Royal Princess Med Cruises Queries

[DYKWIA]

Hi,

 

We have never sailed Princess (a few cruises on Celebrity) so forgive what me some slightly basic questions. We are interested in a 14 night Greek Islands / Italian cruise either early or late summer (avoiding kids holidays)

 

1. I notice that these are sold as either 2 x 7 night cruises or 1 x 14 night cruise - does this mean that the menu and entertainment is on a 7 night rotation i.e. we can pretty much expect the same stuff week 2 that we got on week 1?

 

2. In the Main Dining Room do they have everyday items that can be fall-backs for picky eaters (my wife :-) )?

 

3. How large is the theatre, on celebrity we never had any issue getting a seat arriving 10 mins before curtain up? I've heard of lots of issues on P & O's Brittania which I thought was of a similar design to the Royal Princess.

 

4. Celebrity have recently ditched Formal Night in favour of Evening Chic, we like this as it saves having to carry clothes that are we use for a few hours a year. How foes Formal Night work on Princess is most if the ship off limits like Cunard?

 

5. Is there a site that has up to date drinks menu with prices, weighing up whether to get a drinks package?

 

6. What restrictions are there bringing your own drink on board - Celebrity is very strict 2 bottles of wine and that's it. P&O and Cunard seem more relaxed?

 

7. Smoking policy, my wife smokes but isn't bothered about smoking indoors or on her balcony, where is she able to smoke?

 

8. We book balcony cabins - any really duff cabins to avoid, not bothered about a slight obstruction but wouldn't want to book a balcony to have a very obscured view. On Celebrity's Solstice class eve the obstructed cabins have a reasonable sea view.

 

Many thanks

[dickinson]

Hi,

 

We have never sailed Princess (a few cruises on Celebrity) so forgive what me some slightly basic questions. We are interested in a 14 night Greek Islands / Italian cruise either early or late summer (avoiding kids holidays)

 

1. I notice that these are sold as either 2 x 7 night cruises or 1 x 14 night cruise - does this mean that the menu and entertainment is on a 7 night rotation i.e. we can pretty much expect the same stuff week 2 that we got on week 1?

 

2. In the Main Dining Room do they have everyday items that can be fall-backs for picky eaters (my wife :-) )?

 

3. How large is the theatre, on celebrity we never had any issue getting a seat arriving 10 mins before curtain up? I've heard of lots of issues on P & O's Brittania which I thought was of a similar design to the Royal Princess.

 

4. Celebrity have recently ditched Formal Night in favour of Evening Chic, we like this as it saves having to carry clothes that are we use for a few hours a year. How foes Formal Night work on Princess is most if the ship off limits like Cunard?

 

5. Is there a site that has up to date drinks menu with prices, weighing up whether to get a drinks package?

 

6. What restrictions are there bringing your own drink on board - Celebrity is very strict 2 bottles of wine and that's it. P&O and Cunard seem more relaxed?

 

7. Smoking policy, my wife smokes but isn't bothered about smoking indoors or on her balcony, where is she able to smoke?

 

8. We book balcony cabins - any really duff cabins to avoid, not bothered about a slight obstruction but wouldn't want to book a balcony to have a very obscured view. On Celebrity's Solstice class eve the obstructed cabins have a reasonable sea view.

 

Many thanks

 

I'll answer what I can.

 

1.Yes, things will repeat on a 7 night rotation. Some of the entertainment though may change. Much to see and do though.

 

2.Main Dining room (MDR) always has available salmon, chicken, and a burger. She can also order of the kids menu (just ask for it). I know they have spaghetti and meatball.

 

3. The main theater has a couple of showings... sometimes three. The latest one always has seats. Earlier one (usually around 8 pm) is crowded early.

 

4. formal night on Princess is formal to not very formal. Always some tuxedos and long dresses but also lots of short fancy dress and not so fancy dresses. You can go into the MDR in a nice dress shirt and tie. Some will say a tie is not needed. It varies. Dress code is really just for MDR only but most people stay dressed all evening. If you don't want to participate you can eat in a specialty restaurant that evening or even in the Lido buffet (which is huge on the Royal).

