Live from the Regal Princess: British Isles Cruise July 7-19 2023

[Barbara B]

Hi all,

I will be live blogging the cruise. For now, here's my first post--Day 1

Cruise Journey Journal: British Isles July (Live)

Ship: Regal Princess

Cabin: Mini Suite on the 15th deck, midships-fore, Ports side

 

Please be sure to ask any questions in the thread below!

 

We opted for the Premium package ($80/day), which includes up to 4 wifi devices, all the drinks, cocktails and very fancy desserts you can muster, all gratuities, 2 dinners at the specialty restaurants, and other assorted amenities.

 

This is our fourth cruise on Princess (we’ve been to Alaska twice and the Caribbean once. First cruise to the British Isles (and Ireland).

 

July 7 Our cruise embarked yesterday. With a crazy schedule and a bit of rushing around, I didn’t get a chance to put my thoughts together until today (Saturday), our first full day on the cruise.

 

Initial thoughts about traveling here and our embarkation

 

Our flight from Pittsburgh was late Thursday night and we arrived, more or less on schedule at about 10:15 a.m. Friday morning. We’d been warned about flying in day-of, but undaunted and having booked our air and transfer through Princess, we were not really worried, because Princess would make good on getting us to the ship (even if in a different port!). The cruise line has the reputation of really making good on this promise, and fortunately, we didn’t need to test the system. We flew British Airways in Premium Economy (World Traveler Plus). The seats were 2x2 and very comfy. I’d promised myself I’d sleep, but (of course) I could not. Half of me wished we’d done business class, but I’m not sure if it would have been worth it TBH.

 

The food on British Air was good, with a glass of wine and a delicious Vegetarian dinner.

 

Arrival at Heathrow was less insane than I thought it would be. Immigration was super, super fast and easy, and customs was walking through an empty hall and exiting (this was the “nothing to declare” option.

 

We were not sure exactly where to meet our Princess agent except for “outside customs,” and we had a bit of a struggle finding her, but we did. We waited for the bus to take us to Southampton (yes, where the Titanic embarked!). It was pretty terrible traffic and an hour and a half, but we got there in plenty of time. What I like about taking the cruise line’s transfer is that once the driver has your bags, you don’t see them again until they are brought to your cabin. You walk the short distance to the terminal and go through a very quick check-in procedure, and off you go to the ship. Very painless. More later about Day 1. 

 

Again, if you have questions or comments, thread them below!

A little shot from day 1 from our balcony. This is the Royal Resarch Ship (I think) The Discovery taken at Southampton Port.

 

 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Barbara B
typos

[KKB]

We are scheduled for this cruise next April so looking forward to your TR!

I did UK similar schedule on MSC in May & due to some various issues did not get to do things I wanted at all the ports so VERY much looking forward to returning.

I found the Scottish Highlands SO beautiful--and the citizens were so lovely & personable everywhere.

Have a wonderful time!

[1965]

Love this. Looking forward to all your blogs. We'll be on the Regal June, 2024, for the 12 day BI cruise. 😀 

[ricka47]

We’ll be getting on the ship the day that you get off. Also in a mini suite on deck 15. 
 

I’ll be curious about the weather as it appears the previous cruise was cooler and wetter than some expected.

Edited July 8, 2023 by ricka47

[Joy_K]

@Barbara B Thanks for doing this LVIE from thread and I look forward to following along and sailing the British Isles in September on the Regal.  If you would please, will you check with dining room staff to see which versions of the winemakers dinners they are offering on the Regal.  There is a new "Caymus family of wines" version offered in the Crown Grill starting this summer and I am curious to know if they are still doing the $45 Silverado wines Winemakers version in the Concerto dining rom.

 

Have a great cruise!

[kttraveler]

Thanks for doing this! My parents and I will be getting on as you disembark. My mother uses a wheelchair and her excursions have been advertised as wheelchair accessible. Usually the easy excursions still involve steps on the bus but I am hoping since they say wheelchair accessible the busses will have lifts. If you notice excursion busses with lifts I'd love to know it.

[kplady]

Thanks for starting your live thread! We'll be on the Regal next April, doing 4 days before the cruise on land in Ireland, then 12 days around the British Isles. I'll be following!

 

Have a wonderful cruise!!

Laura

[Barbara B]

2 hours ago, KKB said:

We are scheduled for this cruise next April so looking forward to your TR!

