Helpful tips from Regal cruisers?

[lovevacadays]

If they are showing something on MUTS that you really want to see and you don't make it (or weather messes you up), they usually add that movie to those available to view in your cabin within the next 48 hours. We did really enjoy being able to stop the movie and resume, since we're usually watching while we get ready to leave the cabin and can catch the end when we return and get ready for bed :D

 

There is a coffee bar in the buffet area (with the baked goods), one outside Princess Live on the promenade deck, as well as the one in the Piazza. Sometimes the line at the Piazza can be rather long and there is no one waiting at the other two! Plus we've found the poor barista outside Princess Live was bored out of her mind and tickled to see us every time we walked by!

 

If you do go to MUTS, there is no need to only have popcorn - head up to the buffet and make yourself a snack to watch during the movies. We particularly enjoy either having some boiled shrimp or making up a cheese plate to enjoy while we watch the movie.

 

Does the coffee bar outside of Princess Live serve the same coffee drinks that are in the IC area? I love the black and white mochas.:):):)

[Laurab23]

I cruise on the Regal in 50 days and there are alot of good tips here. Thanks and keep them coming.

 

Laura

[IECalCruiser]

If you only plan to use the coffee card for fresh brewed coffee, you might want to check out the coffee in the Horizon Court. The machines there brew coffee from ground coffee.

 

 

There is also a hot chocolate dispenser.

 

 

The iced tea was also better from the dispenser. There wasn't always lemonade available.

 

[ponstad]

Thanks so much for all the wonderful tips! What on-board activities would you particularly recommend? Anybody do the afternoon high tea? Would you recommend it? We are thinking about the Sanctuary - is it easier to book a 1/2 day or a full day? Any particularly cozy spots to sit quietly and read that we might not discover on our own?

[Astro Flyer]

Thanks so much for all the wonderful tips! What on-board activities would you particularly recommend? Anybody do the afternoon high tea? Would you recommend it? We are thinking about the Sanctuary - is it easier to book a 1/2 day or a full day? Any particularly cozy spots to sit quietly and read that we might not discover on our own?

 

I check the Patter to learn which venues are not being used & they're usually great places to quietly enjoy a book such as Club 6 which was rarely used during the daytime. Club 6 replaced Skywalker's on other ships but lacks the wonderful views from Skywalker's.

 

There are two afternoon teas...the free version in Concerto between 3:30-4:30 and the paid version in the piazza which as I recall was $10 ($20 with a glass of champagne).

[samchatmon]

Central elevators can get really jammed! When going to dinner, we usually find a stairway to go down(or up)to bypass the crowds. The Piazza is the heart of the ship. Lots of activities going on there. Really thought the pizza rest. was pretty lame. I'm used to top notch pizza & didn't get it there(but still far better than Pizza hut)Book time in the Sanctuary(soon as you board, it fills quickly)Great place to relax. Loungers are $20 a half day. Make sure you SEE the lounger & it's location. You can both Broil & be blown away at the same time. We prefer shade & less wind. Try Crown Grill/Sabatini's Decent, but NOT excellent steaks(unless you love "Long Horn")Great Ambience, however. Have a drink at the Crooners bar & sit & people watch. Great fun. Do the Movies Under the Stars(Mutts)On the top deck. You'll see the screen so it's easy to find. Grab a bag of popcorn & grab a lounger early. Many chair hogs here. Do stand your ground! Chair hogs DON'T own the loungers, though they feel they do! Overall..have fun. Do try the Bahama beach break at Princess Cays.

 

 

Wow, this is really something. My tip is have a wonderful.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[samchatmon]

Is the Happy Hour at all the bars? Thanks

 

 

No

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Gogoddess5]

We have never sailed on a Princess cruise, and have one coming up on the Regal in November. Noticed there was a thread about helpful tips for the Coral Princess - am wondering if experienced Regal cruisers would please share their tips and suggestions!

Thanks in advance.

 

1. Reservations for The Sanctuary (Adults only) Retreat go quickly - head there first thing if you plan on taking advantage of it - $20 1/2 day fee.

2. The International Café has great breakfast sandwiches in case you are in a hurry or not feeling up to a full breakfast.

3. The Coffee Card is worth it if you like latte's, espresso, etc...and can be used for future Princess cruises if any punches are left. Specialty coffees are avail. at International Café and in the Horizon Court - Buffet.

