Live From The Royal Princess

[roe2ship]

Re: coffee being real, stated by Swiss Dave and someone else. The proof is in the taste; specifically mine. Me, the one who travels with a coffeemaker and Via and who will never drink Princess swill. I will taste and report, but you'll have to wait for my LIVE. ;):D

I'm counting on you for the real scoop on the coffee!:D

[CruzNut7]

How late is Crooners open ... and how late does the music play? My cabin is right over the bar area and while I'm often up late, I'd just as soon not to have to listen to pub music late.

Also, how many roulette tables are there?

Shogun is a beautiful dog!

Thanks.

[TorontoTL]

Loving your reports Shogun, keep them coming along with more photos.:)

[Northender]

Hi All and For Northender

Part 4

Sports

The sports area, appears little thought has gone into this area, I think Princess needs to give sports to a new person design these actives. The standard basketball court with so many other sports markings that you can not work out what the lines mean, the surface could be better, just seems so dead, the walls could have a covering and goal posts or targets painted onto them, the putting green, it does not work, if I was Princess I would take one of those odd side areas next to the teens and put in an 18 hole interesting putting course, the other odd area of deck could be a green for bowls or other putting type games.

The out door gym stuff appears quite good but some pics of how to use it, how many times, burns so many calories would be good.

The walking track is OK but if I was Princess I would have made a raised section walking round and around a flat track is a bit boring,

The laser shooting, and mock clay pigeon was on at times we were busy so never got to see them, which is not a problem just catch them on my next cruise on the Royal.

Wedding Chapel

Not as nice as other ships shape is wrong a wedding chapel needs to be long and thin to look like an isle this one is short and wide, did not see it in use on our cruise.

Concierge Lounge

Again did not see this in use, it was staffed at certain times of the day, had coffee, TVs snacks from what I could see there was a bloke in a white jacket who I assume was a steward and you serve you. Access is by a swipe assume suite passenger cards would open the locks. Did try my card but a red light just came on.

Celebrations

Nice idea, girl in the shop was very nice, but never saw any one buy anything, for me just to much chocolate of the same type, think Princess needs to expand the idea more, make it the place to order special cakes, like real birthday cakes etc, put proper cards on sale birthday happy anniversary etc , the flower shop being their is ok but some more stuff o buy would help Love Boat Teddy Bears, any one.

Shops

Appeared to have a lot more space but not stock ,compared to other Princess ships shops which are normaly over flowing with product, this might improve could just be first cruise thing, There was lots on inaugural season stuff, but no maiden stuff, even the normal Princess stock of branded t shirts etc was missing.

Night Time

The Royal comes alive at night with colour, most will have seen the pics of the pool deck areas, these look really cool , makes such a great place just to sit out, the sea walk looks great at night, with the grill serving late into the night and things like IC being 24 hrs more people appear to be out and about at two and three in the morning compared to other cruises I have done. Casino was busy very late.

This is something we are so looking forward to experience.[/COLOR]

Dress Code

Formal nights were almost 100% black tie and tux, even normal nights quite a few folks in suites and ties, even ladies in hats, can not recall last time I have seen this in the MDR, no shorts or flip flops in the MDR.

Royal Afternoon High Tea

This is held between three and four in the soft seating raised area in the atrium again appeared to be a good turn out.

Ice Cream Bar

This seems to work well and did a good business with many folks sampling it how many were repeat customers I can not say, expect in hot weather cruises it will do very well.

Love my ice cream:D

Vines

The biggest one I have seen and may be the least used, I thought Vines was a bit dark, not welcoming enough, staff appeared friendly but on most cruises Vines is my second home on this cruise not one glass. I just did feel that I wanted to sit there, may be to far away from all the action.

Sorry to hear this. Vines has always been a stop for us.:(

 

More to follow - Great!!!!!

 

Yours Shogun

Thanks Shogun

Adele

[IECalCruiser]

Celebrations

Nice idea, girl in the shop was very nice, but never saw any one buy anything, for me just to much chocolate of the same type, think Princess needs to expand the idea more, make it the place to order special cakes, like real birthday cakes etc, put proper cards on sale birthday happy anniversary etc , the flower shop being their is ok but some more stuff o buy would help Love Boat Teddy Bears, any one.

I questioned the idea of Celebrations from the beginning as it just seemed like a Vines Shop on steroids. The Vines Shop on the Golden last September had an expanded line of products similar to the description of Celebrations and there was no traffic there over 14 days. Time will tell if the concept will work on the Royal/Regal but in more than four years the concept of the Vines Shop hasn't worked on the Golden, Star or CB.

[rdsqrl]

 

 

yours Shogun

I was hoping you included the photo because you were going to tell us that one of these came in every cabin. Now that's a feature that I'd happily pay a premium for!

