Live From The Royal Princess

[Woobstr112G]

Hi All

 

The wait is over we are now only a hundred yards from the port gate and then the boarding line,

 

We have seen the ship, we have heard the ship, seen the fire works, just want to get on board and enjoy,

 

Have met lots of nice CC folks past few days you do not need a new multi million pound ship to have fun and a great time, but I am sure it will just to our enjoyment of meeting friends here in Southampoton.

 

We stayed in the Premier in West quay good location, close to everything,

 

only down side is the shopping mall next door as Mrs Shogun has already hit the shops big time,

 

as we normaly fly in same day, anything we have not packed we do with out, this time she has gone mad, we could use this , that might be handle bag after bag, now cases will be to heavy to fly home with,

 

next post will be in about 2 hurs I hope from the deck of the Royal Princess

 

yours Shogun

 

Shogun;

 

Safe travels my friend.....:):):)

 

Bob

[#1winelover]

Julie and AimHigh! Thanks for chiming in and proving yet another view of this great new ship! Keep 'em coming!! But don't forget to have a good time also! :-)

Larry

[Dragonqueen]

For those who haven't been following one of the most popular threads here on cruise critics.....

Everything ROYAL PRINCESS: What are you looking forward to MOST of all? started by dmwnc1959 .....

here is the post that Shogun provided regard his avatar picture of his dog..."he is a Samoyed, he has been on MUTS and The Real Love Boat tv show, his pic is on the office wall at Princess HQ as well as a few ships"

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkoM9gdIDM8

 

 

Will need to see if I can get a picture of him, on the Morning Show on the Royal, I know the CD has a copy of the pic, that you will see have way through the above show."

 

Hope you don't mind me posting it here again Shogun, :D

[Woobstr112G]

Hi All

 

Been reading the patter public lounges and facilities indoor areas are non smoking so does this mean a smoke free casino

 

Design issue fault the sockets in the room are to close to the desk top plugs with cable coming from bottom do not fit might just be a UK plug issue using. Plug in shower room

 

Shower room is small but oddly the wash basin and counter top are big may be could be smaller to give more turning space

 

Shower looks a few inches bigger but overall feel is not for larger folks

 

TV not working but have call in so expect it will soon

 

Mini bar waiting for us but fridge more like an oven will see if it cools down or might need to call for this

 

Overall past Princess passengers appear to love the ship

 

Lifts are full but expect this will pass once all onboard

 

No central stair case takes a bit of getting used to as our cabin is mid ship

 

Yours Shogun

 

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Shogun;

 

Did you happen to notice if the televisions had any side connectionss?

 

Bob

[cr8tiv1]

Shogun, aimhigh and juakkers thank you for your posts. Looking forward to some good information. Enjoy you trip and truly enjoy the SHIP.

 

Marty

 

Ditto the above. I couldn't keep up with the posts. Every time I finished reading a page, a new one would pop up. There is so much excitement. Thank you for letting us all join you on this cruise. Bon Voyage and safe travels.

[Waihekean]

Thanks you all for your live blogs. Because have been curious about the cabins.

 

Wanted so much to go on the Royal Princess for our Med cruise, but unfortunately Princess does not allow us here 'down under' and in Kiwi land to book through an American TA. Because cannot afford double the fee as you can go for with Celebrity, booked on the new Reflection instead.

 

So, it is a bit of comfort to me that we will have a better cabin and bathroom (really thought Princess would have finally done away with shower curtains!). Plus was lucky to get one of the angled balconies which would be 4x times the size of this Princess balcony.

 

Nevertheless do hope that one day we will have the pleasure to experience a Royal Princess cruise.

[Lynda90]

Shogun, thank you so much for taking us along on your journey. Looking forward to reading everything you have to say about the ship. Have a safe trip and hope you and Mrs. Shogun enjoy to the fullest. :p

[kathywin53]

Shogun.

Would you be able to connect with anyone on Marina deck in mid ship area to question the overhang above the balcony. Wondering if rh is any sun at all. Also is noise from MUTS heard in this area.

We are in m620, do not intend to change but would like some idea if the balcony is way more overes than those on lower decks

[KathShe]

Have a fabulous cruise.. I know you will enjoy all! Thanks to all for letting those at home experience this along with you...just a little bit! It is so much fun waiting to hear what all have to say.. We are on the Maiden TA in October. Can't wait to see all this for ourselves.. But this will do until we get on boasrd. This is just so much fun reading what you all are thinking and expieriencing! Thanks so much for all your comments!

