NEW LIVE from the Royal 10/29-1//10

[dchip]

Thanks for your contribution to this "live" thread. The pool information is very helpful.:) The wine dinner is now on our agenda! :D

 

You are most welcome.

 

Can anyone tell me how the main pool is during the day with M.U.T.S.? Do you get blasted out from the noise?

 

Just walking through.....it is LOUD!!

 

ANDREA....have a great cruise and Happy Anniversary to both of you!! Someday we will cruise together again!

 

Cheers, Denise

[macusr]

Must try item: Chile & lime crab margarita at Ocean Terrace - huge amount of crab meat. Well worth the $6 charge.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[Mom33]

Must try item: Chile & lime crab margarita at Ocean Terrace - huge amount of crab meat. Well worth the $6 charge. [ATTACH]291674[/ATTACH]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

 

Oh, that looks soooo good!:D

[gracie65]

We did this on the TA cruise. I think this is the best dinner venue Princess has to offer. We had a fabulous time. For $40 pp it was so worth it. We also had a group of 12 and didn't know any of the others. What a great group of people. I highly recommend this and I like it better than the Chef's Table! I'm sure it won't be long before the price increases. :p

 

 

Great to know. We had ruled this out because in early reports it looked like the main entrees were veal or lamb dishes. Sounds like now people have also been getting beef. Did you reserve this in the MDR as another poster listed or another way? Thanks!!

[mes531]

Can someone on board please let me know about wheelchair access in the main theater. Diagram looks like you need to use stairs to get to the lower level in the theater so the only wheelchair spots are the top row upper level. Is this correct? Do they have chairs for companions next to the wheelchair empty spaces?

 

 

Definitely wheelchair access from the first level...they even have it set up that you can go almost all the way to the front and they have left spaces in the aisle where they have shorter rows for the chair at the end of the row!

[carefreebee]

I love this ship!! Really can't say anything bad at all about our days so far on the Royal! Because I followed the "Everything Royal" thread and all the "live froms" I feel I was well informed and boarded the ship with my eyes wide open. So far, nothing has surprised me.

 

Yes, the lack of mid-stairs seems to be a problem for some but for us it's a non-issue. As more information came to light about the design of the ship we knew where we wanted our cabin; not under the Sea Walk or mid-ship. Our deluxe balcony on Baja mid aft is just perfect. One positive about the elevators is they are super speedy between floors so even if it's filled you quickly reach your destination. Also the travel-inspired quotes on the elevator floor are a neat touch.

 

We are enjoying our petite-sized balcony but agree it would have been closer to perfect if it were just six or eight inches deeper. We did have a couple of soot spots on the floor of the balcony when we arrived at Princess Cays but none since. The room storage has shrunk a bit but the shower is larger and the sink has been super sized! The toilet paper location is cumbersome but once you develop your grab and pull down technique, it's manageable.

 

Our only real issue so far has been the couple in the stateroom next to us have been smoking on their balcony! They started before we even left Ft Lauderdale! The first time I leaned around the divider and saw her sitting there smoking away. I spoke to her and as could be predicted, she was rude and defensive. We have reported them three times now and this morning the deck manager, cabin stewards and room service crew all gathered outside their door and confirmed smoke smell was creeping from their cabin. Of course they were very angry and loudly insisted it wasn't them and that she was asleep ( 10:30 am). Cheaters cheat, liars lie! Oh well they're getting off tomorrow and we get to stay on.

 

Speaking of smoke, I too was worried the casino's open concept would allow smoke to travel out and about. That worry has been found to be another non-issue. Smoking is allowed in a small area of the casino and very little smoke smell travels beyond that space. I was just on the Caribbean Princess in September and that ship has a real issue keeping the smoke from reaching Crooners, shops and the Piazza area outside of the casino. The Royal seems to keep it under control. Those of you who have canceled or are considering canceling because of this concern please reconsider.

 

The Piazza is amazing! I know I can't put into words just how beautiful this space is, with the lovely marble details and spectacular glass and light details. This may sound silly but I love, love, love the chairs everywhere on this ship! Each area and venue have their own style, texture and arrangement. Right now I'm enjoying sitting in what l call "the Alice in Wonderland" chairs outside of Princess Live. The art work around the ship is also very nice and most large pieces of art have a QR Code to snap on your smart phone to learn more about the artist.

 

Entertainment in the Piazza has been very enjoyable with the Halloween night celebration being very large and exciting. Many, many passengers did a great job of dressing up in their costumes. We saw some that were very clever and elaborate. The entertainment in the Piazza continues through out the day and night which keeps that space the place to be.