[carib]

Great reporting Shogun. I know it took some time away from a normal relaxed vacation in order to get the scoop for us on every facet of the Royal. There are so many places on a ship I never bother to check out, being of little interest to me. But if I had to give a critique then I would have - like you have done. Thanks for such a thorough job, and you are not done yet :)

[Iamcruzin]

Hi All and For Northender

 

Concierge Lounge

Again did not see this in use, it was staffed at certain times of the day, had coffee, TVs snacks from what I could see there was a bloke in a white jacket who I assume was a steward and you serve you. Access is by a swipe assume suite passenger cards would open the locks. Did try my card but a red light just came on.

 

This was something I couldn't understand. A special lounge for suite passengers? Why would anyone pay good money for a suite and sit in a public lounge for suite guests? Now if they offered live entertainment,free internet or free cocktails then it would be a perk. This is one of those feel good perks to make you think you are getting something extra for booking a suite. I think most passengers would feel more comfortable watching TV in their room and ordering from room service if they get hungry. I see this area being converted to more cabins in the future during one of those long drydocks.

[MauiLvrs]

I feel sure that picture is not in perspective due to the angle of the camera from above.

 

Another photo from a different angle would look much different.

 

Mike:)

It's not going to move it away from the rail.

This has to top the list of stupid "improvements" to the design.

 

Hard to get much dumber than putting the kiddie play area next to the rail.

That is just off the chart!

[dmwnc1959]

 

This was something I couldn't understand. A special lounge for suite passengers? Why would anyone pay good money for a suite and sit in a public lounge for suite guests? Now if they offered live entertainment,free internet or free cocktails then it would be a perk. This is one of those feel good perks to make you think you are getting something extra for booking a suite. I think most passengers would feel more comfortable watching TV in their room and ordering from room service if they get hungry. I see this area being converted to more cabins in the future during one of those long drydocks.

 

Hi Iamcruzin,

 

I don't believe that the intent of the Concierge Lounge is to be a separate suite guest 'lounge' in the true sense of the word, but a space where a Concierge is stationed to assist suite guests, and where those suite guests are offered an added service that offers the ability to have certain arrangements taken care in a more exclusive environment other than the main Guest Relations or Shore Excursions Desk on Plaza Deck. The Concierge Lounge also isn't meant to replace the International Cafe or Room Service menu, the Internet Cafe, the living room area of your suite, or any one of the dozen lounges and bars on the ship. For those suite guests using the services offered by the Concierge, if there is someone ahead of them, then the other amenities in the Concierge Lounge are there to add a little more comfort and refreshment while waiting.

 

.

[caribill]

 

This was something I couldn't understand. A special lounge for suite passengers? Why would anyone pay good money for a suite and sit in a public lounge for suite guests? Now if they offered live entertainment,free internet or free cocktails then it would be a perk. This is one of those feel good perks to make you think you are getting something extra for booking a suite. I think most passengers would feel more comfortable watching TV in their room and ordering from room service if they get hungry. I see this area being converted to more cabins in the future during one of those long drydocks.

 

 

There is a similar lounge for suite passengers on many of the RCCL ships. It seems to be appreciated by most suite passengers as I often saw people going into/out of the room.

 

I remember some past posts on the Princess CC board where posters were asking for the same type room in Princess.

[Shogun]

Hi all

 

From what l was told suite passengers where to use it in place of front desk, dine line and tour guests on last day they were to go there and wait to be taken off the ship

 

Yours Shogun

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Forums mobile app

[The Big Booper]

 

 

There is a similar lounge for suite passengers on many of the RCCL ships. It seems to be appreciated by most suite passengers as I often saw people going into/out of the room.

 

I remember some past posts on the Princess CC board where posters were asking for the same type room in Princess.

 

You are talking about the Concierge Lounge on the bigger RCI ships. To get in you must either be in a suite or be a Diamond Plus status (more then 175 nights on RCI only). The attraction is that in addition to the usual services of the concierge, there is totally free bar service from 5 PM thru 8:30 PM, daily, free drinks for hours on end or at least until dinner. Plus appetizers such as chocolate covered strawberries, etc.

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Heres a copy a the pic that you will find at Princess HQ in the US, been told its on a wall, next to someones desk, also a Captain and Cruise Director have it on their computers onboard.

 

 

yours Shogun

[The Big Booper]

Hi All

 

Heres a copy a the pic that you will find at Princess HQ in the US, been told its on a wall, next to someones desk, also a Captain and Cruise Director have it on their computers onboard.

 

 

yours Shogun

 

That is a cute dog! Woof!

[Meggysmum]

It's not going to move it away from the rail.

This has to top the list of stupid "improvements" to the design.

 

Hard to get much dumber than putting the kiddie play area next to the rail.

That is just off the chart!

 

We were on the Royal and I didn't go in the kids area but did look in from above. I must say that my first thought was that it looked lethal. When my son was a youngster he was like a monkey, could climb anywhere exceptionally fast and could get to places I wouldn't have expected in an instant and I had to be super vigilant at all times at parks etc. I would never have let him near this as he would be on that rail and over in no time. I can't understand why they haven't put the high clear walls up that I have seen on other ships or even the high white one for safety.

