JoRoy218 Posted October 26, 2016 #1 Share Posted October 26, 2016 (edited) First off, must say how gorgeous this ship is! We tried to view every little public area and spent time in most. Loved every second. We lucked out with perfect sailaway weather out of NY Harbor, with great music and margaritas. Since we booked this cruise over a year ago, we did get the Sip n Sail promo and it was worth it's weight in gold! Will try to always plan in advance to take advantage of this. Have read over the last few months, concerns and questions about the Regal and about Princess in general. Will try to answer those not covered (at least what I've seen recently). - Gelato IS included in the AIBP! Yummm! - Lack of midship stairs was a bit inconvenient but one gets used to navigating around the ship. - One of my biggest disappointments was the Promenade deck. I love doing laps and not only did this deck not encircle the entire Ship, there were areas so narrow you had to walk sideways to let others pass in the opposite direction. There are only a few deck chairs/loungers mostly midship on this deck resulting in a serious lack of areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Letdown for sure. - Want to put my "two cents" in on Princess Live! We attended a handful of events there and enjoyed every one. Cruise Director and staff were just great and full of laughs. - Production shows were fantastic - Bravo and Fiere. Singers, dancers, music and set all professionally done. - Horizon buffet was surprisingly good -- selection and quality. However, we enjoy the MDR and were actually disappointed several times with service and quality of food and selection. We're fairly easy to please but did not compare with prior Princess cruises. Seems that there were a lot of "green" crew members aboard. Not sure what was going on. - Had the usual barrage of promos (coffee cards, wine tasting, etc) first few days of the cruise (mostly while eating) but subsided after that. Itinerary was good: Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John and Halifax. We did have to skip Saint John due to weather/high wind concerns, but another day at sea was just right! Will continue in a bit on ports and excursions. Feel free to ask questions as needed. Have a great day! - Edited October 26, 2016 by JoRoy218 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinsfan5 Posted October 26, 2016 #2 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Thanks for the report! I'll be on the Regal in a few months and love reading about it. Great news about gelato. :). I'm a promenade deck fan myself but I go knowing they are not what they used to be. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bklyn48cp Posted October 26, 2016 #3 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Did you use the Enclave? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM34667 Posted October 26, 2016 #4 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Very sad to hear the MDR did not live up to your expectations. Boarding in 18 days and dining is a highlight for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunsetbeachgal Posted October 26, 2016 #5 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Boarding the Regal tomorrow, thanks for your observations and comments! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plan09 Posted October 26, 2016 #6 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Thank you for taking the time to post your review and answer some questions. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karena1 Posted October 26, 2016 #7 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Going in Dec and we have the SipnSail also,cannot wait!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted October 26, 2016 #8 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Nice to know that gelato is included in the AIBP. Thanks for the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumba's mom Posted October 26, 2016 #9 Share Posted October 26, 2016 We are also boarding in 18 days.... how were the entertainers (bands, comedians, etc.)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 27, 2016 Author #10 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Did you use the Enclave? If you're referring to the Sanctuary, no we didn't but it looked very pretty and peaceful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 27, 2016 Author #11 Share Posted October 27, 2016 We are also boarding in 18 days.... how were the entertainers (bands' date=' comedians, etc.)?