Regal Princess trip 2/1-2/8

[yoyosma]

It stayed fairly busy, but I only saw a piano player there twice. But maybe we just missed the late night crowd. I think in general the entire Piazza area (Crooner's is on deck 7 at the top) was lively though. Vines (deck 5) stayed pretty busy too.

 

Which makes me think of one more thing to note - I'm not a big fan of Wheelhouse Bar being right in front of/adjacent to Crown Grill. Seriously, nothing separates them except a railing. Luckily when we ate there (early the first night), no music was going on so it didn't affect us, but at pub lunch one day, the band playing was very loud and intrusive.

 

Hi, I was on this cruise as well and thought I might add a comment about the Wheelhouse Bar. There was a band that played dance music there a few times and the dance floor seems to be part of the main aisle way - the only way to get from deck 7 mid-ship (Piazza) to deck 7 aft (Vista Lounge) making it hard to go to a show in Vista Lounge when there was even just a few people dancing. It may not have been the actual dance floor but it did appear to be as it was a round tiled area in the sea of the carpeted aisle.

 

I would like to add that I loved the ship and my 3 weeks on board. Now back to your original broadcast. :-)

Edited February 10, 2015 by yoyosma

[caribill]

Hi, I was on this cruise as well and thought I might add a comment about the Wheelhouse Bar. There was a band that played dance music there a few times and the dance floor seems to be part of the main aisle way - the only way to get from deck 7 mid-ship (Piazza) to deck 7 aft (Vista Lounge) making it hard to go to a show in Vista Lounge when there was even just a few people dancing. It may not have been the actual dance floor but it did appear to be as it was a round tiled area in the sea of the carpeted aisle.

 

 

Not a dance floor as there is no dance floor at the Wheelhouse on the Royal & Regal.

 

Dancing in the walkway is the only option.

[dmwnc1959]

Hi, I was on this cruise as well and thought I might add a comment about the Wheelhouse Bar. There was a band that played dance music there a few times and the dance floor seems to be part of the main aisle way - the only way to get from deck 7 mid-ship (Piazza) to deck 7 aft (Vista Lounge) making it hard to go to a show in Vista Lounge when there was even just a few people dancing. It may not have been the actual dance floor but it did appear to be as it was a round tiled area in the sea of the carpeted aisle.

 

I would like to add that I loved the ship and my 3 weeks on board. Now back to your original broadcast. :-)

 

 

Here are pictures of the inlaid marble area you're talking about at the entrance to the Wheelhouse Bar, and is mentioned by Caribill, it is not a dance floor.

 

 

 

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Edited February 11, 2015 by dmwnc1959

[big al]

FOOD: We loved Alfredo's! And there was never wait for tables there. The buffet was very big, but even by the end of the week, I still got turned around and lost. I guess I'm just not a buffet person. I did like the Mexican/taco section. Husband liked they had mussels one night. Didn't do Crab Shack & didn't even see the Fondue night advertised.

 

Sabatini's, in my opinion, has lost a step. Husband got the steak, and said it was not good. Crown Grill may replace Sabatini's as our annual anniversary night dinner from now on. Sabatini's service was also very good. We're just not big fans of the new entrees there. Crown Grill was top to bottom fantastic. We ate in the dining room twice and enjoyed both meals. I didn't think I'd like the 50th Anniversary dinner menu, but ended up really enjoying it!

 

We did Ultimate Balcony Breakfast the first morning (Princess Cays). That was really good, but it would not be for everyone. And it was a lot of food. If you're a picky eater, you may want to see if they can work around the menu. They actually suggested extra bacon, which I got. That was a disappointment for me, because it was tasteless bacon. (Guess that's my Southern upbringing!) My husband loved the salmon/capers!

