Live From The Royal Princess

[juakkers]

Some quick answers before I pack - sadly we are only on for the two nights :(

 

HC coffee - I haven't seen any machines that aren't self serve. The picture of the new silver machines that was posted somewhere before is what there is in the 'coffee stations' and they are all serve yourself. I really wish there were some fresh bean ones - if these are they then they taste like the syrup even if they aren't! Sorry not to be more positive. As I said before - it is better than it was.

 

Intranet- as caribill said it is complimentary. There is other info about the boat eg opening times etc as well as the patters, account details etc. nice to have

 

I'm not in a balcony under the skywalk so can't speak for 'looking up' but downwards they are very overlooked. I took a picture which I will try and post when I get home. Princess say that the old jut-out balconies were overlooked so its no different, but for me it's that these are a lot closer to those peering in and it's not just from directly overhead but almost from the side. I tried to look into a room (just to see how bad it was!) but not surprisingly they all had their net curtains shut even though it was the middle of the day. Personally I'd only have one if they were cheaper.

 

Alfredo's - will post menus when I'm hope. For now I'll just say that I think it's perfect as an alternate dining venue. You can now have a lovely 3 courses in a smart casual environment which is far nicer than the HC for an evening venue. Food was excellent and it's also bigger than the Alfredo's on the grand so again wasn't crowded

 

Sorry I didn't get any photos there because I forgot my phone but I have the menu details etc

 

Julie

[#1winelover]

To ALL our live and on-the-scene "reporters!" Thank you very much for all the candid and timely reports on the new Royal Princess. Just like your latest version of a software product, there WILL be bugs that need to be worked out. But that doesn't mean you'll trash your computer! ;-) And thanks to all of you seasoned travelers that are subjecting yourself to this NEW adventure, sharing it with all of us, and enjoying the excitement of it all!! One thing I have NOT see yet is a review of Crooners Lounge!!! I typically spend a "bit" of time there <blush> and would like to get some impressions from anyone who has enjoyed that venue!! Thanks in advance.

[cruiserjanet]

The first two cruises (those sailing this week) were not originally scheduled. They apparently finished ahead of schedule and decided to add a couple 2-day cruises prior to the official maiden voyage. That is most likely the reason for the unexpected issues. It's a chance you take when booking a preview cruise.

 

Thank you. This makes sense. How exciting to be on a new ship though where the mattress isn't flat and the carpet is clean, etc.

[FoghornLeghorn]

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

 

:D

 

Thanks, Mom :D

I really enjoyed that.

 

Shogun had stated last year when I was on a TA in April that he would probably come down to the port and see the Grand Princess....I missed him.

 

Loved the interview with Mr and Mrs Shogun!

[Cruisin' Chick]

It's interesting to hear about a pre-inaugural cruise. When we were on the then-new (third month of sailing) Sapphire, we were thrilled to discover our waiter had been our assistant waiter on the Star. She was telling us that a few months before, they had a shake down cruise without nonpaying guests (maybe Princess personnel and TAs, I can't remember that detail) from the shipyard in Japan to Los Angeles. This was the crew members' chance to form working relationships with those they were in a team with (waitstaffs, etc.). So I guess during that time, all the little fix-it needs were determined and fixed before the first "real" cruise, the repo up to Seattle. Everything was working fine by our cruise.

[caribill]

Just like your latest version of a software product, there WILL be bugs that need to be worked out. But that doesn't mean you'll trash your computer! ;-)

 

Examples of bugs that will be worked out:

a) TV sets not working

b) Shower water not warm enough

c) Air conditioning not keeping cabin cool enough

 

Examples of design features that will not be worked out:

a) No center public stairway above deck 7

b) Only one USA type electrical outlet at the cabin desk

c) Smaller balconies (compared to Grand class) for most balcony cabins and mini-suites

[Lynda90]

As Peter says you can easily stand four alongside. You can also put the chair from the room out and still manouvere ok. You could physically get 4 of the balcony chairs out there if you put them in a tight row and sat upright. This would give you a 1ft space to get in and out of the door ( I've just been out and tried :) )

 

Not great but do-able just I think

Thank you for this information. Very helpful and definitely can live with it. Wanted to be able to include our friends for balcony time! That's good news! :p

[Northender]

Thanks to our Roving Reporters. Looking forward to any photos that may be posted.:):)

[Gimini281]

We have seen pictures of spin bikes in the preview videos as well as pictures sent by different people. I read somewhere that there will be spin classes during the cruises. Could somebody find out if there will be a fee for theses classes?

