Thoughts on the Regal Princess

[geocruiser]

No, same menu. Delicious salads and antipasto, pizza, calzones (or maybe it was Stromboli?) and a few other dishes that many folks overlook in favor of the pizza but are really, really good...a ravioli in a sinful cream sauce and an eggplant rollatini.

 

Thanks. We ate there fir lunch. We had some great salads. I had the eggplant which was very good. My husband had some sort of pizza which for his taste was not good. But I must add part of the reason I think for hm the pizza was not great is because we make our own, from dough to the sauce.

[kendon]

I've been on the Royal...the Regal next week.

 

The only thing I won't like: Getting off at the end of the week.

 

Thanks for your review!!

[Steelers0854]

DW and I are booked on a 10 day on the regal next year for our anniversary. We normally book balconies but wanted to splurge and got a mini with the angled balcony, I am really hoping we like it. The only thing we are not looking forward to is the lack of central staircase. But that just means more exercise as you walk to the front or back stairs :)

[dchip]

We are cruising on the Royal for the second time next week. We aren't planning to eat in the MDR every night either. There are way too many options that we missed last cruise!!

 

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!

 

Cheers, Denise

[abisha]

DH and I will be on Regal in 2 weeks and we will probably only eat in the buffet most of the time but plan on eating in MDR a couple of times.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your positive remarks about the Regal.

[Bostonjetset]

We just got off the Regal today and all I can say is WOW!

This was our first cruise on Princess and we found everything to be absolutely wonderful. The crew was great and the food [we ate in the MDR every night for dinner as we always do] was very good. Afternoon tea was really good...much better than we've had on other lines. The buffet was the best of any cruise we've been on and we usually are not huge buffet people. Alfredo's was a nice alternative for lunch as well.

 

The decor is elegant and refined, especially for such a huge ship. The lack of midship stairs was not a huge problem for us although we had a forward stateroom so maybe that's why.

 

I feel that Princess has really done a nice job of providing smoking areas that allow smokers to enjoy themselves [indoors and out] without bothering others. The indoor smoking lounge was a great space and was out of the way enough that non-smokers could avoid the area. The aft smoking area was a great place as well. More lines should follow suit and maybe there will be less smoking debates.

 

I really had no complaints but if I had to pick a few minor annoyances, I would have to agree that the toilet paper holder is awkwardly placed [although as the bathroom is quite tiny I am not sure where else it could go]. Also, the fact that Princess does not allow duty-free cigarette purchases to be taken immediately was also a bit strange as other lines allow this [however, they did sell individual packs for immediate use that were still much cheaper than here in MA so it wasn't a deal breaker]. Lastly, as others have said, the free coffee is not so good. It was rather watery tasting so I am glad I bought the coffee card as the International Cafe coffees were great.

[Kenosha Cruiser]

We have been on the Royal and Regal Princess. They are now our favorite ships in the Princess fleet. Several of us from our roll call meet & greet this past November have decided to do a reunion cruise on the Regal this coming November 8th. Can't wait to board this awesome ship again. Thanks for your positive remarks, I agree with you 100%.

[dmwnc1959]

DH and I will be on Regal in 2 weeks and we will probably only eat in the buffet most of the time but plan on eating in MDR a couple of times.

 

 

The Horizon Court for dinner had some wonderful nights (Italian night, etc) that make it worth a nice casual dress-down dinner. I spent two weeks on Royal Princess and never ate in the MDR once. And there are sooooo many other options to try, not just for lunch (i.e. the Pub Lunch...Mmmmm), but for dinner as well; Sabatini's, Crown Grill, the Trident Grill when they offer BBQ at night, the Crab Shack, Fondues, International Cafe, Alfredo's, even a hearty snack at the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar. Yes, some of those are extra-cost venues, but, hey, you only live once!

