LIVE from the Royal Princess - 30 days, Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale - 9/27 - 10/27

[dmwnc1959]

My impressions and experiences on the Royal so far...

 

Hi Amelia,

 

Thanks for the update. I'm so sorry to hear that things are going so wrong for you on the ship. :(

[janetz]

Thank you so much Pia for the Enclave information. DH and I always do a couples so this is good. Saves a little. :)

Enjoy your day!

Edited October 5, 2013 by janetz

[ibfern]

Hi Amelia,

 

Thanks for the update. I'm so sorry to hear that things are going so wrong for you on the ship. :(

 

It's OK, there's plenty of things going well! Thanks for the kind words...

[Shogun]

Hi these

 

Only bridge annoument s should come into cabin however you should get them on one of the TV channels l hate having to run and open my cabin door to get info

 

Yours Shogun

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Forums mobile ap

[partymaker]

Amelia and Pia....I am enjoying reading your posts each day. We will be on the Royal next month with our whole family.....can you PLEASE tell me if there is a table that will hold 11 people in the main dining room???? We don't want to be separated and I would appreciate the info.

Karen

[carib]

Pia,

 

Shucks!! There goes Starbucks.

 

I am sorry you had to miss your port today.

 

I have been enjoying your and Amelia's daily posts.

[silvercruiser]

ibfern...regarding luggage repair, I was told on two different Princess cruises to bring the damaged piece of luggage to the pursers desk and they'd send it up to luggage repair. I never knew that luggage repair even existed, but it does and a wheel was replaced one time. The second time a hotel employee on a side trip in New Zealand had ruined the handle, forcing it down so it wouldn't work and that too was repaired.

I wouldn't have known about this, but I'd mentioned it at the desk and was told that it could be fixed right there on the ship. Does this fall into the category of Secrets They Don't Want You To Know?

[sunsetbeachgal]

Amelia and Pia....I am enjoying reading your posts each day. We will be on the Royal next month with our whole family.....can you PLEASE tell me if there is a table that will hold 11 people in the main dining room???? We don't want to be separated and I would appreciate the info.

Karen

 

We ate in the Concerto Anytime Dining Room And there were were some large oval tables that would accommodate 12 very close by to us....assume there are more...I would see the Maître D' upon boarding and discuss it with him/.her.

Edited October 5, 2013 by sunsetbeachgal

[chamima]

My impressions and experiences on the Royal so far...

 

When I boarded this ship I immediately fell in love with many features. I really like the rooms, although they are small they are designed pleasantly. The showers are larger, and there is a step in them that enables me to shave my legs. The TV is huge and the system is great because you can choose what you want to watch, when you want to watch it.

 

There is no longer an elite set up, don't expect any Q tips. Cotton balls, lip balm, nail files, loofa scrub, and anything else they used to leave for us elites. They also no longer give us upgraded towels, and there are also no moe bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. There are shampoo and body gel dispensers in the showers, and they give tubes of them as well once but they do not replace them.

 

Our toilet was not working very well the day we boarded and by the next day it had completely stopped flushing. I reported it early in the morning, then went off on an excursion and we we returned in the late afternoon it still was not flushing. I guess they are not cleaning the toilets daily? I had to call again, and again to get the toilet working. Our friends are having a problem with their toilet as well.

 

Our luggage was damaged by Princess at the port an some of my clothing fell out or got taken. I filled out a damage and loss report and was told that I should handle it with Princess once I get home. You know what that means, I will have to hassle with them and if I don't give up, I might get the cost of the luggage replaced. Meanwhile, I will have to take it upon myself to buy new luggage somewhere along this cruise so I can get home!

 

The traditional dining room is very closed in and the open concept is gone. We were assigned to a dark corner, facing an ugly wall, and had to leave that dining room for one of the anytime dining rooms because I can't stand being closed in like that.

 

The web cam in my room does not have the announcements, I've reported it several times and it still does not work. I have to open the door to the hall in order to hear the announcements, and we keep missing important announcements.

 

We missed the port of Kusadasi today but nobody could hear the announcements because the string quartet did not stop playing. There are still many kinks and problems with this ship that need to be ironed out!

 

 

 

Amelia

I'm glad you can say you're still having a nice cruise.

What cabin are you in?

It sounds like maybe you just have a bad steward!

[GweninTX]

If you cannot get your luggage repaired while on board, be sure and get a claim form from Princess. We had 2 pieces totally destroyed by forklifts - pierced our luggage and destroyed. I found Princess very easy and fair to work with. I had a check in 6 weeks from turning in my claim for brand new pieces.

[sashas_mom]

Thanks, Pia. I did see your post yesterday but thought it must pertain to something else. I'm the one who is coordinating the song, so appreciate the message.

 

See you next week.

Eileen

[2 to cruise]

My big suitcase was damaged on the Grand in May. When we went down to mention it, they had us bring it down and the next day they brought it back and you couldn't even see where it had been repaired. Don't know the extent of your damage, but might be worth it to see if they can fix it.

