Royal Princess design: badly solsticized

[SwissDave]

Personally I am holding judgement until I get on board. However lack of aft pool would not bother me, have never used it on the Grand. Nearest I got to it was the bar.

 

Loss of full promenade would be a bit of a blow, but not a deal breaker for me.

 

Until we see it in all it's glory everything else is just speculation and conjecture.

[roe2ship]

Too pessimistic?

 

I certainly think so.

 

While there is great information on CC, only here can you get the negativity about a brand new ship with a new design (finally) I really don't understand the whining about some changes. Sure a few things may be missed but...hey if it is THAT important to you, no one is being forced into trying the Royal. Stick with the ships that have the aft pool and full promenade...you have at least 10 to pick from.

[roe2ship]

This is Cruise CRITIC! People come here to critique all manners of cruise life. Everyone gets their say.

 

One thing I want to add to the conversation, though, is that it's not just about one single ship. It's not just about the Royal Princess. Absolutely I can choose another ship if I don't like what the Royal offers. From the beginning I thought it was too big for me. But, the bigger picture here is the thought that this new Royal plan is the beginning of a trend for Princess which will likely be the base plan for their next 10 ships. Those of us that have sailed with Princess for a couple decades can see the future decades of cruising on Princess in these renderings. It's the trend more than the plans of one single ship. The older ships will slip away by attrition as time passes and so will many of the things we love about Princess. I went on a Carnival ship several years back that had virtually no Promenade, barely a place to go outside and look the ocean, and everything was mostly walled in. They took away these lovely public outdoor spaces to create more revenue generating indoor spaces. RCI has ships that are more like floating shopping malls. When the Crown, Ruby, etc. came out with the narrow Promenade decks I could see the writing on the wall. Promenade decks don't make money. I enjoyed reading that some other cruise line ( I forget which one ) was embracing this space and building venues to make the promenade more usable. There are reasons that many people love the traditional style of cruise ships that Princess offers. It's the trend that bothers me.

This trend has been around for a decade now......the grand class ships come to mind, this is not anything new.

[cruzinchris]

I noticed in the dining video that there are significantly more tables for two in the main dining rooms than are available on other Princess ships. If this is the reality once onboard, I applaud Princess for recognizing that many prefer more intimate dining than the large tables of yesteryear when passengers traditionally dined together. Some cruisers will always enjoy meeting new people with whom they dine nightly, but others want to spend quality time with family/spouse/significant other when they have the opportunity to escape completely for a week or two. jmo

 

Bon Voyage!

Chris

[Cruise Junky]

I noticed in the dining video that there are significantly more tables for two in the main dining rooms than are available on other Princess ships. If this is the reality once onboard, I applaud Princess for recognizing that many prefer more intimate dining than the large tables of yesteryear when passengers traditionally dined together. Some cruisers will always enjoy meeting new people with whom they dine nightly, but others want to spend quality time with family/spouse/significant other when they have the opportunity to escape completely for a week or two. jmo

 

Bon Voyage!

Chris

 

That was one of the first things I noticed on the video...hope it's true to life as that is awesome and does show they're paying attention.

[spingal]

I noticed the Concierge Lounge on Riviera deck by the suites. Looks like a lounge just for suite passengers?

 

And the Fitness Center and spa are on separate decks. My Dad is not too happy about that. He always like to workout and then have a sauna and steam. :confused::confused:

[cruisetrail]

I noticed the Concierge Lounge on Riviera deck by the suites. Looks like a lounge just for suite passengers?

 

 

 

Yes, it's a lounge for suite passengers.

 

 

 

And the Fitness Center and spa are on separate decks. My Dad is not too happy about that. He always like to workout and then have a sauna and steam. :confused::confused:

 

 

Novelty.:confused:

Or... maybe something outstanding that required location so deep inside the ship.

Will there be a hydropool there?

[5:00_Somewhere]

Personally I am holding judgement until I get on board. However lack of aft pool would not bother me, have never used it on the Grand. Nearest I got to it was the bar.