 

ENTERTAINMENT: We do not usually do the nighttime shows, but we attended FIERA! based on recommendations. It did not disappoint! But if you hate modern music, you may not like it. The music is modern pop (Lady Gaga, etc) and one couple behind us left after first song. But I loved it! Saw a comedian who was pretty funny. The music around the ship was hit or miss. There were the standard piano players, poolside bands, etc. I did like there always seemed to be music somewhere from noon onward.

 

cont...

 

Nice review so far..DW & I are doing the 3 night Regal 4/12...we intend to go to the Crown Grill, as I am an NY Strip guy..so you also recommend Alfredo's? I assume it's Italian food? Free, or $$, and should we make reservations as soon as we board? BTW, I'm a 60's/ 70's music type guy, hate today's music ( if you can call it that, LOL..), it sounds like I wouldn't like FIERA, huh? Hairspray, Mama Mia, & Saturday Night Fever on RCI is more my taste....is there a reggae band at the pool? Look forward to the rest of your review...

 

Big Al

[sunsetbeachgal]

Big Al,

 

Alfredo's is a small Italian Bistro, no surcharge. Salads, brick oven pizzas, a few pastas, etc. Open all day starting at 11 AM. It is our favorite place for embarkation lunch.

 

Perhaps one of our kind CC posters could post the menu!mm

 

Hopefully the bands on board in April will be to your liking. We enjoyed the ones when we were on the Regal in January. We enjoyed Fiera but it is a bit edgy. They have three production shows on the seven night itinerary, so have no idea which one they will perform on a short cruise.

Edited February 11, 2015 by sunsetbeachgal

[Jdpapillion]

Thanks, Luvseaside for your comprehensive review. We are also doing the Apr 12 - 3 night. This is a first time on Princess. We are Celebrity regulars, but thought the Regal looks wonderful.

I laugh at the recent Regal negative reviews of the group with "mostly kids" that were "Sooo bored" - ahhh go on Disney, or better yet don't take your spoiled, bratty, bored kids anywhere! Sorry, had to get that out. BTW, smart, creative, appreciative, well behaved kids are always enjoyable in my book.

I am looking forward to the variety of bars, eateries, and restaurants. Hopefully they will have MUTS on this shorty,a long with good shows. Normally what time does MUTS start and Shows.

My question is also - Can Reservations for Speciality restaurants be arranged before embarking? I haven't seen anything on cruise personalizer. Thanks!

[luvseaside]

Nice review so far..DW & I are doing the 3 night Regal 4/12...we intend to go to the Crown Grill, as I am an NY Strip guy..so you also recommend Alfredo's? I assume it's Italian food? Free, or $$, and should we make reservations as soon as we board? BTW, I'm a 60's/ 70's music type guy, hate today's music ( if you can call it that, LOL..), it sounds like I wouldn't like FIERA, huh? Hairspray, Mama Mia, & Saturday Night Fever on RCI is more my taste....is there a reggae band at the pool? Look forward to the rest of your review...

 

Big Al

 

Alfredo's is a more casual, no charge eatery. You don't need reservations. We always walked up and instantly got a table. Sabatini's (Italian) & Crown Grill are $25 per person and I recommend reservations, if you have a specific night/time you want.

 

At the pool, there was an older movie (Mrs Doubtfire, Ferris Bueller, etc.) shown at 10 a.m on MUTS, then live music every so often (think 30 min intervals) until 3 pm, when there was another older movie. The music consisted of a band with a singer (popular tunes) or steel drums. They showed first run movies at 7 & 10 pm for 5 of the 7 nights.

[luvseaside]

Thanks, Luvseaside for your comprehensive review. We are also doing the Apr 12 - 3 night. This is a first time on Princess. We are Celebrity regulars, but thought the Regal looks wonderful.

I laugh at the recent Regal negative reviews of the group with "mostly kids" that were "Sooo bored" - ahhh go on Disney, or better yet don't take your spoiled, bratty, bored kids anywhere! Sorry, had to get that out. BTW, smart, creative, appreciative, well behaved kids are always enjoyable in my book.

