pjrockman

Same with us - we need to see our 3 grandchildren if we can and I would make no apologies for using Facetime on a ship if it was available - I have paid for the internet time and how I use it is up to me.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Agree! Otherwise, it would be like a certain famous George Orwell quote: 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.'

Just my opinion. Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Brand new, just came out iPhone 5. Embarkation day during Hurricane Sandy. No one was on pool deck except us. Just eating something by ourselves and watching a concert on MUTS, but was very eerie because of the pending storm. So we went to the deck bar to fill my soda cup before we retreated to our cabin. Might have put it on bar stool. Went down to mini-suite, rested for an hour, then went to muster. As soon as I got to Muster lounge, reached in my hoodie for my phone to shut it down, and thought I forgot it in room during our rest. Ran back after drill and it wasn't there. Ran up to deck bar, still only the two bartenders were there; they said they didn't see it. Went back to cabin, used Find My IPhone on DW iPhone but it was already shut off!!. Asked Cabin Stewart and he said 'what a bummer'. Only two possibilities: at deck bar or in cabin. Reported it, but it was never found.

Oh well....still enjoyed cruise in spite of it.

Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Our routine is a slice, or two, of what I consider the best pizza at sea and an umbrella drink, or three, for DW...

Key is for you to do what you want, but hard to miss sail away on first cruise. Careful, because if you are lucky, it will hook you for life......

Safe Journeys. Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

I was on the Superstorm Sandy cruise out of New York and we ended up safe harbored in Boston for 6 days instead of in Bermuda for 4 and I couldn't agree more with your last paragraph (actually, I agree with them all). It was different, it was a bit stressful because I come from the Jersey Shore and that did not fare well, but still infinitely better than being home. I'm glad I saw this thread so I can plan accordingly.

 

 

 

Maureen

We were on the same cruise, Maureen! I was going to comment that we did not know our destination (Boston) until embarkation. We were hoping for parts even further north, as we figured we would not be going to Bermuda. Nor did we know our 4-day cruise would last for 6. Our traveling companion's teenagers were safe and sound in Manhattan with grandma, though they were still concerned. But we actually had a fantastic time on that trip. Took a lot of naps! The tug boats holding the ships next to the pier during the worst of the storm was interesting to witness. We thought Princess did a great job keeping us informed and we finally got to sail into Manhattan (although it was eery sailing past lower Manhattan, which still had no power). It was hard to see the devastation on TV though. Hope you fared ok.

 

 

 

Ironically, we had to get into NYC a day early the year prior (because of airline shut downs) and sail a day late on Celebrity out of New Jersey because of Irene with the same traveling companions to Bermuda! :eek: We were beginning to think our combination for travel was jinxed.

We were on that cruise as well. Princess and the Captain did a great job of keeping us informed. We even took their advice not to park at the pier. So we fortunately parked at JFK and took a taxi to the port. Never been to Boston so we had a terrific time. We even took the short train ride to Salem on Oct 31 since we were still 'stuck' on the ship. As you can imagine, Salem was crazy on Halloween Day. We Kept calling family to say it was like the movie "Groundhog Day" because every morning and every evening we would wait for the Captain to announce whether we were staying put in Boston or going back to NYC. Loved it and the way Princess handled it. Everyday they offered custom buses back to NYC or transfers to Logan Airport for people that wanted to leave. We did feel bad for the New Yorkers on the ship who were worried about their homes and also for the people who parked at the pier.

Anyway, my point is, we think that Princess does a good job with these types of situations.

Just our opinion. Safe Journeys. Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We usually have a Budget rental car. I drop DW and luggage off at terminal 2, then take car back to the Budget on 17th Street at the Quay Shopping Center. This is located in the plaza next to the Renaissance Hotel. I then walk to Terminal 2 which is about 1/2 to 2/3's of a mile. Easy walk with a Walgreens on the corner where I pick up some last minute items. Just make sure you have ID when you walk through checkpoint. I never had a problem.

Hope that helps. Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Thanks, Cruisefoodie.

We agree. Royal was great. Your pics have us geared up for when we get back on her at the end of the year. Thanks for taking your time to provide a great picture review.

