Live from the Regal Princess – Jan 17-31, 2016 – Diary of a conflicted hungry...

[lor74]

I woke up at 6:45am. There is quite a bit of vibration in the room and we both slept ok on the vibrating bed. Our cabin is above the Vista lounge and I have concerns that there will be noise...there was nothing doing there last night. I sprung out of bed and hit the track. The goal is to do 5km which is 22 laps. I was good through the first 7 laps which is 1 mile. At that point my lower body started to get tired. I got through the 5km, but I was about 5 minutes off my normal pace. After that I changed into my bathing suit and hit the pool. The water was like ice, but because I was already hot, I managed to get in. Of course I was alone. 50 laps later, and it was not even 9am yet. Time for breakfast. Ro had a healthy oatmeal, fruit and some pb&j. I had some eggs, potatoes, English muffin, walnuts, and a banana. We are now sitting by the pool, having cappuccinos, Ro in whatever sun there is (it is a cloudy day), and I am in the shade. Inside Out is on MUTS. We are in Princess Cays. We are not going ashore today.

 

* thank you for the kind words!

[Colo Cruiser]

Having booked this cruise many months ago, I originally had thoughts of planning surprises for Ro's birthday. I thought that if the meet & great would be on embarkation day, that it would be perfect for a surprise party. It will be on Tuesday morning, so I nixed that idea. My other idea was to try and plan in advance an Effy purchase on board. For many years we have been admiring the signature collection on our trips. They were always too expensive but the prices were slowly dropping. I never got around to calling Princess to try and arrange anything because a local store had a Thanksgiving week sale. Not only was the collection 70% off, but I was also able to use a coupon code on top. I ended up buying a white gold leopard ring in Canadian funds for less than Effy online was offering and much less than the ship. I gave it to her as an early birthday present, and she sure was surprised! So getting back to tonight....we went to the shops and spent some time in the Effy shop looking at different items and their prices...I got a great deal at home 🤑. After looking at the other stores, we went to have dinner. Only half of the buffet was open...which was still more than enough food! We both started with big salads. Mine was an assortment of veg, nuts, seeds, and bread. Hers was veg and poached salmon. I also had a small sampling of hot food...chicken, veal, potatoes, spring roll, quiche, Mac n cheese.....not as big a plate as it sounds, just a little taste of each item. For dessert Ro had fruit. I had 2 different chocolate macadamia cakes....omg they were good! We both had specialty coffees. Next we went back to the shops and bought perfume and a captains hat. We got 20% off with the elite discount. Ro looks good in that hat! The last stop of the night was the casino. With an exchange rate of 20%, I bought a lot of obc. I cashed some out using the slot machines, then played a few hands of let it ride. With lousy cards we didn't stay very long. The casino was packed!

 

That is it for the first day. I just watched the end of Terminator and am calling it a night. I have my running gear ready to go [emoji106]🏻

 

 

 

Enjoy! :)

[PensFan1028]

When and where do they have the lamb gyro? We will be on the Regal again in March.. really hope they still have gyros!

[pusywillow]

When and where do they have the lamb gyro? We will be on the Regal again in March.. really hope they still have gyros!

 

I'm on the Regal in March also and would love a gyro! I didn't see them on the Royal, but there is so much food on the buffet, I could have missed it.

 

Sue

[PensFan1028]

I'm on the Regal in March also and would love a gyro! I didn't see them on the Royal, but there is so much food on the buffet, I could have missed it.

 

Sue

 

I just did some searching and it seems the Horizon Bistro port side does fresh cut gyros! I might visit daily. :D

[lor74]

It is called lamb Kebob and it is served at lunch only right when you walk in from the pool. It is where you also get grilled veggies, ribs and chicken.

[PensFan1028]

It is called lamb Kebob and it is served at lunch only right when you walk in from the pool. It is where you also get grilled veggies, ribs and chicken.

 

Good to know, thank you!

[lor74]

I ate lunch at 12 sharp. We have 6:30pm reservations at the CG, and I want to be ready for a great meal! I started with a big salad. This was followed by a pathetic looking plate of hot food: a single roasted potato, one turkey dumpling (really good), a sliver of brisket, a spoon of pulled pork, couple pieces of grilled zucchini, and lamb....2 tiny pieces with some lettuce in a soft taco. Omg, the lamb is as good as last year. Coming off of the clean 2 weeks, a lot of the food is an explosion on my taste buds. I appreciate it so much more and am eating stuff that I used to turn my nose up to. I am done until dinner. I am going all in tonight. I can already tell you that I am having: onion soup, filet mignon, lobster tails, mash, fries, mushrooms, and the s'mores dessert [emoji39]

 

We have more sun now and the pool area is getting busier. Next on MUTS is Now You See Me. I am currently reading "A Knight of the seven kingdoms" which is a book that takes place 100 years before Game of Thrones.

[Colo Cruiser]

Love lamb. :)

[decamp303]

Thanks for the reviews. We sail the Regal in the Baltic's in June and I am really anxious. I too, battle weight gain on cruises and have already started my efforts to shed 15 - 20 lbs before we embark. Once on board, keeping them off will be another story. I do not have your discipline and will power.

