LIVE from the Royal Princess - 30 days, Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale - 9/27 - 10/27

[smoosh21]

"There are a few very crabby people, though. I was in the elevator the other day and a woman practically shouted (as she was pushed to the back): "I can't wait to get off this god forsaken ship! It's been hell!" There are a few like that. Overall, I'd say that other than the elevator issues, people are enjoying the ship and the cruise " Quote from Pam.

 

 

I have never felt that way on any cruise to date, and probably never will. there are some people that will never be happy. Some cruises are better than others, but there has always been something I can enjoy.

It would be one thing if I were on a ship that lost power like the Splendor.

 

As someone who has only traveled Princess once before, but enjoyed it very much, I am looking forward to what the Royal Princess has to offer

[Retirement]

Pia, thanks for your wine recommendation. We are in Barcelona right now and today we went to the Carrefour market and I bought the white wine for 1.59 Euros. I'm sipping some right now, as I write this. It's great!:)

Anita

[mabones]

Pia-

 

Would it be possible for you or someone else to check to see if the On-board stores/boutiques are carrying "Fimo Creations by Jon Anderson"?

 

I purchased something several years ago on the Caribbean Princess & would love to make another on next week's 5-day Maiden Voyage.

 

Thanks a bunch! Can't wait to get on board!

[Mom33]

Thanks to all those that contributed to Pia's live thread from the Royal Princess.

To read the different perspectives of all of you was quite intriguing. Each had his or her own experience, some good, some bad, but most of all, you demonstrated how no two people will like the same things or experience the same things.

 

Someone posted here that after reading your thoughts and opinions, they decided to cancel a cruise on the Royal. I sincerely hope that they have met all of you in person and know you more than as a fellow CC member. I know you as fellow CC posters and not personally, so I would never make such a decision as this. I certainly found valuable information in your posts and I will put it to good use. I have also followed all the Member Reviews and have found great information in them also. Today, I found a You Tube Video "Royal Princess cruise ship 2013" and took a tour of the ship from an August Med cruise. I also found a site with pictures of all the cabin styles and balconies.

 

Now we have to make decisions based on all of this research and our previous experiences with Princess Cruises. We also consider our personalities and how we deal with problems that might arise. We know that

we love to cruise and we are looking forward to our time on the beautiful Royal Princess.

Thanks again and safe travels home! :D

[Ethel5]

Thanks to all those that contributed to Pia's live thread from the Royal Princess.

To read the different perspectives of all of you was quite intriguing. Each had his or her own experience, some good, some bad, but most of all, you demonstrated how no two people will like the same things or experience the same things.

 

Someone posted here that after reading your thoughts and opinions, they decided to cancel a cruise on the Royal. I sincerely hope that they have met all of you in person and know you more than as a fellow CC member. I know you as fellow CC posters and not personally, so I would never make such a decision as this. I certainly found valuable information in your posts and I will put it to good use. I have also followed all the Member Reviews and have found great information in them also. Today, I found a You Tube Video "Royal Princess cruise ship 2013" and took a tour of the ship from an August Med cruise. I also found a site with pictures of all the cabin styles and balconies.

 

Now we have to make decisions based on all of this research and our previous experiences with Princess Cruises. We also consider our personalities and how we deal with problems that might arise. We know that

we love to cruise and we are looking forward to our time on the beautiful Royal Princess.

Thanks again and safe travels home! :D

 

Well thought out post. Thank you! Every cruiser should make decisions based on a ton of research. Have a great cruise-whatever you choose.

[JimmyVWine]

Now we have to make decisions based on all of this research and our previous experiences with Princess Cruises. We also consider our personalities and how we deal with problems that might arise.

Absolutely. But this sentiment is a bit inconsistent with the notion that one should not make a decision until one has met the CC Posters in person. Consider the posts here as but one of the many sources that comprise the overall research. I never met Eugene Fodor. Nor have I met Arthur Frommer or Rick Steves. Or anyone who writes for the Michelin Guides. Or Tim or Nina Zagat. But that does not prevent me from taking their written word into account when doing my research. The members of CC who have been posting on this thread are as authoritative as any of these other sources when it comes to knowing PCL. At least IMHO.

[canadarocks]

Absolutely. But this sentiment is a bit inconsistent with the notion that one should not make a decision until one has met the CC Posters in person. Consider the posts here as but one of the many sources that comprise the overall research. I never met Eugene Fodor. Nor have I met Arthur Frommer or Rick Steves. Or anyone who writes for the Michelin Guides. Or Tim or Nina Zagat. But that does not prevent me from taking their written word into account when doing my research. The members of CC who have been posting on this thread are as authoritative as any of these other sources when it comes to knowing PCL. At least IMHO.

 

Very well said sir!

[galelynn]

Thank you and everyone else for there insight on your TA on the Royal.