 

7. Absolutely no smoking on the balcony. Only place I am aware of is a special section outside on deck.

 

That is all I can answer. It is a wonderful ship. I am going on it again in about 10 days for a TA and then Med cruise. We will probably have some repeat menus and entertainment too. Not worried about it as there are plenty of choices on what and where to eat.

 

Oh, There is also Alfredo's which is free. It serves pizza and a few other Italian choices. A real gem that is only on a few ships.

[JF - retired RRT]

3. How large is the theatre, on celebrity we never had any issue getting a seat arriving 10 mins before curtain up? I've heard of lots of issues on P & O's Brittania which I thought was of a similar design to the Royal Princess. Need to arrive 30-45 minutes ahead of time for the early show.

 

4. Celebrity have recently ditched Formal Night in favour of Evening Chic, we like this as it saves having to carry clothes that are we use for a few hours a year. How foes Formal Night work on Princess is most if the ship off limits like Cunard? No area is off limits. You can go to dinner wearing your fancy duds, change your clothes and go anywhere on the ship without offending.

 

5. Is there a site that has up to date drinks menu with prices, weighing up whether to get a drinks package? Do a search here, there's a post with a drinks calculator. That being said, most drinks are $10 or less and unless you drink like a fish, it's a waste of money to get the package.

 

6. What restrictions are there bringing your own drink on board - Celebrity is very strict 2 bottles of wine and that's it. P&O and Cunard seem more relaxed?

2 bottles of wine and as much soda, water, etc. that you want. I think it's also possible to bring 2 more bottles at each port. There is a $15 per bottle corkage fee for bottles above the 1/person limit and corkage is charged if you bring the bottle out of your stateroom.

7. Smoking policy, my wife smokes but isn't bothered about smoking indoors or on her balcony, where is she able to smoke? Usually there are 3 outdoor areas: Promenade with a wall mounted ashtray and no chairs, Sun deck on one side of Tradewinds bar, and a small section near Outrigger Bar outside of Horizon Court. Also, the cigar lounge. Royal/Regal may be slightly different.

See above.

[skynight]

Hi,

 

We have never sailed Princess (a few cruises on Celebrity) so forgive what me some slightly basic questions. We are interested in a 14 night Greek Islands / Italian cruise either early or late summer (avoiding kids holidays)

 

1. I notice that these are sold as either 2 x 7 night cruises or 1 x 14 night cruise - does this mean that the menu and entertainment is on a 7 night rotation i.e. we can pretty much expect the same stuff week 2 that we got on week 1?

Menus will probably repeat. Production shows will most likely repeat. Guest entertainers may be different. Ship's evening activities probably different, as the CD's tend to rotate them.

2. In the Main Dining Room do they have everyday items that can be fall-backs for picky eaters (my wife :-) )?

 

Yes, there are always available items. The Royal Princess has a great buffet which is open from early morning until around 11pm, never closes during that time. A nice alternative when you get tired of the DR

3. How large is the theatre, on celebrity we never had any issue getting a seat arriving 10 mins before curtain up? I've heard of lots of issues on P & O's Brittania which I thought was of a similar design to the Royal Princess.

The theater has 800/900 seats. All seating is walk in. For the mid evening shows you have to arrive around 30 mins early. For the late shows and some times early shows you can arrive a little later they aren't so crowded.

The Vista Lounge is smaller. When there is a good show there you have to arrive at least 30 mins. early. Most times there are both theater shows and Vista Lounge shows. Crooner's gets very crowded. That is a Piano entertainer mostly in the late evening.

4. Celebrity have recently ditched Formal Night in favour of Evening Chic, we like this as it saves having to carry clothes that are we use for a few hours a year. How foes Formal Night work on Princess is most if the ship off limits like Cunard?

Princess still has formal nights. Most passengers follow the dress code. Most men are in suit and tie or sport coat and tie, some are in tux. Formal wear is only for the DR's. The specialty restaurants are smart casual every night. All other areas of the ship are casual.