Enjoy your time on board the Royal Princess! :D

Kat

[CruzNut7]

Thank you Shogun and others for posting live. It's so nice of you to take time out of your TWO day cruise!

Shogun trust your balcony beats out the closet you had booked - the upgrade was well deserved.

 

Shogun you mentioned that there was a plug in the bathroom - in the past this has been ONLY for electric razors.

Have fun above all!

[cruzrbachoua]

We will be on the Regal and I hear she is to be just like the Royal so I am hanging on to every word ya'll are writing. Just a couple of quick questions if you have the info:

 

1. the layout for the bathrooms on interiors look like the showers have doors instead of a curtain is this true?

 

2. have either of you gone to the gelatoria (sp?)? If so is it free or charge?

 

3. while there is no aft pool are there still loungers to lounge out there and enjoy the view?

[cruiserjanet]

Hi there. I'm curious about the Promenade Deck. I understand it doesn't wrap around but that's all I know. I like to powerwalk on the Promenade Deck but I understand I won't be able to do that on this ship or the new Regal, correct?

[MandD]

Can someone confirm whether the coffee in HC is brewed or from concentrate. Hope to be able to eliminate the french press if it is brewed.

I thought it was interesting that none of the people (so far) who posted negative reviews complained of the coffee.

 

(Maybe they're tea drinkers):)

 

And to Shogun et al--

Thanks for the live from

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Have heard a few folks complain no hair dryer , its in the top drawer of the dresser,

 

 

socket in bathroom is for shaver but plug in an adaptor and any thing fits

 

sockets at desk put plugs in up side down to make them fit

 

Captains onboard are Roger Tony and retired Andy

 

Water and light show last night was the bond theme

 

Skyfall on muts tonight

 

Met Rai the EVP of fleet asked how things were said no TV he called someone to get it fixed,

 

still not working, the mobile Princess internet only working on i phones andorid not working

 

fridge no longer an oven just not do anything not sure if its working at all

 

cabin air con set at lowest cabin was very hot last night cooled during the night but still not cool

 

beds are fine no issuses pillows are a bit soft

 

showers lack power not sure if just ours but not much water pressure

 

works OK but not a power shower.

 

Diner last night in the aft dining room. found those bench seats

 

one issue I did not like is that the waiter has to lean over first passenger

 

to serve the 2nd one has he can not walk around table, tables are a bit to wide, had problems chatting to DW opposite as noise levels got up.

 

Atrium is heart and sole of the ship space seems to work well CD was there with band dancing night away when I lft just before mid night

 

Casino looks like machines near stairs are no smoking machines need to check out more

 

Casino grapped money quickly so did not stay long, but was very busy

 

Formal night most tuxs ever seen would not say 100% but very high very few suites

 

Kilt got its photo taken a few times

 

Chefs table looks great

 

PA system on deck could not hear a thing captain said, but the overall

 

sound system seems good for muts, and for cruise staff stuff just not from the bridge

 

ship appears very stable no real rough weather to test her yet,

 

so far so good, nice little cruise,

 

would be more than happy to sail on this ship again which is good since we are doing the Caribbean on her next year hope air con is working better by then

 

yours Shogun

[msfish]

Thank you for all the info, have a safe and happy cruise!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Quick update looking at shipping news thought Guernsey was a 50/50 that we would not get in, well this morning was up early great time to explore the ship, was watching the white caps on the waves and the pilot boat gtting tossed about like a cork on the waves, and sure enough Captain has just said sory folks to risky to try and tender, expect a lot of first time cruisers will complain, however anyone who has ever tender would know there was never any chance of us getting ashore in these conditions, but at least he came had a look we saw the island, will just have to come back another time.

 

Trying the hot breakfast room service this morning.

 

yours Shogun

[juakkers]

Morning everyone!

 

Sorry for not posting again earlier but after raving in my post about the technology, the Internet didn't work all evening - even for my iPhone!

 

As shogun says, tv's not working either. Hope mr caluri can get his spanner out for all of us!

 

As we knew might happen , the captain has just announced that guernsey is cancelled due to high winds and swells, but we were probably planning to stay on the ship anyway.

 

Even though the seas have roughed up a bit, as shogun says the ship seems incredibly stable, I would say more so than the others, but we are going very slowly so hard to tell

 

Julie

[SassySpokane]

Good morning to you three! Loving the live reports. Enjoy your sea day aboard since Guernsey is a no go. I finally watched Shoguns love boat video. So fun! You must sail Alaska. We did it last August and loved it. Definitely go in late season if you want warmer Alaskan weather. Have a great day and will catch up in the morning. (Currently almost midnight here in Washington State).

