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

[Tyskie]

Totally enjoying all the "live" posters & especially Pia for starting the thread.:)

Love reading the pros and cons - it will be a while before we can form our own opinion but love the idea of being on a new ship - eventually!!:D

[lovevacadays]

I was finally able to get the link to open up using the ship's Internet. I see they are actual pictures (owner suite) of what I have. They are at first glance appealing to someone wo hasn't actually been in one. When you are actually in them, you can see first hand just how small they actually are.

 

Bob

 

Sorry to hear your suite has been a disappointment. I noticed on the website someone else posted the square footage for the OS was around 700 square feet. I wouldn't consider that a closet but I have never sailed in a suite so wouldn't know what to expect. What would be the typical square footage on an older Princess ship?

 

Good morning people and welcome to sea day numero quatro. Weather remains nice, seas remain calm and temp is supposed to get to upper 70’s. We know Florida is on the horizon, at least weather wise, since right now it’s quite humid. One thing I need to tell you straight off. It was fondue night in HC and aft part of Port was sectioned off for this. Same as Crab Shack. As of 7:30 PM there were a total of six tables in use for this event. We and our friends dined on this side. Again. And it was open, as was the entire other side. Nothing has changed this entire cruise; since Barcelona. After dinner, we watched another silly movie in our cabin; This Means War with Reese Witherspoon.

 

 

　

There are multiple lectures being presented today, both in the morning and afternoon.

 

 

1. Mysteries of the Ocean Deep, by Jules Talarico

 

2. Age of Exploration: A Voyage that Changed American and the World, by Jeana Rogers

 

3. Liners to the Sun, Part I, by John Maxtone-Graham

 

4. Birth of a Cruise Ship, by engineer Chris Joly

 

 

　

Movies today will be Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Iron Man 3 - all on MUTS. Afternoon movie in the theater; “Great Expectations.” (the one from 2012).

 

 

　

There will also be a backstage tour at 11:00 AM, Runway at Sea fashion show in the Piazza, and multiple trivias, one of which will be on the British Royal Family. Elite wine tasting is also this morning; we’ll be missing this one. 11:00 AM is not exactly our preferred wine time.

 

 

Tonight in the theater we can see comedian Al Katz (I really like this guy) or wait until later in the evening for Ye Olde Pub Night. We loved the pub presentation on the last leg, but doubt we will do it again.

 

 

Responses and Comments:

 

 

1. We had the wine room in Crown Grill for six. I suppose it depends on the reservations they get for that specific night.

 

 

2. Some people think they need to insult me. So be it. And BTW, there was no formal advertising of the UST.

 

 

3. Rich: No disagreement. Just explanation. I’m up there every morning and night and we use the Port side.

 

 

4. Anne: I think spending money depends on the passengers and not their status. The dining room sales have been mobbed, as was the tee shirt sale yesterday afternoon. I haven’t bought anything this trip, other than in the perfume/makeup dept. I don’t wear tee shirts and I don’t buy jewelry. But lots of others make up for what I don’t purchase. :)

 

 

5. I finally got to the three card poker table. Made a fast win and a quick getaway.

 

6. Pam's presentation was terrific. As is Pam. :D

 

7. Gym crowded this morning. People feeling guilty

 

Sure wish I could have heard Pam's presentation. I'm sure it was wonderful.

[JanieCaper]

Thanks Bob. I got the impression it was going to be very much like the Sky Walk at the Grand Canyon but guess that is not the case. Very interesting. Appreciate the response.

 

I see you are headed to my home town on your Emerald Princess cruise. The fall colors are at their height at the moment, but the winds are starting to strip the trees of their leaves. Emerald was just here in Sydney yesterday. We were on it a few years ago on a 10 day Southern Caribbean.

 

Enjoy your cruise. I will wave to the ship from my work the Cambridge Suites on the waterfront.

[Pam in CA]

If you like salad, as I do, you'll be in salad bar heaven. :) At lunch, I start in the Bistro where they have shredded chicken, turkey, ham, cheese and sometimes pork, eggs, veggies, nuts, grains, and a whole lot more with 8-10 salad dressings. I make myself a small chef's salad every day. In the Horizon Court, there are 2-3 sides for the salad bar. It's amazing!

 

Tonight was Italian Trattoria night in the buffet with several different kinds of pizza, several different calzones, pastas, lasagnas, and so much more... and that was only part of the buffet. I'm stuffed. :)

 

Learned today from Karen, who took the UST, that they are aware of the central staircase issue and have no idea why the Royal was built this way since the Grand has the same problem. They are also aware of the toilet paper location issue. But what was interesting is the soot problem. Apparently, the wind tunnel and other design tests demonstrated that there would be no soot problem but that was without MUTS being installed. They think the screen is causing whorls that are redirecting the soot and debris. This is being looked into and will be corrected. I don't know any more than that.