[rkacruiser]

I don't understand the information that says that there is no third elevator bank.

 

The deck plan I have clearly shows three elevator banks. The middle one being panoramic elevators plus the regular ones in that area.

 

Explain please. Are the deck plans in error?

[Pia1913]

We have seen pictures of spin bikes in the preview videos as well as pictures sent by different people. I read somewhere that there will be spin classes during the cruises. Could somebody find out if there will be a fee for theses classes?

 

There is always a charge for spin classes - $12 or $15. Then there are packages if you buy several classes which reduces the per class fee.

[Pia1913]

I don't understand the information that says that there is no third elevator bank.

 

The deck plan I have clearly shows three elevator banks. The middle one being panoramic elevators plus the regular ones in that area.

 

Explain please. Are the deck plans in error?

 

Yes there are three elevator banks. What is not accessible are the center stairs above deck 7.

[kathywin53]

Thanks to everyone who is posting on this exciting thread.

Julie especially regarding the Marina desk cabin. I was hoping the cabin would have sun and not be too noisy from above. Your post confirms this..thanks.

[cruise pup]

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

 

trouble with that shaver outlet in the bathroom is that it is low voltage and although your plug may fit it might not supply enough juice. it's trial and error so good luck. and thanks for the report. I am sooooo jealous.

[casavaha]

How is the dancing in the Atrium? I know about the band. But how is the dancing?

Many people? Are they having fun?

 

Greg

[shopperwhite]

Who is the piano player in crooners? Thanks

[smoosh21]

Yes there are three elevator banks. What is not accessible are the center stairs above deck 7.

 

What are the "Panoramic Lifts" looking at?

from the deck plans, it appears that they are looking at a wall

[rdsqrl]

What are the "Panoramic Lifts" looking at?

from the deck plans, it appears that they are looking at a wall

They look out over the Piazza, same as on all the other Princess ships. There are only two panoramic lifts; the other four lifts (the square ones on the deck plan) are regular cars -- those may be the ones you're talking about.

[juakkers]

Morning all

 

We have just got off the royal. Disembarkation was easy but then we were in the first group off and carrying our own bags. There was an option to have your luggage taken off for you if you couldn't manage it yourself but the standard was 'walk it off'

 

Just wanted to say thanks to you all for participating in this thread. I've really enjoyed being part of the excitement :)

 

Hope shogun and the others staying on enjoy the maiden just as much as I have this little taste!

 

One benefit of being back on land is that I now have 3G - bliss after ship Internet. I will answer a few more questions that I've missed as I sit here in the car on the way home and try to set about the photos later

 

Julie

[juakkers]

Are there balcony dinners?

Bernadette

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Not advertised on the 2 dayer but I'm presuming this will change.

[juakkers]

Thanks to all of you who are taking the time to post live for all of us.

 

Could you please find out which areas of the Promenade deck are smoking? I'm on the Emerald deck starboard side midship where one of the open areas is below & wondering if there are going to be smokers right underneath my balcony? Also in case I'm able to change my cabin could you also find out which of the other areas are smoking on the promenade deck?

 

Thanks so much & enjoy your cruise!!

 

Sorry - missed this question while I was on the boat. I spent quite a bit of time on both sections of the starboard prom deck. There were no ashtrays out and no one smoking so I'm guessing you will be fine.

 

Perhaps one of those still on can confirm the official areas

[Shogun]

Hi

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[strummer]

Hi

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Hi :)

[juakkers]

Did you go see a show at Princess Live! I am wondering how that venue is, it sounds like it could be very interesting

 

It is very much what they advertise it as - an intimate tv studio type room. There are loads of lights hanging down from the low ceiling and tv cameras around etc.

 

I think it works well for stuff that wouldn't fill a larger venue as it gives a better atmosphere than half empty big venue. However it felt a little bit claustrophobic to me, but that's just personal taste.

 

Wake show was definitely better with a 'live' audience

[juakkers]

Thank you very much! You're definitely dedicated if you're spending an hour working out on such a short cruise, LOL.

 

Oh yes - I too am a 'gym rat' - but then I have to be when I love food 'research' as much as I do ;)