI ports (including the tender ports). No different for us than other cruises we have taken.

 

If you think that the Ruby/Crown/Emerald can hold 3,000 and the Regal/Royal 3,600 that is not a big difference in my opinion. Sure some will say it's 20% more people, but Princess usually runs the tender debarkation fairly smoothly. And there's always my Elite privilege if I am in a rush....:o

[Woobstr112G]

I'd have to say go for it as well. I've made many negative and some positive comments about the Royal. The class is definitely not my favorite and I won't regularly book the ships. If however the right price/itinerary came up I'd go for it.....:):):)

 

Bob

Edited July 6, 2015 by Woobstr112G

[Linerguy]

The Grand also doesn't have a central staircase and I haven't seen constant harping about that for the past 14 years.

 

Actually, GRAND PRINCESS does have a central staircase. It runs from Deck Four (Gala) all the way up to Deck 14 (Lido).

[Linerguy]

LOVING the comments so far. Keep 'em coming. Thank you for not making this the same old tired debate that has come up in so many other posts.

 

We're going on the same cruise you're thinking about taking. Really looking forward to it.

 

Before we booked I did the same thing you're doing.....I listed what I considered to be pros and cons. The only thing I would add to your list of cons is the lack of a forward view over the bow. It looks like the only way to get a forward view (without having to book a forward-facing balcony) is to pay to go to The Sanctuary. Because I love looking over the bow, I'll probably do this a few times during the cruise.

 

I'm not sure how much of a problem not having a central staircase might be. As of now, I don't see it being much of an issue since we're near the aft stair tower on Caribe Deck.

 

I'm also disappointed there isn't a wrap-around promenade deck, but that's pretty much the norm these days on most newbuilds.

 

I've dissected the deck plans, and I think the pros outweigh the cons....I say, go for it!

[dickinson]

Actually, GRAND PRINCESS does have a central staircase. It runs from Deck Four (Gala) all the way up to Deck 14 (Lido).

 

What you left out is that after deck 7 it is crew only. I was on the Grand in February and it DEFINITELY did not have a central staircase for passengers after deck 7.

[LoriPhil]

After our first Royal cruise in April (10-day Southern) we were pleasantly surprised and would happily sail this class of ship again if the itinerary and price looked good. Didn't mind waiting an additional 30 -60 seconds for a mid-ship elevator if we wanted to ride, but the photographs lining the hallway made walking to the stairs a pleasure (just wish they identified the cruise locations for the pictures). We splurged on the Enclave due to DH's cruddy back and found it a good value since it remained open until 10 PM - way better for us than Sanctuary which we didn't book this cruise. Ate in the Crown Grill - were seated farther back and didn't notice any annoying intrusion from Wheelhouse, though we did miss the old Wheelhouse configuration as a retreat. Library is right across from the Wheelhouse and was smaller than our beloved Coral Princess but DH found a few items of interest (I just pack trashy paperbacks which I leave in the "free to a good owner" bookshelf). Also, vines was an expanded venue and we brought some cards or a book and camped out.

 

Sounds like you have a good opportunity to test-cruis the ship at a reasonable price - have a great time exploring the features that please you!

Edited July 6, 2015 by LoriPhil

[skf]

Regal cruise with an interesting itinerary, because it made me realize I can live with some of the design changes.

To us the itinerary and the relative convenience of the flights (or Amtrak).

is more important than the ship.

We like the large Plaza (on Royal...have not sailed Regal as yet) just to sit and observe.

Steve

[Linerguy]

What you left out is that after deck 7 it is crew only. I was on the Grand in February and it DEFINITELY did not have a central staircase for passengers after deck 7.

 

Yes, I see that now. I was going by the deck plan, which shows the staircase, but not that it is for crew only. Thanks for the clarification.

[dickinson]

Yes, I see that now. I was going by the deck plan, which shows the staircase, but not that it is for crew only. Thanks for the clarification.

 

I think I may have read on CC somewhere that when Royal gets its dry dock (don't know when) they are going to make those stairs for customers too.