Regal! Feb 3-10 Trip Report & Review

[JF - retired RRT]

3 hours ago, FluteGrammy said:

I am on the Regal in a week and a half on the same itenerary and this is making me so excited to sail. You are doing a fantastic job of reviewing your cruise.   I have a really silly question about the temperature on the ship. Were you comfortable in short sleeves or did you need a sweater? Trying to figure out what to take. Long pants or capris? Thank you.

Haven't been on that ship, but 25 cruises on almost all of the other ships...needed a sweater on every one.

[MaryBethV]

14 hours ago, jedokids said:

This Looks Fabulous! I'm so glad you could figure out the recipe! We bought the Princess Cookbook a few years back - kind of an expensive splurge - but we were on vacation! We love the cookbook! When my husband showed me the picture - I thought it was from the cruise!

 

I am going to have to look for the cookbook next time! Can you purchase it in the gift shop?

[MaryBethV]

4 hours ago, FluteGrammy said:

I am on the Regal in a week and a half on the same itenerary and this is making me so excited to sail. You are doing a fantastic job of reviewing your cruise.   I have a really silly question about the temperature on the ship. Were you comfortable in short sleeves or did you need a sweater? Trying to figure out what to take. Long pants or capris? Thank you.

 

I tend to be on the warmer side and I was comfortable with an off-the-shoulder top & capris in the Piazza and main dining room (lunch) during the day. In the evening, I often wore a light sweater or bolero jacket with my sleeveless dresses. My daughter (who is always cold) walked around in the evening (after dinner) in a sweatshirt and jeans because she thought it was cold in the Piazza and teen lounge. All that to say - I'd bring a light shawl or sweater just in case you need it. 🙂 

 

Have an amazing time on your cruise!!!

Edited February 19, 2019 by MaryBethV

[JF - retired RRT]

They peddle the cook book after the cooking demonstration, probably available in one of the shops and it is a "gift" if you attend the Chef's Table.

I got one from the Chef's Table & found all of the recipes to be either something I wouldn't eat, way to complicated or very time consuming.

I gave it away.

Edited February 19, 2019 by JF - retired RRT

[MaryBethV]

1 minute ago, JF - retired RRT said:

They peddle the cook book after the cooking demonstration, probably available in one of the shops and it is a "gift" if you attend the Chef's Table.

I got one from the Chef's Table & found all of the recipes to be either something I wouldn't eat, way to complicated or very time consuming.

I gave it away.

 

I didn't see it after the cooking demonstration - but we followed the line of people out of the theater and walked through the kitchen, so I might have missed it. Even if cookbooks aren't what I would call practical, I still love them. I will read cookbooks like other people read novels. I know... I'm odd. 😂

[hllwdcruiser]

8 minutes ago, MaryBethV said:

 

I am going to have to look for the cookbook next time! Can you purchase it in the gift shop?

 

We got ours as a gift when we dined at the Chef's Table. Since you so enjoy cooking and are a foodie, I highly recommend that you try the Chef's Table at least once. 

As far as the cookbook, I think you can find copies on ebay;  I'm not sure if it is for sale in the gift shop but I'm sure someone on here will know.

This is one of the best reviews I have ever read on this site. We are sailing on the Western route next week and this thread is stoking my excitement. This will be our third time on the Regal and it never gets old!

[hllwdcruiser]

9 minutes ago, MaryBethV said:

 

I didn't see it after the cooking demonstration - but we followed the line of people out of the theater and walked through the kitchen, so I might have missed it. Even if cookbooks aren't what I would call practical, I still love them. I will read cookbooks like other people read novels. I know... I'm odd. 😂

 

I'm like you, I garden, grow all my own veggies and herbs and love to cook and try new things. I actually have made several things in the cookbook. I don't think you are odd at all, I taught myself how to pickle and preserve off the internet....my DH considers himself a very lucky man indeed!

[MaryBethV]

Thursday, February 7th | St. Maarten

 

Wide awake at 6:30am again.  I could tell we weren't moving, so I peeked out and we were already docked next to a ship yard. I quietly slipped out onto the balcony to watch the sunrise over the hills. Beautiful. The industrial view was mixed with the sounds of roosters crowing and goats (perched on the cliff across from us) bleating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Maarten info - 

 

 

 

 

We woke the kids up and headed to the buffet for breakfast. Another delicious breakfast that I didn't have to cook or wash dishes after... and a great view from our favorite breakfast spot on the Horizon Terrace.

 

Checking out our neighbors for the day. I think there were 5 ships in port all together.

 

Our plans were to take the water taxi over to the main beach. See that dock with the orange roof in the middle of the photo (just above the yacht with the helicopter on it's aft)? That is the dock for the water taxi.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 19, 2019 by MaryBethV

[MaryBethV]

It was a short walk off the ship to the cruise port/shopping area.

 

More of our neighbors. Has anyone ever been on RC Anthem of the Seas? I was watching to see if they would raise the North Star while in port - but if they did, I missed it.

