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

[mathan416]

THERE you guys are!!! Geez! Thought you got furloughed, or sequestered or something! :eek: Glad to see you are on top of things. See you onboard in a very short period of time!! Having lunch with Robyn and Reg this Sunday (RplusR), and that will be great meeting them ahead of the cruise. So as I'll say to my lower extremities as I head to the ship, "Ankles Away!!"

 

Hopefully I don't jinx this, but been heads down with work but also things are going well and setting up nicely so I can head out on the cruise without any concerns and things. :D

 

Arriving in FLL on the Friday before the cruise, but heading to WDW in Orlando for 3 days and then back Monday, overnight with friends.

[Dancer49]

Hello Royal Cruisers....

 

Could someone please check out the wedding chapel. I'm getting married on the Royal in Feb 2014 and although there is a wedding thread most brides sail on RCCL or Carnival.

 

Does the chapel have chairs, benches, a piano? Does is open into the concierge lounge? Any info would be helpful.

 

Thanks

[Thrak]

Hello Royal Cruisers....

 

Could someone please check out the wedding chapel. I'm getting married on the Royal in Feb 2014 and although there is a wedding thread most brides sail on RCCL or Carnival.

 

Does the chapel have chairs, benches, a piano? Does is open into the concierge lounge? Any info would be helpful.

 

Thanks

 

 

You can view the Wedding Chapel Cam online for an idea of what it looks like.

 

[Edit] Poop. It looks like the chapel for the Royal isn't there! My bad...

Edited October 17, 2013 by Thrak

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Royal Princess (0045 local time). Just getting ready to turn in after formal night activities. Decided to stay up a little lat since we get our first of six hours back tonight:) Formal night activites were enjoyed by all. Saw many fellow cruisers decked out to the nines in tuxedos & suits for the men and very nice evening gowns & dresses for the women. I sat at my usual spot in Crooners and had another of my trusty 007 martinis (Wanda I wish you were here:D). It was noticibly busier tonight than on the first formal night but everyone, including myself, received prompt service. This was a marked improvement from the first formal night:)

We went to the MDR (late seating traditional in the Alegro) tonight. This was actually our first time trying out the MDR. Different design for this dining room from other MDR's we've had on other Princess ships but I liked it. We both had the lobster/crab cakes that we really liked. Other courses were very good as well. Service was also excellant.

A previous poster asked about the wedding chapel. It is in kind of a different place than others on different cruise ships. It is on deck 14 adjacent to the lounge for suite passengers. I looked in and saw a good deal of chairs. I didn't see a piano but on my way back to the cabin (typing this from the internet cafe as I couldn't get a signal in the cabin) I'll see if there is a piano and report back.

Tomorrow is another great sea day. I've yet to figure out just what to do for tomorrow's activities.

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

 

Bob

[kruisey]

I think you have All Hallows Eve on the ship? Very handy for you.;)

On October 31 sit and stand on your balcony for a few hours turning round.Then borrow a brush from the crew

For your hallow costume go as chimney sweep..............:D;)

[Clutterlady]

Bob, I've stayed away from commenting on your posts cause I know how much you have been looking forward to this cruise. So very sorry you're disappointed in your cabin, I would feel the same. But, I feel if there is a problem in a cruise, vacation or whatever....it seems to follow you till the end! Glad to here you had a better night and will continue to have great days ahead. Looking forward to more of your thoughts on the Royal.....smile

[dmwnc1959]

2:32am local time, and all is quiet on Royal Princess...

 

[Clovis Cruiser]

Thanks but sorry to hear that! :(

Did you book an aft for your Oct. cruise?

 

No aft cabin this time. Just the opposite: an inside cabin. I've read that they're quite spacious . . . and provide a little relief for the budget.

[san diego sue]

Inside cabins quite spacious? Maybe for one person but they appear really small on the Royal. I peaked into a couple of them on Caribe deck.