I am looking forward to the variety of bars, eateries, and restaurants. Hopefully they will have MUTS on this shorty,a long with good shows. Normally what time does MUTS start and Shows.

My question is also - Can Reservations for Speciality restaurants be arranged before embarking? I haven't seen anything on cruise personalizer. Thanks!

 

Hopefully my previous post helped with questions re: MUTS.

 

You cannot make specialty reservations prior to embarkation. We called the DINE line upon boarding but sat on hold forever, so I eventually went down to Crown Grill and made reservations in person. I did the same for Sabatini's on the first night. Try to make reservations the first day; spots fill up quickly.

 

I could definitely see why cruisers with kids would not be happy. There did not seem to be a lot for them to do except for the pool. I did see a family who appeared to be enjoying themselves, kids aged from 2-8 (very well-behaved) and having a good time. But the Princess Cays kid play area wasn't even open. If I had kids, I would take them on RCL or Disney personally.

 

My husband actually discussed this on the cruise - I don't understand people who moan & complain about something when having done even the most scant research would have saved them some grief. We constantly heard questions/comments on this trip that made us roll our eyes. My husband, who was very appreciative of the time I spent on this board, looked and me and said, "Why would someone go on vacation and not learn the most basic knowledge of the ports & cruise line amenities?!" (Our favorite comment was in a taxi to Sapphire Beach in St. Thomas & the woman behind us, who was talking about why people who buy vacation homes on a island, stated: "But you'd get bored of the view after a while." Umm, okay. :rolleyes:)

 

Rant over! Anyway, we really liked our trip. We found Regal to be a nice ship (the piazza area is very lively & beautiful!). Hope you all enjoy your upcoming trips!

Edited February 11, 2015 by luvseaside

[AmberTeka]

Thank you again for taking the time to write this review and answer questions.

 

I note that Mississippi is your home state. I Lived in Muscle Shoals Alabama, which is 18 miles from the Mississippi line, pre moving to Florida, and still have many relatives who live there, and in Mississippi....from Gautier to Tupelo.

That said, I checked the weather report for North Alabama last night, and they will be having temperatures in the teens for several nights. Some snow is predicted for next week. While it is chilly, ( to us), in N.Florida right now, those temps, and the ones we are seeing now, make me long to sit in the sun, and get really warm!

 

Sitting on the balcony of E409 as you described will be like stepping from Winter to Summer. It always seems like magic to me................

 

Thank you, kind lady. And for the information about Alfredo's.

Pizza is my favorite food, but as i have been on a long, successful weight loss program, I have not eaten it for a year. But the reward I get for success.........is to eat Pizza again. on that cruise. In moderate portions. For the trip and with a salad. Odd, how small things........can sometimes trump the biggies when anticipating a trip. And I look forward to it all....shows, excursions, casino, meeting people....shopping.....a week of fun. Agree that if you have children...........sail Carnival. They are very good. And Disney. Don't know about RCI. Or do as we do......My grandchild is going with us. She is four. When her parents are occupied, she has an entertainment program. It is Granny and Papa. Who dote on her. Who will take her to the video arcade. The International Court. Watch cartoons with her. Papa can swim. When she is older and ready to participate in group activities with children, we won't sail on a line that is mostly preferred by adults...no matter how pleasant they are to be around, or how much we love Princess, which we do. It is Common Sense.

Edited February 11, 2015 by AmberTeka

[luvseaside]

Thank you again for taking the time to write this review and answer questions.

 

I note that Mississippi is your home state. I Lived in Muscle Shoals Alabama, which is 18 miles from the Mississippi line, pre moving to Florida, and still have many relatives who live there, and in Mississippi....from Gautier to Tupelo.

That said, I checked the weather report for North Alabama last night, and they will be having temperatures in the teens for several nights. Some snow is predicted for next week. While it is chilly, ( to us), in N.Florida right now, those temps, and the ones we are seeing now, make me long to sit in the sun, and get really warm!