3. Bellini's has the best cocktails & bar service!

4. The best Pizza is available on Lido Deck at Prego Pizzeria (better than Alfredo's).

5. You can't circle the entire ship continuously on Promenade Deck - but Sports Deck (18) has a nice jogging/walking track. Sport Deck (18) is also the best place to get a seat for MUTS...and it's quieter.

6. Make sure you are on deck at sail-away times when the ships horns play part of the Love Boat Theme song!

[Astro Flyer]

Taste is very subjective & that's why I don't tell anyone what is "better" for them but many of us feel that the selection & taste is "better" at Alfredo's Pizzeria.

 

Everyone has an opinion to be considered & my "tip" would be to try both Prego & Alfredo's so that each passenger can determine which is "better" for them.

 

And Alfredo's Pizzeria is much more than pizza & offers a multi course meal. :)

Edited September 3, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[welikepalms]

Thanks so much to everyone for the wonderful tips and inside info.

 

We will be boarding the Regal 3 weeks from today and all this great information is making the wait even harder.

 

Happy Cruising :)

[Ben Kenobi]

I guess everyone posting is a coffee drinker. I buy the coffee card for hot and iced tea. They have some great varieties and they're delicious. The Royal tea is held at least once and it's worth the $10. Delicious sandwiches, pastries and you try three types of tea.

 

My favourite was the Princess blend, it's a black tea that has a great aroma and tastes even better. It's available in a tin to take home too. If you're interested in attending stop by the Vines wine bar to reserve your spot early in the cruise. Oh, there's also a milk and cookies man that has a cart in the Piazza in the afternoon, a very nice treat.

 

As for all the other tips and recommendations I agree with them, the buffet is really the best at sea. I enjoyed the pizza from both locations, the grill also has great sausage in addition to the hamburgers and hot dogs. In the evening they cook ribs and wings. I really miss the Regal, I'm excited to be sailing on the Royal soon.

[Astro Flyer]

There are two afternoon teas...the free version in Concerto between 3:30-4:30 and the paid version in the piazza which as I recall was $10 ($20 with a glass of champagne).

I forgot to mention that the HC buffet also has many of the same items available at the free afternoon tea during their 3:30 to 5:30 Tea Time. My wife goes there to quickly get a couple items to enjoy with her tea.

Edited September 3, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[umuva]

We like Alfredo's pizza better because at Prego it's oft undercooked and you have ask them to com it a bit more.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[WISH84]

I like this thread. Anyone know about the casino?

 

 

yeah, stay away from it! Of course, I jest...

 

Shredie... Your a seasoned cruiser.. What on Earth can I tell you about the Casino you don't already know? I am here to answer your questions my friend.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[shredie]

yeah, stay away from it! Of course, I jest...

 

Shredie... Your a seasoned cruiser.. What on Earth can I tell you about the Casino you don't already know? I am here to answer your questions my friend.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I haven't been on the Royal class yet. Just hasn't been the right itinerary. People say the casino on those ships is laid out differently, and that the smoking section is near the entrance. That's why I'm curious. :)

[WISH84]

This is a great thread. I've read through all of it. While we have only been on the Regal once (last December) we will be on her for two weeks this December and two weeks next December. By far our favorite ship. In addition, while recovering from surgery, I read every thread/post I could about the Regal just to feed my addiction and pass the time away. I feel like I know this ship like the back of my hand. So, with that said, here are my two pennies:

 

1) Take the time to explore the ship. Review the deck plans to study where everything is. You could simply check-in and explore the day you get on the ship, but as many people on here have said.. "Do this, do that as soon as you get on board". They say this because the ship holds approx 3600 passengers and the extra stuff is limited to just a very few. For instance the Sanctuary, The Enclave, the Ultimate Ship Tour, the Chef's Table, the Winemakers Dinner and I could go on. So if you know you want to do any of these, make the reservations either before you go to your room or pick up the phone as soon as you open the door. Some of them (Ultimate Ship Tour) I believe you have to reserve in person. I could be wrong.

 

2) if you are a sun bather, on sea days you will want to get out early. Last December I didn't walk out on the deck until about 8am and ended up on the second level way in the back. It wasn't bad but I wanted to be near the pool. If you have ever cruised with Carnival, they also have Chair Hogs but normally you can get out there about 8 or 9 in the morning and be fine. However with Princess, there are not a lot of "party to the break of dawn" people so they are up and at it early, thus the chairs go fast.

