Pythian

 

I think that Princess's trial of charging for room service on Regal is going to bite them on the a**e big time. It sets them apart from all of the other mainstream cruise lines who may charge a room service fee at night.

 

$3 for a room service order of coffee and juice in the morning is scandalous - it will have a major effect on my decision as to which cruise line to choose - not because of the money - but because the principle. It is indicative of a corporate mentality which bodes badly for the overall cruise experience.

I both agree and disagree with the Op. I agree that adding cost to room service is nuts, as is the Princess policy of "members only - pay up front" for the Sanctuary (Not a chance in he** I'm paying for that). But, I'm not against paying extra for chef table or Crown Grill. These are above and beyond and worth the extra 'up-charge' and are really (generally) funded via OBC from stock ownership, veteran status and special booking offers.

We are taking the Royal in August and our flight is fairly tight (9:35 am, Princess recommends no flights before 9:30 am). Would we be better off with a Princess transfer or trying to do public transport (NOT a taxi)? Or any other ideas/suggestions? Thanks

You will need a Princess transfer. Our docking was a bit after 5 AM, but it was a bit after that when folks could leave (6:15 am or so, I think?). I left at 0900 since I was staying in-town for a few days, and it still took about 1.5 hours to get a cab (standing in line) and another 30 minutes to clear the port (and, yes, there were another 500+ people behind me in line). You will need to be on the early transfer - and I'm pretty sure with the traffic and port loading, it's your only real option.

There was no public transportion the I saw/knew of - but, someone else might have seen it.

The port is backed up due to the single lane in and out road and all the construction and heavy delivery vehicles exiting the new port terminal area. We departed after the TA and it took over 1.5 hours of standing in the taxi line to get a taxi, and then as noted, about 30 minutes to clear the port traffic. Please note that the taxi drivers were very nice, and just as frustrated. This is truly a port area, and not set up well at all for a cruise terminal. But, be patient and hope there is a widening project in the near future.

I've cruised on the Coral twice and the Island once. Both are really nice ships, and are my favorite size with Princess (18 sailings with Princess to date). As to which is best - I'll pick the Coral, but, that is only based on the quality of both prior cruises. It just sneaks past the Island. Bottom line? Pick either and prepare to have a good time!

I had an aft cabin on the Royal during the latest TA (C-742) and did not experience much soot – but did see a little on 2 days, and that was quickly cleaned by the cabin steward. I really didn’t think it was a problem. Also, I used the stairs aft and forward, and also used the elevators aft and forward without any issues. I only had two complaints on the Royal lay-out, and both were general. 1) the central elevator call buttons are not ganged (6 elevators, a bit smaller than the Grand class), so people would hit all the elevator buttons waiting for a ride. This caused all the elevators to stop on almost every level even when there is no-one still waiting. The aft and forward elevators were much quicker (i.e.: express vice locals)! And the 2nd was the noise level in the plaza. It’s really a large space now, and looks great – but it’s being used to teach people how to line dance and zumba and and pop-star singing and for super loud bands and entertainers/singers. I wish it was a bit quieter so it could be enjoyed vice hidden and quickly run from due to crowds and noise.

I didn’t miss the aft ‘mini’ pool, and I really liked the way you could just sit and/or eat on the aft behind Horizon Court.

So, I’ll probably cruise on the Regal, as I will probably cruise again on the Royal. The positives onboard really way outweigh the negatives – and most negatives are one of perspective, not really material defects. And. as usual, service was great!

Thanks for the report on the incorporated changes to the Regal!

My DW purchased me a Tux about 15 cruises ago, so the price per wear is pretty low now. Still fits and looks good. I could wear my Mess Dress (retired USAF) but, I leave that to the Active Duty folks - however, I might feel obligated should we sail on a military holiday. My DW dresses nice, so I should too - and I'm always proud to be seen with her!

We're leaving in less than 2 weeks. Thanks for your review(s) - helps with the anticipation!

We've done it 4 times and enjoyed every one of them. Just an added side-note on the info above, you can get a discount if you do not drink alcohol - $80 vice $95 I think. We do, and the selection (wine, Champaign, vodka’s, after-dinner liquors) is really good. But, don’t let it stop you from going if you don’t drink. Also, I believe the Chefs Table on the Royal is now about $140 per person – which is really getting a bit steep. Can anyone comment on the Royal price and quality of Chefs Table?

Rule of thumb for any Australia or New Zealand cruise is to look at the CC boards for the cruise and pick the one with the most Tasmanians on it. They just seem to always have fun no matter where they are going. It’s not an age thing, just an attitude. HAL does tend to run a bit older though.

Thanks Caribill - I'd seen the stock took a hit today (down about 5% at noon) and was wondering what was disclosed / discussed this morning. This was a really good overview and makes me think the market is just reacting to a general saturation in the cruise market. I'll do what Carnival suggests and take an additional cruise on Princess this year and enjoy the price benifit.

Ours was our 25th wedding anniversary. It was the 2nd sailing of the Sapphire Princess on a 7 day Alaska RT from Seattle – June 2004. We had a full suite on the aft – what a view!

I've read about that...sounds amazing, especially on a bright day.

 

Where did the cat take you?...was it the West Bay beach area?

 

Do you remember which company you hired?

