"LIVE" from Regal Princess - October 24, 2023

[egregious cruiser]

 

 

Regal

3560 pax lower berths

4098 pax all beds

1346 crew 

1 captains suite

[LadyTxan]

Flying out of Austin late afternoon.  The F1 was here this weekend so leaving early for airport as I anticipate horrible lines and traffic for 45k people all trying to leave Austin!

 

See you all tomorrow.  So excited.  Safe trips for all!

 

Nancy

[Radio]

48 minutes ago, egregious cruiser said:

 

 

Regal

3560 pax lower berths

4098 pax all beds

1346 crew 

1 captains suite

Great, I'll be in cabin number 867-5309 😁

[eclue]

2 hours ago, egregious cruiser said:

Gettin close!!

Someone posted on the roll call that the ship would be two hours late arriving tomorrow in PE....arriving at 8:30am????

With this location that does not look probable...

[msualum]

We’re on the ship.  Captain announced we’ll arrive at 8:30 because of winds and our late departure from the Azores.  Everyone with flights before noon have been advised to contact their travel agent or Princess EZ air.  
I’m surprised he didn’t know this earlier.  No additional information yet about disembarkation times or changes.  

[reedprincess]

A reminder for those joining tomorrow - as this will be Regal's first stop in the USA after being "away" for months - there will be a full ship's immigration check including all crew, any back to back passengers, etc. It then has to be inspected and cleared by US Coast Guard before any guests can be allowed back on board 

Don't go early - boarding likely won't start til after 12, and in reality - closer to 1 or so, particularly with the delayed arrival..

 

[plastx]

We are on board the Regal and will be 3 hours late arriving at Port Everglades. Captain advised change from 5am to 8am on Oct 24. 

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good day. I slept really well last night and I enjoyed quite a few cups of delicious fresh coffee this morning. Wasn't it David Letterman who said "A man's best friend is a delicious cup of fresh coffee"?

 

I am staying just south of the airport in Fort Lauderdale. This area is called  Dania Beach. I have really never been to this area before, but there appears to be a lot of new development. There are many condos within two blocks of my hotel and a new shopping area with many dining and shopping choices. I walked around a bit to just enjoy weather and check out some of the stores. 

 

There are many passengers who are currently on Regal Princess that will remain on board for the 12 night repositioning Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Galveston. They have reported that the Captain has suggested that Regal Princess will be arriving much later than scheduled. Princess Cruises has not notified me of any change as of yet. I'm sure that I will just be arriving at the Pier a little later than planned.

 

Regal Princess should be sailing away this time tomorrow.

 

Radio

 

 

 

It's a beautiful day.

 

 

I love walking through this area. They just opened so there were not many customers.

 

 

 

This is a lovely area.

 

 

 

 

Dania Point Shopping

 

 

 

Dania Beach surfer . . .

 

 

 

Spirit Airlines are building their new headquarters here.

 

 

 

I thought I read that JetBlue was merging with Spirit.

 

 

She will be here soon.

 

Edited October 23, 2023 by Radio

[Radio]

She's getting closer . . . 

 

Radio

 

 

.

[lhsail]

4 hours ago, plastx said:

We are on board the Regal and will be 3 hours late arriving at Port Everglades. Captain advised change from 5am to 8am on Oct 24. 

Thanks to all of you onboard for keeping those of us boarding tomorrow informed. We’ve heard nothing from Princess. Even the rep at the hotel they are using knew nothing. We just plan to chill in the morning and not show up as early. 

[msualum]

According to the updated disembarkation information we received, the first groups meet at 8:30 am, those are the walk offs.  Last group is scheduled to meet at 10:35.  Those are the transfers to Fort Lauderdale airport.  
 

Luggage is being picked up outside our cabins for those not doing walk off.

how long it will take for the bags to be delivered to the terminal is unknown.  Also, all crew members also have to go through immigration, as well as all passengers and in-transit passengers.  
 

the captain did make an announcement about 6:00 that he has increased the speed and hopes to dock by 8:30, or earlier.  We’re keeping our fingers crossed.  
 

 

[klhskygirl]

Can't wait for your updates! 😁 We get on Regal in Galveston when you debark and will be our first time on Princess so looking forward to your pics.  Fyi:  I hope you asked the Flight Attendant to take her picture.  It's against FAA regulations to photograph crew members unless they approve.  Glad you liked her and had a safe flight!

[plastx]

Good news it’s 7am and we are at Port Everglades awaiting to dock upon clearance from authorities. 

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good morning. Welcome to DAY 1 of "LIVE” from Regal Princess.

I am currently enjoying a freshly brewed cup of delicious coffee while at my Pre-cruise Hotel. I am staying at Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport just south of FLL.