 

No World Series! Blech! We're not within satellite coverage of the channel. :( Bummer!

 

Longcruiser, yes, I remember you on the Diamond. :)

 

The presentation Pia is talking about is that yesterday, I gave a talk in Club 6 to almost a full house on online posting tips, CC's Guidelines, explanation of why posts are moved or removed, etc. I then gave them ten actual posts and let them decide whether they'd leave the post or remove it. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. :) Thanks, Pia, for the kudos. The feeling is mutual.

[Sailingpeace]

"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 am starting to believe that there is such a thing as a portable hell and some people make sure thay always have one in their luggage or carry it wherever they go :). If only it came with a mute button... Feel sad for them...up to a point.. They can afford to cruise, are visiting wonderful countries, have tons of food available, sleep in beds many would dream of and they don't even have to make it in the morning and that is hell !!! Wow, it must be something when things are good for them !!!

Edited October 24, 2013 by Sailingpeace

[Sailingpeace]

If you like salad, as I do, you'll be in salad bar heaven. :) At lunch, I start in the Bistro where they have shredded chicken, turkey, ham, cheese and sometimes pork, eggs, veggies, nuts, grains, and a whole lot more with 8-10 salad dressings. I make myself a small chef's salad every day. In the Horizon Court, there are 2-3 sides for the salad bar. It's amazing!

 

Tonight was Italian Trattoria night in the buffet with several different kinds of pizza, several different calzones, pastas, lasagnas, and so much more... and that was only part of the buffet. I'm stuffed. :)

 

Learned today from Karen, who took the UST, that they are aware of the central staircase issue and have no idea why the Royal was built this way since the Grand has the same problem. They are also aware of the toilet paper location issue. But what was interesting is the soot problem. Apparently, the wind tunnel and other design tests demonstrated that there would be no soot problem but that was without MUTS being installed. They think the screen is causing whorls that are redirecting the soot and debris. This is being looked into and will be corrected. I don't know any more than that.

 

No World Series! Blech! We're not within satellite coverage of the channel. :( Bummer!

 

Longcruiser, yes, I remember you on the Diamond. :)

 

The presentation Pia is talking about is that yesterday, I gave a talk in Club 6 to almost a full house on online posting tips, CC's Guidelines, explanation of why posts are moved or removed, etc. I then gave them ten actual posts and let them decide whether they'd leave the post or remove it. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. :) Thanks, Pia, for the kudos. The feeling is mutual.

 

Your presentation sounds very interesting and beeing able to hear it directly from you made it even more interesting I am sure. Do you think you could share the info here on CC... IF it is within rules of course. And after the cruise of course. Happy sailing!

[riclop]

Pam thanks for all your insights.

[caribill]

No World Series! Blech! We're not within satellite coverage of the channel. :( Bummer!

 

 

Red Sox romped past St. Louis 8-1 in game one.

[Woobstr112G]

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

Edited October 24, 2013 by Woobstr112G

[Woobstr112G]

Sorry to hear your suite has been a disappointment. I noticed on the website someone else posted the square footage for the OS was around 700 square feet. I wouldn't consider that a closet but I have never sailed in a suite so wouldn't know what to expect. What would be the typical square footage on other Princess ships.

 

I never saw the post about the sq ft totals benig around 700. It might be, but I would be very suspect. If it is 700, it could also include the balcony which is huge. Another thing to consider is the design of the cabin. The bathroom. Is right in the middle and separates the two rooms. The "living room" area is actually the aft balcony cabin that was lost to make the suites bigger. I shudder to think what the suites would look like if they hadn't redesigned them. My unhappiness with the cabin is that I think it far from what a suite should be for what I paid for it. Others will surely disagree and call me all sorts of names (as some have already done so) but I just think it was way over priced for what you get.

 

Bob

Edited October 24, 2013 by Woobstr112G

[ibfern]

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

[Pia1913]

Sea day number five as we inch closer to the end of our cruise. Good morning on this sticky Thursday morning and a thought just came to mind that we’re going to start packing very soon. If our laundry comes back. Average has been four days and today is the fourth day. Yesterday morning before 9 AM, was the last time laundry was accepted. This was announced in the Patter for 2 or 3 consecutive days prior.

　

Lots of trivia for us yesterday; four to be exact. One win, two losses, one tie. We saw comedian Al Katz again for the umpteenth time and we always get a laugh from him. Even the old stuff we’ve heard over and over again.

