LIVE from the Royal Princess 4/6/14-4/13/14

[kywildcatfanone]

Ken,

 

Thanks again for your wonderful review of each day and answering folks questions. We got off when you got on and I miss it a lot. :p Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

[Snorkel Dawg]

Greetings from the Beautiful Royal Princess in St. Maarten! What a beautiful day here in the island, weather is still a little windy, but the sun is out, the water is 10 different shades of blue and you can see the bottom at 50 feet.

 

A little about last night, a little tired for the kayaking excursion we had planned to do little. Turns out, that’s just what we did! After a meal in the HC we opted to return to the cabin and call it an early night. I wanted to also mention how wonderful the staff are in the HC, they greet you and are at your table as soon as you sit to take your drink order, someone is doing something right in that department!

 

We did watch Captain Phillips in our room on the 40 inch Samsung and had a nice quiet night, sometimes required, even on a cruise! Satellite TV is definitely not HD, although I believe the in room movies are. Either way the television fits the needs for us, still wish it was more centered in the room. For those that always ask on the boards, I can find no inputs or jacks with the feel of my hand in the rear of the television, I would not count on being able to view photo or playing movies form your video camera. Did I mention the pillows on board are great!

 

Up early this morning and as we do on every day we leave the ship early, we had breakfast delivered. This is an easy way to get the day off to a quick start without any stress. Sure miss our night-side alarm clock, we usually bring our digital alarm clock from home, however, somehow we forgot to bring it this time. The breakfast delivery also serves as our back up wake-up call!

 

Met the 27 people from our roll call at 8:00 AM at the International Café, today was our group excursion on-board the Swalgia 2! All the hype on the cruise critic boards and TripAdvisor did not disappoint and we had a wonderful 4hour boat trip on the Caribbean side of the island, swimming and snorkeling. Everyone seemed to enjoy their time aboard and I will write more on the excursion on the proper board upon my return.

 

After a quick bite and a change of clothes back at the ship we hit a very hot downtown St. Maarten picking up some souvenirs and our allotment of alcohol. We were anxious to get back to the ship for some air-conditioning and cold drinks. We will watch our sail away from the sundeck tonight as I still not have heard the “love boat” horns.

 

Dave – Still have not decided if this ship is too big for us, we are so used to the grand class ships and will make a decision after the trip.

 

Dawg – I did have a Red Stripe for you today, and a Presidente, and a Corona………….. too bad Keith lives so far away, sound like his fridge is packed!

 

Caribill - The are two “Welcome Aboard” Shows on the first night of the cruise, one at 8:30 and one at 10:30!

 

LTCOP – Found out what LTCOP means and the wife and I had a nice day today with your daughter.

 

Drives like Mario – Passed your greetings along as well!

John – Let all know that you are with us on the boards, hope we can cruise with you soon!

 

More tomorrow, we have some sea day coming up!

 

Cheers!

Ken

 

Hooray beer my friend, hooray beer!

[Colo Cruiser]

Have a great sailaway and evening! :)

[LTCOP]

Ken,

 

I can't wait to hear the details of the excursion today:-) Alex was really looking forward to it!

 

That CC name has gotten me such grief from my kids:-) I think it's quite clever:-)

 

Enjoy your sea days!!! And so enjoying your daily reports! Tell Alex to write more:-)

 

Pam

[gr82cu2]

I'm definitely enjoying your live review. We board her in 17 days for the transatlantic. Can't wait!

[kendon]

[quote name='Snorkel Dawg']Reading this thread makes me want to have a Red Stripe :)[/QUOTE]

Love it!!

[A1A]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"]Sailaway last night was fun as our ship blared out the love boat theme as the Celebrity Summit blew back her horn and their passengers cheered and clapped when the Royal blared out the love boat theme for the third time.

Well another beautiful day with nearly flat seas and sunny skies. The gym is waiting and so is breakfast in the HC. Going to try the Pub Lunch today and explore the ship a little more.

There is a small notice in the Patter today reminding passengers that any belongings left on chairs at the pool will be removed by crew after 30 minutes time. Today's list of activities include Mr. Sexy Legs Contest, Singles & Solos Luncheon, Pop Choir Rehearsal, Party Bridge Play, Knitter's and Crafters Get Together and Snowball Jackpot Bingo.

Tonight is also a formal night, so there will be plenty to do.

Cheers!
Ken[/SIZE][/FONT] Edited April 11, 2014 by A1A

[chamima]

[quote name='A1A'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"]Sailaway last night was fun as our ship blared out the love boat theme as the Celebrity Summit blew back her horn and their passengers cheered and clapped when the Royal blared out the love boat theme for the third time.