 

You keep saying not to book a M deck cabin in the aft or mid aft. Well we were upgraded??? to M508 from A127. Hoping that we are under the carpeted area, and not under a serving station as you. If you have a chance to peek in this cabin, or see where under the HC it is located, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

Lynn

[slc22]

Pam, you mentioned the pillows were great. Does your balcony cabin have feather pillows or are they down-free / hypoallergenic ?

 

I'm trying to figure out if I need to pack a pillow for my cruise (get congested and swollen eyes when using down pillows . . . NOT a pretty sight, LOL ).

 

Thanks in advance for the info!

[kruisey]

If I am a personal friend of a cruiser and know them well enough to know we feel the same way about things, I might consider following them or relying on their opinion. There is no way to truly know anyone on the internet. Therefore I would never cancel a cruise based on their reviews alone.

I trust everything that Pia and Pam write.I have actually cruised with Pia.

These two gals say it as it is,the good and the bad.:cool:

Smoke is a no go for me.........Heather

[JimmyVWine]

I trust everything that Pia and Pam write. These two gals say it as it is,the good and the bad.:cool:

Smoke is a no go for me.........

 

+1. When I saw the deck plan (and then the computer generated images) that showed an open spiral staircase leading up from the casino, my eyes nearly bugged out of my head. And the "Fine Arts" Gallery is on top of that open staircase. Not sure how those Martini Olives dressed like Salvador Dali can possibly withstand that smoke. And those poor Wyland Whales. They must feel like smoked salmon. Not sure if that issue alone is a deal breaker, but Pam, Pia, Bob and Amelia have given me enough to weigh to help me make my decision. Thanks all!

[tvmovielover]

I had finished reading the CC boards that I am currently following this am and still had coffee left to drink so I did what I do now and then and picked a random board which was this one. I could not stop reading. Thanks in particular, Pia, Amelia, and Pam for your interesting posts. We are not up to repeat cruises of places we have already been (especially the Mediterranean) but I am still trying to convince DH to do a TA. Hope you are all safely home now and ready for the next cruise. I will be looking in here now and then from now on!

[love2cruise42]

Good morning (0601 hours local time) from the Royal Princess. We are beginning our fifth (:() out of seven final sea days before the cruise ends. Tonight is our last of three formal nights. I will enjoy getting dressed up in my Tux for the last time. I've been very happy with my rental tux on this cruise. I thing doing the rental thing is the super easy way to go and will save you the grief of having to pack formal night (if you still enjoy doing it as I do).

 

Yesterday was fairly uneventful. I finally got Holli out of the cabin early enough to try Sabatini's for breakfast. As expected, she really likes it. She wants to do it again today but I have to wait till 0930. I'll have to grab a few rolls from the IC to stave off starvation. Interesting thing about the IC; when I was getting my coffee a little while ago, I found that they ran out of lids and sleeves for e to go cups. Right now they are double cupping to go orders so they won't be too hot to pick up.

 

"Please Don't Flame Me & Remember Food is a very subjective thing." For dinner last night, I ventured to the HC (:eek:). It was Italian night and there seemed to be the expected choices. In my "Subjective and Personal Opinion" I found the HC food to be pretty terrible. The various pizza choices tasted like they had been sitting awhile as they were cold and very chewy. The several pasta choices lacked any real taste whatsoever. There was one dish, a pesto and something bake (sorta like a Lasagna) that I thought was mildly tasty. The desert offerings in the pastry shop were the same items as have been served for the past several days. I keep looking for the "delectable and tasty" creations that Rai talked about in all of the promotional videos prior to the launching of the Royal.

 

For the rest of the evening we just hung out. I did venture out on my balcony for awhile but the soot smell kept my visit brief as I only lasted about 15 minutes before I had to leave.

 

That's about all for now.

 

Hope All Are Well.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Bob... You going to the last formal in the MDR... Doesn't seem

you and Holli been going there... Glad she been going to Sabatini's for breakfast... Think if we ever go on the Royal we would book a mini suite

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[JUST CRUZIN]

Thanks to all the posters here sailing on the Royal for all the great information and taking the time out of their day to keep us all informed even as your voyage comes to an end.

I do have a question since I am sailing on the November 3 voyage. We are a group of 10 and was told today that there are no tables in the dining room to seat 10 people, is that true? If it is what do you think Princess will arrange? A table of six and a table of four the same area would be the best we could hope for I guess.

[Host Carolyn]

Thoroughly enjoyed all the "live from...." threads and updates, looking forward to boarding Tuesday for our cruise. Enjoyed JOhn Maxtone-Graham on several prior cruises, always interesting IMHO. DH is worried he will be bored stiff on a TA so maybe these threads will help me convince him!

