Princess to Add 19th Ship to Fleet

[Colo Cruiser]

I am just saying the top executives don't need to read these forums to be aware of any issues.

 

Of course they don't, they have little tiny underlings read them for them.

[bhopal21]

Of course they don't, they have little tiny underlings read them for them.

 

Is that where those trolls come from?:confused:

 

Mike:)

[billco]

Dwight Schrute came to my mind.

[kendon]

I myself was SO apprehensive about the newer class Princess ships and was sure I wouldn't ever set foot on one. Well, I gave in this past winter and was extremely pleased with the overall experience. Yes, there could be a center stairway, bigger balconies, and a wrap around promenade, but there were so many other positives. The Royal is a very elegant ship. Give it a chance. I'm glad I did...

[kendon]

Pam I have friends that have sailed with Princess for more years then I care to count. They also did the Royal and said it will be hard for them to go back to the other Princess ships. They were blown away by the new ship.

 

Soooo true!

[Iamcruzin]

Looking at current pricing as listed on a TA's web site. Does not factor in any past passenger discount for either cruise line. The extra taxes not included. These are for 7 nights out of Port Everglades.

 

Departing December 6, 2014

Oasis of the Seas -- Inside from $720; Balconies from $907

 

Departing December 7, 2014

Regal Princess -- Inside from $499; Balconies from $699

 

So, 5 year old Oasis has insides priced 44% higher than on the brand new Regal and balconies priced 29.7% higher than on the brand new Regal.

 

Departing December 6, 2014

Ruby Princess -- Inside from $599; Balconies from $899

 

So even the 6 year old Ruby can get higher pricing than the brand new Regal.

 

While I don't disagree with your point you are comparing apples to oranges.

The Oasis class ships are the only ships of it's kid. The 6000 passengers who sail those ships are a different demographic than the Princess passenger. The Oasis attracts those who want an amusement park at sea and right now Royal Caribbean is the only line that is providing that in the Caribbean although I think NCL is trying to play catch up. The Princess passenger want's Escape completely and exotic and historical ports of call. A larger ship isn't what the Princess passenger is necessarily looking for. From reading this board most seem to like the smaller older ships so even the idea of sailing on a new ship isn't enough to get people to book. The sky walk and the fountains are just a lame attempt at offering something new to the Princess fleet. Yes the atrium is larger and beautiful but it's still decorated in 50 shades of beige. While the atrium is larger and there are more lounges and restaurants there are also more passengers. Both Princess and Royal Caribbean sail dull itineraries in the Caribbean so the ship becomes the destination,which is why Royal Caribbean can fill the 6000 passenger Oasis class ships at a premium price and Princess has to struggle to fill a 3500 passenger ship. I think if the Regal and Royal would sail a more exotic Caribbean itinerary they would be able to fill the ship. St Thomas, St Maarten and Princess Cays wouldn't get me to book at a premium price. The Royal and Regal are just a larger version of the Grand class ships with some furniture rearranged.

Edited August 3, 2014 by Iamcruzin

[Avalon35]

The Royal has great Caribbean 10 day itineraries this winter. Some folks are doing a 20 day B2B and even a 30 dayer. B2 B2 B . (I am soooo jealous ) I compare Royal/ Regal to the Celebrity S class ships to which the old princess ships could not compare. In that comparison Princess is a good price performer. Celebrity and Princess have a similar demographic for those who like some dining options, new ships , etc. Speaking for myself I look forward to the newer ships with more on board options without all the hoopla of the Oasis, etc. I for one am looking forward to more new Princess ships to choose from.

 

 

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[caribill]

While I don't disagree with your point you are comparing apples to oranges.

The Oasis class ships are the only ships of it's kind.

 

But I also gave information about the Ruby vs. Regal costs for 7 days out of Port Everglades the same week.

 

I would think this is an apples-to-apples comparison.