[EKELLEY]

Well said we are all different

 

Thank you all who have posted on the "Live from" good bad and indifferent. Some comments have made me go oooooh as we are staying in B736 :eek: the sooty balcony. We haven't changed based on posts, but thankfully we will now be prepared, so if one morning we walk go out and DH suddenly becomes Dick Van Dyke and starts singing Chim Chim Cher-ee and I turn into Mary Poppins - it will be entertaining for those around us :rolleyes:

 

 

Take care of our cabin, we will be in it on the cruise after you.

Edited October 18, 2013 by EKELLEY

[cricketts]

In 2006, we were on the Golden Princess in Northern Europe, then 7 months later we were on her again in the Caribbean. It amazed me how the onboard experience changed based on the shorter time frame (7 day vs. 10) and the venue (party athmosphere of the Caribbean vs. the more formal European).

 

I'm anxious to hear how the Royal will also change. Are any of y'all sailing on her maiden Caribbean voyage going to do a "Live" thread. I'd love to follow along :)

[CTGirl]

I personally will never book under a public deck again. :( Every single time there has been substantial noise. The Retreat is nice but I still saw people dragging loungers from one spot to another and you'll still have the staff power washing at ungodly times. But that's just my opinion.

Thanks for getting back to me. I agree with you 100%. In my early cruising days we on Aloha and we could hear chairs being moved all the time. Personally, I love Emerald minis on the Grand Class ships and if I can't get that Dolphin aft minis. I just like being in the back of the ship but of course the Royal does not have any aft minis and the category we wanted was a guarantee. We were boosted up a category to Lido under the Retreat. If we don't get moved again I can live with it for two weeks. I knew when I booked that I would probably not like my cabin location but I wanted to see the ship so I go in open eyed. I just hope the noise isn't too bad. Thanks again and enjoy the cruise.

[jonikal]

It's been 24 hours now since our tv quit working. The PSD people have not been helpful and give us a different story each time. Apparently there are about 200 cabins affected and it may or may not be a "network" issue. Whatever the reason, we feel the way they are handling this is not up to the usual Princess standard of service. If anyone on the ship has any idea, pls post!

[rdsqrl]

It's been 24 hours now since our tv quit working. The PSD people have not been helpful and give us a different story each time. Apparently there are about 200 cabins affected and it may or may not be a "network" issue. Whatever the reason, we feel the way they are handling this is not up to the usual Princess standard of service. If anyone on the ship has any idea, pls post!

I'm sorry; I'm sure that's frustrating for you. I've heard others say that when they got the run-around at the PSD, they went to the Captain's Circle host/ess and s/he was able to cut through the nonsense and get results. Maybe try that?

 

 

[Floflegs]

Hello Royal Cruisers....

 

Could someone please check out the wedding chapel. I'm getting married on the Royal in Feb 2014 and although there is a wedding thread most brides sail on RCCL or Carnival.

 

Does the chapel have chairs, benches, a piano? Does is open into the concierge lounge? Any info would be helpful.

 

Thanks

 

Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. Our DD was married on the Sea Princess and I must say Princess did the whole event so well. No wedding chapel on the Sea so it was in the library which was beautifully decorated. No piano either but there was a keyboard player for the music so I suspect if no piano on the Royal they will provide a keyboard. Hope this helps.

[Pia1913]

Good Friday morning and the beginning of another day at sea. Weather is supposed to again be sunny and in the 70’s. Can’t ask for much more.

　

I think from now on my posts will have to be quite brief. It is very difficult to use minutes and wade through 50 or more posts, most of which are discussing Bob’s pros and cons or having private discussions on whether or not to book or cancel a cruise. Bob has unlimited internet; I do not, and even he keeps his to a minimum. Some of you have taken this Live to a whole other realm and it’s become just a regular thread for haranguing, discussions, etc. This Live has been quite unlike the others and I almost want to agree with Vickie and Compozer about not doing them. Almost. I’m not there yet, simply because to me they are fun. That being said, here are a few things happening on board today.

A lecture by Jules Talarico; Whales-Gentle Giants of the Sea, marzipan fruit carvings and flower demos, “The Proposal” on MUTS, Texas Hold’Em tourny and Pub Lunch. That’s in the morning. We have our most traveled luncheon at noon.

