Live From The Royal Princess

[Happy2cruise]

Shogun, welcome back. Great reports, thank you. Looking forward to any pictures you can share. October can't come soon enough. :D

 

 

Marty

Agree....thanks for all the reports. For us it's November....132 days;)

[popeyeandolive]

They weren't on the last night.

Hi Swiss Dave,

Did you notice what the depth of the swimming pools are? I have asked before and many have supplied pictures but I really would like to know the depth in both swimming pools. Thanks, Pat

We are booked 1/12 and so looking forward to it.

[SwissDave]

Hi Swiss Dave,

Did you notice what the depth of the swimming pools are? I have asked before and many have supplied pictures but I really would like to know the depth in both swimming pools. Thanks, Pat

We are booked 1/12 and so looking forward to it.

 

I didn't note specifically the depth but Iwill look at my photos to see if I can pick out the depth signage.

[popeyeandolive]

Hi Swiss Dave,

Did you notice what the depth of the swimming pools are? I have asked before and many have supplied pictures but I really would like to know the depth in both swimming pools. Thanks, Pat

We are booked 1/12 and so looking forward to it.

[popeyeandolive]

Thanks Dave

[SwissDave]

A couple of more points to add that I have just remembered (I have a bad memory - sorry)

 

For the 'energy saving' feature in the cabins where you have to put your card in the slot to turn the lights on, note that the sockets on the dresser (in my mini suite anyway) stayed live so I could leave phone to charge etc when out of room and had removed the card from the slot. Aircon also stays on, but, if you open balcony door the aircon fan still runs but does not supply cooling which is totally understandable as why would Princess want to pay to cool the outside air? Sockets under the bed did not stay live, TVs also turned off. Under the beds are 2 x European style sockets. 1 had a light plugged in, the other was 'spare'.

 

I will add photos of all sockets later.

 

The 'privacy/refresh room' card also fits perfectly into the card slot to activate it, unless of course you are using it on the outside of the door. This is what the steward was using when he was making up the room.

[PescadoAmarillo]

Thanks for your answers, SwissDave!

[SwissDave]

Thanks Dave for posting your feedback. it's so good to hear from someone who has actually cruised and had a positive experience. Really looking forward to sailing her in October.

 

It's my pleasure. I was not particularly bothered/affected by what most of the complainers are complaining about. I had a forward cabin so not affected by lack of central stairs, yes balcony is small but I still managed to use it, and what promenade area there is was suitable for my needs.

 

I can however fully understand peoples concerns about those bits and can see how it could affect them. I don't however see the point of continually harping on about it - it's not going to change. I know others will be like me and it will have no affect on them, but other points might.

 

I will certainly go back on Royal (and probably Regal as well).

[sunsetbeachgal]

Dave,

 

Thanks for your answers and input. I board the Royal two weeks from Wednesday and can't wait.

 

You very eloquently stated my feelings about the harpers and naysayers....it can't be changed and the constant complaints of some of the posters on the various Royal threads are getting awfully repetitive.

[dchip]

Thanks so much, Swiss Dave. Your thoughts and opinions were very much appreciated!! Looking forward to our B2B2B in October/November.

 

Cheers, Denise

[nasa1974]

SwissDave, Welcome back. Sounds like you had a good time. Thanks for all the information. Looking forward to all the pictures.

 

Marty

[Shogun]

Hi Dave

 

See you made it home safe, hope we can cruise together again,

 

there is nothing wrong with your memory, its more to do with sitting in club 6, at 2 or 3am with bad company drinking to much, :D

 

yours Shogun

[Pink-belle]

Now that I am home, here are my thoughts. Note that they are MY opinion and mine alone and are what I experienced. Everyone will have something different.

 

Overall I really enjoyed the cruise and the ship. I had M225, an MC mini on Marina, forward of the forward stairs. Good location (unless you suffer motion sickness) as only a few cabins after that so very little passing traffic, and only a short walk to get up to Lido deck - I will post some pictures of the cabin when I get home after work. Drawback is it's furthest from Horizon court, but maybe thats a good thing!