 

3) Do try Alfredo's and I highly recommend the Veal Pasta Ravioli's in Cream Sauce. Simply the best dish on the ship.

 

4) Don't let the crowds in the Piazza scare you. Stick around and find a spot to watch the activities in/around it. Very fun and the people watching is only better in Crooner's than in the Piazza.

 

5) Make use of the International Cafe. We didn't use it nearly as much last December but we will this December. The food is great, the coffee is fantastic plus you can get food in small quantities and try so many different things.

 

6) Since this is your first Princess Cruise, try either the Ultimate Breakfast or the Ultimate Dinner. Breakfast or Dinner served in the privacy of your balcony. Fantastic!

 

7). The Black & Blue French Onion Soup served in the Crown Grill is YUMMY!!

 

8). The Seaview Bar is great for having a drink by the pool. If you get a chance to watch the Bartenders Show (think "Cocktail") you will love this.

 

And lastly.... Enjoy your cruise. Remember not everyone can or will take such an exciting adventure so be happy you are in a position to do so and just enjoy it.

 

Happy Cruising!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[WISH84]

I haven't been on the Royal class yet. Just hasn't been the right itinerary. People say the casino on those ships is laid out differently, and that the smoking section is near the entrance. That's why I'm curious. :)

 

 

I actually hate the way the casino is laid out. If I remember correctly, the table games are all on one side and the Casino Bar is tucked away in a corner and gets crowded very fast.

 

On our trip, the smoke in the Casino was hit or miss. One night I couldn't even stand to be in the Casino, two nights later it was almost "No-Smoking" yet it wasn't (cuz I asked).

 

If you enjoy being in the Casino, I recommend going during the day.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Mountaincb]

Thank you for the link. I just ordered one.

 

 

There are two 120V U.S. outlets at the desk and they are several feet apart. There is also one 240V European outlet. Only one item can be plugged into each outlet. We bring one of these to charge all of our electronics that use USB chargers. They also have cheaper models that have fewer ports. We need this model because we bring two iPhones, two iPads, two Apple watches, two Bose noise cancelling headphones and a Kindle and we can charge all at once if we wish.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-10-Port-Charger-Multi-Port-PowerPort/dp/B00YRYS4T4/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&qid=1472789415&sr=8-33-spons&keywords=anker&psc=1

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[keithm]

You have to go to Alfredo's it's sooooooooo good!!

Tony

Really? I found it rather bland. Certainly not to the standard of some Boston/local places.

[WISH84]

Really? I found it rather bland. Certainly not to the standard of some Boston/local places.

 

 

I think trying to compare a ship board pizzeria to a land based one is an unfair comparison. For pizza available on a cruise ship, Alfredo's is superb. IMHO.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[shredie]

I think trying to compare a ship board pizzeria to a land based one is an unfair comparison. For pizza available on a cruise ship, Alfredo's is superb. IMHO.

 

I don't find the pizzas on Princess worse or better. Alfredo's is "gourmet," and Prego is "regular." They are just different. I like both.

[easyboy]

In addition, while recovering from surgery, I read every thread/post I could about the Regal just to feed my addiction and pass the time away. I feel like I know this ship like the back of my hand. So, with that said, here are my two pennies:

Good tips!

[makawe]

This is an excellent thread.....I'm travelling on the Emerald and I think some things are transferable.......I'm taking notes.

[Samcorl]

We have never sailed on a Princess cruise, and have one coming up on the Regal in November. Noticed there was a thread about helpful tips for the Coral Princess - am wondering if experienced Regal cruisers would please share their tips and suggestions!

Thanks in advance.

 

Since this is your first Princess cruise, you are really in luck. The Captain on the Regal in November is Captain Ed Perrin, and in our humble opinion, he is the best. We have sailed with Captain Perrin twice before, and will be on the Regal November 27th, to enjoy a third amazing cruise with him.

[TucsonRick]

I thought Princess Live would be a waste of time, but it was not. The performances are by the Assistant Cruise Directors and they can be very funny. They were very good on Regal, not so much on Royal. The Liar's Club made me hysterical. Go at least once.

 

Rick