 

We are not big pool people but the space seems to handle most people's needs. I have noticed both sun and shade areas in the main pool zone with nice couches and seating located in the shade. The Sanctuary is lovely and quiet and has all the amenities as promised. The adult Retreat area is very popular with loungers in the sun and semi-shaded areas. It has been windy the times we've peeked in the area and people have commented that it's a little bothersome but that doesn't seem to keep people out!

 

Outriggers is another nice spot with great chairs and sofas to lounge in and watch the ship's wake. This is the official Margarita bar with several to choose from. If your adventurous try the Strawberry & Pepper Margarita...amazingly good. Another bonus is they serve salsa, guacamole and chips with your drinks. The Ocean Terrace is another venue that serves free appetizers with your drinks. For a minimal charge you can also order oyster shooters, sushi, crab & lobster cocktails and for only $70 caviar with all the trimmings.

 

So far we've only made it once to the MDR for dinner because there are so many choices. The design of Horizon Court and Bistro work very well and the food and service has been good during the lunch and dinner we visited. Alfredo's is very good also and I found the wait staff to be charming and very attentive. Next week we'll visit the specialty restaurants and hopefully the Wine Makers Table.

 

I think I could go on and on about what I like about this ship. Once we return home I will write an even more detailed review with photos of this beautiful ship.

 

I have to say we hooked up with some great Cruise Critic folks and have had a blast meeting our roll call nuts in person. We had the Allegro dining room to ourselves for the CC luncheon which was a nice quite way to visit and hear other's POVs. Our pub crawl was fun and everyone had a grand time enjoying rum punches and local beers and we made our way around Grand Turk as our guide did his guide stuff. I really hope we get to cruise with these people again!!

[strummer]

Carefreebee so glad you are having a fantastic time - we were on the Royal in August and absolutely LOVED this ship!! I have been on the Crown Princess since and realised just how wonderful the Royal was compared to the Crown!

I too love the Outrigger bar, nice seating and great bar staff def the place to chill out :D

Have a wonderful cruise and I will try to keep my jealousy in check while wishing I was there :D

[jangor]

How lovely to see that most of the posters on this thread see the glass as half full. Predominately positive comments with some seeing the previous complaints as being mere differences rather than turn-offs. Thank you to all. I am sooooo excited about my Dec 8 cruise on the Royal thanks to you.:)

[PescadoAmarillo]

Can anyone tell me how the main pool is during the day with M.U.T.S.? Do you get blasted out from the noise?

 

I just came through there. It's very loud. There is even a bit of noise bleed into the Retreat Pool, but, of the two, that's definitely my favorite. If you wonder about how crowded the pool areas are on a sea day afternoon, I have three photos in my blog.

 

Love the ship! Some quirks, some service issues, some things to still be worked out, but we have really enjoyed the ship and our 5-night cruise and can't wait to return next winter.

[Liz54]

Just wanted to say I am LOVING your blog. Find myself slightly irked that it is ONLY daily....I check at least twice a day!! Hope you will not desert the Emerald this February as I had hoped to meet you at our M&G!! Now stop reading, sleeping, eating and relaxing and do more blogging!!:D

[billco]

How lovely to see that most of the posters on this thread see the glass as half full. Predominately positive comments with some seeing the previous complaints as being mere differences rather than turn-offs. Thank you to all. I am sooooo excited about my Dec 8 cruise on the Royal thanks to you.:)

 

Half full is only 50% full and doesn't do it for us. After 31/2 weeks we have had a good time, but it is doubtful we would book the Royal again.

 

We found we missed too many of the things we have come to like on other Princess ships that are included on the Royal. The new additions, many of which are nice, just don't fill the glass for us.

 

Small deck areas with a few loungers did not replace the Promenade.

Vista Lounge chairs stuffed in front of couches makes accessibility difficult.

No chair trays and no side lanes in Princess Theatre.

Skywalk and the fountain are wasted space. I doubt those additions were the result of input on customer surveys.

My new favorite fitness class (TRX) will be on the other ships.

Don't have minutes to list all the less than glass half full items, but I feel the Royal Princess didn't live up to the hype. Maybe that is the problem.

[cantwaitfornextcruise]

Thank you for a constructive and balanced review it has been a delight to follow

[Mom33]

Thanks for your review carefreebee!:D:)

[TorontoTL]

Carefreebee and carbill thank you for your comments.

[TorontoTL]

Oops, I meant billco.

[High C's]

Half full is only 50% full and doesn't do it for us. After 31/2 weeks we have had a good time, but it is doubtful we would book the Royal again.

 

We found we missed too many of the things we have come to like on other Princess ships that are included on the Royal. The new additions, many of which are nice, just don't fill the glass for us.

