Royal Princess Questions

Hi Everyone,

We haven't sailed with Princess in a while, but we're eagerly looking forward to sailing on Royal Princess in October.

A few questions please :

1. What is Princess's policy on OBC's (both Princess and TA OBC), are they refundable ? If not, can they be used in the Casino, and what is the surcharge ?

2. We've booked a Cat MA Mini-Suite on Caribe deck. Have we made a wise decision ?

3. We have Assigned Dining - is one Dining Room more desirable than another ? If so, which MDR do you enjoy the most ?

4. Is there a large amount of shade and loungers available by the pool ? I'm sure it wont be a problem on Port Days, but what about Sea Days ? We love spending time by the pool, but can't spend much time in the sun. A shady spot is always appreciated !

5. How is the onboard Internet in the Caribbean (wireless - especially in cabin) ? Does Princess offer an unlimited Internet package ?

Thank You in advance for your replies !

Hi Everyone,

 

We haven't sailed with Princess in a while, but we're eagerly looking forward to sailing on Royal Princess in October.

 

A few questions please :

 

1. What is Princess's policy on OBC's (both Princess and TA OBC), are they refundable ? If not, can they be used in the Casino, and what is the surcharge ? Most Princess OBC and TA OBC is non-refundable. Effectively they can be used in the casino as usage there would be a charge to your onboard account and any positive balance could be used for any charge.

 

2. We've booked a Cat MA Mini-Suite on Caribe deck. Have we made a wise decision ?

 

3. We have Assigned Dining - is one Dining Room more desirable than another ? If so, which MDR do you enjoy the most ? The two Anytime dining rooms are essentially the same decor and have the same menu and the same suggested dress code. One of them may be used for an additional Traditional seating and become Anytime when that seating is finished.

 

4. Is there a large amount of shade and loungers available by the pool ? I'm sure it wont be a problem on Port Days, but what about Sea Days ? We love spending time by the pool, but can't spend much time in the sun. A shady spot is always appreciated !

 

5. How is the onboard Internet in the Caribbean (wireless - especially in cabin) ? Does Princess offer an unlimited Internet package ? The Internet speed most of the time is not fast. Think about the speed of when you once used dial-up. There is access in every cabin, but if the signal level is too low you need to prop the door to the hallway open a little to get a better signal. No unlimited package.

 

Thank You in advance for your replies !

see above in red

Andy, Princess changed the policy on OBC about the first of the year. Most OBC is now non-refundable. Refundable OBC is money you've placed on your account. Any promotional, shareholder, FCC, etc. OBC is non-refundable.

Balconies on Caribe are the exact same size as on other decks. Unlike the Grand class ships which are "tiered," the Royal and Regal are not.

Fixed dining is in the aft dining room on deck 6. Very early fixed dining is in one of the mid-ship Anytime dining rooms. So, if you have Traditional/fixed seating, it'll be in one of these dining rooms. Same menu, similar decor, same dress, etc.

There isn't much shade at any of the pools. There is partial shade (light canvas covers and pergolas) around the Retreat pool. I don't sit in the sun and found the couches/chairs outside the Horizon Bistro comfortable and relatively quiet.

No unlimited Internet package. I've been on the Royal twice for trans-Atlantics and found that before 7:30am and between 6-9pm were the best times for the Internet. Crack open the cabin door for a better connection.

One exception to complimentary OBC not being refundable is military OBC but I always spend that gift from Princess during my cruise.

Hi Everyone,

 

We haven't sailed with Princess in a while, but we're eagerly looking forward to sailing on Royal Princess in October.

 

A few questions please :

 

1. What is Princess's policy on OBC's (both Princess and TA OBC), are they refundable ? If not, can they be used in the Casino, and what is the surcharge ? OBC's are stackable and some are refundable. Refundable OBC is indicated on your on board folio. At the end of the cruise if you have any credit balance it is assumed to be the refundable OBC. OBC's are posted to your on board account as credits. All charges, including casino, that are charged to the on board account are netted against any OBC. It's a simple debit/credit system.