I did UK similar schedule on MSC in May & due to some various issues did not get to do things I wanted at all the ports so VERY much looking forward to returning.

I found the Scottish Highlands SO beautiful--and the citizens were so lovely & personable everywhere.

Have a wonderful time!

Thanks!! 

 

54 minutes ago, kttraveler said:

Thanks for doing this! My parents and I will be getting on as you disembark. My mother uses a wheelchair and her excursions have been advertised as wheelchair accessible. Usually the easy excursions still involve steps on the bus but I am hoping since they say wheelchair accessible the busses will have lifts. If you notice excursion busses with lifts I'd love to know it.

I have some mobility issues with my knees, so we are doing the trips that seemed doable for my injured, but recovering knees. I will keep an eye!! Tomorrow is our first Shore excursion

[Nolafan]

Thanks for doing this Live Thread! I look forward to following along. We will be doing a similar cruise next July.  

[Barbara B]

Day 1 continued:

 

Being onboard was great! We haven't sailed Princess sing 2009 and it was so much like coming home. Last Princess we did was The Sun.

 

Went up to the mini suite and we were met by our excellent Steward, who showed us how to open the balcony. We love keeping it open unless it's really cold out. (or very windy). 

 

Did a meetup with some folks from the cruise FB group in Crooner's, which was fun. Then off to Sabbath services. (In addition to being a novelist and teacher, I'm an ordained clergy member of the Jewish faith, so that was lovely).

 

We did dinner in the Buffet because we were really tired and didn't want to wait for our reservation.

 

The view from our balcony is beautiful and the sail away, we did from our cabin as well.

The balcony is small but adequate. The chairs were slightly snug, but not too bad (and I'm a big lady). There's a terrace table, which will be nice for writing. 

 

The Cabin (we are M316) in a minisuite. There were two flutes of champagne in our fridge and we took them out on the balcony for our "welcome to the vacation" moment!

 

I look like a wreck after nearly an entire day of travel, but...

Anyway...

The sofa is roomy, wide and long with four throw pillows. There are two other chairs: one at the long desk and the other is a barrel chair.

 

Two TV screens.

The curtain separating the sitting "room" and bed is quite heavy and will block out light, which is not what I expected, but better.

 

The bed, as many people have posted is super comfortable, as are the pillows. (so nice to lay down my head at the end of day 1.

 

I brought magnetic clips and hooks to hang various things (like the Patter) on the wall. 

We brought with us two non-surge power cubes (small ones) that have both plugs and USB-A and C ports. (I highly advise this, since there are only really two outlets (one each American and European).

 

Scads of drawer space and the closet is substantial with two rows of hangers and more than enough space. In addition there is a closet (where the safe is kept) along with lots of shelves.

The bathroom is not huge, but adequate, with a bathtub.

 

 

That it for day 1

Day 2 was a bit of an unexpected turn of events (but also really, really nice), but more on that tomorrow.

 

 

[LACruiser88]

Enjoy your cruise!  The Regal is one of our favorite Princess ships.

[PacnGoNow]

17 minutes ago, Barbara B said:

Day 1 continued:

 

Being onboard was great! We haven't sailed Princess sing 2009 and it was so much like coming home. Last Princess we did was The Sun.

 

Went up to the mini suite and we were met by our excellent Steward, who showed us how to open the balcony. We love keeping it open unless it's really cold out. (or very windy). 

 

Did a meetup with some folks from the cruise FB group in Crooner's, which was fun. Then off to Sabbath services. (In addition to being a novelist and teacher, I'm an ordained clergy member of the Jewish faith, so that was lovely).

 

We did dinner in the Buffet because we were really tired and didn't want to wait for our reservation.

 

The view from our balcony is beautiful and the sail away, we did from our cabin as well.

The balcony is small but adequate. The chairs were slightly snug, but not too bad (and I'm a big lady). There's a terrace table, which will be nice for writing. 

 

The Cabin (we are M316) in a minisuite. There were two flutes of champagne in our fridge and we took them out on the balcony for our "welcome to the vacation" moment!

 

I look like a wreck after nearly an entire day of travel, but...

Anyway...

The sofa is roomy, wide and long with four throw pillows. There are two other chairs: one at the long desk and the other is a barrel chair.

 

Two TV screens.

The curtain separating the sitting "room" and bed is quite heavy and will block out light, which is not what I expected, but better.