 

Loss of full promenade would be a bit of a blow, but not a deal breaker for me.

 

Until we see it in all it's glory everything else is just speculation and conjecture.

 

For the record, I do agree that all we can possibly do at this point is speculate, and we will not know anything for certain unless and until we actually board. We do plan to sail the Royal to give it a try.

 

That having been said, however, we have been given quite a bit of information at this point and, based on our experience on other ships, I think it is possible to make some logical deductions and to form some opinions.

 

I also agree, as I hope I said in my original post, it is fortunate for those who may not find the features of the Royal to their liking that we will still have the other classes of Princess ship available.

 

Only time, and actual experience, will tell anything for certain.

[cruisetrail]

For the record, I do agree that all we can possibly do at this point is speculate, and we will not know anything for certain unless and until we actually board.

 

I believe (as it always happens before a big ship premiere) we will know a lot about the Royal Princess before the first passenger sets his foot on her deck.

There will be much more things to discuss.

New renderings are coming soon.

 

 

We do plan to sail the Royal to give it a try.

 

So do I.

[CruisingObsessed]

I'm very disappointed with the deck plans. Cabins shoved into every possible space. No walk around promenade--and it covered with lifeboats, very few outdoor areas anywhere and much of that for pay only (sanctuary, cabanas). The free space that is there is either the kids play area or drowning with MUTS. No free outdoor space to avoid MUTS on this ship! Very little dance space.

 

It looks like all you can do pretty much is eat, sleep, and sit for entertainment. Back to the old days of cruising being for the newly wed and nearly dead!

[Putterdude]

At the end of the day I am sure that she will be a lovely ship and I am very pleased learn that the "Retreat Pool" is not part of the Sanctuary but here are some of my observations:

• There does not appear to be any increase in elevator capacity other than the standard 12....which is exactly the number on smaller ships.
  
• I am delighted to see that they took all 4 aft elevators to the two MDR levels...something that they overlooked on the Grand Class.
  
• I am also pleased see that they did put restrooms outside of the MDRs.
  
• Unless I am missing something isn't the pool area pretty small given the pax capacity of 3,600?
  
• On a topic rather near and dear to my heart, handicapped accommodation, it appears that there are some 32 accessible cabins, 25 balconies, 6 insides and 1 suite. In total this is pretty much what the Ruby has and she is a smaller ship with fewer cabins.
  
• While on the subject of accessible cabins, I am at loss to understand why the largest concentration of these cabins on Princess ships tends to be so far forward, a practice they have continued on the Royal.
  

[kavok]

One other Royal Feature that has been overlooked:

 

The Promenade, Art Gallery, & Theatre Entrance are all open to Casino below.

 

Basically there is no ceiling to the casino, rather like the main atrium it opens up to the promenade deck above (with a spiral staircase). The obvious issue is that the casino has become somewhat of the smokers oasis, and for non-smokers such as myself, the smoke will rise up like heat and flood the promenade. It just seems like one step forward, one step back on the smoking policy... if going non-smoking is the direction they want to head toward.

[RickEk]

One other Royal Feature that has been overlooked:

 

The Promenade, Art Gallery, & Theatre Entrance are all open to Casino below.

 

Basically there is no ceiling to the casino, rather like the main atrium it opens up to the promenade deck above (with a spiral staircase). The obvious issue is that the casino has become somewhat of the smokers oasis, and for non-smokers such as myself, the smoke will rise up like heat and flood the promenade. It just seems like one step forward, one step back on the smoking policy... if going non-smoking is the direction they want to head toward.

 

Well, it all remains to be seen. Hopefully they will have some method of mitigating the travel of smoke from the casino. There are certainly devices that can accomplish this. At a company that I used to work for, a portion of the cafeteria was designated for the smokers (before smoking was banned in interior spaces in CA). Installed in the ceiling were "smoke-eater" devices which drew the smoke upward and then filtered it. Unless you actually sat at a table with the smokers, you couldn't smell any smoke in the rest of the cafeteria...

