westendgirl

They seem to change their policy frequently. We've been given cash in the past (exceeding $200). Just got off the Caribbean two days ago and were told cash refunds are for amounts under $25 only and the refund would be in the form of a check, mailed to our home. They will only refund 'refundable' credits, such as military. Most onboard credits are non-refundable.

We'll be on the Caribbean from today until Oct. 1. Catching up with your adventures will be something to look forward to, to get rid of the post-cruise blues when we get home! Smooth sailing J&G and continued thanks for your terrific blogs. I've read every word you've ever posted.

Janet

We'll be on the lookout for you Saturday onboard! Another poster mentioned difficulty with the internet on the CP. We had the same problem when we sailed her last January in the Caribbean. Thanks to a hint on CC, we discovered that cracking the door slightly helps significantly when logging in. Frustrated to hear this problem still exists; haven't experienced this with any other ship in the fleet. It will be a fabulous cruise, regardless! Safe travels to London (and Paris!).

On-Demand TV was one of our favorite features of the Royal and Regal (especially on longer cruises). Sometimes you just feel like watching a movie and it's an excellent option to see what you want to see, when you want to see it. MUTS movies usually showed up the next day. The only downside was that closed caption was not available for on-demand, although we were told 'we are working on getting it.'

Give the Regal a try! We've been on her once (transatlantic) and the Royal 3 times. Like you, we were well aware of all the 'shortcomings' but came to love this class. The only thing we truly miss is Skywalker's. Horizon Court/Bistro can't be beat and the Atrium is spacious and inviting. One thing not mentioned on this thread is the smaller elevator size. You get used to it and it soon becomes a non-concern. Enjoy your cruise!!

My theory is...if you can't remember it without a picture, it's not worth remembering.

I'm just the opposite cb at sea - if I don't have a photo of it, it never happened! I take a gazillion photos when we travel and love to come home, edit them and research any sights in faraway places that I can't readily identify. And I go back to view my cruise photos very frequently - a great way to re-live happy memories.

The only time we purchase shipboard photos are when the kids and grandkids are with us so we will have group photo as a memento. Like most of you, we feel they are overpriced.

We love to play trivia and win several times each cruise. We're not fanatics but it is more fun to win than to lose. Have met some wonderful people playing trivia and it's good, cheap fun (and cheap prizes!) On our last crossing, one of the teams lit up their cellphone to see what the bottom letters were on a QWERTY keyboard. The presenter saw it and properly embarrassed them. (BTW we beat them anyway.) :D

We sailed the CB in January and had a great cruise, as usual. Had not been on her in years and she looked almost as good as her inaugural season. We were spoiled because 3 of the previous 4 cruises had been on the Royal or Regal. We missed some of the 'new' features such as the expanded Horizon Court and Atrium, but were just as happy to see some of the old, familiar ones (Skywalker's!). The only glitch we had was spotty internet connectivity in our cabin located extreme aft. But that was solved by cracking our door a little, thanks to reading others' posts on Cruisecritic. The crew at that time didn't seem as enthusiastic as on other ships we have sailed, but we were never mistreated in any way. So did we like it? Yes! - and I'll bet you do too. As a matter of fact, we're doing back-to-back Transatlantic and New England cruises on her in the Fall.

Not to our taste. A rather bitter IPA. But we had to give it a try!

Has anyone attempted to trade out the bottles for the new IPA?

 

 

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On the Royal in March, we were told by room service that it couldn't be done and that the SeaWitch IPA must be purchased in the bars. (It was not to my liking btw, but realize that it's very subjective.) On the positive side, the Royal had Chivas as the Scotch selection in the setups (we'd always had Dewar's in the past). We exchanged all the hard liquor for Chivas and thoroughly enjoyed it.

We've always sailed under it during daylight hours. Good luck because it's quite an experience! :eek:

Such enjoyable reading this winter in so many different locales! Like all the others, I will certainly miss your daily updates, your impressions, critiques, excellent writing and wit. Welcome home Jeannie & Greg!! Until we meet again ...

Seamwoman, sorry, I was reading your post while in the sun yesterday afternoon and missed your question. I think that, on my blog, under the About Me link there's a link to email me, but, if not:

 

pescadoamarillo@gmail.com

 

Thank you dchip!

Well of course it's 'G' mail! ;) So happy for the World Cruisers who shoved off yesterday. Have fun for the rest of your winter cruising (I know you will!) Bon voyage J & G!

Last May, the Princess shuttle was $8 pp each way, $32 total for the 2 of us. At that time the drop-off/pick-up point was adjacent to Ste. Petri Church, in the university area. It's within walking distance of most major sites and close to a Metro as well.

Don't stop now Amelia - we all want to hear about your adventures at Siem Reap!

We've been on the Royal twice (and coming up again in March) and the Regal and the beds were perfectly comfortable. Good job Princess!

Hi Amelia

Was one of your ports Penang? If it was, was it a tender port or a berth?

 

Also with Singapore, as the Sapphire docks at the new terminal, do you know how far it is, or how you get to the nearest MRT station?

 

In Bangkok, we have booked a ship tour, which must be what you did too? Would you recommend it?

 

thanks for all your help, getting heaps of hints from your notes.

 

enjoy the rest of your cruise

Pat:):)

I'm not Amelia, but Penang is not a tender port. We didn't take a tour and walked all over town. There's plenty to see from an historical standpoint and Little India is quite interesting. When we were there last year, the ship was charging for a shuttle into the city center. You could see the disembarkation point from the ship and it wasn't a long walk, so I would recommend not taking the shuttle unless one has mobility issues. Penang was one of our favorite ports in Southeast Asia!

Thank you Dave (DMWNC1959) for the great info! She certainly was a beautiful float.

He is simply the best IMO! Engaged, enthusiastic and sincere. Plus, the best trivia prizes EVER. :D

Just off the Regal a week ago today. In our opinion, the chocolate hazelnut dessert topped the list and the presentation was beautiful - sorry I don't have a photo!

Thanks for the day brightener!

Just returned from the Regal maiden transatlantic on Monday. We sent laundry bags 3 times on a 17 day voyage, 2 bags each time. Received back in 2-3 days. Was pleasantly surprised with the turn-around compared to what I'd read last year about the Royal's first transatlantic and the 5-7 day log jam.

Princess should create a 'super elite' category IMHO (perhaps 365 days at sea?). Decrease slightly the Elite perks - maybe a limit on laudry bags - and increase the super elite perks accordingly (extra internet minutes? one meal at a specialty restaurant or a breakfast at Sabatini's? a couple extra mini bottles or soft drinks in the set-up?). I feel those who have spent a year or more of their lives on a Princess ship deserve a little extra. Having said that, I certainly am grateful for the current Elite perks! :D

All your fans are anxiously awaiting your return to the sea!!!

Re the elevators not stopping when the proper button was pushed: On the Royal in Apr/May we were told that if the elevator was at or near weight capacity it was programmed not to stop. If true, makes a lot of sense, but it's frustrating to see one pass you by.

Rest in peace Joe May. One of the very best lecturers and a true gentlemen.