 

The bed, as many people have posted is super comfortable, as are the pillows. (so nice to lay down my head at the end of day 1.

 

I brought magnetic clips and hooks to hang various things (like the Patter) on the wall. 

We brought with us two non-surge power cubes (small ones) that have both plugs and USB-A and C ports. (I highly advise this, since there are only really two outlets (one each American and European).

 

Scads of drawer space and the closet is substantial with two rows of hangers and more than enough space. In addition there is a closet (where the safe is kept) along with lots of shelves.

The bathroom is not huge, but adequate, with a bathtub.

 

 

That it for day 1

Day 2 was a bit of an unexpected turn of events (but also really, really nice), but more on that tomorrow.

 

 

Welcome back!  We love the Regal also!

[nini]

The Regal is great!

[Barbara B]

Day 1 continued:

 

Being onboard was great! We haven't sailed Princess sing 2009 and it was so much like coming home. Last Princess we did was The Sun.

 

Went up to the mini suite and we were met by our excellent Steward, who showed us how to open the balcony. We love keeping it open unless it's really cold out. (or very windy). 

 

Did a meetup with some folks from the cruise FB group in Crooner's, which was fun. Then off to Sabbath services. (In addition to being a novelist and teacher, I'm an ordained clergy member of the Jewish faith, so that was lovely).

 

We did dinner in the Buffet because we were really tired and didn't want to wait for our reservation.

 

The view from our balcony is beautiful and the sail away, we did from our cabin as well.

The balcony is small but adequate. The chairs were slightly snug, but not too bad (and I'm a big lady). There's a terrace table, which will be nice for writing. 

 

The Cabin (we are M316) in a minisuite. There were two flutes of champagne in our fridge and we took them out on the balcony for our "welcome to the vacation" moment!

 

I look like a wreck after nearly an entire day of travel, but...

Anyway...

The sofa is roomy, wide and long with four throw pillows. There are two other chairs: one at the long desk and the other is a barrel chair.

 

Two TV screens.

The curtain separating the sitting "room" and bed is quite heavy and will block out light, which is not what I expected, but better.

 

The bed, as many people have posted is super comfortable, as are the pillows. (so nice to lay down my head at the end of day 1.

 

I brought magnetic clips and hooks to hang various things (like the Patter) on the wall. 

We brought with us two non-surge power cubes (small ones) that have both plugs and USB-A and C ports. (I highly advise this, since there are only really two outlets (one each American and European).

 

Scads of drawer space and the closet is substantial with two rows of hangers and more than enough space. In addition there is a closet (where the safe is kept) along with lots of shelves.

The bathroom is not huge, but adequate, with a bathtub.

 

 

[sabrefan]

Thank you for this review, we are doing this cruise as well on August 24th. We are also doing the Ireland land for 4 days through Princess before our cruise. We too have previously have been on Princess 3 times and will also be in a mini suite on deck 15. Will be looking forward to your upcoming reports.

[Barbara B]

 Regal Princess

Day 2 (unexpectedly at Sea!)

 

We had a bit of a surprise. We were to dock in Portland; however there were major immigration protests planned for the port and Princess made the decision not to go into Portland. Instead we were given a sea day, which, TBH, turned out to be a great opportunity for us to recover from our crazy travel day and get familiar with the ship. We were not bummed that our Shorex was cancelled, and we had a lovely day at sea.

 

Went down to breakfast in the MDR and sat at a window table, saying we were open to sharing, so they gave us a big round in a corner and were soon joined by three other couples. We got to know each other and have met up a few times since. 

 

Spent much of the day checking out the ship, the Horizon Grill and the pastry shop, but not indulging too much as we had dinner reservations for Sabatini's.

 

Good opportunity to talk about the Medallions and the app.

 

I really love the medallion. Bravo Princess! Everywhere we went, servers and other staff knew who we were before we even introduced ourselves. We have the premiere package, so we never had to tell anyone, for example when I had a mimosa at breakfast that it was free 🙂 They knew.

 

The WiFi has been really good and we got What's App, so communication is pretty good. We've sent texts and photos back home and communicated with each other when we're not together. We can get Netflix, and Sirius on any of our devices, so news junkie that I am, I will not go into news withdrawal 🙂

 

We didn't even realize it until I check our account, but Phil won $25  in the "open the door" game. It only works at sea (when the casino is open), but that was a lovely surprise. He said, now it's my turn!