 

I only have about a 10-minute ride over to Terminal 2 in Port Everglades. This is a very beautiful hotel that was built in 2021. The rooms were very comfortable and the food at the hotel was very good. We share the pool with the attached AC Hotel by Marriott. The staff here is very friendly. 

 

Princess Cruises sent an email about required Coast Guard tests that will be happening this morning and advised all passengers not to arrive before 12PM. I should be leaving by around 1PM. The weather forecast for today is sunny and 84°F. Sail Away is scheduled for 4PM.

 

I still must pack up the Radio Pressroom, and make sure my documents are handy to show the Terminal Representatives if needed. I have some friends that I will be meeting on board, and it will be nice to say hello again after a couple of years.

 

I will be posting next from Regal Princess this afternoon.

 

Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

 

The Radio Pressroom needs to be packed up for a couple of hours.

 

 

 

My luggage tags have been affixed.

 

 

 

I will be wearing my Ocean Medallion for check in.

 

 

The QR code in my APP is ready if needed.

 

 

 

I really loved the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel The hotel was very clean and the staff was very nice.

 

 

 

I had an enjoyable stay for two nights

 

 

 

It will be a short ride to Port Everglades.

 

 

 

Port Everglades

 

 

 

Today is the day!

[Radio]

I made it to the pier at Terminal 2, but there was a long line to get inside. The good news is that I will on board soon.

Thanks for tuning in . . .

 

Radio

 

 

 

And here she is. . .

 

 

 

 Now we just need to get on board

 

 

 

 

 

The line I was in had over 250 passengers.

 

 

 

 

Passengers are in the queue for security.

 

 

 

 

 

The security part of checking was very quick.

 

 

 

 

 

I used my medallion so the actual checking process took about 10 seconds.

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Radio]

Hello everyone. Welcome aboard the beautiful Regal Princess.

 

There was a long delay with the sailing for today. Regal Princess was scheduled to sail at 4pm. We didn't leave the pier until 730pm.

 

Our ship was delayed for several reasons. First off, the ship was late getting to Terminal 2 in Port Everglades by almost 2 hours. (due to rough weather in the Azores). Then, there was a USCG inspection, because this was the first sailing in US waters since April 2023 (Regal Princess spent the summer sailing in Great Britain from Southampton.) New passengers could not begin boarding until after 1pm (boarding normally begins around 10 to1030am).

 

Food items were still being loaded at 6pm.

These reasons were not communicated in any way. I had to ask several crew members what the holdup was.

We are currently at sea now and will be at sea for the next two relaxing days.

 

I have never sailed on a "Royal Class" ship from Princess, so I need to get my "sea legs" and figure out where everything is. I was able to find my cabin. It is a standard balcony cabin Deck 9. I am traveling solo so the accommodations are perfect for me.

 

Here are a few pics from this afternoon. There will be many, many more to come.

 

Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

I finally started boarding around 3pm

 

 

 

 

The lobby area was stunning

 

 

 

The Piazza

 

 

 

I will sleep like a baby tonight in this cabin

 

 

 

 

It would be too small for a triple or quad

 

 

 

 

I am located one deck above the lifeboats

 

 

 

 

Food products for the next 12 nights still being loaded after 6:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

It appears that most passengers are on board but we are still at the terminal

 

 

 

 

We finally sailed away by 7:30 tonight

 

.

 

 

 

 

[Radio]

Princess Patter Day 1

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

Day 1 PG1

 

 

 

 

Day 1 Pg 2

 

 

.

[TxTeach79]

On 10/24/2023 at 9:22 AM, Radio said:

Hello everyone and good morning. Welcome to DAY 1 of "LIVE” from Regal Princess.

I am currently enjoying a freshly brewed cup of delicious coffee while at my Pre-cruise Hotel. I am staying at Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport just south of FLL.

 

I only have about a 10-minute ride over to Terminal 2 in Port Everglades. This is a very beautiful hotel that was built in 2021. The rooms were very comfortable and the food at the hotel was very good. We share the pool with the attached AC Hotel by Marriott. The staff here is very friendly. 

 

Princess Cruises sent an email about required Coast Guard tests that will be happening this morning and advised all passengers not to arrive before 12PM. I should be leaving by around 1PM. The weather forecast for today is sunny and 84°F. Sail Away is scheduled for 4PM.

 

I still must pack up the Radio Pressroom, and make sure my documents are handy to show the Terminal Representatives if needed. I have some friends that I will be meeting on board, and it will be nice to say hello again after a couple of years.

 

I will be posting next from Regal Princess this afternoon.

 

Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

 

The Radio Pressroom needs to be packed up for a couple of hours.

 

 

 

My luggage tags have been affixed.

