Regal! Feb 3-10 Trip Report & Review

[MaryBethV]

14 hours ago, jedokids said:

Hello-

   I looked in our Princess Cookbook -- the sauce for the Shrimp Danielle - Cafe De Paris Butter --

3/4 cup butter

1 T shallots

1 clove garlic minced

1 T parsley, chopped

1 tsp mustard

1 egg yolk

1 dash Worcestshire Sauce 

1/4 Burgundy Wine

salt & pepper

Hope this helps! 

Enjoy!

Thanks for the review & pictures - 2 weeks until we are there too!!!

 

 

Oh my goodness - I love you!!! 😍 Thank you! I was way off in my ingredient guessing lol.

 

Well I guess I know what I'm making for dinner tonight... 

[MaryBethV]

Wednesday, February 6th | St. Thomas

 

I woke up fairly early and peeked outside to see that we were approaching the Virgin Islands. It was truly one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in my life. God's artistry was on full display!

 

"PSST - Honey - you have to get up and come see this!!!" 

 

The colors changed by the minute as the sun rose and the clouds passed over. One minute bright and dramatic & the next - almost monochromatic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Room service arrived - time for breakfast on the balcony (hot egg/ham breakfast sandwiches are in the foil wrappers) & a little light reading about St. Thomas.

 

 

 

 

As we pulled into the harbor I was so thankful we chose a balcony on the Port side. What a spectacular view!

 

 

 

I spy the NCL Bliss.

 

 

Water Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somebody - pinch me! 

[MaryBethV]

Well, the kids didn't order room service breakfast - so they went down to the International Cafe to eat and we met them there before getting off the ship. 

 

 

 

All this looking and photographing IC yummy food - I had to try SOMETHING. 😋

 

Wow, so yummy!

 

And had to grab a cappuccino to go with it at the coffee bar...

 

Have any of you watched any episodes of "The Cruise"? While sipping cappuccinos we spotted engineer Scott Grayson walking by (excuse the blurry photo!) - it was like seeing a celebrity. 😂 DH turns to me and says "Should we thank him for the massage chairs by Gelato?" Oh my word - I can't take him anywhere!

 

On a side note in the off-case anyone from Princess is reading this... WHY do you not sell DVD episodes of The Cruise in the gift shop?!?? I promise you would not be able to keep them in stock!

 

Time to get off the ship! Our plans were to catch a taxi to Magens Bay. We walked out into the Havensight outdoor mall area and were able to get right on one of those open air "buses" that are like a trolley car retrofitted onto the back of a truck.

 

 

I had done my research and warned DH and kids to hang on. It was definitely a fast & wild ride, but (with a death grip on my phone) I was thankfully able to capture a few photos.

 

 

 

 

Another reason doing research in advance pays off... When the driver all of a sudden pulls over on the side of the road and all you see is jungle - then asks everyone to get out their cash and pay him - you know this is just what they do. A bit odd. A little creepy. Why they can't collect the fare when people get on the bus, I have no idea. At least he smiled. 😄

 

Then, like two minutes later, he stopped just short of the entrance and had us give him the $5 each for admittance to Magens Bay (which he paid all at once for us). 

 

Coming up... one of the top 10 beaches in the world! 

[MaryBethV]

 

We walked in and headed to the left until there were less people. Since other large ships had docked before we did, it was moderately busy. I knew they would be leaving before we did though and the crowds would thin out in a little while. 

 

 

I think I found my laptop screensaver until the next cruise...

 

 

 

We found a great spot, laid out our towels, and DH and DS went to rent us and umbrella. I think the umbrella was $32 - with $20 back when you returned it.

 

Time for a swim - 

 

 

 

 

Closer to shore we saw a little stingray right near our feet! We watched it bury itself in the sand and then swim off - so fun. Sorry, no photos. I did get some video of it, but it isn't very clear due to the case I had my camera in.