[SwissDave]

Thanks Shogun for all the excellent info.,

Has the shooting range happened? I have not come across any mention of it?

 

 

Yes, the shooting range happened. I had a go, it was good fun. Times and events are listed inthe patter. It is next to the table tennis tables.

 

Thank you Dave!!

That is very good to know. Is the only location for that type of coffee machine, Aft of Horizon Court Outside, or are there other locations.

 

Machines are also in Horizon court and Bistro.

[SwissDave]

Re: coffee being real, stated by Swiss Dave and someone else. The proof is in the taste; specifically mine. Me, the one who travels with a coffeemaker and Via and who will never drink Princess swill. I will taste and report, but you'll have to wait for my LIVE. ;):D

 

I do of course look forward to your opinion of it. I thought it was better than the syrup - still not the quality of the brewed in IC.

 

Now, I am one of those who doesn't like Starbucks ;)

[SwissDave]

Thanks Dave for confirming the accuracy of the info from the manufacturer's website which some have doubted. I must have missed their coffeemakers that used ground coffee instead of grinding whole beans & with serving so much coffee there's no need to have a machine that grinds beans. Someone who sailed on the Royal even reported that it wasn't good & from 'syrup'...maybe it was the placebo affect. ;)

 

Have they implemented their plan to require staff to pour the coffee?

 

Do you know if the bar adjacent to the IC is still requiring a current coffee card for their brewed coffee?

 

With the coffee card on the Royal being usable for gelato, I wonder if it will evolve to add other options such as smoothies.

 

IC still require the coffee card. The 'brewed' from Horizon court machines is still not at the better quality of that in IC, but in my opinion is better than the syrup.

 

If you want to get your own coffee in Horizon court then you can still do so. If you are eating, then as soon as you sit down there is a waiter there offering to get you coffee, tea, lemondade, iced tea, water etc. They have several waiter stations setup so they do not need to go from one end of HC to the other to get it for you.

[SwissDave]

Hi All

 

Royal Quiz Time,

 

Swissdave is not allowed to take part,

 

Where on the Royal will you find two rotovator blades from a garden cultivator.

 

yours Shogun

 

No guesses yet?

[Bentley5700]

 

You are talking about the Concierge Lounge on the bigger RCI ships. To get in you must either be in a suite or be a Diamond Plus status (more then 175 nights on RCI only). The attraction is that in addition to the usual services of the concierge, there is totally free bar service from 5 PM thru 8:30 PM, daily, free drinks for hours on end or at least until dinner. Plus appetizers such as chocolate covered strawberries, etc.

 

Now THAT sounds like my kind of cruise!

[chamima]

Hi All

 

Heres a copy a the pic that you will find at Princess HQ in the US, been told its on a wall, next to someones desk, also a Captain and Cruise Director have it on their computers onboard.

 

 

yours Shogun

 

 

 

Shogun

What a beautiful puppy!!!

She almost looks like a stuffed animal.

[cristine]

No guesses yet?

 

Is it on the Peacock sculpture outside the entrance to Alegro dining room?:confused:

Christine

[dmwnc1959]

Hi All

 

Royal Quiz Time,

 

Swissdave is not allowed to take part,

 

Where on the Royal will you find two rotovator blades from a garden cultivator.

 

yours Shogun

 

In the art sculpture outside of the Horizon Court entrance? Or the art sculpture outside of the Allegro Dining Room?

 

 

 

Is it on the Peacock sculpture outside the entrance to Alegro dining room?:confused:

Christine

 

That was my guess too. You beat me to it! ;)

[Shogun]

Hi All

Art Gallery

This is a lot smaller than on other ships however according to the art director there is good reason for this, with the larger gallery folks visited but as art did not change much they did not return very often, where on this ship the art will change continuously creating interest and higher passenger viewings. Now to the art at $130,000 reserve for one item I was never going to bidding, same with some old masters etc, however as art director was very happy every time we saw him I assume folks were buying art.

Vista Lounge

I like the return of the Vista Lounge, it appeared to attract a good crowd depending on what was on, the dance floor did appear a little narrow, would have thought they could have made it a bit bigger, the lighting affects and stage stuff all appeared to be more high tec than other Princess ships,

Now I could go on for ever but I think you have enough to get my feelings of the ship,

So my overall thoughts from the cruise,

Would have liked to have seen Guernsey but it always a risk that you might miss a port,

As to maiden big disappointment that nothing was done for sail away or onboard,

Crew were the true stars of this cruise, excellent service, with a smile,

The lighting of the ship at night is a real bonus it can change a boring area into a fun area.

The range of seating all over the ship is a real plus,

The hidden gem is the aft section of Horizon

The odd thing that I did not like was the atrium stairs next to the elevators the spacing and the fact they brought you down into the atrium rather than to the side.

The Royal is a fine ship and overall is a plus to the fleet, she will not blow you away with amazing new features, but has taken a tried and tested product and modernised it and moved it forward, if you love Princess you will love the Royal

yours Shogun