 

The Ruby insides start at 20% higher than the Regal. The Ruby balconies start at 28.6% higher than the Regal.

 

When a six-year old ship commands higher pricing than the newest ship in the fleet, there must be something about the newer ship that is not attracting passengers as much as it should.

[Carolyn R]

So having an opinion different that someone else is a naysayer? Many of us have sailed the Royal/Regal design and do not like it. I do not see why we should be called naysayers.....

 

Bob

 

Don't put words in my mouth Bob. My definition of a naysayer is someone who has been saying what terrible ships the Royal and Regal are since the beginning without ever having sailed either.

[Cruise Junky]

Don't put words in my mouth Bob. My definition of a naysayer is someone who has been saying what terrible ships the Royal and Regal are since the beginning without ever having sailed either.

 

I don't think they're terrible ships. I think the balconies suck.

[hubofhockey]

While I don't disagree with your point you are comparing apples to oranges.

The Oasis class ships are the only ships of it's kid. The 6000 passengers who sail those ships are a different demographic than the Princess passenger. The Oasis attracts those who want an amusement park at sea and right now Royal Caribbean is the only line that is providing that in the Caribbean although I think NCL is trying to play catch up. The Princess passenger want's Escape completely and exotic and historical ports of call. A larger ship isn't what the Princess passenger is necessarily looking.

 

 

You're kidding yourself if you think Princess passengers don't go on the Oasis/Allure. Those ships appeal to everyone and most of our friends who cruise Princess have been on them. That's why they're so successful. I didn't go for any "amusement park" feel. I went for the vastly superior entertainment, dining choices, and other facilities on the ship. You speak of "Princess Passengers", but it seems more about you (and maybe others who like smaller ships an may not even be crazy about the Grand Class, the bread and butter of Princess).

[Iamcruzin]

You're kidding yourself if you think Princess passengers don't go on the Oasis/Allure. Those ships appeal to everyone and most of our friends who cruise Princess have been on them. That's why they're so successful. I didn't go for any "amusement park" feel. I went for the vastly superior entertainment, dining choices, and other facilities on the ship. You speak of "Princess Passengers", but it seems more about you (and maybe others who like smaller ships an may not even be crazy about the Grand Class, the bread and butter of Princess).

 

The point of my post was in the case of Royal Caribbean the ship is the destination and Princess hasn't done anything extremely different to make the ship the destination on a ho hum itinerary the way Royal Caribbean has done. Based on the same itinerary I would sail on the Oasis or Allure before I would sail on the Royal or Regal. I would also choose a Grand class ship over a new Princess ship based on itinerary as I really don't see much difference other than more food choices.

[Sunviking]

I find it incredible that two years (that's right 2 years :eek:) since I first saw discussions and disagreements about the Royal class of ships, there still seems to be a great deal of acrimony. We were eager to book the Royal for its maiden transatlantic, which we did on the first day. Once we looked at the deck plans we knew it was not the ship for us so we canceled. No, we don't need to try it to know that, because it is lacking so many of the things important to us when we cruise and we don't care about many of the new features it has. We've moved on and continue to cruise with a cruise for me and our DD this year on the Emerald and one for me and my DH next year on the Emerald. We've also sailed on Seabourn and will do so again in 2 months. I don't understand why both those who love the new ships and those who don't continue to insist that the others are wrong. There are so many ships to sail on and we can all choose what we like for whatever reasons we may have.

[lovevacadays]

I find it incredible that two years (that's right 2 years :eek:) since I first saw discussions and disagreements about the Royal class of ships, there still seems to be a great deal of acrimony. We were eager to book the Royal for its maiden transatlantic, which we did on the first day. Once we looked at the deck plans we knew it was not the ship for us so we canceled. No, we don't need to try it to know that, because it is lacking so many of the things important to us when we cruise and we don't care about many of the new features it has. We've moved on and continue to cruise with a cruise for me and our DD this year on the Emerald and one for me and my DH next year on the Emerald. We've also sailed on Seabourn and will do so again in 2 months. I don't understand why both those who love the new ships and those who don't continue to insist that the others are wrong. There are so many ships to sail on and we can all choose what we like for whatever reasons we may have.