 

2. We've booked a Cat MA Mini-Suite on Caribe deck. Have we made a wise decision ? Should be fine, larger balcony.

 

4. Is there a large amount of shade and loungers available by the pool ? I'm sure it wont be a problem on Port Days, but what about Sea Days ? We love spending time by the pool, but can't spend much time in the sun. A shady spot is always appreciated ! One of my comments regarding the Royal's design was the lack of shade around the main Lido Pool as well as really no shade around the adult retreat pool.The netting at the retreat pool is really for show and does not provide sun burn/skin cancer preventing shade. At the Lido Pool the Royal has a railing separating the shade area with seating and tables, and the lounge area which is out in the sun. So unlike other Princess ships, passengers are unable to place their lounge chairs under the shade areas. You can get shaded lounge chairs on the Sun deck where the ship's structure will provide shade on either the port or starboard side depending on the ship's direction and the time of day.

 

5. How is the onboard Internet in the Caribbean (wireless - especially in cabin) ? Does Princess offer an unlimited Internet package ? You have to purchase a package that has a certain amount of mins. Also, remember to place your device in "airplane mode" so that you are not charged for incoming cell messages. Cell phone mins. are very expensive.

 

Thank You in advance for your replies !

See above, some additional comments

First of all-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY !

:D

I'm going to answer your questions in regards to the differences from Celebrity.

Hi Everyone,

 

We haven't sailed with Princess in a while, but we're eagerly looking forward to sailing on Royal Princess in October.

 

A few questions please :

 

1. What is Princess's policy on OBC's (both Princess and TA OBC), are they refundable ? If not, can they be used in the Casino, and what is the surcharge ? no surcharge.

Your OBC from your TA is most likely refundable.

Also, Princess allows stacking OBCs (stockholder, future cruise certificates, special promos, military benefits) but most of those won't be refundable.

We've found they use the non-refundable OBC first and leave the refundable to be used up last. You can get it back the last day from Guest Services.

 

2. We've booked a Cat MA Mini-Suite on Caribe deck. Have we made a wise decision ?

 

What is the cabin number? Most balconies on the Royal are pretty small but there are some larger ones under the Sky Walk.

 

3. We have Assigned Dining - is one Dining Room more desirable than another ? If so, which MDR do you enjoy the most ?

 

If you have Traditional dining you will be either in the Allegro Dining Room in the aft (it's BEAUTIFUL !!!) or, if you have early you might be in the Concerto Dining Room right off the Piazza. We really enjoy the quiet that having 3 dining rooms, rather than one large one , provides.

 

4. Is there a large amount of shade and loungers available by the pool ? I'm sure it wont be a problem on Port Days, but what about Sea Days ? We love spending time by the pool, but can't spend much time in the sun. A shady spot is always appreciated !

There aren't a lot of shady loungers near the pool (but there are lots of seating areas as Pam showed in her picture). We found great shady loungers on the upper deck of the pool but towards the aft of the ship. Not really NEXT to the pool but a nice, quiet area to lay and read.

 

5. How is the onboard Internet in the Caribbean (wireless - especially in cabin) ? Does Princess offer an unlimited Internet package ?

The internet is a little faster than on Celebrity. Not like what we have at home but better than Celebrity.

 

Thank You in advance for your replies !

You are going to LOVE the Royal.

The Piazza area is beautiful and there is always something going on.

Make sure to eat in Alfredos! It's free and delicious.

Also, you can still have a nice , quiet sit down lunch in one of the MDRs on embarkation day - no need to go to the buffet.

Unlike Celebrity, you can go straight to your cabin and drop off your carry on before going to lunch.

You will just love the warm, caring staff on the Royal. :D

Do you have to pay the Sanctuary admission fee in order to use the Retreat Pool?

Do you have to pay the Sanctuary admission fee in order to use the Retreat Pool?

No, the Retreat Pool is outside of the Sanctuary area.

Do you have to pay the Sanctuary admission fee in order to use the Retreat Pool?