 

The port/shopping area wasn't very large and we soon found the line for the water taxi. A ticket is $7.00 for a full-day pass (though we only used it for one round trip).

 

 

 

You head down to the water between two buildings.

 

As you can see - the beach isn't far. 

 

This is the ferry boat we took. I snagged a seat on the side (so I could get some photos!) next to a nice man from Great Britain who was visiting the Caribbean for the first time. 

 

The views from the ferry did not disappoint!

 

When you get off the ferry, you are let off on a dock/pier that is right in the middle of the beach. The area in the photo below is if you get off the ferry and go to the left (which is the way we went).

 

Looking back at all the ships. The Regal is the last one in the lineup.

 

 

This area would be to the right of the landing dock/pier.

 

 

 

Next up on the to-do list: find some beach chairs and an umbrella or two. 🙂 

[texascat]

 

Sad story: Upon arriving at the fenced gate to be admitted back to the ship/dock area - there was a family of four there that the Bliss had left without. 😢 I'm not sure of their itinerary - but I truly hope that their stop the next day was Tortola which would at least only be a ferry ride away. Have you ever witnessed someone being left by a cruise ship?

 

Yes, in October on the Norwegian Getaway.  They called out for a family, than eventually the man came walking over and was talking to the person at the fence.  He gestured like they lost the fanny pack.  The person at the gate made him walk all the way to the other end of the fence and than back.  His wife showed up about this time.  Than the man stood at the fence and waved at us as we left the port.  So sad. (but yes our next stop was Tortola, so it could have been worse)

Edited February 19, 2019 by texascat

[Drews_Cruise]

Loved the review.  We will be on her March 31st and now we really can't wait.  

[MaryBethV]

We stepped off the water taxi and decided to head to the left beach area. Instead of just walking down the beach to find chairs, we walked along the street of shops for a few "blocks", then turned down an alleyway back to the beach.

 

 

 

Cute little church with a brand new facade. Later in the day there was a funeral here - a reminder that while we may just visit what we consider a paradise for a few hours - real life goes on wherever you live.

 

It is always 6:30 in Philipsburg. 😉

 

 

There were many areas where you could see evidence of hurricane damage. 

 

We purchased 4 chairs with 2 umbrellas for $40 in front of Burger Madness (look for the red wall behind the umbrella). We didn't purchase any food while we were here - but their 2/$10 Pina Coladas were good. (Photo is actually of chairs behind us.)

 

Since we didn't get off the ship first thing, the beach was already quite busy, but because we walked down a ways we were able to get chairs/umbrellas in the 2nd row. You just pulled your chair into the "isle" for some sun and pulled it back under the umbrella for shade. You do have many, many vendors come to offer you foot massages, hair braiding, jewelry, bags, towels, etc. which we expected. A "No thank you" was enough to get them to move on if you weren't interested. (We did end up buying a few necklaces from a sweet older lady later in the day - just fun trinket reminders of our beach day.) 

 

DS parked himself under the umbrella, DD pulled her chair into the sun to play rotisserie chicken, and DH and I went for a short walk on the gorgeous beach. No need for water shoes here!

 

 

 

 

OK - time to stop looking at the water and go for a swim! FYI - entrance into the water is not very gradual and gets deep within a few feet.

 

 

 

 

To dry off, DH and I went for a little walk in town. More hurricane damage - metal sheeting embedded in a tree. 😞

 

Everyone was hungry, so we headed back to the ship for a late lunch...

 

Edited February 20, 2019 by MaryBethV

[Jemcdonough85]

What kind of case did you use to bring your phone into the water? I got one of those bag type ones and have an iPhone XR so it should be fine but I’m still paranoid!

[RNRcruisers]

Another west-Michigander here! Great review, you have me searching for a quick (and warm) getaway!

[bmc alabama]

Hope you had time for a Guavaberry Colada on Front Street!

[Crown Cruiser]

You can order the Princess Cookbook on Amazon.  The title is Courses.  (If you don't want to wait until your next cruise!)

[MaryBethV]

1 hour ago, Jemcdonough85 said:

What kind of case did you use to bring your phone into the water? I got one of those bag type ones and have an iPhone XR so it should be fine but I’m still paranoid!

 

I used this simple waterproof case. I've used it a number of times and have never had a problem. I also switch out the lanyard for this floatable wrist strap, which made it much easier to swim with and take photos.

 

However, before our next trip, I will probably purchase a case without a solid border - maybe like this one. I found with some photos and with my video of the stingray that the camera lens on my phone had gotten partially behind the black border and it obscured part of the photo/video.

 

If you are nervous about using a case because you fear it will not be waterproof, just test it in your sink at home before you go.

Edited February 20, 2019 by MaryBethV

[MaryBethV]

1 hour ago, bmc alabama said:

Hope you had time for a Guavaberry Colada on Front Street!

 

I hadn't even heard of that... am adding it to my "next time" notes right now. :) Thanks!

[MaryBethV]

55 minutes ago, Crown Cruiser said:

You can order the Princess Cookbook on Amazon.  The title is Courses.  (If you don't want to wait until your next cruise!)