 

Small deck areas with a few loungers did not replace the Promenade.

Vista Lounge chairs stuffed in front of couches makes accessibility difficult.

No chair trays and no side lanes in Princess Theatre.

Skywalk and the fountain are wasted space. I doubt those additions were the result of input on customer surveys.

My new favorite fitness class (TRX) will be on the other ships.

Don't have minutes to list all the less than glass half full items, but I feel the Royal Princess didn't live up to the hype. Maybe that is the problem.

 

I agree with your list, Billco. But I still made sure my glass was half full while I was on the cruise. Like you and everyone else, we paid a lot for the cruise and refused to allow the ship's shortcomings to dictate whether we enjoyed ourselves or not.

That being said, unless it is a very unique itinerary or another exceptional situation, Royal wouldn't be our first choice.

Edited November 2, 2013 by High C's

[High C's]

:)

How lovely to see that most of the posters on this thread see the glass as half full. Predominately positive comments with some seeing the previous complaints as being mere differences rather than turn-offs. Thank you to all. I am sooooo excited about my Dec 8 cruise on the Royal thanks to you.:)

 

As I, among others, posted reviews from the TA cruise, no doubt you are referring to some of what I said as "turn offs". I'm really sorry you see it that way. But at no time did I ever find my glass half empty while I was on board. Quite the contrary.

We all don't like the same things, which is good in my opinion! And I can't help but think that the reviews after 18 nights on board will differ from those that, as of this moment, have only been on 4. But again, that is just my opinion.

I'm really glad many are enjoying the ship. That's why we all cruise! But regardless of our disappointments, we made sure we enjoyed ourselves. However, we will select a different ship in future.

Wishing you a fantastic cruise on December 8th!

Edited November 2, 2013 by High C's

[pjrockman]

Carefreebee: Thank you very much for your detailed and helpful mini-review. I appreciate the time that you took to post.

 

Continue to enjoy your cruise. We are always grateful for our ability to cruise. We continue to look forward to our Royal cruise next month.

 

Thanks, again. Paul

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[cantwaitfornextcruise]

.

 

Love the ship! Some quirks, some service issues, some things to still be worked out, but we have really enjoyed the ship and our 5-night cruise and can't wait to return next winter.

 

I've just read your blog, thank you it was interesting and constructive

[Tweedy]

Just wanted to say I am LOVING your blog. Find myself slightly irked that it is ONLY daily....I check at least twice a day!! Hope you will not desert the Emerald this February as I had hoped to meet you at our M&G!! Now stop reading, sleeping, eating and relaxing and do more blogging!!:D

 

I'm right that with you... I check more then a couple of times a day and so happy when I discover a new post. I can't wait to see what the next 14-days bring since they won't be on the Royal as originally planned.

[jangor]

:)

 

As I' date=' among others, posted reviews from the TA cruise, no doubt you are referring to some of what I said as "turn offs". I'm really sorry you see it that way. But at no time did I ever find my glass half empty while I was on board. Quite the contrary.[/size']

We all don't like the same things, which is good in my opinion! And I can't help but think that the reviews after 18 nights on board will differ from those that, as of this moment, have only been on 4. But again, that is just my opinion.

I'm really glad many are enjoying the ship. That's why we all cruise! But regardless of our disappointments, we made sure we enjoyed ourselves. However, we will select a different ship in future.

Wishing you a fantastic cruise on December 8th!

 

Again, I thought that most reviewers saw thing as positive (half full) rather than negative (half empty).

[High C's]

Again, I thought that most reviewers saw thing as positive (half full) rather than negative (half empty).

 

And when I read again what you put, that is precisely what you said. My apologies! :o

I had thought you were comparing those on board now, to the perceived "half empty" reviews those of us on the TA posted. I see now when I re-read it, I was wrong. Sorry!!!

I truly am glad that the "half full" mindset is what is coming through!! :)

[kaebuckeyelake]

Just wanted to say I am LOVING your blog. Find myself slightly irked that it is ONLY daily....I check at least twice a day!! Hope you will not desert the Emerald this February as I had hoped to meet you at our M&G!! Now stop reading, sleeping, eating and relaxing and do more blogging!!:D

 

Absolutely agree. Totally addicted to blog; get crackin Pescado Amarillo!! :D

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[whynotsooner]

Could anyone that been on board Royal give some info on Remix teen club for me? Also what restaurants were open during embarkation? Can't wait 'till December 22!:)

[PescadoAmarillo]

Martha- you are so funny. I feel like all I've done this cruise is blog. I'm trying to type quietly so DH doesn't hear the tap tap tap on my iPhone my iPhone keyboard!! :-)