 

Steward, Richie, was the best. Everything was there when it should have been, nothing was too much trouble, cabin kept nice and clean etc. He got a nice extra tip from me.

 

Enjoyed the Casino, Crown Grill, Princess Live, Vista lounge. More about Theatre in a bit...

 

Having the photo gallery in the Atrium has relieved the pinchpoint somewhat that happens on the Grand class on deck 7.

 

Area around Princess live is really nice with some funky chairs. No 'traffic' issues in the area. Live studio it'self was put to good use, with Q&A sessions with different crew, Princess pop star, some other events as well. It's a nice venue.

 

Sales tables are now in the area above the Casino and so again removes the chaos they produced on Grand class where they had them set up around the top of atrium.

 

Food, I thought, was excellent. Horizon court and Bistro are first class. The layout of having the serving areas across the ship ws great and with many serving areas there were no queues or crowds. Choice was excellent and much expanded over previous ships. Everything from sandwiches, salads, to 3 different roasts available at same time, curries, pastas, stews, chicken fajitas, pulled pork etc. Plates are standard round ones - not the platter type. Cutlery/napkins already on the tables. Waiters always at the ready to get your drinks for you. A definate 10/10 for this part of the ship.

 

Smoking areas, for those interested are Lido deck16 aft - next to outriggers, starboard side. Deck 7 aft starboard, Churchills and part of the casino. There is no smoking area near the pool area as on Grand Class.

 

MUTS was good, but be carefull which chair you pick as you may be obscured by a plastic palm. Best chairs are up on the next deck directly opposite the screen.

 

My new favourite drinking venue is Bellini's (sorry Vines, it was good while it lasted), especially the Royal Bellini and Raspberry Romance.

 

Not so good (does not mean I still didnt enjoy)...

Mainly Theatre. There are no drink trays in the arm rests, or anywhere to put drinks down - so don't try and applause any acts if you have a full glass - you will get wet. Seating is not that great. I found the chairs a bit hard after 15 minutes. Good bit - The waiters taking your drinks orders now have mobile terminals. They punch your drink in, and it is printed at the nearest bar and another waiter appears shortly after with your order.

 

I made one single complaint to Passenger Services the whole week. When laying out on deck 7 in the nice loungers I was suddenly drenched in cold water. The steward working up about deck 12/14 was cleaning the balcony glass by throwing glasses of water over the out side part, and guess where it goes? yup, straight down on top of whoever is standing /laying below. They need to find a different method for cleaning that glass.

 

Talking of deck 7. Yes, I know there is no real promenade deck, however what space there was, was hardly used. I dont know why really as it is quite nice and pleasant out there (ignoring my water issue) Hardly ever saw anyone out there.

 

Club6 - not sure about as I did not really spend much time in there, but they have funky light up drinks menus!

 

Edit - forgot to add, yes, I would sail on Royal again.

 

Happy to answer any questions.

 

Dave.

 

Welcome Back Dave, I enjoyed reading your review ( and extra posts). Glad you continued to enjoy Bellinis, I wondered if you would revert back to Vines. I will certainly miss the Bellini Bar on the other Princess ships.

 

Did you get to try out the Fondue? I saw the crab shack menu, I would have enjoyed that had it been available.

[Pink-belle]

Hi Dave

 

See you made it home safe, hope we can cruise together again,

 

there is nothing wrong with your memory, its more to do with sitting in club 6, at 2 or 3am with bad company drinking to much, :D

 

yours Shogun

 

Who was the bad influence on who? :o those light up menus are so cool, I obviously don't get out enough after dark!

[Northender]

It's my pleasure. I was not particularly bothered/affected by what most of the complainers are complaining about. I had a forward cabin so not affected by lack of central stairs, yes balcony is small but I still managed to use it, and what promenade area there is was suitable for my needs.

 

I can however fully understand peoples concerns about those bits and can see how it could affect them. I don't however see the point of continually harping on about it - it's not going to change. I know others will be like me and it will have no affect on them, but other points might.