 

I went to the Casino (not a big gambler, but I enjoy a slot machine or two). My medallion worked at the machine to get credits (my self-imposed limit was $10). I did a slot machine and woo-hoo! I won $80 on my fourth try. 

 

We went out on deck on a glorious day--a bit too chilly to go swimming, however.

 

They were giving away a free bangle bracelet in the shops, and for $10, you could get a set of five really cute charms (check off on one souvenir for a lucky 5-year-old on my list 🙂)

 

Because it was a sea day, it was designated a formal night, complete with champagne waterfall. (We'll now have 3 Formal Nights on the cruise). Lots of photos taken.

 

Dinner at Sabatini's:

OMG. Too much food (and I ate it like a tasting menu, as my appetite had not returned due to the jet lag). We were greeted and taken to our window table for two. Immediately, flutes of sparkling wine (Italian) were placed on our table.

 

We are pescatarians for the purposes of this trip (we don't eat meat, shellfish or poultry--we actually keep Kosher, so we only do dairy or fish away from home. I know Kosher food is available, but it is likely pre-prepared frozen meals, so...no, and not necessary for us.)

 

Anyway, I digress. A basket of warm breads was next...to die for. Garlic and parmesan encrusted rolls, plus Italian bread and breadsticks (which I did not eat). Olive oil and balsamic vinegar was placed in a small dish for dipping. All the baked goods are baked fresh daily.

 

I ordered the Ribolita vegetable soup, which was delicious. Next came the Aracini al Tortufo--rice balls, which I did not care for. The Piadina was for our Antipasta. Yummy!

 

Then came the pasta. Spirals coated in Pesto and paremsan. Amazing. The pasta was about the best I've tasted. And this, too, is made by hand every day.

 

Our main course was the Branzini. it was well prepared on a bed of sauteed spinach with fingerlings. Also very good.

 

The dessert was the real piece de resistance. 

I ordered the Chef's special, which was a flight of the four deserts in mini (?) portions. not so mini! 

 

I realize that I did not take a picture of the dessert menu (but next time, since we will be going back later in the cruise). The dessert was OMG to die for. Dinner was topped off with cappuccinos. 

 

Next we walked around the ship a few times, listened to some music and went to the 9:30 Princess Theater show.

 

I was not expecting much, especially since this was not a planned production show, but an extra because of the extra sea day. I have to say...wow! 

 

Two sopranos, a tenor, and a baritone--all accomplished opera singers (and I'm very critical usually because I'm a professional singer, sooo.) The voices, the staging, the costumes, the dancers, the orchestra, just exquisite. We had seating in the reserved section (Orchestra--Center, row 5 on the aisle). A mix of Broadway, several gorgeous arias from Carmen, Traviata, La Boheme... then a Bond medley, mixed with a few poppy things. Two magnificent ballet dancers in addition to the company. I can't wait to attend the other two shows (which will both be different than last night's)

So that's the end of day 2. I have to say, I would have preferred a sea day on our second day, so we were really happy with how it turned out. We went to sleep relaxed and rested for Day Three in Falmouth! More tomorrow. for Day 3!

 

For some reason I can't upload my pix. Here's the report. Pix when I can 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1965]

Thank you for such a thorough & positive report. Looking forward to day 3! 😊

[Scottygirl1]

We sail on the Regal on 24th August.  I'll be following along on your trip for sure!  All that food and Sabatinis... I think we'll give it a miss because I would be ill eating more than a couple of courses. It all sounds delicious though but feel it would be wasted on me.  Good to know the show was good because my partner LOVES the shows.  

[Lady Arwen]

Following, as we’ll be on this itinerary in September.  We’re also in a mini suite, but on deck 16, Lido….our absolute favourite!  Anxiously awaiting your weather report, as it seems cooler and wetter than expected.  We’re planning on packing for all possibilities!  Have a wonderful time and thanks for sharing your adventures!

[Barbara B]

1 hour ago, Lady Arwen said:

Following, as we’ll be on this itinerary in September.  We’re also in a mini suite, but on deck 16, Lido….our absolute favourite!  Anxiously awaiting your weather report, as it seems cooler and wetter than expected.  We’re planning on packing for all possibilities!  Have a wonderful time and thanks for sharing your adventures!

So far, the weather has been pretty good. Our embarkation day was gorgeous and warm, but not hot.