 

There is food and drinks available at the bar near the entrance. We ordered drinks earlier from a server who was walking the beach and taking orders. Later on, DH and DS went to get some food. DS had a burger and fries. DH, DD, and I each split a chicken tenders & fries - just needed something to hold us over until we got back on the ship. Good food. Great drinks! 🙂 

 

Painkiller - a perfectly refreshing drink to enjoy in paradise. 

 

Time to head back "home". First glimpse of the Regal! (note: There was some hurricane damage as in the foreground of this photo, but overall things were looking well recovered in the areas we saw.)

 

And the NCL Bliss was already leaving port.

 

 

Sad story: Upon arriving at the fenced gate to be admitted back to the ship/dock area - there was a family of four there that the Bliss had left without. 😢 I'm not sure of their itinerary - but I truly hope that their stop the next day was Tortola which would at least only be a ferry ride away. Have you ever witnessed someone being left by a cruise ship?

 

 

 

Edited February 17, 2019 by MaryBethV

[casandbliz]

Enjoying your review very much! You are doing a great job!!

[hokiefans]

Thanks very much for this!  We board next Sunday and DH was asking me about the availability of Curtis Stone dishes.  Voila!  Goddess status retained!  

[MaryBethV]

Shrimp Daniele attempt in progress - pray for me! If I don't return it is because of ALL THE BUTTER. 😂

Edited February 17, 2019 by MaryBethV

[JF - retired RRT]

1 hour ago, MaryBethV said:

 Have you ever witnessed someone being left by a cruise ship?

 

 

 

Yes. Several times.

We've also seen people running trying to get back before the ship leaves.

My favorite was when we saw a couple coming back who had an argument with the taxi driver about his fee. Apparently he wanted more $$ and they didn't want to pay. The husband (literally) threw $$ at the driver when the police (who had been called) turned the wife around with handcuffs in hand and prepared to snap them into place. Several ships security had come out but didn't need to do anything. Needless to say they were the last ones onto the ship.

It was a great sail away show.

[MaryBethV]

I have no idea if this will turn out, but my kitchen smells SO GOOD. Wish I could share yummy smells with all of you!!!

[adonisr]

MaryBeth

 

How do you watch The Cruise?  I googled it and all i find is it's on a British channel not available here in the states.

[MaryBethV]

24 minutes ago, adonisr said:

MaryBeth

 

How do you watch The Cruise?  I googled it and all i find is it's on a British channel not available here in the states.

 

This link was posted in another thread here on the Princess forums: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn6Du-De0M8&list=PLIOVd9Uol925seb8CJDgw6J85ASScWfUK 

 

It is addicting. Princess really could make bank on selling DVD sets of this here in the US.

 

Edited February 17, 2019 by MaryBethV

[MaryBethV]

Here are the results of my Shrimp Daniele attempt. The sauce was not nearly as light or creamy as the original, but the flavors were there. Thank you jedokids for the ingredient list and hats off to Chef Dragan and his crew - this is not an easy dish!

[Senga]

MaryBethV:  Have SO much enjoyed your review and fantastic photos.  We are going on Regal Princess March 24.  Our daughter was in hospital October 9-January 16, part of it on life support.  I was at the hospital every day (and some nights) while my husband of 50 years looked after the house and Jennifer's little pug Paxton.  We are SO in need of a relaxing time with someone else looking after us and the only decision we need to make is where/what to eat!  We are doing the Western Caribbean and hadn't even planned on getting off the ship but your pictures from Princess Cays are so pretty we'll venture over after the initial rush for a short visit.  Did you get a soda package for your kids?  We don't drink alcohol but enjoy sodas and mocktails.  I'm just wondering if you only get a tiny little glass of soda each time.

[mthomp5]

58 minutes ago, MaryBethV said:

Here are the results of my Shrimp Daniele attempt. The sauce was not nearly as light or creamy as the original, but the flavors were there. Thank you jedokids for the ingredient list and hats off to Chef Dragan and his crew - this is not an easy dish!