　

My internet minutes are waning, so I have to use them judiciously. The lectures for today are:

1. A Brief History of Stargazing

2. Liners to the Sun, Part II

3. Navigation @Sea

4. The Caribbean & the Remarkable Story of Sugar

Interestingly, there have been no crafts or ceramics on this cruise at all. And I’ve heard lots of chatter about it not being available. So today, the powers that be, will hold a paper flower making class this morning at 11:00.

　

Movies on MUTS are: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Mr. and Mrs. Smith and White House Down. Matinee movie in the theater will be The Kings of Summer.

Tonight is formal night and the Captain’s Farewell Piazza cocktail party will be held from 7:15 to 8:00. Entertainment is a female vocalist in the theater and a male vocalist in Vista. Also tonight is the always popular Liar’s Club, in Princess Live.

BTW, food and choices in Horizon Ct. remain good; with too many choices. Except for one night (yukky Indian food), it's been great. Pam too has opted to eat in HC, especially last night's Italian choices. So many and for picky me that's a bonus.

Sun is coming up, gym time is over and breakfast awaits.

[WendyG]

I absolutely love reading all these posts over my morning coffee. It's as if all the main writers are on different cruises which makes it so interesting and I can't wait until Sunday because I'm picking up my friends who are on this cruise and will be hearing yet another "side" to this sailing :)

 

I look forward to boarding this beautiful ship in 31 days :D positives, negatives, and all! I will have a great time no matter what! Glass half full!

[Iamcruzin]

No flames from me Bob I always enjoy breakfast and lunch in the HC but try as I may I have never found dinner to be acceptable. I think it has more to do with the fact that we eat late. We usually go up to the HC at around 8:00 to take a peek but find the food to be as you just described and then we just go to the anytime MDR to eat. Maybe one day we will hit it right.

[ssbeagle]

Tonight is the last formal night on board. Six of us plan to visit Alfredo's for dinner since we don't want to dress up. I have noticed a lot of people have dressed more casually than usual in the evenings throughout the cruise. Do you think formal nights may become a thing of the past eventually?

 

The sea is so smooth it almost looks like satin. My husband asked if we were even moving this morning since it is so motion free on board. This ship has sailed quite well and you hardly feel like you are on a ship in the middle of the ocean especially if you are mid-ship. In the aft section you may feel vibrations from the engines and a bit of motion but not near as much as if on one of the smaller ships.

 

It is 9:00 am and there is a line for the computers. They don't have enough on this ship. Many people bring their own.

 

The morning trivia has been interesting. The team that wins gets a final question and the team member who gets it correct, gets to play the Mastermind trivia on the last sea day. There is also a progressive trivia around noon-1:00 where they focus on a different subject each day. So far it has been art, sports, food, and today is movies. The scores are added each day and on the last day the winner will be declared. The trivias have been very interesting this segment.

[TorontoTL]

I have been reading and enjoying all the opinions, points of view and details of your sailings on board the Royal Princess. Thanks to everyone who has contributed. This has been a lovely sailing with you all. :D

[warnerchilcott]

Thanks to all that have posted. It has really given me a picture of the Royal Princess. After reading all the hits and misses of the ship, I've decided to cancel my trip for next week and go back to the Grand class ships. Booked the Carribean Princess for January. No cruise is perfect but there seems to be a general feeling from the posts that all is not right or that all is just OK. Travel safe, and thanks for your insight!

[homeinboca]

To Pia, Pam, Bob, Amelia et al,

 

Thanks so much for sharing your cruise experiences with us the last month. I enjoy reading them and appreciate all of your experienced insight. Also brings back fond memories of our time on the Royal in August. We are all very lucky to be able to cruise!

 

There's frost on the roofs this morning and soon time to head south!

 

Ron

[Pam in CA]

We're on day five of seven sea days. I've been generally busy between needlework get-togethers, lectures, Cruise Critic get-togethers, etc. Went to a lecture yesterday morning on the Oceans and Currents with a marine biologist, at 1pm to a lecture on the origins of cruising and cruise ships with John Maxtone-Graham, and at 3:30pm to afternoon tea with a group of friends. Last night, I watched a lecture on building a cruise ship on the TV. Today is part II of the Cruising and Cruise Ships lecture. Tomorrow, we'll be just one hour behind ET. Great news about the Red Sox! Go Sox!