Safe Journeys, Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We always do tux and formal dresses on formal nights, but then again that is one of our favorite experiences when we cruise. In our normal lives, we never have the occasion to dress up, so it is special for us. We enjoy seeing the other passengers all dressed up as well, especially when they wear dress wear from their native country (ie Scotland, Japan, some African nations, etc). And of course, a toddler in a tux is one of the cutest sights ever!

DW and I agree 100%.

Paul

Oh boy! Another "Formal Night" thread. We've been too consumed with food fights to have one of these in a while.:D I kid. I kid.

 

 

 

I either wear my black tuxedo or my white dinner jacket. My wife and my teenager love dressing up for Formal Night, and they need a gentleman to accompany them in attire that completes the look.

Ditto on all accounts. I wear my black tux, but get the most comments when I wear my off-white dinner jacket, white tux shirt, black bow tie (aka Classic Bond setup). I do mix it up with a cummerbund that matches my DW's formal gown. We love it. It's one of our favorite aspects of cruising. The formal pics always turn out great.

Just my opinion. Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We were just on the Royal for 25 days. We were also on it last year for almost a month and loved it so much that we booked it for this year. We also love the small ships (Ocean and Pacific) and all the ones in between. We basically feel very lucky and blessed to be able to go on ANY of these beautiful ships.:)

Amen.

We have only been on 15 cruises across 5 lines. I must say that my family all agreed that the 7 day Royal cruise last December was our best overall cruise that we ever sailed. To each their own, but we didn't have any problems and enjoyed ourselves and loved the ship.

However, as the quoted poster, we just love to be on a ship and we make the best and most of our company and situation. We were 'reeled in' hook, line and sinker when our parents took my family on our first cruise on The Big Red Boat. We also feel lucky and blessed to be able to cruise.

Going on another Cruise on the Royal in December. Had the choice between the Caribbean, Emerald, Ruby and the Royal and we picked the Royal even though the other itineraries appealed to us.

These are my own opinions and everyone should research and choose the ship that they feel most comfortable.

Safe Journeys. Paul

"....Hark now hear the sailors cry

Smell the sea, and feel the sky

Let your soul and spirit fly, into the mystic.."

--Van Morrison

We have used Facetime several times, on both the Ipad and iphone, without any problem.:D

Thank you too, Mom33.

Appreciate the information. Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We bring our Kindle Fire and Skype the Grandkids and check the email. Connection is better very early in the am or late in pm. Also worked better while in port from our balcony, but still got connection while at sea. Minutes eat up quickly, so we usually check emails and only answer if needed. Be sure you log out, once we didn't do it right and all our minutes were gone. The ships internet officer straightened it out for us :)

We have only used our Kindle on the Royal, Emerald and Golden so far. Before that we used our cell phone to call from port.

Thanks, Brandee.

Safe Journeys, Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Can you use an iPad to FaceTime, or is that impractical based on ship's Internet speed or bandwidth.

Thanks for any info.

Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

I would feel comfortable walking in that neighborhood. Rustic Inn is more interesting than Islamorada Fish, which has the ambiance of a chain restaurant.

As Always: Thanks, Royalcruz.

I appreciate the info. We will also try Rustic Inn over the Fish Company.

Thanks again, Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Hello Again, Royalcruz and Other Fort Lauderdale Friends.

We will be down to your beautiful city again in December. As we are flying in late afternoon, we might not rent a car this time and stay close to the airport. Although we have traveled to and from the airport many times, we have never paid attention to the area close to the airport. Any word on the new Residence Inn near the corner of Griffin and Anglers Avenue. Is this area okay. I see that Rustic Inn and the Islamorada Fish Company (in the Bass Pro Shop) are both about a half mile away for dinner options. Neighborhood walk to these places okay?

Appreciate any info.

Thanks, Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

OP - if you send me your email, I'll forward you my photos of the cabin. I (and my daughter) really loved this cabin. Spacious, quiet (except for the high-speed droning/vibration). But bear in mind, I was on a transatlantic and that ship was flying across the Atlantic, darting storms, etc. If you're doing a Caribbean cruise, you probably won't have the same wind/speed issue. When it wasn't windy and the ship wasn't speeding, no noise at all. The only thing with a Caribbean cruise is the massage area above might be in use (wasn't on my cruise - too cold). That, potentially, might be noisy depending upon whether they move that heavy furniture around (just something to be cognizant of). Again - great, great cabin. Lots of space. I would book again - if the price was right. Go and have a great cruise and give me your email for photos.