 

Amen. Variety is the spice of life and it is truly wonderful that there are so many choices for cruisers.

[rdsqrl]

Don't put words in my mouth Bob. My definition of a naysayer is someone who has been saying what terrible ships the Royal and Regal are since the beginning without ever having sailed either.

I don't have to sail on it to know that it's terrible for not having any oceanview cabins. And I don't need to sail on it to know that I'd miss terribly my usual promenade deck experience. So?

 

And you say "naysayer" as though you think it's an insult that ought to shut down the debate. Mr. Merriam and Mr. Webster might disagree . . .

[waltd]

Amen. Variety is the spice of life and it is truly wonderful that there are so many choices for cruisers.

 

Agreed!

[Tuscan]

There have been other reviews on the forums. People are enjoying the Royal and the Regal. I know it doesn't make any sense to you, but if you actually cruised on either one, you might see why.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

I took a cruise on the Royal in 09/13 and I am one who would agree with the 66% Approval Rating on CC. I did not care for the layout and design of the ship and how it directly affected my cruise experience. Except for the HC improvements (which were GREAT), we found the remainder of the experience to be disappointing in many ways.

 

As such, I truly do not understand why Princess would continue to build ships within this class without substantive changes. For whatever the Princess reasoning may be to continue these new-builds, we won't be on them. That's just our opinion . . . and based upon experience.

[dmwnc1959]

I did not care for the layout and design of the ship...

 

 

For all intent and purposes the Royal-class and Grand-class aren't that much different in their general layouts:

 

- Main showrooms (Princess Theater and aft main showroom) are in the exact same place.

 

- Main Dining Rooms (all three of them) are in the same exact place.

 

- Atrium and it's three main venues (International Cafe, Vines, Crooners) are in the exact same locations.

 

- The gift shops are all pretty much in the same area.

 

- Not all Sabatini's and Crown Grill restaurants are in the same place on all Grand Class, nor are all casinos, however...

 

- The Casino is still basically in the same place.

 

- The three elevator banks are in the same place.

 

- The alternate entertainment venue (Princess Live) is in the exact same place as it's corresponding venue on the Grand-class ships.

 

- The main interior thoroughfare on Promenade Deck (from Princess Theater at the very front of the ship to the aft showroom at the stern) still runs along the same path.

 

- The main pool deck venues (Prego, Trident Grill, soft serve ice cream, Mermaids Tail bar) are all in the same general areas as on the Grand-class.

 

- The Horizon Court and Outrigger Bars are in the same place.

 

- The Sanctuary is in the exact same place.

 

Now, if you're more specific and say that that the new location of the Fitness Center wasn't where you'd like it to be, or the combination venue of the Crown Grill and Wheelhouse Bar doesn't work for you, or the atrium was too big for you, or the Spa location and Photo Gallery location was weird, then we have specifics. But that's all still just personal opinion.

 

I spent two weeks on Royal Princess and on Day 1 found it very easy to make my way around the ship. I'm sure having studied the deck plans for six months helped, but the general layouts of the Royal Princess really isn't that much different than Ruby Princess.

 

I didn't read through the entire 10 PAGES of this thread, but I'm sure it's the same Royal-class haters, lovers, and those in the middle that have "been there and enjoyed it, but still prefer the (insert name of favorite Princess ship)".

 

But as it was already mentioned, this 'war of words' has been going on for two years. And it's a sure fire bet nothing significant will change from the Regal Princess to this new build that will alter anyone's current state of mind about these ships.

 

And a question for Caribill:

 

Do you think maybe the lower entry cost of Regal Princes while sailing in the Caribbean compared to her fleet mate Ruby Princess is due to the potential of more onboard spending on the Regal Princess?