 

I have thought about your efforts and I can see by sharing your regimen and diet with us through posting this thread is a smart way to remain accountable. Great idea and good luck. Enjoy the Regal.

[lor74]

When the movie started it was very loud. I did not want to see it again so I put my headphones on with my music while continuing to read. An older woman parked herself nearby and was coughing every 20 seconds. For my sanity, I had to get the hell out of there! I went on a trek trying to find the perfect quiet spot in the shade. I did an entire tour of the ship on decks 16-18. The spot eluded me. All this walking got me churned up (tmi [emoji13]), so down 8 flights of stairs back to the cabin. I opened the door and my salvation was staring right at me...I have a balcony...hadn't thought of that! I am now comfy cozy, reading in peace, listening to my music...my narrow slice of heaven [emoji41]

 

We are about to set sail again. I have just finished the first of 3 stories in my book. I think I will make my wY to the gym now 🏋🏽

[sunsetbeachgal]

Can't wait to hear about your Crown Grill meal. [emoji3]

[hcw80]

I also watch what I eat and exercise regularly. The reason I don't cruise on the Royal Class ships is their lack of a promenade deck. I can easily walk for an hour or so several times a day looking for flying fish. The track on the top doesn't give me the same view. To each their own. I will do a 'dreadmill' but I don't like them at all.

 

If you are an early riser, take the morning stretch class. It will help you start the day right. Also sign up for some of the fee based classes like spinning or yoga. It is worth the money and may get you interested in another type of exercise.

 

Avoid the buffet. The portions in the dining room are normal. We tend to forget that a serving of chicken should be about the size of your palm, not your forearm. Ask for extra veggies. They will fill up the plate and you.

 

Do you have a pedometer or exercise ap? That will help you stay on track too (pun intended).

 

There is a scale in the gym. Use it.

 

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[lor74]

I did an upper body routine in the gym, then back to the cabin to shower and wait for dinner. I started watching Ted2. Off to eat we go. I had what I mentioned in the previous post. Ro had 2 different salads, and 4 lobster tails. My filet also came with 4 tails. Everything was great. The steak was like butter in my mouth! Normally I am super stuffed after this meal, but today I felt good. We may go back to the CG next week, or maybe try Sabatini's for the first time. After dinner we went down to the atrium where Rhapsody was playing. The lead singer was quite good and worked the room well. The dance floor was full. I had a quick look in the casino, it was full again. After walking around a bit more, we went back to the room. I'm going to finish watching Ted, then call it a night.

 

This has been a very good day. I hope I am able to run in the morning. My legs are super tired...besides all the planned exercise, I did a ton of walking and stairs. I should sleep well!

[Colo Cruiser]

Sounds like a great day!

[Woobstr112G]

I woke up at 6:45am. There is quite a bit of vibration in the room and we both slept ok on the vibrating bed. Our cabin is above the Vista lounge and I have concerns that there will be noise...there was nothing doing there last night. I sprung out of bed and hit the track. The goal is to do 5km which is 22 laps. I was good through the first 7 laps which is 1 mile. At that point my lower body started to get tired. I got through the 5km, but I was about 5 minutes off my normal pace. After that I changed into my bathing suit and hit the pool. The water was like ice, but because I was already hot, I managed to get in. Of course I was alone. 50 laps later, and it was not even 9am yet. Time for breakfast. Ro had a healthy oatmeal, fruit and some pb&j. I had some eggs, potatoes, English muffin, walnuts, and a banana. We are now sitting by the pool, having cappuccinos, Ro in whatever sun there is (it is a cloudy day), and I am in the shade. Inside Out is on MUTS. We are in Princess Cays. We are not going ashore today.

 

* thank you for the kind words!

 

Sounds like a great on the ship.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Grego]

Have a great cruise! If you haven't already, download Chrome to your iPhone. I found that the Princess WiFi works far better and is more stable using Chrome than Safari.

 

Glad you posted that. I found this out during one of our voyages last year and forgot to mention this to everyone.

[lor74]

I slept like a log and woke up at 6:30am. The body is VERY tired and I don't even consider getting up. Finally at 7:30am we make our way to the pool. It is full overcast and might rain at any time. The chair hogs were out early for this sea day. 3/4 of the lido deck has been reserved, but not that many people are actually here. We were still able to find our spots. Running was not an option on this early morning, so right into the pool I go. It wasn't easy but I got through the 50 laps fairly quickly. We just finished breakfast. Ro had oatmeal and fruit. I basically had the same thing as yesterday. 2.5hrs till lamb [emoji7]. Hopefully it will not rain, but the grey skies leave me with no confidence. The meet & greet is in 25 minutes. I don't think I will make it if it stays dry. The Peanuts movie is coming up on MUTS. I think it is time for a nap!