Since the Retreat Pool looks so nice, and since there is no extra charge, I'd suspect it is a chair hog magnet. Does Princess enforce a chair hog policy at the Retreat Pool on the Royal?

First, our mini suite had the same balcony as almost all the rest. Caribe balconies are not larger than the others. To get s larger one, look at the deck plans and you'll see the angled balconies. They're bigger.

Our mimi suite was great because we could pull the dividing curtain across and I could sleep while DH watched TV. Great bathroom, too.

The early seating Traditional ding room was all the way aft on Deck 6, reachable only by the aft stairs and lifts.

Beautiful dining room, excellent food and service. I presume late fixed was there, too.

We really enjoyed Royal.

does it help if you bring an antenna. we have big one and small one. hook into usb port.

also, why doesnt princess upgrade to the better sat?

First of all-

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY !

 

:D

 

I'm going to answer your questions in regards to the differences from Celebrity.

 

 

 

 

You are going to LOVE the Royal.

The Piazza area is beautiful and there is always something going on.

Make sure to eat in Alfredos! It's free and delicious.

Also, you can still have a nice , quiet sit down lunch in one of the MDRs on embarkation day - no need to go to the buffet.

Unlike Celebrity, you can go straight to your cabin and drop off your carry on before going to lunch.

You will just love the warm, caring staff on the Royal. :D

Hi Karen,

Thank you very much for the Birthday wishes, and for your excellent insights. Very interesting that Princess doesn't charge extra in the Casino (I think Celebrity's 5% charge is excessive BTW).

I also like that the MDR is open for lunch on Embarkation Day. We really do not enjoy the insanity of Celebrity's Buffet on Day 1, so we often visit Bistro on Five. We'll definitely head to the MDR on Royal.

We have 6 pm seating, so it sounds like we will be in Allegro (???)

Looks like our prime concern will be to find a shady spot by the pool area - but will definitely check out the upper deck suggestion. No matter how that turns out, I'm sure we will have a fantastic time.

Thanks again !

see above in red

Thank you for your replies Caribill. Much appreciated !

Andy, Princess changed the policy on OBC about the first of the year. Most OBC is now non-refundable. Refundable OBC is money you've placed on your account. Any promotional, shareholder, FCC, etc. OBC is non-refundable.

 

Balconies on Caribe are the exact same size as on other decks. Unlike the Grand class ships which are "tiered," the Royal and Regal are not.

 

Fixed dining is in the aft dining room on deck 6. Very early fixed dining is in one of the mid-ship Anytime dining rooms. So, if you have Traditional/fixed seating, it'll be in one of these dining rooms. Same menu, similar decor, same dress, etc.

 

There isn't much shade at any of the pools. There is partial shade (light canvas covers and pergolas) around the Retreat pool. I don't sit in the sun and found the couches/chairs outside the Horizon Bistro comfortable and relatively quiet.

 

No unlimited Internet package. I've been on the Royal twice for trans-Atlantics and found that before 7:30am and between 6-9pm were the best times for the Internet. Crack open the cabin door for a better connection.

Hi Pam,

Thank you for you answers & photos. Much appreciated !

First of all-

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY !

 

:D

 

I'm going to answer your questions in regards to the differences from Celebrity.

 

 

 

 

You are going to LOVE the Royal.

The Piazza area is beautiful and there is always something going on.

Make sure to eat in Alfredos! It's free and delicious.

Also, you can still have a nice , quiet sit down lunch in one of the MDRs on embarkation day - no need to go to the buffet.

Unlike Celebrity, you can go straight to your cabin and drop off your carry on before going to lunch.

You will just love the warm, caring staff on the Royal. :D

We've sailed on Celebrity transatlantic voyages, and always enjoy the lecture series that take place during the day on a variety of topics. This last sailing were two remarkable lecture series on Spain and another on crime in Los Angeles. We currently have a reservation for a transatlantic on the Royal Princess, but can find no mention of lectures taking place during the sailing. Are we missing something?