[Carolyn R]

Wow! I cannot believe all the negativity. Just a few comments:

 

1. It does seems that public access to the wake view of the ship is limited though there is now a large covered Horizon Terrace aft that I think will be quite nice.

 

2. The Royal deck plans show that you can ascend to the Emerald deck for a continuation of the Promenade to make it in essence a 360 degree Promenade. I don't believe people should be jogging on the Promenade anyway, it is meant for strolling and sitting watching the ocean pass by, IMHO. In addition, on the Royal there is actually a dedicated jogging track on the upper deck.

 

3. I suspect that if the casino is indeed ceilingless and open to the above deck(s) the casino will be nonsmoking.

 

4. I love the new Horizon Court setup and it looks like the Horizon Bistro replaces the Caribe Cafe on the Grand Class.

 

5. The Retreat area seems to have replaced the Lotus Spa pool that was my favorite spot but had totally inadequate seating. Now the retreat seating appears larger by at least 500%. I think people are jumping the gun by saying the cabanas will be an extra charge. Nothing has yet been said, might be first come first served.

 

6. The main pool area also appears much larger, maybe as large as the two main pools combined on the Grand class, and the pools, fountains and jacuzzis look pretty good to me. I also noticed that there will be two jacuzzis on the deck above the main pool, one on each side. That is a good new edition I think.

 

7. Alfredo's will have an expanded menu. No more info on that yet.

 

8. It looks like there is a nightclub either in or adjacent to the casino with a dance floor.

 

9. I wonder what the Princess Live Cafe is?

 

10. I am also very excited about the new atrium, much larger, more dining venues like a gelateria, seafood bar, Bellini bar.

 

11. Last but not least, I would love to see Princess roll out a new menu for the Royal inaugeral.

 

All in all, I am very excited to be sailing the new Royal Princess on her Maiden transatlantic cruise with so many good friends. I love variety and am looking forward to experiencing all the changes. Sure I will miss some things but I know I will also enjoy the Grand ladies again in the future.

[Doug R.]

Wow! I cannot believe all the negativity.

 

Nor can I! :confused: Personally from what I see my wife and I can hardly wait to sail on her. The changes are attractive and seem to be for the better.

 

If I had the time to go back through posts I would be willing to bet that it is the same curmudgeons who bemoaned the ""horrible" changes when the Grand class rolled out. :rolleyes:

 

Trashing the ship prior to rollout is so very nit picky and unfair. I can't wait for the next design rollout, no doubt the same folks will be comparing it unfavorably with the "Royal Class". :D

 

We all have the right to our opinions, but to be so negative based on artist renderings is just a bit much IMNSHO.

[Pia1913]

There are people who are born negative and that's just the way it is. Optimist/pessimist. Again. I can't understand the negativity either. :confused:

[isujim]

There are people who are born negative and that's just the way it is. Optimist/pessimist. Again. I can't understand the negativity either. :confused:

 

Well.........it is cruise critic:) Some things just don't change. but it does make for interesting reading.

[Pia1913]

Well.........it is cruise critic:) Some things just don't change. but it does make for interesting reading.

 

True. But to extensively criticize something unseen? :confused:

[isujim]

True. But to extensively criticize something unseen? :confused:

 

I agree........but I guess some just need to "warm up" for when they might see it:D

[eroller]

If the new ROYAL PRINCESS is even 1/2 as good as the Solstice Class, she will be a winner. My cruise on CELEBRITY SOLSTICE was one of my best ever, and I thought the ship was one of the most sophisticated and best designed ships I've ever sailed. The decor was cutting edge, where as the decor on Princess is more generic mid-range Marriott Hotel. To each his own.

 

Comparing the deck plans of the Solstice Class and RP, I can already see that the Solstice Class has advantages, like a beautiful observation lounge, a spa and gym with a great forward view, and a wonderful glass enclosed pool. I also like the dramatic two level dining room.

 

Hopefully RP will have some advantages too. Time will tell.