 

Guess we will find out this morning how well it will hold up as we are leaving on the Sapphire.....hopefully it will come through okay.:)

[whatcruiseisnext]

There is no longer an elite set up, don't expect any Q tips. Cotton balls, lip balm, nail files, loofa scrub, and anything else they used to leave for us elites. They also no longer give us upgraded towels, and there are also no moe bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. There are shampoo and body gel dispensers in the showers, and they give tubes of them as well once but they do not replace them

.

 

We were on the Royal in July. We had the set up. I think it is your steward.....not the Royal. Also it had been well documented that the Royal had dispensers in the shower so that should not have been a surprise. If you are not getting bar soap for the sink and lotion replensihed ....again I think it is a steward issue not a Royal issue.

[sashas_mom]

Sorry to hear about your luggage. I always travel with duct tape (one of those tips I got on CC). It's come in handy a few times. If you can't find luggage I'll be happy to supply you with duct tape:)

 

Eileen

[Pia1913]

My, how a day passes so quickly. With nothing to do, we managed to entertain ourselves. A revised Patter added the passenger feud game and an afternoon movie “Before Midnight.” “The Italian Job” was shown on MUTS (brrr out there) and a zumba class was done in Princess Live. I can’t imagine how they managed that one.

The Latin deck party was cancelled for tonight, since Capt. Draper said the winds would pick up some more. I think they will do something in the Piazza. Not sure. Also added for tonight will be a tribute to Frank Sinatra, performed by the Royal Princess band.

　

Our afternoon consisted of watching The Big Wedding on our cabin TV and then a little bit of casino. The big gambler (me), lost $6.00. I wanted to play 3 card poker, but the table only had two playing and I like to play with a full or at least almost full complement.

As an aside, we have the perfect room steward, no toilet problems, no holes in laundry (hahaha), no damaged luggage and announcements can be heard. When the port was cancelled you didn't need to open your door, because it came right into the cabin as all important announcements do. We love the ship and we're having a wonderful time. Even thought we keep losing at trivia; most times by one. ;)

Nothing else of value to say. See you tomorrow in Athens.

[traveling1969]

Hello from the Royal,

 

First, some info for "louden": the restaurant is called La Nuova Torretta at Piazza A. Saffi, 22. They were handing out maps at the exit from the port and you should be able to find it OK. It's about an 8 or 9 block walk from the port.

 

Mykonos was great. It's been 34 years since our last visit there and not surprisingly it's changed quite a bit. Many more deluxe shops and fewer mom and pop type places. Still very nice though. We had a gyro and wine for lunch and enjoyed petting all the local kittys!

 

We attended the Chef's Table Lumiere but I must say it was a disappointment. We did the Chef's Table on the Emerald T/A in the spring and it was much better. First we did the galley (hand washing of course but no white coats). We stood in a small alcove and were given champagne. Before we could enjoy more than a sip we were handed a plate with 4 appetizers with no explanation of what they were. There wasn't a convenient place to set our champagne while we ate. there was NO second pour. On the Emerald, we stood around a galley table and as each appetizer was served we were told about it and given time to savor it. Champagne was continually refilled and following that we toured the galley. There was no galley tour on the Royal. From there to the dining room where we were seated at the Lumiere table. It was quite nice and more amenable to table conversation. The food , while good, was not up to the standard on the Emerald. Wine accompanied each course but once again, no refills and the amount given was meager. I must say we were expecting more from the Royal. If you have done the Chef's table on other ships then our advice is to find another way to spend you hard-earned money.

 

We really enjoyed Istanbul; much cleaner and safer than we had imagined. We took a ship's tour and it was great.

 

As you've heard, we were unable to stop at Kusadasi but we enjoyed the pub lunch and a nice leisurely day at sea. More later. Trying to conserve those internet minutes!

 

PS: a shoutout to others on this cruise. Does anyone know what happened at the trivia in Club 6 after the meet and greet??? DW got a call that evening asking if she would be willing to complete a "Witness Statement" regarding the incident. She was dumbfounded as neither of us were there. When she told them that the reply was "sorry" but nothing else.

 

 

Harry and Joyce

[Woobstr112G]

Hello from the Royal,

 

First, some info for "louden": the restaurant is called La Nuova Torretta at Piazza A. Saffi, 22. They were handing out maps at the exit from the port and you should be able to find it OK. It's about an 8 or 9 block walk from the port.

 

Mykonos was great. It's been 34 years since our last visit there and not surprisingly it's changed quite a bit. Many more deluxe shops and fewer mom and pop type places. Still very nice though. We had a gyro and wine for lunch and enjoyed petting all the local kittys!

 

We attended the Chef's Table Lumiere but I must say it was a disappointment. We did the Chef's Table on the Emerald T/A in the spring and it was much better. First we did the galley (hand washing of course but no white coats). We stood in a small alcove and were given champagne. Before we could enjoy more than a sip we were handed a plate with 4 appetizers with no explanation of what they were. There wasn't a convenient place to set our champagne while we ate. there was NO second pour. On the Emerald, we stood around a galley table and as each appetizer was served we were told about it and given time to savor it. Champagne was continually refilled and following that we toured the galley. There was no galley tour on the Royal. From there to the dining room where we were seated at the Lumiere table. It was quite nice and more amenable to table conversation. The food , while good, was not up to the standard on the Emerald. Wine accompanied each course but once again, no refills and the amount given was meager. I must say we were expecting more from the Royal. If you have done the Chef's table on other ships then our advice is to find another way to spend you hard-earned money.