 

:D

[Astro Flyer]

Also the Winemakers Dinner which we'll enjoy again soon. :D

[dmwnc1959]

Also the Winemakers Dinner which we'll enjoy again soon. :D

 

 

...and I totally had that on my list of places for the above post, and it slipped right through the cracks! ;)

 

:D

[fedexretiree]

The Horizon Court for dinner had some wonderful nights (Italian night, etc) that make it worth a nice casual dress-down dinner. I spent two weeks on Royal Princess and never ate in the MDR once. And there are sooooo many other options to try, not just for lunch (i.e. the Pub Lunch...Mmmmm), but for dinner as well; Sabatini's, Crown Grill, the Trident Grill when they offer BBQ at night, the Crab Shack, Fondues, International Cafe, Alfredo's, even a hearty snack at the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar. Yes, some of those are extra-cost venues, but, hey, you only live once!

 

:D

 

On the Royal in a few weeks...when and where is the pub lunch and also the Trident grill...

Also are they an extra charge

[dmwnc1959]

On the Royal in a few weeks...when and where is the pub lunch and also the Trident grill...

Also are they an extra charge

 

 

The Pub Lunch is always on a Sea Day, and held in the Wheelhouse Bar/Crown Grill, so check your itinerary for the first and last full sea days, which is most likely when they'll have it depending on the number of port/sea days that you have.

 

The Trident Grill is on Lido Deck forward and to the right side of the main pool (as you are looking forward). During the day they'll have grilled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers, etc, and to the far left of the forward pool deck (opposite side as the Trident Grill) is Prego, where you'll find pizza by-the-slice (pepperoni, cheese, etc).

 

Both the Pub Lunch and Trident Grill/Prego are complimentary. Drinks, of course are extra charge.

 

For the Pub Lunch they'll offer a nice variety of beers and ales on tap or canned, and on Lido Deck, between Prego and the Trident Grill, is the Mermaid Bar, or amidships port side there is the SeaView Bar.

 

 

 

:D

Edited March 23, 2015 by dmwnc1959

[cruiser113]

Also the Winemakers Dinner which we'll enjoy again soon. :D

 

Astro Flyer............can you tell me more about the winemakers dinner?

 

Price? how many nights is it offered? Menu?

 

We have done the UBD and the chef's table twice each and looking for something new.

 

Thanks

[richstowe]

Astro Flyer............can you tell me more about the winemakers dinner?

 

Price? how many nights is it offered? Menu?

 

We have done the UBD and the chef's table twice each and looking for something new.

 

Thanks

Not Astro but we really enjoyed the winemakers dinner . When you board you indicate

your interest in attending and they tell you that they will let you know . Seriously .:eek:

It's like getting into a secret society .

 

On the 3rd day we were informed that we had a spot for the next night if we wanted it.

We did not have to reconfirm and we were to meet at 6:45 at the Int Cafe . We were then

escorted to what they call the Symphony Wine Cellar room. There is another of these wine rooms

within the Concerto MDR . The cost is $40 PP and that includes the meal and wine .

The wine maker was Michael Mondavi and we had a red and a white . I get headaches

from red so I got just the white (but lots of it ;)) . Very good !

The table seats 12 but one couple was missing . We had a great crowd .:)

 

We heard both "rooms" were used our night and there were 1 or 2 other "events".

We loved it . The meal itself ,which has 3 rotating menus , was good but not exceptional.

The wine , the company and the ceremony were the draw . We would eagerly do it again.

[Nwalins]

On the Regal, do they offer Lemoncello in the main dining room?

[dmwnc1959]

Astro Flyer............can you tell me more about the winemakers dinner?

 

Price? how many nights is it offered? Menu?

 

We have done the UBD and the chef's table twice each and looking for something new.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Also not Astro Flyer (Hi Frank!), but here's a thread with info and pictures:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2006315

 

:D

[Astro Flyer]

Astro Flyer............can you tell me more about the winemakers dinner?

 

Price? how many nights is it offered? Menu?

 

We have done the UBD and the chef's table twice each and looking for something new.