　

Afternoon highlights are; The Birth of the Venetian Mask, lecture Titanic Survivor, a margarita demonstration, matinee movie in the theater “42”, Raiders of the Lost Ark on MUTS, and the acrobat jumping around again in the Piazza.

　

Evening brings Man of Steel to MUTS, a Brazilian Line Dance party in Vista and comedian Darrell Joyce in the theater.

Someone mentioned plumbing. We had two plumbing “occasions” and someone came almost immediately; less than 10 minutes each time. Then two nights ago we received a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and an apology note for our inconvenience. Nice gesture. Gave away the strawberries.

Wedding chapel is small; has regular chairs not benches. We attended a vow renewal there. And yes, it's attached to the concierge lounge (didn't even know there was one until we went to the chapel)

TV's have to be unplugged and restarted. That's what fixes them. Hint to those who still have a problem. Fortunately we are not one of them. Try removing your card from the door slot, making sure all electric outlets are turned off and then replace your card in the slot.

Off to breakfast.

[dmwnc1959]

7:56am local time on Royal Princess, I can only imagine what that sunrise must have looked like. :D

 

[dmwnc1959]

I think from now on my posts will have to be quite brief. It is very difficult to use minutes and wade through 50 or more posts, most of which are discussing Bob’s pros and cons or having private discussions on whether or not to book or cancel a cruise.

 

Pia,

 

That's MY fault and I truly apologize. :( Please don't punish the others because of me. Some of us back here in the 'real world' just get so excited with all of the reports (good and bad), and sometimes we forget what it takes on your end to make this happen. My sincerest appreciation for all you do, and the really wonderful contributions from ALL of those currently on the ship. Hope to hear much more from you in the coming week as Royal Princess heads for Fort Lauderdale.

 

Take care and Thank You...

 

David

[Woobstr112G]

 

Good morning (0818 local time). Just sitting down to breakfast in Sabatini's. Great view for breakfast:). Another great day at sea aboard the Royal. Today I'll be heading to the gym. After thatI'm gonna start taking my ship pictures. Other than the two aforementioned items, will just play it by ear.

 

Regarding the wedding chapel question from earlier. There is a small baby grand (I guess that's what you call it) to the right when you walk into the room. There are 9 chairs on each side for a total of 18. There is a small desk with two chairs in the middle where the ceremony would take place.

 

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

 

Bob

[Pam in CA]

Pam, re:late dining. I know that in Europe they are used to late dining. Do you think the make up of passengers is the difference since you will end up in FL?

I have no idea. I don't think Europeans are anywhere near the majority of passengers. I think it's because at least one port had a late departure.

 

I used to be fine with later dining but as I get older, prefer to eat earlier.

[DonahCBrown]

Pia - PLEASE don't stop doing Lives - what will I do for my cruise fixes while stuck on dry land??? Just post what you want, don't worry about reading the whole thread and I'll send you any questions by email, in a summary! Promise.:eek:

[jonikal]

I'm sorry; I'm sure that's frustrating for you. I've heard others say that when they got the run-around at the PSD, they went to the Captain's Circle host/ess and s/he was able to cut through the nonsense and get results. Maybe try that?

 

 

 

Alas, Circle host was our first stop and she was not interested and sent us to the ps desk

[LewesBeach]

My random thoughts & observations so far (apologies if some of this has been covered, I have limited Internet minutes & cant follow this thread every day)

 

- No computer terminals in the FCC area to browse while awaiting a consultant.

- intranet is VERY convenient for checking the Patter, or for future cruises, itineraries, misc Princess info, etc

- love the fixed outdoor exercise stations

- cool rattan sofas/chair/ottoman groupings in many outdoor areas

- hall carpets are not marked as before to delineate port/starboard

- love the larger showers w/ledge, hand-held shower head, & shampoo/soap dispensers.