It's been a few years - and I can't recall off-hand. But, I'll look around and if I can find more details I'll post them back here. It was really super snorkeling. Calm, clear and bright. Lots of coral, fish and the drop-off.

I second the thanks! I'm on-board for the first time in Apr for the TA, and your thoughts were well organized and straight forward. I'm looking forward to the cruise. Last time I was on the Royal, she was a beautiful 'little' ship of 700 persons. Loved it - and I'm thinking I'm going to love this one too.

Mahogany bay is really nice and you won't be selling yourself short. My kids (23 and 28) decided to take a taxi to 'town'. After about 3 hours, a $75 taxi bill, and seeing a bunch of trees, shrubs, a few houses and a lot of the inside of a taxi, they finally got back to Mahogany Bay.

As for snorkeling, we took a cat out on one of our trips down there and we had some of the best snorkeling ever. The ridgeline drops off from about 20 feet to 400 feet, and you can just swim right over. It's like you're in space. And, once your eyes adjust, you can see the bottom - at least we did - sunny day and clear (clear) water.

Thank you for posting! I was also on the Ruby last Dec, and my only complaint was the cruise was over way too soon. It was fun reading your post - and gald you had a great time!

In Roatan does the ship dock at Mahogany Bay or Coxen Hole? -- Mahogany Bay, but, the ship has to back in about 1 mile, so if the winds are too strong, or coming the 'wrong' direction, sometimes they have to skip the port. I've been twice and both times we backed right in.

dress shirt, slacks, and tie are generally ok for formal dining night. Some wear a Tux, some a jacket, some nice shirt and tie. Smart casual with a tie is minimal. Less? the buffet is always open. I take my Tux since it's really one of the few times I get to wear it, and I'm dollar-cost-averging.

Enjoy your cruise!

Although I love my TA, for all others reading the header and wondering where this thread was going - I took a 4 day Ruby cruise and 100% of the cost of the cruise (minus taxes and port charges) have now been applied to my April 14 TA. And, my 'travel agent' (TA) never batted an eye whether it was costed for her or not. Now -- it might have been, and that's great - but, as a customer, she never commented. And, Princess credited my full fare, and my DW's. Life (and Princess) is good!

Although they will do a good job, my opinion, and my DW's, is that you should consider what a good cut costs, tripple it, and add a tip. Then for good measure - add an aditional $20 to cover. But, your hair will look great for at least one night!

Thanks for the great review! I'm sailing on her for the first time this April on the TA, so I'm still very interested in the ship. So many different thoughts on the CC boards and it's nice to see one that is from a first time Royal cruiser who had a great time on a fun ship. Thanks!

Another big thank you to Princess for the Veterans OBC – covering multiple countries and types of vets! My DW is a USAF Active Duty veteran (4 years) and I’m USAF retired (28 years with some interesting locations). This is one of the very few benefits that’s individual based vice ‘room/cabin’ based. We both get the full Veteran OBC on our Princess invoices. This Spring, we’ll both get (another) $250 each during our April TA for the Veterans OBC and we’ll get another $250 (cabin supplement) for ownership of our Carnival stock. Thanks indeed Princess and Carnival. And, BTW, we’ll still owe you plenty at the end of the cruise to make it worth your while too.

I knew there was a shuttle that will take you back to the parking garage nearest where you left, but, is there one that will take you on the day of departure? Say you are leaving (Princess) on pier 21 and returning at pier 2. Can you leave your car at the pier 2 garage, take a shuttle to the ship at pier 21 (or to the parking garage near pier 21, Central I think) so that you can just walk off the ship and get in your car at pier 2 when she returns? I'm thinking not - and it only works on the return trip. Or, you have to find a taxi to go between piers. Anyone know for sure?

The service charge (15%) covers the joint-shared tip pool for the bar staff – since they are not part of the daily gratuity deducted nightly on your cruise invoice. But – if you like and frequent a particular bar, or you get great service from an individual, an additional tip is always appreciated. Maybe a dollar or five or so. It’s not necessary since they will split the 15% service charge, and all drinks at the bar have a gratuity included, but an additional cash tip for really good service will really make the servers day -- It’s always nice to be recognized.

I'm weird and always ask for soda without ice, whether it's home or on the ship. I don't like the soda being diluted as the ice melts. :)

I agree with Pam on this issue. Also, basically, you get a better deal by the can if you only have one or less soda's per day. Else, buy the card (sticker). Princess has always been like that (card - soda tap, no soda card - can). On Princess Quay you can only buy by the can even if you have a soda card.

No charge for water unless you want a bottle. And, it's better for you (especally if served with coffee....)

I think this is pretty common. Some of the doors are harder to open than others – or have a tight fit on the seals, so they don’t tend to slide. If you have an easy one, just close the door till the last 4 inches and pull the inside handle down to lock it in-place. You might not have it all the way closed, but it will stop it from sliding back and forth – and to go back in the room, just pull the handle back up and slide the door.

Ah... ok. It's like the breakfast. Rats. Makes sense though. Thanks...... I suppose someone who pays for a Suite should get some benifits - including the Thermal Suite too. I'll budget the extra $15 to $25 per person (as I have in the past).

Thanks Pam - I should have just emailed you the question! You're the best!

Dan