Wow!  That looks fantastic!  You would be stiff competition to the chefs onboard!

[adonisr]

3 hours ago, MaryBethV said:

 

This link was posted in another thread here on the Princess forums: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn6Du-De0M8&list=PLIOVd9Uol925seb8CJDgw6J85ASScWfUK 

 

It is addicting. Princess really could make bank on selling DVD sets of this here in the US.

 

WOW - we just binge watched season 1.  How fun.  Thanks for sharing the link.

 

[Cruisecrazy25]

I am loving your review so far! I have been on the Regal a few times but it is getting me excited for my cruise in 4 weeks! What did you use to take your pictures? Also, the artist in the atrium must have hopped off and gone to Disney world because we just saw him yesterday at Epcot’s Art Festival!! 

[Dawniepoo]

I'm loving your review and pictures. One thing though, could you hurry and post! 😀  We've only got a month left until we leave on the Regal for the 8th time, so I'm in full-on cruise mode!

[MaryBethV]

11 hours ago, Senga said:

MaryBethV:  Have SO much enjoyed your review and fantastic photos.  We are going on Regal Princess March 24.  Our daughter was in hospital October 9-January 16, part of it on life support.  I was at the hospital every day (and some nights) while my husband of 50 years looked after the house and Jennifer's little pug Paxton.  We are SO in need of a relaxing time with someone else looking after us and the only decision we need to make is where/what to eat!  We are doing the Western Caribbean and hadn't even planned on getting off the ship but your pictures from Princess Cays are so pretty we'll venture over after the initial rush for a short visit.  Did you get a soda package for your kids?  We don't drink alcohol but enjoy sodas and mocktails.  I'm just wondering if you only get a tiny little glass of soda each time.

 

I hope you have the most relaxing cruise ever! 🙂

 

We purchased the "soda and more" package for all four of us. They give you a tumbler (16 oz. I think). You can take the tumbler to any bar and they will fill it up with pop or a mocktail - we did that a couple of times. Otherwise, they will give you a cup or glass that is probably around 8 oz. We had many many pina colada mocktails - they are yummy! They also have a list of other mocktails you can order at the back of the bar menu (at least at the bars by the pools). Hope that helps!

[MaryBethV]

11 hours ago, mthomp5 said:

Wow!  That looks fantastic!  You would be stiff competition to the chefs onboard!

 

You're sweet. However, I think taking an hour and a half to make a meal for only five people wouldn't fly with the head chef! Can you imagine the lines at the dining room entrance?!?? 😄😄😄

[MaryBethV]

8 hours ago, Cruisecrazy25 said:

I am loving your review so far! I have been on the Regal a few times but it is getting me excited for my cruise in 4 weeks! What did you use to take your pictures? Also, the artist in the atrium must have hopped off and gone to Disney world because we just saw him yesterday at Epcot’s Art Festival!! 

 

All photos were taken on an iPhone this trip. I did miss having my 'real' camera with various lenses - especially for shots at night in St. Thomas (coming up). The iPhone is just so much easier to travel with, but it does have limitations.

 

How fun that you saw the artist at Disney! When he was introduced, he did seem like a very busy man - plus, we didn't see him on the ship after that so I wouldn't be surprised if he hopped off to go to his next event.

[MaryBethV]

1 hour ago, Dawniepoo said:

I'm loving your review and pictures. One thing though, could you hurry and post! 😀  We've only got a month left until we leave on the Regal for the 8th time, so I'm in full-on cruise mode!

 

😂 Working on it... will post a little before heading to work. I'm totally jealous of your *8th time* on the Regal and wish we could join you in a month. Have a great cruise!

Edited February 18, 2019 by MaryBethV

[MaryBethV]

Back on the ship, we made a quick stop for snacks at the IC and for a Pina Colada mocktail at the bar - and took it with us to our room to enjoy on the balcony. Both salads (Greek and shrimp) were delicious. 