[/quote']Bands were very good; all played a variety to appeal to most; enjoyed Xcite during sailaway; Tyler Bryce was pretty good (vocal impressionist); comedian Scott Wyler, very good as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 27, 2016 Author #12 Share Posted October 27, 2016 To those of you about to board the Regal, have a wonderful time. The Cruise Director and his staff are very enjoyable as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted October 27, 2016 #13 Share Posted October 27, 2016 First off, must say how gorgeous this ship is! We tried to view every little public area and spent time in most. Loved every second. We lucked out with perfect sailaway weather out of NY Harbor, with great music and margaritas. Since we booked this cruise over a year ago, we did get the Sip n Sail promo and it was worth it's weight in gold! Will try to always plan in advance to take advantage of this. Have read over the last few months, concerns and questions about the Regal and about Princess in general. Will try to answer those not covered (at least what I've seen recently). - Gelato IS included in the AIBP! Yummm! - Lack of midship stairs was a bit inconvenient but one gets used to navigating around the ship. - One of my biggest disappointments was the Promenade deck. I love doing laps and not only did this deck not encircle the entire Ship, there were areas so narrow you had to walk sideways to let others pass in the opposite direction. There are only a few deck chairs/loungers mostly midship on this deck resulting in a serious lack of areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Letdown for sure. - Want to put my "two cents" in on Princess Live! We attended a handful of events there and enjoyed every one. Cruise Director and staff were just great and full of laughs. - Production shows were fantastic - Bravo and Fiere. Singers, dancers, music and set all professionally done. - Horizon buffet was surprisingly good -- selection and quality. However, we enjoy the MDR and were actually disappointed several times with service and quality of food and selection. We're fairly easy to please but did not compare with prior Princess cruises. Seems that there were a lot of "green" crew members aboard. Not sure what was going on. - Had the usual barrage of promos (coffee cards, wine tasting, etc) first few days of the cruise (mostly while eating) but subsided after that. Itinerary was good: Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John and Halifax. We did have to skip Saint John due to weather/high wind concerns, but another day at sea was just right! Will continue in a bit on ports and excursions. Feel free to ask questions as needed. Have a great day! - Thanks for the report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladysgoing Posted October 27, 2016 #14 Share Posted October 27, 2016 To those of you about to board the Regal, have a wonderful time. The Cruise Director and his staff are very enjoyable as well. Who is the Cruise Director and any idea how long he or she will be onboard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 27, 2016 Author #15 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Did you use the Enclave? Sorry, just now realized The Enclave was in the spa. Wasn't aware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 27, 2016 Author #16 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Did you use the Enclave? i just looked at a Patter from our cruise and the ad for The Enclave states "Unlimited cruise pass, $159 per person." Describes "our premiere thermal suite experience." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 27, 2016 Author #17 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Who is the Cruise Director and any idea how long he or she will be onboard? Cruise Director is Martyn Moss -- I believe he said he'd be on board until June. Really enjoyed him and his staff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky TGO Posted October 27, 2016 #18 Share Posted October 27, 2016 How did you like my home town Boston?? Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockeygal54 Posted October 27, 2016 #19 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Very sad to hear the MDR did not live up to your expectations. Boarding in 18 days and dining is a highlight for me. You're on with us in slightly over 2 weeks! Meet and Greet is Monday 11/14. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 27, 2016 Author #20 Share Posted October 27, 2016 How did you like my home town Boston?? Tony Have been to Boston before (I grew up in NYC) and thoroughly enjoyed it again. Was hubby's first visit -- we're already talking about spending a week there! Need to see more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grego Posted October 27, 2016 #21 Share Posted October 27, 2016 (edited) Really glad to hear of your wonderful voyage on the Regal Princess. We were on her for 25 days a month ago as we did the Baltic and then the British Isles transatlantic back to Boston and then NY. You had one of the best and most approachable Captains of the fleet who we were fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with. Martyn was great and the rest of the production cast and crew were excellent. Looking forward to our 8th voyage on the Royal class ships in February and enjoying the HC, Alfredo's and the beauty of the ship. Edited October 27, 2016 by Grego Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acp1119 Posted October 27, 2016 #22 Share Posted October 27, 2016 First off, must say how gorgeous this ship is! We tried to view every little public area and spent time in most. Loved every second. We lucked out with perfect sailaway weather out of NY Harbor, with great music and margaritas. Since we booked this cruise over a year ago, we did get the Sip n Sail