Day 2 at sea was mostly sunny--and fairly warm. Spent a lot of time on our balcony when not doing other stuff

Day three--was forecast to rain, but on our Shorex it was warm and a cloudless day at St. Michael's mount and Lands End (and all points from the ship and back). Beautiful evening with spectacular sunset.

[KarmaCruisers]

Following! (As we got off the ship as you got on)

I agree on Sabatini’s being a LOT of food..but it’s good AF!

[Lady Meer]

Thanks for you ‘live’ reports, we were on this trip in June. Did you get a tray with kettle / tea and coffee making facilities? There is usually one in all the rooms - if it’s not there just ask your steward if you want one.

 

Hope the weather is kind to you - it was for us.

[Barbara B]

3 hours ago, Lady Meer said:

Thanks for you ‘live’ reports, we were on this trip in June. Did you get a tray with kettle / tea and coffee making facilities? There is usually one in all the rooms - if it’s not there just ask your steward if you want one.

 

Hope the weather is kind to you - it was for us.

We did not. It's not really necessary as going up (or down) to grab a cup first thing is easy enough. We have lots of bottled water (I make sure to get a couple bottles from each establishment I visit). The weather yesterday started out very rainy (before we went ashore), but turned to be spectacular by the time we went out toward Lands End.

[maggieq]

On 7/8/2023 at 11:56 AM, Barbara B said:

Hi all,

I will be live blogging the cruise. For now, here's my first post--Day 1

Cruise Journey Journal: British Isles July (Live)

Ship: Regal Princess

Cabin: Mini Suite on the 15th deck, midships-fore, Ports side

 

Please be sure to ask any questions in the thread below!

 

We opted for the Premium package ($80/day), which includes up to 4 wifi devices, all the drinks, cocktails and very fancy desserts you can muster, all gratuities, 2 dinners at the specialty restaurants, and other assorted amenities.

 

This is our fourth cruise on Princess (we’ve been to Alaska twice and the Caribbean once. First cruise to the British Isles (and Ireland).

 

July 7 Our cruise embarked yesterday. With a crazy schedule and a bit of rushing around, I didn’t get a chance to put my thoughts together until today (Saturday), our first full day on the cruise.

 

Initial thoughts about traveling here and our embarkation

 

Our flight from Pittsburgh was late Thursday night and we arrived, more or less on schedule at about 10:15 a.m. Friday morning. We’d been warned about flying in day-of, but undaunted and having booked our air and transfer through Princess, we were not really worried, because Princess would make good on getting us to the ship (even if in a different port!). The cruise line has the reputation of really making good on this promise, and fortunately, we didn’t need to test the system. We flew British Airways in Premium Economy (World Traveler Plus). The seats were 2x2 and very comfy. I’d promised myself I’d sleep, but (of course) I could not. Half of me wished we’d done business class, but I’m not sure if it would have been worth it TBH.

 

The food on British Air was good, with a glass of wine and a delicious Vegetarian dinner.

 

Arrival at Heathrow was less insane than I thought it would be. Immigration was super, super fast and easy, and customs was walking through an empty hall and exiting (this was the “nothing to declare” option.

 

We were not sure exactly where to meet our Princess agent except for “outside customs,” and we had a bit of a struggle finding her, but we did. We waited for the bus to take us to Southampton (yes, where the Titanic embarked!). It was pretty terrible traffic and an hour and a half, but we got there in plenty of time. What I like about taking the cruise line’s transfer is that once the driver has your bags, you don’t see them again until they are brought to your cabin. You walk the short distance to the terminal and go through a very quick check-in procedure, and off you go to the ship. Very painless. More later about Day 1. 

 

Again, if you have questions or comments, thread them below!

A little shot from day 1 from our balcony. This is the Royal Resarch Ship (I think) The Discovery taken at Southampton Port.

 

 

Following..thanks for posting.    Questions on the Princess transfers, do you have to book air with them as well?  Do they offer transfers with precruise hotels?  Have a wonderful cruise. 

[Barbara B]

You do not have to book air through Princess (however it makes it really convenient with flight delays). You have to tell Princess what airline, etc. and make sure they have the info. We actually booked the transfers before we decided to EZ Fare. It made this so much more convenient. I believe you can still book a hotel transfer or go to a particular place in London (or wherever) to take a ship transfer.

 

Just returned from a visit to the Cobh heritage center. More about that tomorrow. I have to catch you up on yesterday. If there's anything I've missed about a port so far--or questions, just ask.