 

It wasn't long until the sun started to set. What a spectacular view. Looking at these, I really don't think I could do an inside cabin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time for dinner! Tonight our server was Eleonora (along with her assistant, Alexander) - she was our favorite server of the week, hands down. She explained the items on the menu (without us asking!), offered recommendations, and even saved us from ordering what she knew we probably wouldn't like (more on that later). I should have made reservations to have her as our server for the rest of the week. All our servers throughout the week were very good - she just stood out. 😍

 

Night 4 Dinner Menu: Symphony Dining Room

 

 

 

Braised Oxtail Pasta (appetizer portion) - This was absolutely delicious. It had a real depth of flavor - like it had been simmering on the stovetop for hours and hours. Mmm...

 

Chilled apple "soup" - refreshing and creamy.

 

Sesame-coated Chicken Nuggets with Sweet & Sour Dipping Sauce - DS ordered this for his appetizer and loved it so much he ordered another one for his main dish. Eleonora made sure that he had a meal portion for his main dish though - it had to have been 4x the appetizer amount! Not a single nugget went uneaten. 😉 

 

Bahamian Pea Soup - DH ordered this. I know what you're thinking... "That does not look like pea soup!" - but this was so much better in my opinion. It was so good he insisted I try a spoonful. The flavors were well-developed and it had a really nice consistency as well.

 

Surf & Turf - DH and I both ordered this. Eleonora took the prawns out of their shells for us. The filet was a bit thin and was slightly over the medium that I ordered - but tasted very good. DH's filet was a perfect medium. Prawns were excellent. I'd take them over lobster any day. The sauces, again, were very well done and added a lot of flavor to the dish.

 

Grilled Seafood Skewer - DH and I ordered this to share and we both felt that it was kind-of blah. Even the mango salsa (which was good) wasn't enough to make up for the overall lack of flavor.

 

Dessert Menu:

 

I was really full and nothing on the dessert menu was overly tempting... so just DH and DS ordered dessert. DS tried to order the Sugar Free Chocolate Mousse Cake - which Eleonora explained that unless he really liked sugar free desserts, he wasn't going to like it. LOVE HER. So he ordered either the Love Boat Dream or the Cheesecake. I didn't take a photo of his dessert, so I don't remember. See why I take so many photos!

 

Burned Rhubarb Napoleon - DH liked it. I tried a small bite and was not a fan - I'm not a rhubarb fan in general though.

 

We wanted to go look through the shops after dinner. DS had bought a hoodie the day before and DD wanted to pick out a souvenir - but the shops were all closed! Are they not allowed to be open when in port?

 

Walking through the Piazza on the way back to our room there was a lady showcasing a few absolutely gorgeous birds. I love the unique entertainment Princess has - always something different.

 

The kids were off to the teen lounge and DH and I decided a glass of wine on our balcony while enjoying the night view of the harbor was the perfect way to end the day.

 

A Carnival ship headed out first.

 

Sail away at 10:00 was beautiful (even though these photos are not great - sorry).

 

 

Time for bed. St. Maarten in the morning!

 

Day 4 Princess Patter -

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2019 by MaryBethV

[WisCruiser2]

Yes, shops and casino are closed while the ship is in ports.

[jedokids]

21 hours ago, MaryBethV said:

Here are the results of my Shrimp Daniele attempt. The sauce was not nearly as light or creamy as the original, but the flavors were there. Thank you jedokids for the ingredient list and hats off to Chef Dragan and his crew - this is not an easy dish!

This Looks Fabulous! I'm so glad you could figure out the recipe! We bought the Princess Cookbook a few years back - kind of an expensive splurge - but we were on vacation! We love the cookbook! When my husband showed me the picture - I thought it was from the cruise!

[FluteGrammy]

I am on the Regal in a week and a half on the same itenerary and this is making me so excited to sail. You are doing a fantastic job of reviewing your cruise.   I have a really silly question about the temperature on the ship. Were you comfortable in short sleeves or did you need a sweater? Trying to figure out what to take. Long pants or capris? Thank you.