[spyro1952]

I slept like a log and woke up at 6:30am. The body is VERY tired and I don't even consider getting up. Finally at 7:30am we make our way to the pool. It is full overcast and might rain at any time. The chair hogs were out early for this sea day. 3/4 of the lido deck has been reserved, but not that many people are actually here. We were still able to find our spots. Running was not an option on this early morning, so right into the pool I go. It wasn't easy but I got through the 50 laps fairly quickly. We just finished breakfast. Ro had oatmeal and fruit. I basically had the same thing as yesterday. 2.5hrs till lamb [emoji7]. Hopefully it will not rain, but the grey skies leave me with no confidence. The meet & greet is in 25 minutes. I don't think I will make it if it stays dry. The Peanuts movie is coming up on MUTS. I think it is time for a nap!

 

Hopefully, although cloudy, it is warmer there than it is in Palm Beach. Woke up to a chilly 46 and promptly turned the heat on.

Have a great cruise!!

[lor74]

Got windy and cold by the pool, needed to warm up....5km are in the bank [emoji106]🏻

[rilco33647]

Awesome that you are reporting live. Also awesome that you are getting in your workouts. I always train while on cruises since we tend to cruise smack in the middle of triathlon season. I normally swim several miles/week, run about 12-15 miles, and ride about 60 miles/week. When I'm on vacation I do what I can. Can you please find out if people are allowed to use the spin bikes when a class isn't going on? AND are the pedals clipless for cycle shoes? Thanks for the info!!!

[BonnieSte]

* Since we have already been on this ship, I will not be taking that many pictures. All patters, menus, and food pics will be posted after the cruise.

* Last years pics:

* Feel free to ask any questions about the ship

*tomorrow is Ro's birthday...she is turning 40...you didn't hear it from me!

* I am using a great new app for free long distance and texting over wifi on IOS - Convoi - I highly recommend it.

 

Please excuse any iPhone typos [emoji3]

 

I am really looking forward to your review! I haven't been on Princess in a long time but I miss it dearly. I am considering the Regal for 2017. What is the free long distance and texting you are speaking of?

[lor74]

After my run I went back to the room a cooled off while reading on the balcony. I then went to the buffet for lunch. I started with a large salad. This was followed by a plate of: 1 roasted potato, 1 pot sticker (good), one piece of kebe (v good), one piece of sweet & sour pork (meh), one sliver of pastrami, a small piece of beef lasagna, and of course my 2 piece lamb wrap. After eating I went to give Ro some advice......her "spot" to tan is in the middle of the water fountains. With the "new" Star Trek2 movie coming on soon, I showed her the adult retreat pool and she found a new place to sit. She is not into ST, and why should she suffer listening to that awful movie ( I am a Trekkie), it is going to be very loud! Following this I went to the casino, lost a few hands of let it ride and cashed out some more credits. Earlier while running I made the mistake of not wearing my hat. Even through the clouds, my sweet helped give me a light fry. I hope it is just a light burn and I won't be a lobster by tomorrow. I am a little uncomfortable with the burn right now. Needing to cool off, I went to the IC and got an iced coffee. There was a 4 piece assemble playing. On my way back to the room I got a printout of my folio....it is correct. FYI, if you pre paid the gratuities, they do not show up at all...at least if done via Canada. I know in the past when I have done it in US funds, that it would basically be an OBC. Time to read some more on the balcony. It is still mainly cloudy but it did not rain at all.

 

* I will check the bikes later

* it took 22 cruises but I finally saw wild dolphins swimming next to to the ship

[lor74]

It is an ios app called Convoi. You get a virtual 2nd phone number and you can do free calling, texting, and sms over wifi

[lor74]

I got very comfortable on the balcony and read a lot. I should be finished the book tomorrow. I did not go to the gym...I decided that I have had enough exercise for today.....having gone up n down the stairs more times than I can count, my knees are like jello! In regards to the question of the spinning bikes, Ro told me that the bikes are locked up when there are no classes. She thinks that she once saw an individual using one, so you may be able to ask to use one, but I am not sure. Tonight is the first formal night, "Caribbean" is the menu theme. We no longer eat in the MDR on Princess ships. We have found that it got worse with every cruise. I assume it is better with set seatings, but as we no longer want to have long dinning sessions, we switched a long time ago to anytime dinning. Prior to this cruise we would still go to the 2nd formal night, but we are now done with that as well. We ate at the buffet. Only one side was open as it is also crab shack night. We both started with soup, asparagus for her and onion for me. We then both had large salads. She also had some cheese and salmon. My 2nd plate had some potatoes, a piece of veal parm, and some pasta in mushroom sauce. For dessert I sampled a piece of hazelnut cake and truffle cake, and finished a piece of choco peanut oreo cake.....I had no guilt as I enjoyed every bite! Next stop was the IC. It was a zoo of people as the champagne waterfall was going on. We both got coffees and walked around a bit. We caught the end of a singer performing in the Vista lounge. Speaking of Vista, that same singer is performing again right now, and the sound is bleeding into our cabin. It is not loud enough for a tired Ro to hear it, but my sensitive ears catch EVERYTHING! Hopefully the white noise of the constant vibration in the room will cancel the other noise out and let me sleep.....if not I'll break out the ear plugs. That is it for tonight, I am watching Bridge of Spies until I fall asleep.

 

In regards to my sunburn, my face is pretty red. I will not forgot my hat anymore!

 

Tomorrows forecast is cloudy with rainy periods, and also rain the next day. I sure hope the weather improves!