5. Is there a site that has up to date drinks menu with prices, weighing up whether to get a drinks package?

No site, but you can search around. Almost all drinks (probably 95%+) are menu priced US$10 or under. Mixed cocktails like martinis are around US$9, straight drinks like scotch & water are a little less, espresso drinks are under US$3, beer is around $6/7, glasses of wine are around $8. It takes around 5 to 6 drinks/day to break even. The beverage package is per person and can not be shared. If you purchase a drink priced more than $10 you pay the full price, not the difference. All beverages have a 15% gratuity added to the menu price, so a $10 drink we hit your folio as $11.50. The drink package includes the grat. The $10 upper limit is based on the menu price NOT the menu price plus grat.

6. What restrictions are there bringing your own drink on board - Celebrity is very strict 2 bottles of wine and that's it. P&O and Cunard seem more relaxed?

Policy: 1 x 750ml bottle of wine at embarkation per person of drinking age for use in your cabin. If this bottle is taken to a public area you will be charged a $15 corkage. Additional bottles of wine can be brought on board and you will be charged $15/bottle corkage. These bottles can be used anywhere on the ship.

You can also carry on 1 x 750ml bottle per person on the embarkation day for the second 7 day leg of the cruise.

It the experience of some that you can also carry on wine at ports of call. This is not the policy, but it does happen. No beer or spirits are allowed to be brought on board for consumption.

7. Smoking policy, my wife smokes but isn't bothered about smoking indoors or on her balcony, where is she able to smoke?

No smoking in any cabin or on any balcony. Areas are limited.

Outdoors: Deck 7 starboard, all the way aft outside the vista lounge, there is a smoking deck there. Deck 17 all the way aft there is a smoking deck.

I can't remember exactly, but I think there is a small smoking section above and forward of the Lido pool on deck 16.

Inside:

Casino, deck 6. Some evenings are smoke free.

Churchill's, Deck 6 forward port side outside the casino. This is the cigar and pipe area.

Club 6, late evening when the DJ is playing there is a smoking section.

8. We book balcony cabins - any really duff cabins to avoid, not bothered about a slight obstruction but wouldn't want to book a balcony to have a very obscured view. On Celebrity's Solstice class eve the obstructed cabins have a reasonable sea view.

Mid ship cabins on decks 12, 14 & 15 starboard side under the Sea Walk. Not as bad on the port side as the Sea View Bar blocks the view from the Sea Walk. On both sides you also get the blue light from the sea walk shinning all night. Aft suites and cabins used to get soot at times. Not sure if that problem has been resolved.

Many thanks

 

See above, hope this information is useful

Edited April 9, 2017 by sknight

[capriccio]

#5 - see http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2456349 for current (as of February 2017) drink prices. The all inclusive beverage package includes non-alcholic drinks too (bottled water, fancy coffee drinks, mocktails, etc.).

Edited April 9, 2017 by capriccio

[skynight]

7. Smoking policy, my wife smokes but isn't bothered about smoking indoors or on her balcony, where is she able to smoke? "Usually there are 3 outdoor areas: Promenade with a wall mounted ashtray and no chairs, Sun deck on one side of Tradewinds bar, and a small section near Outrigger Bar outside of Horizon Court. Also, the cigar lounge. Royal/Regal may be slightly different"

This information isn't accurate for the Royal Princess. There are lounge chairs on deck 7 starboard aft in the designated smoking area. There is no Tradewinds Bar on the Royal, but If I remember correctly there is a smoking area on deck 17 forward and above the Lido Pool. There is no smoking on the Horizon Terrace by the Outrigger Bar. There is a smoking deck on deck 17 above the Horizon Terrace.

 

 

[Essiesmom]

Although it has been several years since we were on Princess, our experience has been that if we are on a 7+7 cruise that is also sold as 14 days, the menus do not repeat, although some items may appear more than once. EM

[Colo Cruiser]

7. Smoking policy, my wife smokes but isn't bothered about smoking indoors or on her balcony, where is she able to smoke? "Usually there are 3 outdoor areas: Promenade with a wall mounted ashtray and no chairs, Sun deck on one side of Tradewinds bar, and a small section near Outrigger Bar outside of Horizon Court. Also, the cigar lounge. Royal/Regal may be slightly different"

This information isn't accurate for the Royal Princess. There are lounge chairs on deck 7 starboard aft in the designated smoking area. There is no Tradewinds Bar on the Royal, but If I remember correctly there is a smoking area on deck 17 forward and above the Lido Pool. There is no smoking on the Horizon Terrace by the Outrigger Bar. There is a smoking deck on deck 17 above the Horizon Terrace.