 

 

 

P.S. I too would love to see them place one of these three sisters in the Far East, and bring Sapphire Princess back stateside. But was she altered too much in her last dry-dock period for that to happen?

 

:D

[IECalCruiser]

..lP.S. I too would love to see them place one of these three sisters in the Far East, and bring Sapphire Princess back stateside. But was she altered too much in her last dry-dock period for that to happen?

 

 

 

:D

Dave, I think it was the Diamond that was significantly modified for the Japanese market with Kai Sushi, the Izumi Japanese Baths and the shops. There was an upgrade of merchandise in the shops on the Sapphire but don't believe much else was changed.

 

 

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[dmwnc1959]

Dave, I think it was the Diamond that was significantly modified for the Japanese market with Kai Sushi, the Izumi Japanese Baths and the shops. There was an upgrade of merchandise in the shops on the Sapphire but don't believe much else was changed.

 

Hi Brian!

 

You are indeed correct. :D

 

So maybe we can then expect Royal-3 to be based at a new overseas location and bring the Sapphire Princess back with no problems. Fingers crossed.

[IECalCruiser]

Hi Brian!

 

 

 

You are indeed correct. :D

 

 

 

So maybe we can then expect Royal-3 to be based at a new overseas location and bring the Sapphire Princess back with no problems. Fingers crossed.

Send the Royal to Asia. The Regal is slightly better and hopefully #3 is even better. Would like to see the Sapphire back in US waters.

 

 

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[dmwnc1959]

Send the Royal to Asia. The Regal is slightly better and hopefully #3 is even better. Would like to see the Sapphire back in US waters.

 

Royal Princess is supposedly scheduled to be refitted in 2018 with the aft (dipping) pool, as well as the smokestack and Retreat enhancements. This is a year after the new build is due to hit the streets. I guess they could do the Royal Princess refit in Asia?

[icat2000]

Royal Princess is supposedly scheduled to be refitted in 2018 with the aft (dipping) pool, as well as the smokestack and Retreat enhancements. This is a year after the new build is due to hit the streets. I guess they could do the Royal Princess refit in Asia?

Noooo. We are getting the new one. Why should we always get the hand me downs. :D We are not some poor country cousin. We have moolah down here.

[dmwnc1959]

Noooo. We are getting the new one. Why should we always get the hand me downs. :D We are not some poor country cousin. We have moolah down here.

 

 

Hey, it was my first thought (Post 196) to send you guys the new one, it's Brian that wants to send down Royal Princess. lol ;) :D

 

Think of it this way though, once Royal Princess comes out of her refit she'll be as good or better than her younger sisters.

 

:D

[hubofhockey]

But as it was already mentioned, this 'war of words' has been going on for two years. And it's a sure fire bet nothing significant will change from the Regal Princess to this new build that will alter anyone's current state of mind about these ships.

 

And a question for Caribill:

 

Do you think maybe the lower entry cost of Regal Princes while sailing in the Caribbean compared to her fleet mate Ruby Princess is due to the potential of more onboard spending on the Regal Princess?

 

 

Caribill can answer of course, but they don't lower prices of itineraries because of a potential of onboard spending. That doesn't make any sense. Pricing is done by model and relates to a model of maximization. The facilities on the Ruby lend itself better to Caribbean itineraries. For cooler itineraries in British Isles and Baltic Sea, pricing would probably be similar.

 

The Royal is not much different from the Grand Class with the exception of the overcrowded elevators that are caused by a lack of a central staircase, smaller balconies, and fewer pools. It has the expanded atrium, enclave, deluxe balcony cabins, and alrfredos. As a concept alternative entertainment venue, there are arguments on both sides of Explorers vs. Princess Live. Princess Live is better suited for performances and Explorers is better suited for bands playing and singing hits with passengers enjoying a cocktail and dancing.