Today's list of activities include Mr. Sexy Legs Contest,[B][U][COLOR="Red"] Singles & Solos Luncheon,[/COLOR][/U][/B] Pop Choir Rehearsal, Party Bridge Play, Knitter's and Crafters Get Together and Snowball Jackpot Bingo.

Tonight is also a formal night, so there will be plenty to do.

Cheers!
Ken[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Is it just me or does anyone else wonder why this is held on the second to last day of the cruise.
If I were single and traveling solo I might appreciate that lunch a LOT more at the beginning of the cruise! :rolleyes:

[balcony bum]

Hi Ken happy to here that the weather has been great and enjoy your 2 sea days . we have friends on this cruise that was going with us I hope they take A lot of pics cant wait to see the ship.

[Colo Cruiser]

Looks like a grand day onboard the Royal!

[IMG]http://webcam.princess.com/webcam/royal_bridge.jpg[/IMG]

[dsawyer]

[quote name='A1A'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"]Sailaway last night was fun as our ship blared out the love boat theme as the Celebrity Summit blew back her horn and their passengers cheered and clapped when the Royal blared out the love boat theme for the third time.

Well another beautiful day with nearly flat seas and sunny skies. The gym is waiting and so is breakfast in the HC. Going to try the Pub Lunch today and explore the ship a little more.

There is a small notice in the Patter today reminding passengers that any belongings left on chairs at the pool will be removed by crew after 30 minutes time. Today's list of activities include Mr. Sexy Legs Contest, Singles & Solos Luncheon, Pop Choir Rehearsal, Party Bridge Play, Knitter's and Crafters Get Together and Snowball Jackpot Bingo.

Tonight is also a formal night, so there will be plenty to do.

Cheers!
Ken[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]


How did you like the pub lunch? We were on the ship a few weeks ago and the day we tried the fish and chips, the breading on the fish was soggy and greasy. I'm hoping we just hit a bad day and the fish is now back to being prepared properly. Thanks for your update.


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[A1A]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"]Another great day on the Royal Princess with more great weather! The winds are behind us on the way back as we both are traveling at 20 knots, there is barley any wind on deck today and it is a little hot to camp out at the pool all day. So as far as chair hogging goes today, not too bad, if you wanted a chair somewhere you could find one with patience. We were able to grab some loungers at the retreat pool in the front of the ship. Due to the heat we lasted all of 90 minutes. I suppose some folks feel that there is a fee for this pool, however, the only fee is for the cabanas which were not all occupied.

Went to the traditional pub lunch today in the crown grill and the food was good, but not great. Seems as though the fish we had sat for a bit at the bottom of a serving pan and was a little greasy. I simply peeled my batter off the fish and ate it that way, probably a more healthy way to eat it anyway. The fries were not too hot, but serving the masses comes with glitches. This did not ruin our lunch as we ate what we wanted and went to the HC for some salad afterwards. Another Observation in the HC - The Crab Shack doesn't seem to be well attended, maybe it's the cover charge.

We watched the vegetable carving demonstration in the piazza after lunch and then went to the onboard outlet sale in the Symphony Dining Room, no deals at all here for us, T-Shirts starting at $16.99 were not tempting enough for me to purchase. Lots of people there not sure how folks purchase at these prices, oh well, I guess someone buys the stuff!

DW played a bit in the Casino this afternoon and I took some more photos of the ship. Did a bit more exploring including the sports areas on deck 17. Checked out the putt putt, shuffleboards, ping pong, shooting simulator and walking track. Also checked out the very short Promenade deck on the ship. Looking up from the Promenade I really don’t think the sky bride on deck 17 actually goes out over the sea, I may be wrong.

Report on the internet connection is that overall I am impressed on the speed after hearing some stories of poor internet speed, takes me about 2 minutes to go through the entire sign in process and then about 30 second to load a home page. Picking up some tips I found through Cruise Critic I always return to my browser when signing off and type in logout.com. I am using a laptop from my room and the connection is good. Only have used half of our complimentary internet minutes and have accomplished everything we have needed to do, I spend little internet time posting these updates by writing them on a word document and copy and pasting them to the boards as soon as I am connected and then signing out until the next day.

Getting ready for formal night and may check out the Princess Captains Circle Cocktail Party from 5:00 to 5:45 in the Vista Lounge on Deck 7. Sweet Soul Music is in the Princess Theater at 6:45 – 8:30 & 10:30 PM. Movies Under the Stars is The Hobbit : The Desolation of Smaug. Late Night Dancing on Deck 6 at Club 6.

Tomorrow is our last Sea Day then back to reality!

Cheers!
Ken
[/SIZE][/FONT]

[A1A]

[quote name='dsawyer']How did you like the pub lunch? We were on the ship a few weeks ago and the day we tried the fish and chips, the breading on the fish was soggy and greasy. I'm hoping we just hit a bad day and the fish is now back to being prepared properly. Thanks for your update.


Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"]Dorothy -
See my remarks from todays events, similar results!
Cheers
Ken[/SIZE][/FONT]

[A1A]

[quote name='chamima']Is it just me or does anyone else wonder why this is held on the second to last day of the cruise.
If I were single and traveling solo I might appreciate that lunch a LOT more at the beginning of the cruise! :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"]Sorry Karen, as I was only giving a summary each day from the Patter. I believe this is the second or third Singles & Solos meet. I know there was one on our first day at 7:30 in the Wheelhouse.
Cheers!
Ken[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Mom33]

We agree with you about the internet. Service was better then we expected. It would seem they have taken care of some of Royal's kinks. We had no problems with air conditioning or the elevators either.:D

[hockeygal54]

[quote name='Pam in CA']Thanks for the update. As for the Platinum/Elite lounge, you can order any of the six featured drinks any night. You are not limited to that drink that night. I often order a Brezza Marina or a Chairman of the Board no matter which drink is featured that night.[/QUOTE]

Question here....I am Platinum but my friend is Ruby on our next cruise. Can she be my guest @ this venue? We never made it to the lounge last month so didn't find out the answer first hand. We are in the same cabin.


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[dsawyer]

[quote name='A1A'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"]Dorothy -

See my remarks from todays events, similar results!

Cheers

Ken[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]


Looks like your pub lunch was about like mine. I was hoping it would improve. Thank you.


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[coops14]

Hi

Loving your report, it is giving us a great insight to The Royal. We are sailing for the first time in November and we are finding your report very helpful.
Thank you for posting

[momjicab]

Can we use cash on board? Or credit / debit cards? How do we pay for stuff on the ship?


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[Cruiselover1951]

[quote name='momjicab']Can we use cash on board? Or credit / debit cards? How do we pay for stuff on the ship?


Sent from my iPhone using Forums[/quote]

I hope you checked in on-line for your cruise in 2 days, but maybe not as if so you would have had to give Princess credit card information that then enables themv to give you a universal "sesame" card as in "opens all doors" real and figurative. Whenever you purchase anything, anywhere on the ship, you use this card, sign a slip, designate (a big?) drawer in your stateroom for the slipss and then on the last evening prior to disembarkation will receive a statement with all the purchases and the total amount which will be charged to the credit card you registered if you agree with the charges.

Cash is not used, as in, I have never seen it, though I am not quite sure what the policy is for the paxes who do not have CCs (i.e. for credit reasons) and purchases made on the day of disembarcation or after the final bill has been printed.

[tothemall&beyond]

[quote name='hockeygal54']Question here....I am Platinum but my friend is Ruby on our next cruise. Can she be my guest @ this venue? We never made it to the lounge last month so didn't find out the answer first hand. We are in the same cabin.


Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app[/quote]

No, I don't believe so, even though they're in same cabin. The only exception I have seen is for[I] family members[/I] who are sailing in same cabin as the Platinum or Elite member. Otherwise, just Platinum and Elite. Would defeat the purpose of rewarding Platinum's and Elite's for their loyalty if everyone could bring in friends who are Gold or Ruby. But they don't separate a family. Something for your friends to look forward to as they progress from Ruby to Platinum. Edited April 12, 2014 by tothemall&beyond

[tothemall&beyond]

I should add that there are the Captain's Circle parties to which all levels of Cpt's Circle members are invited. That's where you could request to be scheduled together.

[IECalCruiser]

[quote name='momjicab']Can we use cash on board? Or credit / debit cards? How do we pay for stuff on the ship?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums[/QUOTE]As Cruiselover1951 posted, all purchases made while on board will be with your cruise card. The only use for cash on board is if you want to provide an extra tip for any of the staff. With the $11.50 or $12.00 per person hotel charge added to your bill every night and the 15% gratuity added to all beverage and product purchases, you really don't need to have cash on board.



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[canadarocks]

[quote name='IECalCruiser']As Cruiselover1951 posted, all purchases made while on board will be with your cruise card. The only use for cash on board is if you want to provide an extra tip for any of the staff. With the $11.50 or $12.00 per person hotel charge added to your bill every night and the 15% gratuity added to all beverage and product purchases, you really don't need to have cash on board.



Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

Except maybe quarters for your laundry ;)

[Carolyn R]

[quote name='hockeygal54']Question here....I am Platinum but my friend is Ruby on our next cruise. Can she be my guest @ this venue? We never made it to the lounge last month so didn't find out the answer first hand. We are in the same cabin.


Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

Yes. If you are platinum/elite and your cabinmate is not, he/she may be your guest at all functions. Have a great cruise!