 

 

 

Not sure if you mean that it's ok to smoke on lounge chairs.........

The lounge chairs may be near the designated smoking area however they are not in the stand up smoking area near the crew door.

We saw some that were asked to vacate them while smoking on them.

 

[floridalover5623]

1. I notice that these are sold as either 2 x 7 night cruises or 1 x 14 night cruise - does this mean that the menu and entertainment is on a 7 night rotation i.e. we can pretty much expect the same stuff week 2 that we got on week 1?

 

There will be many repeats with a few new items thrown in for variety.

 

2. In the Main Dining Room do they have everyday items that can be fall-backs for picky eaters (my wife :-) )?

 

There aren't as many a last year & a few are being brought back due to demand.

 

3. How large is the theatre, on celebrity we never had any issue getting a seat arriving 10 mins before curtain up? I've heard of lots of issues on P & O's Brittania which I thought was of a similar design to the Royal Princess.

 

Plan on getting there 30+ minutes for a decent seat.

4. Celebrity have recently ditched Formal Night in favour of Evening Chic, we like this as it saves having to carry clothes that are we use for a few hours a year. How foes Formal Night work on Princess is most if the ship off limits like Cunard?

 

Princess isn't as formal as it used to be 10 years ago. The guys can dress for the DR in just a pair of dress pants & dress shirt. The suit & tie are still worn by many but not a necessity. The women can get by with just about anything dressy.

 

 

6. What restrictions are there bringing your own drink on board - Celebrity is very strict 2 bottles of wine and that's it. P&O and Cunard seem more relaxed?

2 bottles are for free & $15 IF they catch you. Many people can occasionally sneak it by.

 

 

8. We book balcony cabins - any really duff cabins to avoid, not bothered about a slight obstruction but wouldn't want to book a balcony to have a very obscured view. On Celebrity's Solstice class eve the obstructed cabins have a reasonable sea view.

 

Be prepared for the minuscule balconies of the Royal unless you pay for something larger.

Many thanks

 

 

:):):):)

[Dan travel]

Last may, 2016, we did a 14 day grand med cruise on royal princess. The food in the speciality restaurants was good, we only ate there 4 times. The horizon court food was OK, we don't eat a big breakfast before shore excursions, which by the way are second to none. Balconies are in bit smaller than ruby, we sailed on her in 2010, in the med also. The staff was exelent, the ship was clean. Our steward was fantastic. Room service was quick. I do smoke, I had no problem finding a place. I did think the layout was inconvenient, long wait at elevators, unable to walk around the ship without changing deck levels. I have not sailed on any other cruise Line other than princess, did a lot of research before choosing princess. Asked cruising friends, and they liked princess also. Princess is not the party ship for drunks and crazies, at least that's our opinion. The coffee and pastries are a real treat. Wine bar was nice entertainment was good, don't know about repetition. Over all we, and friends had a great time, we're going on an Alaska land and sea trip this may, looking forward to it.

[spiceyxi]

From my personal experience doing a 7 night Greek/Italy cruise last year the policy is 1 bottle of wine per person at embarkation. My wife and I had ~4 bottles and didn't run into any issues bringing them on. Also, we would bring on an additional 2-4 bottles at most ports. A lot of these were keepsakes, but some we did drink in our room. For us the traditional rules were overlooked, but not sure if that is always the case. I have noticed the alcohol policy for ports on European cruises seems more lax than on US cruises.

 

We ate at a specialty dining on one formal night and ate in our room (full suite) on the other. I would usually gamble or grab a drink afterwards in shorts/jeans and a polo and didn't run into any issues.

 

If you are considering the alcohol package I would take into consideration the port times and sea days as a European cruise can be very busy. You might only have a few hours between when you return from port and go to bed for an early a morning port. My wife and I are drinkers and we skipped it due to how little free time their would be to sit down and go through 8 drinks in a night. My wife got a soda package that worked out well and we had mixers in our room to stiffen some drinks up.

[diane.in.ny]

1. I notice that these are sold as either 2 x 7 night cruises or 1 x 14 night cruise - does this mean that the menu and entertainment is on a 7 night rotation i.e. we can pretty much expect the same stuff week 2 that we got on week 1?