 

Ernie

[pris993]

Sorry to hear this too. We just got of the Eciplise, ship is beautiful in many ways, but lacks the WOW factor. We took the Equninox on 2009 felt the same way. Tried it again - still not impressed.

 

This time we book a Ruby Princess and the Eciplse both for 7 day trips back to back.

 

We did not book a future booking on the Celebrity -- did on Princess. We are elite on both lines. Regardless, we miss no wrap around deck on Celebrity. Love the mini suite in Princess vs Aqua class on Celebrity.

 

Entertainment better on Princess. i

 

Felt alcohol and activities on Celebrity were more focused on selling drinks.

 

Did find both lines needed to be watched relative to bar bills, we were over charged, wine price lists were out of date.

 

We were - are looking forward to the New Royal but will wait til it is out 6 months before considering booking.

[eroller]

Sorry to hear this too. We just got of the Eciplise, ship is beautiful in many ways, but lacks the WOW factor. We took the Equninox on 2009 felt the same way. Tried it again - still not impressed.

 

 

 

 

I you didn't feel the "wow factor" on the Solstice Class, surely you won't on Princess. The Solstice Class is about as jaw dropping stunning as ships get. I've never felt the "wow" on Princess. This is not a bad thing. Princess has always been a solid, consistent experience ... but "wow"? Not so much. It's like stepping into a Marriott. Nice but not WOW!

 

Perhaps you should try the Oasis Class of ships. It doesn't get much more "WOW" than that.

 

Ernie

[timetravler]

Wow! I cannot believe all the negativity. Just a few comments:

 

1. It does seems that public access to the wake view of the ship is limited though there is now a large covered Horizon Terrace aft that I think will be quite nice.

 

2. The Royal deck plans show that you can ascend to the Emerald deck for a continuation of the Promenade to make it in essence a 360 degree Promenade. I don't believe people should be jogging on the Promenade anyway, it is meant for strolling and sitting watching the ocean pass by, IMHO. In addition, on the Royal there is actually a dedicated jogging track on the upper deck.

 

3. I suspect that if the casino is indeed ceilingless and open to the above deck(s) the casino will be nonsmoking.

 

4. I love the new Horizon Court setup and it looks like the Horizon Bistro replaces the Caribe Cafe on the Grand Class.

 

5. The Retreat area seems to have replaced the Lotus Spa pool that was my favorite spot but had totally inadequate seating. Now the retreat seating appears larger by at least 500%. I think people are jumping the gun by saying the cabanas will be an extra charge. Nothing has yet been said, might be first come first served.

 

6. The main pool area also appears much larger, maybe as large as the two main pools combined on the Grand class, and the pools, fountains and jacuzzis look pretty good to me. I also noticed that there will be two jacuzzis on the deck above the main pool, one on each side. That is a good new edition I think.

 

7. Alfredo's will have an expanded menu. No more info on that yet.

 

8. It looks like there is a nightclub either in or adjacent to the casino with a dance floor.

 

9. I wonder what the Princess Live Cafe is?

 

10. I am also very excited about the new atrium, much larger, more dining venues like a gelateria, seafood bar, Bellini bar.

 

11. Last but not least, I would love to see Princess roll out a new menu for the Royal inaugeral.

 

All in all, I am very excited to be sailing the new Royal Princess on her Maiden transatlantic cruise with so many good friends. I love variety and am looking forward to experiencing all the changes. Sure I will miss some things but I know I will also enjoy the Grand ladies again in the future.

I also am looking forward to boarding the ship. Carolyn, you said it perfectly. Many comments that are really about the unknown. When a brand new ship comes out it causes much speculation, just like the Oasis did. If you do not like the Royal, you have a whole bunch of ships to choose from. As for me, I love it so far and can't wait until October 9th.

[IECalCruiser]

To me it doesn't look like you can get from the forward port side to the forward starboard side of the Promenade deck. I think the doors there are for exiting the Princess Theater in an emergency. We will need to see the truth next year. It is also hard to determine if you can walk under the lifeboats to get all the way aft.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gelo7]

Looks like the Royal Princess is going to be a gorgeous ship to me.