 

Caroline

[#1winelover]

Thanks to all the posters here sailing on the Royal for all the great information and taking the time out of their day to keep us all informed even as your voyage comes to an end.

I do have a question since I am sailing on the November 3 voyage. We are a group of 10 and was told today that there are no tables in the dining room to seat 10 people, is that true? If it is what do you think Princess will arrange? A table of six and a table of four the same area would be the best we could hope for I guess.

 

I do not ever remember seeing a table for 10. Eight is about the limit I've seen. However, never underestimate the creativeness of the head waiter or the servers! If you need to seat 10 people in a "conversational environment," they will find a way to do it! Just be sure to give them advance warning/notice so that they can set an area up for you without disturbing other guests during dinner. Call the dining phone number for your selected dining room and tell them what you need. Bon Appetite!

[FritzG]

Thanks to all the posters here sailing on the Royal for all the great information and taking the time out of their day to keep us all informed even as your voyage comes to an end.

I do have a question since I am sailing on the November 3 voyage. We are a group of 10 and was told today that there are no tables in the dining room to seat 10 people, is that true? If it is what do you think Princess will arrange? A table of six and a table of four the same area would be the best we could hope for I guess.

 

We had a table for 10 in the MDR on the Emerald on the 2012 fall TA. We didn't request a table for 10, and we didn't know each other in advance, but it was the best dinner experience we ever had on a cruise. We were very compatible, and we had a great time every single night. We had a large oval table, and we changed seats almost every night.

 

A few years ago on the Diamond there was a table for 10 near our table. Each night they brought out a large round top and put it on top of the existing table. It took up way too much room, and someone at our table often got bumped by the servers who had a hard time trying to get around the table. It was very inconvenient for our table.

Edited October 25, 2013 by FritzG

[bronxgirl25]

Thank you Pia, Pam, Bob and Amelia for your very insightful posts. :D I really enjoyed reading them every morning. No matter what anyone has said, I am not canceling our April TA. We will go and make our own decisions. :)

I take Clorox wipes to wipe down the cabin and bathroom. Didn't do it last December on a 2 week Caribbean on The Grand and David got very sick and was in bed for three days. :mad: Won't do that again! We also take practically a pharmacy with us so we are prepared for anything!

 

See some of you Sunday and some next week and everyone have a safe trip home wherever you are going.

[FishOn55]

10-24-13

Fifth Sea day

 

Good morning to All,

Had a Jam packed day yesterday, going from activity to activity to lectures, and food stops. I had to write out a list of things to do since I forgot my highlighter, the highlighter really helps illuminate activities for me. We missed one of the lectures but they are always on our TV so we are able to watch it when we wake up, or are resting.

 

Trivia games are much harder, we all really like them because they are not repeating questions and this levels the playing field for those if us who cruise less. There are a few folks who argue every question but the staff who run the games blow them off and ask them to complain after the game! The arguing has all but stopped as a result of this, so the games are a lot more fun! Good job staff!

 

We've been eating fruit for breakfast in the HC/Bistro and the fruit is delicious, perfectly ripe and abundant. They have fresh sliced fruits, dried fruits, whole fruits, and fruit mixes. They have Muesli and oatmeal with lots of fixings including nuts, dried fruits, spices, jams, and honey. DH loves the omelet bar where they make any omelet you want, and of course there is an abundance of breads and sweet rolls. At 11:30 the breakfast is put away and lunch items come out. As stated earlier, there is usually 4 carving stations of different meats and fish, tons of salads and salad fixings, at least 4 different rice dishes, and at least 4 different soups. The Pastry shop is sinfully good, and there are always many kinds of cookies although my favorite Oatmeal cookies are hard to come by, and I think they go fast!

 

I visited the doctor yesterday, it was packed and the wait was about 45 minutes. The doctor, Dylan Belton was very nice and effective, he remembered me from the Star last December, I always catch colds on ships and planes. There are many people coughing on the ship still, so hand washing is important! I have not seen nor heard of any Noro on this ship, the salt and pepper shakers remain on all tables which is a sign of a healthy ship.

 

Pub night was last night and it was great fun! We got a show, and some sing along and a good time was had by all. I missed last pub night and was glad I got to see it. The crew for the most part are very nice and talented. We really enjoy deputy Dan, he is funny and quite a character.

 

We are eating dinner with some very interesting people; one of the "Pepsi" family is at our table and her boyfriend is the first cousin to Ross Perot, he looks just like his cousin! Our other mates are equally interesting, a brilliant heart specialist from Minneapolis and his lovely wife. Conversation is fantastic, especially since we are all politically matched so there are no negative political arguments! We have 2 empty seats and have taken to inviting crew members and entertainers to join us and this makes dinner very interesting. I highly recommend trying this if you have extra room at your table.