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Stu K]

Great updates every one thanks and ENJOY!

 

Only one question has shogun got his skindoo (spell it wrong i'm sure) back yet. Hey im only half Scottish by marriage!

 

Stu K

[juakkers]

Haha I see shogun and I posted at exactly the same time!

 

Anyway, some more random bits of info/ impressions:

 

As shogun says- last night was very dressed up but maybe that is because of the nature of this 'special' cruise. We had no problems finding a seat in crooners and there was loads of space in the dining room too. In fact here has been lots of space everywhere so far - even the HC had room on the terrace at the back for lunch yesterday

 

Am still not sure if I like the new HC- pros and ons I think.. It is much bigger so there is more space while getting your food but its so big that I think it's quite hard to scope out your options!

 

Also the pastry shop just looked to have the usual desserts fro th IC at no charge in there yesterday. I didn't see a chocolate fountain or anything like that so can't comment at the moment.

 

Forgive me if someone has posted details of this before, but I hadn't heard about it- the patter yesterday was offering a 'winemakers dinner' "our wine-making partners have developed some unique wine and food pairing events for you to in the Concerto wine room"

We were sat right by this area at dinner last night and it looks like a mini chefs table room with a large oval table surrounded by wine racks (my sort of place ;) ). No prices mentioned.

 

We sat at one of the many tables for two in the MDR and I liked it because there was plenty of space between us and the next table. It wasn't one of those where you are so close to another couple that you might as well be on a table for 4. I sat on the 'banquette' bench seat and it was very comfortable.

 

The shower pressure in our cabin is fine but the water is lukewarm. I guess they still have a few teething problems there too.

 

We do indeed still have hard copy of the patter as well as the digital one.

 

Guess we will spend the day exploring again. I need to give the HC a proper try. In fact I need to sample the pizza, burgers, gelato etc etc. all in the name of research you understand! ;)

 

Thanks all for your good wishes -we are indeed having a great trip

 

Julie

[MauiLvrs]

Guess we will spend the day exploring again. I need to give the HC a proper try. In fact I need to sample the pizza, burgers, gelato etc etc. all in the name of research you understand! ;)Julie

Julie,

Now that is funny;)

[erewhon]

Interesting to read the "Live from" posts.

Thank you.

[perfect match]

Thanks to all who are taking the time to post live reports. I am enjoying cruising along with you.

[seabourndt]

soorry to hear guernsey in cancelled we were very lucky but with the buses on strike not easy. no stamps, no tv till last night hope they get it sorted soon. enjoy the cruise thanks for posting live!

dave

[Roysan]

Just had muster drill and am enjoying the sail away. Said hello to Mr & Mrs Shogun as they enjoy a beer

 

Back to the Horizon court for a moment, one addition I really like is wash bowls at each entrance. Not sure they will get much use but a really good idea.

 

One aspect of the ship that puzzles me is the number of pools. There is the main pool with two hot tubs and an adult only pool which is very nice with som comfy shaded sunbirds but that's it. I expect this may be an issue on those Caribbean cruise but who knows.

Forward of the adult pool is a simply stunning sanctuary. Pay by half day or full day to rent a sumptuous cabana complete with tv! Amazing. This area was very well appointed.

Next lotus spa. The quality of design, facilities and finish is remarkable. There are two 'couples apartments' one larger than the other. These are for couples treatments and have beds, sofa, tv and a designer bath.

The main spa area contains a special pool with hydro features, multiple types of showers, sauna, steam bath.,, all very high class. Only problem is that it is on deck 5 with few windows.

More later

 

( formal night tonight, with champagne waterfall. Gaynor is spoilt for choice on the dinner menu)

 

Just played love boat on the ships horns and played the opening sequence from the tv show on the big screen.

Moving now so we are off !!!! Don't you just love cruising ;)

 

 

Sent from Russ and Gaynor Aboard the Royal Princess !!

Hi aimhigh, I was on the ship 12/6 and I seem to remember the two pools in the main deck area and the other in the retreat area which had a shallow end,[much to the relief of the wife, lol] i thought that was a free area? The attendant in the Sanctuary said it was $80 for half day:mad: in Cabana! to much for me!!

We will be on the ship 5/7 for 12 nights, so looking forward to it with a positive view! great to read your posts keep them coming!:)