 

We really enjoyed Istanbul; much cleaner and safer than we had imagined. We took a ship's tour and it was great.

 

As you've heard, we were unable to stop at Kusadasi but we enjoyed the pub lunch and a nice leisurely day at sea. More later. Trying to conserve those internet minutes!

 

PS: a shoutout to others on this cruise. Does anyone know what happened at the trivia in Club 6 after the meet and greet??? DW got a call that evening asking if she would be willing to complete a "Witness Statement" regarding the incident. She was dumbfounded as neither of us were there. When she told them that the reply was "sorry" but nothing else.

 

 

Harry and Joyce

 

Harry & Joyce;

Wow, that doesn't sound too good regarding the CT. I agree for the increased price in a totally new environment, I would have also thought the experience would be much better. On the Emerald (2008) and the Golden (2011) the wine/champagne flowed freely. Your comments might make me rethink my wanting to experience it.

Bob

Edited October 5, 2013 by Woobstr112G

[CruiseKing]

We attended the Chef's Table Lumiere but I must say it was a disappointment. We did the Chef's Table on the Emerald T/A in the spring and it was much better. First we did the galley (hand washing of course but no white coats). We stood in a small alcove and were given champagne. Before we could enjoy more than a sip we were handed a plate with 4 appetizers with no explanation of what they were. There wasn't a convenient place to set our champagne while we ate. there was NO second pour. On the Emerald, we stood around a galley table and as each appetizer was served we were told about it and given time to savor it. Champagne was continually refilled and following that we toured the galley. There was no galley tour on the Royal. From there to the dining room where we were seated at the Lumiere table. It was quite nice and more amenable to table conversation. The food , while good, was not up to the standard on the Emerald. Wine accompanied each course but once again, no refills and the amount given was meager. I must say we were expecting more from the Royal. If you have done the Chef's table on other ships then our advice is to find another way to spend you hard-earned money.

Sorry to hear it was not an enjoyable time. I wonder if these are the new guidelines for the Chef's Table or it is the Maitre'D. Who was the Maitre'D on your Emerald TA?

[louden]

Hello from the Royal,

 

First, some info for "louden": the restaurant is called La Nuova Torretta at Piazza A. Saffi, 22. They were handing out maps at the exit from the port and you should be able to find it OK. It's about an 8 or 9 block walk from the port.

 

 

Dear Joyce & Harry

 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. We'll definitely try to find it. Sorry to hear about your disappointing dinner. Information like this is so helpful in making decisions.

 

Cheers

 

Louden

 

Louise & Dennis

[ibfern]

ibfern...regarding luggage repair, I was told on two different Princess cruises to bring the damaged piece of luggage to the pursers desk and they'd send it up to luggage repair. I never knew that luggage repair even existed, but it does and a wheel was replaced one time. The second time a hotel employee on a side trip in New Zealand had ruined the handle, forcing it down so it wouldn't work and that too was repaired.

I wouldn't have known about this, but I'd mentioned it at the desk and was told that it could be fixed right there on the ship. Does this fall into the category of Secrets They Don't Want You To Know?

 

If you cannot get your luggage repaired while on board, be sure and get a claim form from Princess. We had 2 pieces totally destroyed by forklifts - pierced our luggage and destroyed. I found Princess very easy and fair to work with. I had a check in 6 weeks from turning in my claim for brand new pieces.

 

Thanks for your advice, I am aware if their luggage repair but I don't think mine can be fixed. They will try to get me something to get me home, well first to my other cabin for the TA, then home. I hate hassling for stuff but alas that seems my only choice. I know stuff happens, I'll go with the flow and hope for Princess highest and best!

[ibfern]

.

 

We were on the Royal in July. We had the set up. I think it is your steward.....not the Royal. Also it had been well documented that the Royal had dispensers in the shower so that should not have been a surprise. If you are not getting bar soap for the sink and lotion replensihed ....again I think it is a steward issue not a Royal issue.

 

Well the royal hired and trained the room steward, it's not only the royals issue, it' soon will be yours if you get on soon!

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Was hoping to hear the chefs table was getting better as we did number 3,

 

however sounds like no improvement,

 

Bob, my advise is take pics f the chefs table but book yourself the

 

wine makers diner.

 

 

yours Shogun

[CruzNut7]

Has anyone tried the intranet? Would think they would have posted about the cancellation of the port - among other things!

Was thinking of carrying my Kindle Fire HD with me but maybe just the Patter will handle all I need to know.

Thanks.

[Mikeyto]

Has anyone tried the intranet? Would think they would have posted about the cancellation of the port - among other things!

 

Was thinking of carrying my Kindle Fire HD with me but maybe just the Patter will handle all I need to know.

 

Thanks.

 

I would be curious to know the answer to this as well. I also have a Kindle Fire that I will be taking with me. Thanks!

[jrljel]

Do you know if the Sanctuary is accessible? Thanks.