- Lotus Spa easy to find, deck 5, should get more walk-ins here

- Horizon Court a bit hard to navigate due to all the food stations, but very nice outdoor eating areas aft. Everything we had for breakfast so far was warm/cold - will be looking for the made-to-order omelettes from now on

- in certain areas, elevator up/down buttons do not ALL light up when pushed

- TV broke down but someone came to fix w/in 24 hrs

- Piazza is very large w/ lots of seating on all levels, nice in the evening for dancing/people watching/etc

- spiral staircase into the Casino is nice

- Love the cookie station at bar outside Princess Live

- feeling bad for those w/aft cabins w/soot raining down on them

- lack of center staircase is inconvenient & elevators crowded sometimes but I'm getting more exercise so no problems with that

- laundry is backed up, sometimes as much as 4 days. We only got 1 towel one day, & asked why. Room steward said too much Elite laundry was backing everything else up. Surely they should have been ready for this? Won't b a prob on 10 day Caribbean.

- love the token system for laundromat (swipe your card, get a token) but they were all broken one sea day, had to go to passenger services.

- in our experience, food in dining rooms has been exceptional, service so-so.

- formal nite: saw many men in dining room w/shirts - no tie, no coat

- Trident Grill & Prego Pizza r now conveniently side-by-side @ pool

- deck 7 midship behind Facets is a nice outdoor deck. Sit there, & get pelted with water from the Seawalk above, not sure why this is.

- deck 7 aft there r nice quiet deck chair areas for reading/sleeping

- tiny library, load up your Kindle/Nook/iPad

- Did not bring any wine aboard, but they were not checking anywhere i saw. Had to ask about the wine pkg, they r not pushing it for whatever reason. Bought the Silver 12 bottle, suits us fine.

- our Deluxe Balcony cabin w/extended angled balcony below the Seawalk on Emerald deck was sold as obstructed. IMHO these cabins are a steal because there is absolutely no obstruction when looking out to sea, and the balconies are much larger & private. The only obstruction is looking straight down to the water (we look down onto the deck behind Facets). But most cabins have that same issue not being able to see straight down to the water because the lifeboats are extended out over the ship, not recessed. Bad news is: the higher you go under the Seawalk, the more you can see onto the balcony and eventually, into the cabin. Good news is: Seawalk is a novelty, u do it once, u hardly ever see people there. Certainly no one will stand there with the express purpose of looking into your cabin.

- there are many nice indoor venues but I'm still not sure where they're going to put all the outside people in a warm climate. With no aft pool or Promenade, there doesn't appear to be enough deck chairs for a full ship in the Caribbean, but time will tell.

- I came aboard a skeptic. Now, would I sail on the Royal again? Yes, in this same cabin. It's a nice ship going thru a year-long shakedown.

Berni

[billco]

TV's have to be unplugged and restarted. That's what fixes them. Hint to those who still have a problem. Fortunately we are not one of them. Try removing your card from the door slot, making sure all electric outlets are turned off and then replace your card in the slot.

Actually, it it is the power connector just below the Ethernet connector in the box behind the TV that needs to be unplugged and plugged back in to reset the TV. Removing the card from the door slot will not do it.

[chamima]

My random thoughts & observations so far (apologies if some of this has been covered, I have limited Internet minutes & cant follow this thread every day)

 

- our Deluxe Balcony cabin w/extended angled balcony below the Seawalk on Emerald deck was sold as obstructed. IMHO these cabins are a steal because there is absolutely no obstruction when looking out to sea, and the balconies are much larger & private. The only obstruction is looking straight down to the water (we look down onto the deck behind Facets). But most cabins have that same issue not being able to see straight down to the water because the lifeboats are extended out over the ship, not recessed. Bad news is: the higher you go under the Seawalk, the more you can see onto the balcony and eventually, into the cabin. Good news is: Seawalk is a novelty, u do it once, u hardly ever see people there. Certainly no one will stand there with the express purpose of looking into your cabin.

- there are many nice indoor venues but I'm still not sure where they're going to put all the outside people in a warm climate. With no aft pool or Promenade, there doesn't appear to be enough deck chairs for a full ship in the Caribbean, but time will tell.

- I came aboard a skeptic. Now, would I sail on the Royal again? Yes, in this same cabin. It's a nice ship going thru a year-long shakedown.

Berni

 

 

 

Thanks Berni

What cabin are you in?