 

One thing I love (among others) about the Horizon Court and Bistro design is that every food counter has a chef right there behind it to keep an eye on the food to make sure it's refreshed and replenished. For many items, there are two woks, large bowls or bins next to each other so if someone is taking something from one, you don't have to wait. I'm really going to miss the design and all the offerings on the Sapphire in March.

 

My laundry has been taking 4-5 days to get back. I finally got the last of my 10/18 bag back at 9:30pm.

 

Heather, don't cancel unless you really don't want to go. The smoke smells are mostly on deck 6 of the Piazza, not deck 5 which is where the IC is.

 

The next two days will pass quickly.

[cantwaitfornextcruise]

Tonight is the last formal night on board. Six of us plan to visit Alfredo's for dinner since we don't want to dress up. I have noticed a lot of people have dressed more casually than usual in the evenings throughout the cruise. Do you think formal nights may become a thing of the past eventually?

 

The sea is so smooth it almost looks like satin. My husband asked if we were even moving this morning since it is so motion free on board. This ship has sailed quite well and you hardly feel like you are on a ship in the middle of the ocean especially if you are mid-ship. In the aft section you may feel vibrations from the engines and a bit of motion but not near as much as if on one of the smaller ships.

 

It is 9:00 am and there is a line for the computers. They don't have enough on this ship. Many people bring their own.

 

The morning trivia has been interesting. The team that wins gets a final question and the team member who gets it correct, gets to play the Mastermind trivia on the last sea day. There is also a progressive trivia around noon-1:00 where they focus on a different subject each day. So far it has been art, sports, food, and today is movies. The scores are added each day and on the last day the winner will be declared. The trivias have been very interesting this segment.

 

Hi caryn

 

I look out for your review I value your opinion it's always more comfortable from someone you know as everyone is different. Hope you do a summary when you get home I'll look forward to reading it

How's the knee doing now, mines not so good going back into hospital when we return from our nov 10 cruise

Take care

Cynthia

 

Sent from my Samsung using Forums mobile app

[JimmyVWine]

Tonight is the last formal night on board. Six of us plan to visit Alfredo's for dinner since we don't want to dress up. I have noticed a lot of people have dressed more casually than usual in the evenings throughout the cruise. Do you think formal nights may become a thing of the past eventually?

 

No, for one simple reason. On "Formal Nights", they set up numerous photography stations allowing people to be photographed in front of fake full moons, in front of fake Promenade railings (that the ship doesn't even have any more), and in front of fake backdrops of marble pillars. Princess doesn't care if you show up for these photo sessions dressed in formal wear or jeans and a t-shirt. They want people to be photographed and they want to sell the photos. They make way too much money from these nights to ever let them go, and staging them on nights when the passengers are ostensibly dressed up to their fullest is the best honey to attract the bees. If they did away with Formal Nights and instead set up the photography stations on two or three random nights where people were all dressed as they regularly dress, I am guessing that their photo sales would drop by 50%-75%. Declaring two or three nights to be "Formal Nights" costs the ship nothing, and brings in lots of extra revenue. We know that photo sales increase on these nights. And I will bet that more people stop by the lounges for before and after dinner cocktails on Formal Nights than on average nights. It just seems to go with the territory.

[dedosr]

Pia, Pam, Bob, and all other Live posters, Thank You!

To re ask a question posted by Dave awhile ago, What happened to the Laser Shooting Range? Any idea? Any info would be appreciated!

Thanks Again for your insightful reviews and enjoy the rest of the crossing.

Steve

[Sanibel*Gal]

To all the live posters.....Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. The information you have passed along is really valuable to all of us. We will sure miss you're daily comments when your journey comes to an end in FLL.

 

Smooth sailing the rest of the way & Safe travels!

 

Andrea

~~~~~~

Edited October 24, 2013 by Sanibel*Gal

[san diego sue]

Thanks Pia, Bob, Amelia, and Pam, and Karen

I would have been with you all had I not had to cancel the transatlantic portion of our trip. So I live through you with my morning coffee.

 

Bob, we have an aft suite on the Golden this coming week. Our first so I hope it doesn't disappoint, or spoil us for future just balcony cabins.

I figured your suite would be funky since I realized that living room area was suppose to be an aft balcony cabin.I did post this several posts ago

that is why your suite is so strange.

 

A special hi to all my friends still on board the Royal.

Karen(SSBeagle)I am still coughing and so is Lew.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Ameila...we thought the fruit on the Royal was the best we have ever had on a ship...was told by our head waiter Rui that is was from Italy. Hope quality is as good when ship is based in Florida! And love love love those oatmeal cookies!

 

Thanks all again...I have loved reliving my Royal memories through all of your posts!

Edited October 24, 2013 by sunsetbeachgal