Hi, CI66774. Sorry to jump on the bandwagon, but could I also trouble you for the photos? DW and I are in L107 ( the other side) in December. Thanks, so much.

Paul.

Email: pjrockman@gmail.com Or. planning36@hotmail.com

Glad you enjoyed the cabin. Thanks, again

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

You da man, Dave.

To me, you clearly have the two best threads that I have ever followed on CC. All positive, productive, informative and flat out awesome.

Sincerely, a fellow West Virginian, Pjrockman

Thanks, also to sunsetbeachgal for starting the thread....

Sorry that I am late to the party, Dave. My Thanksgiving company left today. I join with everyone else in wishing you a great trip. All of your pics so far have been fabulous. I love the food pictures.

Enjoy your trip and thanks again for taking your time to post. Please save a Bellini or two for my DW!!

All the best, Paul

In all honesty I probably would have LOVED to have been there, as I really enjoy some decent shipspotting. Two years ago in Grand Cayman I was on one of six ships anchored in the harbor and that was pretty cool. :D

Hey, Dave. Thanks for the Port pics. I love seeing all of the ships, as well. St. Maarten does get crowded at times. The day before we port in December, there will be 8 ships and 22,500 passengers there! Fortunately, when the Royal docks there in December, there will only be around 12,000 passengers.

You probably know about this website, but I love using it. It lists all of the ports by location, day, month and year; the ships that are going to be in port; and the number of passengers. I find it handy:

ports dot cruisett dot com

I never know if I can post links or not to other sites!

Hope you have a great 14 days. And, I hope that other folks find this website as interesting as I do.

Paul

Congrats, mathan416.

Loved your review. Your enthusiasm and love of life is evident in your comments. That review was truly constructive for other cruisers, especially first timers. On every cruise that DW and I take, we are taken back to our very first cruise when we fell in love with cruising. Our only expectation is to enjoy each other's company......everything else is a bonus.

Thanks, again. Paul

No kidding...I don't find the repeatedly negative threads helpful from the same people who haven't even sailed on the Royal. I enjoyed the 18 day TA & for me there were many more positives than negatives. There isn't a ship that is perfect for everyone and I don't think the doom & gloom scenarios were accurate.

 

For some any sort of change is met with resistance & I've found it interesting how some want new ships just like the old ones. The same ships some complained about when adding another passenger deck are for some now the "good old days". ;)

Well said, Astro Flyer....

pjrockman, I hope Carlos in on your cruise. We went to two of his shows because he was so funny...can't remember the last time I laughed so much!

We went to both of his shows on our last cruise and enjoyed two completely different 'clean' humor shows. Both shows were hilarious. We also ran into him on the way back from a port day. He is very nice and down to earth. Looking forward to him if he is still on in December.

Thanks, Paul

Thank you, Jerry.

This review is very informative and useful. Your later posts about the demographics makes a lot of sense, as well.

Thanks for taking the time to be so detailed.

Paul

I don't see all gloom and doom. I see a lot of posters that had a good time, would sail her again, and posters looking forward to cruising on the Royal.

 

I see and hear the same people griping and complaining over and over about how Princess done them wrong, how they will never set foot on the ship, and they expect her and the Regal to fail.

 

Someone didn't get the memo that there are other people in the world cruising that may have different likes and opinions. If you open your minds and realize that you have 14 other Princess ships to sail, then you have a solution to your Royal Princess agony. Go book a cruise on a ship you like and stop dwelling on the one you hate.:D

Thanks for the perspective, Mom33. There has been about 40,000 people that have been on the Royal so far, and how many have we heard from???? Still looking forward to our cruise on a new ship with my family. We are blessed.

Paul

Thanks, akeasley.

We appreciate your review. Sounds like you had a great time. We look forward to our cruise on the Royal, as well. There has been a question regarding Carlos on the Royal. We enjoy him very much. We hope that he is on our cruise.

Paul

Carefreebee: Thank you very much for your detailed and helpful mini-review. I appreciate the time that you took to post.

Continue to enjoy your cruise. We are always grateful for our ability to cruise. We continue to look forward to our Royal cruise next month.

Thanks, again. Paul

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app