 

 

 

I will be wearing my Ocean Medallion for check in.

 

 

The QR code in my APP is ready if needed.

 

 

 

I really loved the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel The hotel was very clean and the staff was very nice.

 

 

 

I had an enjoyable stay for two nights

 

 

 

It will be a short ride to Port Everglades.

 

 

 

Port Everglades

 

 

 

Today is the day!

 

Stayed there pre-cruise last year before a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise. Fantastic hotel and area! The AC next door is great too. 

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good morning. Welcome to DAY 2 of "LIVE" from Regal Princess.

 

I slept like a baby last night, and while I read reviews from recent passengers about the beds not being comfortable, I thought it was delightful.

 

I had dinner last night at Sabatini's Italian (DECK 5) with some friends. I enjoyed Lasagna Bolognese al Forno and  Salami e Formaggi Misti (Antipasto). The food was wonderful but I probably ate to fast.

 

The weather today is nice. It's a little windy, but we have sunny skies with no rain. There are just a few clouds. The forecast calls for warmer weather this afternoon with a high of 82f.

Here are a few pics from last night and this morning. Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

 

Sabatini's

 

 

 

Salami e Formaggi Misti (Antipasto)

 

 

 

Lasagna Bolognese al Forno 

 

 

 

A lot of passengers are enjoying the sunny weather this morning.

 

 

 

I love the AFT views.

 

 

 

The Adult Pool

 

.

 

.

 

 

Edited October 25, 2023 by Radio

[CruzeQueen2]

@Radio Thanks for sharing the reports of your experiences on Regal. I will be on this ship in the new year and am contemplating some of my options. 

 

Is there a Salty Dog Gastropub on this ship? I don't see it on the deck plans on-line. 

 

I notice from the Patters/ Events listings- that there is only one location for getting specialty coffees before 11:00am. IC, of course, but not at Princess Live? Perhaps the Bakery section on Deck 16 will also have early options; that would be as expected.  Thanks for looking into this for me. My cabin is closer to the deck 7 location!

 

 

Please keep the photos and first-hand reports coming. The food from Sabatini looks great! I am enjoying the anticipation for this trip - following along with you! 💖

Edited October 25, 2023 by CruzeQueen2
adding info

[Radio]

Princess Patter Day 2

 

Radio

 

 

 

Day 2 Pg 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2 Pg 2

 

.

 

 

[Radio]

17 minutes ago, CruzeQueen2 said:

@Radio Thanks for sharing the reports of your experiences on Regal. I will be on this ship in the new year and am contemplating some of my options. 

 

Is there a Salty Dog Gastropub on this ship? I don't see it on the deck plans on-line. 

 

I notice from the Patters/ Events listings- that there is only one location for getting specialty coffees before 11:00am. IC, of course, but not at Princess Live? Perhaps the Bakery section on Deck 16 will also have early options; that would be as expected.  Thanks for looking into this for me. My cabin is closer to the deck 7 location!

 

 

Please keep the photos and first-hand reports coming. The food from Sabatini looks great! I am enjoying the anticipation for this trip - following along with you! 💖

 

There is no Salty Dog on Regal Princess. The International Cafe` on DECK 5 is open 24 Hrs a day, and has specialty coffee (and food). There is also coffee on the Lido deck 24 hrs a day (but no specialty coffee at night)

 

Radio

 

.

[TxTeach79]

Fantastic LIVE thus far, @Radio!! Thanks for taking the time!

[Marion B]

Radio,

   I continue to enjoy your postings, pictures and patters.  Enjoy your sea days.

Marion

[reedprincess]

1 hour ago, CruzeQueen2 said:

@Radio Thanks for sharing the reports of your experiences on Regal. I will be on this ship in the new year and am contemplating some of my options. 

 

Is there a Salty Dog Gastropub on this ship? I don't see it on the deck plans on-line. 

 

I notice from the Patters/ Events listings- that there is only one location for getting specialty coffees before 11:00am. IC, of course, but not at Princess Live? Perhaps the Bakery section on Deck 16 will also have early options; that would be as expected.  Thanks for looking into this for me. My cabin is closer to the deck 7 location!

 

 

Please keep the photos and first-hand reports coming. The food from Sabatini looks great! I am enjoying the anticipation for this trip - following along with you! 💖

No Salty Dog Gastropub on Regal.

Vines, Ocean Terrace Seafood and Alfredos for casual dining.

 

And, the first day Patter/Events listing wouldn't have anywhere for coffees before 11 - as it's the embarkation day Patter.

 

See day 2's Patter for earlier listings. 

Yes, the Horizon Court Pastry section, IC, Princess Live, and of course - Ocean Now delivery or room service all do specialty coffees..