 

The seas have been relatively calm, there is almost zero movement on this ship and I think it is a great ship for people who suffer from sea sickness. I am going to recommend my brother and SIL take this ship as their first foray into cruising because of this. We are all going on the World Cruise in January 2015 and that will be their first cruise! I hope they try a cruise before they get on the Pacific Princess for 111 days, what of they hate it? Anyway that trip is a year and a half away.

 

In spite of my problems and issues on this ship, I am having a good time. It is great to be on here with so many CC friends, we know people where ever we go! I've discovered a few spots that are outside aft and center on the Promenade deck, one is behind the jewelry store and the others are on the side and aft of the Vista lounge. The Starboard side of the promenade deck is the smoking side. On the 16th floor, aft of the sports court is also a smoking area, and here you can also smell the soot as well as see it on the decks.

 

DH Ken loves the sports court, he hangs out there looking for Volleyball games and shooting hoops midday, I was surprised to see how large it is. This is definitely a great place to hang out if you like sports. The fitness center is huge, there seems to be open equipment whenever we go there. The outside running and walking decks are nice but only good if it is not windy, otherwise they are not great. I miss the promenade deck for walking a lot.

 

OK time to start the day...

Amelia

 

Amelia,

 

I really enjoy reading your posts. My husband and I will be sailing on the Royal in March.

 

You mentioned the soot smell on the Sports Court on Deck 16. Not being familiar with the ship, I looked at the deck plan in the current brochure. It looked as though the sport court is on Deck 18. Correct?

 

Also, have you heard anyone mentioning soot on their balcony on Riveria Deck in the area of the PH suites or the balcony cabins aft of the PH suites? Just wondering if the soot is affecting those side balconies or if it just seems to be a problem on the aft rooms.

 

Enjoy your last two days on the ship. I know it will be hard to leave.

 

Kathy

[Woobstr112G]

Good evening from the Royal Princess (0005 local time). Just getting ready to turn in after a wonderful formal night. We also get an hour back tonight:)

 

Tonight Holli & I got dressed up for dinner. We decided to dine at the Crown Grill. Prior to dinner I hung out in the Piazza for a little of the Captain's cocktail party. The piazza was packed with nearly everyone being decked out in formal attire.

 

Dinner in the CG was great. I had the lamb chops and Holli had the Lobster. Both dishes were cooked to perfection. Our server Grace was over the top good. After dinner we hung out on the promenade patio and just watched the water for awhile.

 

Tomorrow will begin my packing in Ernest. I like to get mine done early so I can enjoy my last few sea days. I actually already have my garment bag already packed:). I'm also glad that ez-check is available so all we have to do is set our bags outside the door and won't have to deal with them till we get to LAX.

 

That's about all for now. Hope all are well.....:):):)

 

Bob

[DonahCBrown]

For baseball fans:

 

Oct 24 WS - G 2 Cardinals 4 @ 2 Red Sox Final

 

Sorry Boston fans...:(

[fathercop]

To everyone on this roll call thread, thanks for taking care of the ship for us. DW and I look forward to taking over for 12 days beginning on the 29th of October. I know some of you will be with us.

 

I hope all of you had a great time.

 

Thanks to all who posted, too.

 

Good luck to you and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

Rich

[kruisey]

For your honest reports including comment 'There must be a convention of flies'

from Pia........Still makes me giggle.....Safe journeys home......Heather:)

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the royal Princess (0545 local time). Seems like I just posted a few hours ago:D. Right now I'm sitting in a fairly empty Piazza enjoying an Americano from the IC and outstanding Internet speed.

 

Not much on tap for today other than Sabatini's for breakfast, try to hit the gym, finish packing, get extra tips organized, and figure out dinner plans for tonight. Holli has her last massage scheduled later today. She's enjoyed several during the cruise. She did purchase some products and told me the "hard sell" seemed to be a little more noticeable than from when we cruised on the Sapphire in March. She added however that all the girls were very nice and she wasn't really bothered by the hard sell.

 

Hope all are well.....:):):)

 

Bob

Edited October 25, 2013 by Woobstr112G

[RichNY]

Amelia,

 

I really enjoy reading your posts. My husband and I will be sailing on the Royal in March.

 

You mentioned the soot smell on the Sports Court on Deck 16. Not being familiar with the ship, I looked at the deck plan in the current brochure. It looked as though the sport court is on Deck 18. Correct?

 

Also, have you heard anyone mentioning soot on their balcony on Riveria Deck in the area of the PH suites or the balcony cabins aft of the PH suites? Just wondering if the soot is affecting those side balconies or if it just seems to be a problem on the aft rooms.

 

Enjoy your last two days on the ship. I know it will be hard to leave.

 

Kathy

 

We are in a PH on the Riviera deck and the only good thing to say about the balcony is there is no soot.