 

Thanks! VERY tempting! I'm considering doing the chef's table with DH next time though - so I might make myself wait.

[bmc alabama]

7 minutes ago, MaryBethV said:

 

I hadn't even heard of that... am adding it to my "next time" notes right now. :) Thanks!

If you would have headed down the right side of Front Street, you would have come to the Guavaberry Emporium, where they make awesome Guavaberry coladas.  I think that the same lady in there has been there for 15-20 years. 

 

My other not-as-well known tip:  If you want a fantastic Caribbean beach day, head to Ilet Pinel (Pinel Island) over on the French side.  The planes at Maho beach are always fun too...

 

How did the island seem to be recovering from the hurricane?

Edited February 20, 2019 by bmc alabama

[Jemcdonough85]

16 minutes ago, MaryBethV said:

 

I used this simple waterproof case. I've used it a number of times and have never had a problem. I also switch out the lanyard for this floatable wrist strap, which made it much easier to swim with and take photos.

 

However, before our next trip, I will probably purchase a case without a solid border - maybe like this one. I found with some photos and with my video of the stingray that the camera lens on my phone had gotten partially behind the black border and it obscured part of the photo/video.

 

If you are nervous about using a case because you fear it will not be waterproof, just test it in your sink at home before you go.

 

Thanks! The cases I got are similar, and I tested it in a big bowl with no issues so I’m sure it will be fine. 

[MaryBethV]

7 minutes ago, bmc alabama said:

If you would have headed down the right side of Front Street, you would have come to the Guavaberry Emporium, where they make awesome Guavaberry coladas.  I think that the same lady in there has been there for 15-20 years. 

 

My other not-as-well known tip:  If you want a fantastic Caribbean beach day, head to Ilet Pinel (Pinel Island) over on the French side.  The planes at Maho beach are always fun too...

 

How did the island seem to be recovering from the hurricane?

 

That Guavaberry Colada looks delicious!

Thanks for the tips on the beaches. I had heard of Maho, but not Pinel Island. We went very low-key on the plans this cruise, but will venture further if we visit again.

 

There was still very visible damage, though it looks as though things are slowly coming back. I heard the Dutch side was further along in the recovery than the French side. I talked with a couple on our cruise that have a time share on the Dutch side and occasionally visit to "check on it". It still isn't close to being finished as progress is slow, they said.

[4cats4me]

56 minutes ago, MaryBethV said:

 

That Guavaberry Colada looks delicious!

Thanks for the tips on the beaches. I had heard of Maho, but not Pinel Island. We went very low-key on the plans this cruise, but will venture further if we visit again.

 

There was still very visible damage, though it looks as though things are slowly coming back. I heard the Dutch side was further along in the recovery than the French side. I talked with a couple on our cruise that have a time share on the Dutch side and occasionally visit to "check on it". It still isn't close to being finished as progress is slow, they said.

There was also a little guavaberry stand at the cruiseport right before going through security. They ARE delicious.  Regarding progress rebuilding, the Dutch side is rebuilding quicker due to getting their insurance payout very quickly after the hurricane.  However, the French side doesn’t get their insurance money quickly; our guide last April told us that it would be at least 9 months to get the checks to start the rebuilding process. The claims have to be processed on the island of Guadeloupe is what we were told, and from there to the main insurance  office in France, then back to Guadeloupe, ultimately St. Martin, such a long process. 

The Dutch received checks within the first couple weeks (per what our guide indicated) 

[MaryBethV]

After quick showers, there was no consensus on where to have lunch. DS wanted the buffet and DD wanted Alfredos. So I went to the buffet with DS - who ended up just eating a few cookies. He said he wasn't feeling well and went back to the room. 😞 I, on the other hand, enjoyed the view and made myself a steak fajita and a chicken fajita with all the toppings. The steak was just put out and was really well-seasoned. The chicken was good, but not as flavorful as the steak. YUM!

 

 

DH texted me from Alfredos that he ordered the Pizza Regal Princess (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, parma ham & shaved parmesan). Best pizza yet, he said. And he texted me a photo - he knows how this works. 😉 I'm sure DD had her favorite - Pizza Hawaiiana!

 

We spent some time relaxing on our balcony before sail away at 5:30. A little rain in the distance...

 

 

And then we were treated to a beautiful rainbow! We have now seen one spectacular rainbow on each of our three cruises. God's beautiful promise - love it!

 

 

Time to sail away! The sun was setting and the ship was literally sailing straight into the sunset. I was hoping we would turn a bit North in time to see it.

 

 

 

 

I think the island in the distance is called The Bottom. Look it up on Google images - WOW. We would love to visit it someday!

 

And we turned North at the perfect moment... 😍

 

 

 

Edited February 20, 2019 by MaryBethV

[WisCruiser2]

That was a spectacular rainbow! We went to Divi Little Bay resort, not far from port  but not as crowded as Great Bay. The island in your sailaway photo is Saba, we could see it from Divi 🙂

i'm really enjoying the review, sorry we didn't meet on the ship!