Also - does anyone know when the Royal will be having a refurb? If so, what type of refurb is planned.

Also - does anyone know when the Royal will be having a refurb? If so, what type of refurb is planned.

Probable nothing passengers would notice unless some public areas get new carpeting.

Purpose of a drydock is to have the ship out of water so the hull can be cleaned and special paint applied as well as having any needed updates to the electronics on the bridge made. Other mechanical maintenance that cannot be performed while the ship is at sea will also be made.

We currently have a reservation for a transatlantic on the Royal Princess, but can find no mention of lectures taking place during the sailing. Are we missing something?

There will be at least 2-3 lecturers on a variety of subjects. It'll depend on the lecturers. Each will give multiple lectures, usually daily each. I've seen everything from retirement planning to marine biology to the origins of fable stories. Unfortunately, the absolute best, John Maxtone-Graham passed away recently. :( There will also be a variety of activities ranging from craft get-togethers to dance classes to mahjong, etc.

Just wanted to correct one statement above (by sknight), and confirm what chamima said about the balconies for the Caribe Deck minis: Unlike the Grand Class ships, virtually all the balconies on the sides of the Royal Class ships are the same size (tiny). However, there are a few larger balconies on every deck under the SeaWalk (Starboard side) and the SeaView Bar (Port side). These are pretty easy to identify on the deck plans. We've booked C429 for an upcoming cruise on the Regal and are VERY excited for that cabin and balcony (one of the largest on the sides of the ship).

Seems like others have addressed your other quesitons.

Hope that helps.

Enjoy!

Hi Karen,

 

 

I also like that the MDR is open for lunch on Embarkation Day. We really do not enjoy the insanity of Celebrity's Buffet on Day 1, so we often visit Bistro on Five. We'll definitely head to the MDR on Royal.

 

Thanks again !

Don't forget Alfredo's on deck 6. This is also opened on embarkation day. They serve pizza, and a few other entrees, soups and salads. If you don't make it onboard before the dining room closes at 1:30, this is a great alternative to the hectic pace of the buffet.

Just wanted to correct one statement above (by sknight), and confirm what chamima said about the balconies for the Caribe Deck minis: Unlike the Grand Class ships, virtually all the balconies on the sides of the Royal Class ships are the same size (tiny). However, there are a few larger balconies on every deck under the SeaWalk (Starboard side) and the SeaView Bar (Port side). These are pretty easy to identify on the deck plans. We've booked C429 for an upcoming cruise on the Regal and are VERY excited for that cabin and balcony (one of the largest on the sides of the ship).

 

Seems like others have addressed your other quesitons.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Enjoy!

I know you are referencing the side of the ship but don't forget the forward-facing cabins on the Marina and Lido decks (albeit 'obstructed' and prone to wind) and the aft balconies too. Those are much larger than the rest.

Right you are!

I always forget about the forward-facing cabins because so many people complain about the wind, and I would never recommend an aft balcony after our soot-filled adventure on the Royal a couple years ago.

It's really sad, but there are literally only a handful of cabins on the Royal Class ships that I would ever even consider due to the above issues and the tiny balconies on most cabins.

Host Andy, thank you for starting this thread as after 4 Celebrity transatlantics, I too, will be experiencing my first Princess on the Regal this spring.

As Regal is sister ship to Royal, I'm guessing the answers here basically apply to both. Loved my 7nt on her in the Caribbean so REALLY looking forward to 14 nts.

One question I had was referring to stacking OBC's mentioned earlier...RCCL usually doesn't let you combine stockholder OBC benefit with specials but wondering if Carnival stockholder OBC is combinable with the present "Twice As Nice" offer?

And while we're at it....as there are actually FOUR upcoming spring transatlantics on the Regal, 14, 17, 20 and 25nt, are certain cabins only available on each....for example cabin A is only available if you book the 20nt and cannot be booked on the 14nt?

Oh, and LOVE that you don't have to pay for shore excursions in advance. Great use of OBC. :)

Thanks!