 

I will certainly go back on Royal (and probably Regal as well).[/quote]

 

Thanks so much for all the info, Dave. I actually enjoy getting it as you think about something. Will enjoy seeing the pictures.:)

 

Dave,

 

Thanks for your answers and input. I board the Royal two weeks from Wednesday and can't wait.

 

You very eloquently stated my feelings about the harpers and naysayers....it can't be changed and the constant complaints of some of the posters on the various Royal threads are getting awfully repetitive.

 

Don't you just love that word. Like everything else, it will eventually stop.

I have stopped even looking at those particular threads. We are going in October and will have a wonderful time.:D

Do you plan to do a "live from?"

[sminfiddle]

Hi All

 

Not sure if I told you but one captain bought a round of drinks, and signed for them and glanced at the receipt, and let out a yell how much, never seen passenger prices before, chatting to them I found it strange how much our world of the passenger and theirs of sailing the ship did not over lap.

Laughing at this - because I have a mental picture of one particular Captain doing that. Wonder if it's the right Captain...

 

Thanks for the live posts, Shogun, and thanks in advance for any pictures you put up!

 

Rick

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Just to up date on the chefs table,

 

the menu was set no idea before hand what we were going to eat,

 

the main dish contained all items,

 

 

one course

- Mango and Drambuie Sorbet

 

next course

- Mille Feullie of Gorgonzola Mousse Sweet Onion Compote

 

desert starts here

- Cholalte Dome With Passion fruit with Creme Brulee containing a Carmal lava Center with a Mango Sorbet

 

when you see pic you will understand

 

yours Shogun

[Shogun]

hi sminfiddle

 

another captain had fun with the new life jackets, they are very tight and support your neck, however are lighter in construction.

 

understand crew ones are simple compared to ours, and easy and quick to put on, will not post his comments,

 

but think you might be able to guess.

 

yours Shogun

[umbertsmum]

hi, we were also on the maiden,

I might be able to answer some more questions, particlcularly about the spa, enclave and other possibly more female oriented answers than those kindly offered by Swiss Dave who despite being a lovley chap may not always see things from a woman's point of view.

 

A few random thoughts to start the ball rolling

 

It was really nice to see handwashing sinks for passengers outside all the entrances to the Horizon coourt as well as the gel dispensers.

 

It is possible to walk down the marble stairs in heelsand a posh frock whilst carrying a drink in one hand and I didnt see anyone fall over !

 

The sinks in the ladies are more oval and shallow and easier (and cleaner ) to use and the toilets seemed alittle less cramped with a better layout.

[hubofhockey]

Swiss Dave, thanks for the review. It's pretty informative.

 

Umberts Mom, I'm a guy and will book the Enclave on our two sea days. I love the hydrotherapy pools. Was the hydro pool crowded? Were there waits for the hot stone beds?

 

A couple of things of note. I probably wouldn't pay $20 for Crab Shack. It's probably not fresh seafood. However, Alfredo's at $0 is a place I will visit for dinner after a rough day touring. Fondue does nothing for me, but maybe others will enjoy. Ocean Terrace is a strong possbility. Hopefully, we'll see more reviews of these venues.

[caribill]

It was really nice to see handwashing sinks for passengers outside all the entrances to the Horizon court

 

 

Did you see a number of people actually using the sinks?

[umbertsmum]

The enclave was limited to 40 per cruise. We used it early after breakfast and when finished ashore. Never more than 6 others in it. No problems getting a stone bed although only 2 hot water beds .

Steam a d sauna rooms were great and you can buy a jar of scrub for $9 which does 4 times.

Hydro pool was warm and the back massager shower on the left is more powerful

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[umbertsmum]

I used the sinks - I'm a nurse and they are better than the gel any day!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Woobstr112G]

Hi Dave

 

See you made it home safe, hope we can cruise together again,

 

there is nothing wrong with your memory, its more to do with sitting in club 6, at 2 or 3am with bad company drinking to much, :D

 

yours Shogun

 

Shogun;

 

Hope you had a great cruise.....:):):)

 

Bob

[SwissDave]

OK, here are some pics of cabin M225. I have not included any from around the ship (at the moment) but will add some later.