 

Sitting on the balcony of E409 as you described will be like stepping from Winter to Summer. It always seems like magic to me................

 

Thank you, kind lady. And for the information about Alfredo's.

Pizza is my favorite food, but as i have been on a long, successful weight loss program, I have not eaten it for a year. But the reward I get for success.........is to eat Pizza again. on that cruise. In moderate portions. For the trip and with a salad. Odd, how small things........can sometimes trump the biggies when anticipating a trip. And I look forward to it all....shows, excursions, casino, meeting people....shopping.....a week of fun. Agree that if you have children...........sail Carnival. They are very good. And Disney. Don't know about RCI. Or do as we do......My grandchild is going with us. She is four. When her parents are occupied, she has an entertainment program. It is Granny and Papa. Who dote on her. Who will take her to the video arcade. The International Court. Watch cartoons with her. Papa can swim. When she is older and ready to participate in group activities with children, we won't sail on a line that is mostly preferred by adults...no matter how pleasant they are to be around, or how much we love Princess, which we do. It is Common Sense.

 

Yes, I miss the warm Caribbean breezes already! :) Watch out for that Alfredo's pizza; it's addicting!

 

I live in central MS, but traveling to north MS this weekend. Brrr...definitely packing the winter clothes. At least it's not Boston, though! :eek: I feel for those folks!

 

The family I mentioned earlier did just that! Grandma & Grandpa were with them & the kids looked content. I watched as Grandpa & 6 yr old granddaughter danced together in the Piazza - it was so sweet! And mom & dad were in casino one night, so I imagine kids were tucked in bed by grandparents that night as well. But if someone wants the kids to be constantly entertained by activities or "out of sight" as it were, Princess it definitely not the first choice. Our friends took their young one on Allure of the Seas, and Kids Club staff collected him after his early dinner, and let mom & dad have some quiet time until bedtime. That's pretty cool.

[avd79]

Thank you for your review of the Regal Princess. We will be on her in 3 weeks and really looking forward to seeing this new lady.

 

As far as kids on Princess ships is concerned, we will once again be travelling with our 2 boys (13 and 15). We have done Disney and Carnival with them also, but their preferred cruise line is Princess by far!!! Maybe it is the time of year that we travel with them (always holidays or spring break) and therefore many kids their age on board, but generally they prefer the food and ambience of Princess better then the other 2. They are extremely well travelled and appreciate the finer things that Princess offers that sometimes isn't available on ships that cater mainly to families.

[San Diego Ellie]

Martyn Moss was pretty funny and I saw him around quite a bit. Deputy Ryan was still on board - he's pretty funny as well. I saw him a couple of times (once as MC of a cooking demo & at the deck party ). There were lots of activities, so I thought the CD did a very good job.

 

We were on Regal from Jan. 11 to Feb. 1. Ron Goodman was the CD the first two weeks, and Martyn Moss the third. In our opinion, Martyn Moss was a HUGE step down from Ron goodman.

[Jdpapillion]

Thanks for the info! I agree on doing research and CC members are great for sharing the passion and good perspective on everything necessary to plan a good trip. We try to go into our trips with an informed positive attitude and it works out well.

I am sure we will be wishing that our little 3 nighter was longer, but they serve the purpose of a quick getaway and preview of a new line for us.

[Woobstr112G]

OP;

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your review.Glad you enjoyed your cruise.....:):):)

 

Bob

[azdmelani]

We were on Regal from Jan. 11 to Feb. 1. Ron Goodman was the CD the first two weeks, and Martyn Moss the third. In our opinion, Martyn Moss was a HUGE step down from Ron goodman.

 

I really liked Martyn when I was on the Regal last summer. Really nice, personable guy to talk to.

[jovisoul]

Thank you for your review of the Regal. We are sailing on her in December and can't wait! :)