promo and it was worth it's weight in gold! Will try to always plan in advance to take advantage of this. Have read over the last few months, concerns and questions about the Regal and about Princess in general. Will try to answer those not covered (at least what I've seen recently). - Gelato IS included in the AIBP! Yummm! - Lack of midship stairs was a bit inconvenient but one gets used to navigating around the ship. - One of my biggest disappointments was the Promenade deck. I love doing laps and not only did this deck not encircle the entire Ship, there were areas so narrow you had to walk sideways to let others pass in the opposite direction. There are only a few deck chairs/loungers mostly midship on this deck resulting in a serious lack of areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Letdown for sure. - Want to put my "two cents" in on Princess Live! We attended a handful of events there and enjoyed every one. Cruise Director and staff were just great and full of laughs. - Production shows were fantastic - Bravo and Fiere. Singers, dancers, music and set all professionally done. - Horizon buffet was surprisingly good -- selection and quality. However, we enjoy the MDR and were actually disappointed several times with service and quality of food and selection. We're fairly easy to please but did not compare with prior Princess cruises. Seems that there were a lot of "green" crew members aboard. Not sure what was going on. - Had the usual barrage of promos (coffee cards, wine tasting, etc) first few days of the cruise (mostly while eating) but subsided after that. Itinerary was good: Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John and Halifax. We did have to skip Saint John due to weather/high wind concerns, but another day at sea was just right! Will continue in a bit on ports and excursions. Feel free to ask questions as needed. Have a great day! - I was on the same cruise with you and you summed it up perfectly! Regal is exquisite and everything you said I would agree wholeheartedly with. Angela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizinindy Posted October 27, 2016 #23 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Food is so subjective, isn't it? We loved all our food in the main dining room on the same cruise. I was surprised because we didn't care at all for the food on the Crown in 2014. If you don't have the beverage package, remember--you can get 3 scoops of gelato for 1 punch of your coffee card. And don't miss chocolate breakfast in the Horizon! Oh my my--about did me in for the rest of the day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRoy218 Posted October 28, 2016 Author #24 Share Posted October 28, 2016 Food is so subjective, isn't it? We loved all our food in the main dining room on the same cruise. I was surprised because we didn't care at all for the food on the Crown in 2014.If you don't have the beverage package, remember--you can get 3 scoops of gelato for 1 punch of your coffee card. And don't miss chocolate breakfast in the Horizon! Oh my my--about did me in for the rest of the day! I saw all that chocolate for breakfast as well and wanted to dive in, though after a sugar indulgence like that, I too would be no good the rest of the day. Seems an interesting addition. I wonder how well it went over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iTownPrincess Posted October 28, 2016 #25 Share Posted October 28, 2016 Did you use the Enclave? My sister & I both used the Enclave within the Lotus Spa. I apologize in advance for being a spa snob, but I have to say I was not impressed with either the Enclave or the Lotus Spa. Serious lack of leadership/supervisor presence in the Spa overall. Tons of folks making appointments, no discernible waiting line to be helped, extremely poor customer service in terms of answering questions about treatments, etc. But to get to your question: The Enclave is $39 per day (or you can buy for entire cruise, not sure of price). It consists of a hydrotherapy pool, three different "hot" rooms, wash-down showers (open, not private, just for rinsing), two "water beds" and four "hot benches." The hydrotherapy pool is very nice. Quite large with a waterfall-type shower in the center, two large faucets with higher-pressure water jets for targeting sore muscles, and a system of rails shaped into loungers along the perimeter for hanging out and enjoying the water jets. There is a hot room with heated stone benches, hand-held cool-down showers, and a relatively dry atmosphere. The Calderium (classic steam room) and Hammam (Turkish-style steam room) were both too hot for me so I didn't linger. Three of the four showers next to the hydrotherapy pool did not work the day I was there. The two waterbeds and four hot benches had been claimed by people putting their robes and towels on them, then disappearing. There was absolutely no spa personnel available in the Enclave for questions, assistance, or to police the chair hogs. The Ladies' locker room is designed so that you have to undress practically in front of the door unless you want to go into a bathroom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now