 

We do nothing less than 14 days and I don't remember seeing the same menu totally repeated. We did 16 day Panama Canal in November and I don't remember any repeats.

 

2. In the Main Dining Room do they have everyday items that can be fall-backs for picky eaters (my wife :-) )?

 

If your wife is very picky, speak with your table's head waiter. He can bring the next night's menu for her to look at. If nothing appeals to her, she can request something special. Maybe she'd like a big salad? Or a plain steak? Just let them know night before and there should be no problems.

 

3. How large is the theatre, on celebrity we never had any issue getting a seat arriving 10 mins before curtain up? I've heard of lots of issues on P & O's Brittania which I thought was of a similar design to the Royal Princess.

 

I hear this can be an issue. We usually grab our books from the cabin and head to the theater at least 30 minutes early. Of course we have sailed on smaller ships in the past so a pick up and drop off at the cabin hasn't been an issue. Have no idea what it will be like on the Royal

 

4. Celebrity have recently ditched Formal Night in favour of Evening Chic, we like this as it saves having to carry clothes that are we use for a few hours a year. How foes Formal Night work on Princess is most if the ship off limits like Cunard?

 

My husband wears a very nice collared pull over shirt and a sport jacket. I wear silky black pants with a fancy top.

 

 

8. We book balcony cabins - any really duff cabins to avoid, not bothered about a slight obstruction but wouldn't want to book a balcony to have a very obscured view. On Celebrity's Solstice class eve the obstructed cabins have a reasonable sea view.

 

 

I understand that the obstructed view cabins on Emerald deck are very nice and do not have a totally obstructed view. Generally, the balconies on the Royal are smaller, only 4 feet deep and difficult to sit facing straight out to sea. We chose a cabin on Baja under the Sea Walk because we wanted the larger balcony. As previously mentioned, there is a blue light from the Sea Walk that could be annoying at night but we don't use the balcony at night and we close our curtains tightly (clothespins). So we are going to try it.

[caribill]

Although it has been several years since we were on Princess, our experience has been that if we are on a 7+7 cruise that is also sold as 14 days, the menus do not repeat, although some items may appear more than once. EM

 

That has not been my experience.

 

On any B2Bs that are sold as individual voyages the menus have repeated.

 

 

Now if you are on a true 14 day voyage (no shorter segments sold), then you will have a different menu each evening with, as you indicated, some items that might appear more than once.

[lake5298]

1. I notice that these are sold as either 2 x 7 night cruises or 1 x 14 night cruise - does this mean that the menu and entertainment is on a 7 night rotation i.e. we can pretty much expect the same stuff week 2 that we got on week 1?

 

Food is repeated. While most entertainment also repeated, the "fly-in" entertainers will probably be different.

 

2. In the Main Dining Room do they have everyday items that can be fall-backs for picky eaters (my wife :-) )?

 

Yes. Chicken, burger etc.

3. How large is the theatre, on celebrity we never had any issue getting a seat arriving 10 mins before curtain up? I've heard of lots of issues on P & O's Brittania which I thought was of a similar design to the Royal Princess.

 

You will probably need to be 20 minutes ahead, especially for the earlier show.

 

4. Celebrity have recently ditched Formal Night in favour of Evening Chic, we like this as it saves having to carry clothes that are we use for a few hours a year. How foes Formal Night work on Princess is most if the ship off limits like Cunard?

 

Princess are far less restrictive than Cunard and P&O. I've not seen an issue in any bar or dining room when dressing smart but not formal.

 

5. Is there a site that has up to date drinks menu with prices, weighing up whether to get a drinks package?

 

The drinks package is quite pricey. Break-even point is approx 8 drinks a day for beer, less for wine and cocktails..

 

 

8. We book balcony cabins - any really duff cabins to avoid, not bothered about a slight obstruction but wouldn't want to book a balcony to have a very obscured view. On Celebrity's Solstice class eve the obstructed cabins have a reasonable sea view.

 

There is a reasonable view outwards (but not downwards) from the obstructed cabins, the survival craft are just below. There may be a privacy issue when crew are maintaining the survival craft.