 

Thanks

'richstowe' and Dave already posted great info & here's a link to my experience:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1939851

 

This will show you the 3 menus:

http://www.beyondships2.com/uploads/8/2/4/5/8245255/wine_makers_menu_2-oct-13_without_price.pdf

Also not Astro Flyer (Hi Frank!), but here's a thread with info and pictures:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2006315

 

:D

Aloha Dave...your photos are much better than mine & I've been busy so was delayed in replying...getting antsy to sail the Regal's TA in about 3 weeks! :D

[dmwnc1959]

Aloha Dave...your photos are much better than mine & I've been busy so was delayed in replying...getting antsy to sail the Regal's TA in about 3 weeks! :D

 

 

I'd have the suitcase out already, little things here and there tossed in it, making that list and checking it twice, and freaking out just a little bit on the inside. I can only imagine how exciting it must be.

 

Enjoy Regal Princess!

 

:D

[richstowe]

On the Regal, do they offer Lemoncello in the main dining room?

Funny you should mention Lemoncello . This was what was offered to us at the conclusion of the

wine makers dinner in souvenir shot glasses . We were told it was made on board. Delicious .

 

Also not Astro Flyer (Hi Frank!), but here's a thread with info and pictures:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2006315

 

:D

Great pictures ! Our menu was not as interesting as yours . We had a mushroom & shrimp soup .

The main was fillet mignon medallions. Dessert was nothing as interesting as your crepes.

[Astro Flyer]

On the Regal, do they offer Lemoncello in the main dining room?

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

As 'richstowe' posted limoncello made on the ship is part of the Winemaker Dinner. On Italian night they have limoncello available although being "homemade" I've been told they cannot "sell" the limoncello but they can "sell" you the souvenir glass used to pour it into...about $4.50-ish.

 

Funny you should mention Lemoncello . This was what was offered to us at the conclusion of the wine makers dinner in souvenir shot glasses . We were told it was made on board. Delicious .

Edited March 24, 2015 by Astro Flyer

[Astro Flyer]

I'd have the suitcase out already, little things here and there tossed in it, making that list and checking it twice, and freaking out just a little bit on the inside. I can only imagine how exciting it must be.

 

Enjoy Regal Princess!

 

:D

 

I only have my ditty bag of toiletries packed from our short January cruise & about a week before sailing will prepare clothing to be packed in my sea bag. :p

Edited March 24, 2015 by Astro Flyer

[dmwnc1959]

I think the general reaction to limoncello at our Winemaker's Dinner was the old 'distraction and chuck it over your left shoulder' routine, although no limoncello was actually actually slung against the walls. ;)

 

:D

 

I only have my ditty bag of toiletries packed from our short January cruise & about a week before sailing will prepare clothing to be packed in my sea bag. :p

 

 

So many cruises, so much packing to do! Enjoy the process...;)

 

:D

[ConCruise]

Let me just get this out of the way:

 

The only things we didn't like:

 

The odd placement of the toilet paper roll. I have short arms and it was awkward to reach back without feeling like I was going to pull a muscle

 

The center elevators lack of staircase. We are stairs people and had a midship cabin, and the elevators were not synced right and one out of many would arrive 3-5 minutes later and would always be full.

 

 

EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE SHIP WAS FABULOUS!

 

This was our best cruise ever. ship is gorgeous

 

crown grill was so good and only $25 p.p.

 

Alfredo's was very good and we ate there for dinner 2-3 times and had every course on the menu

 

Loved the 2 for 1 happy hour at Crooner's every day from 3-4 pm

 

Loved Club 6, albeit, odd placement of dance floor loved the 2 for 1 happy hour at 11 pm every night too

 

Drink service excellent

 

Cabin stewardess fabulous. Jocelyn. Caribe room 517 Deluxe room

 

Enjoyed the mini sofa

 

We took several photos of outside decks showing placement of emerald deck cabins regarding obstructed views as well as photos of skywalk in relation to upper deck rooms, re: privacy issues. Will post later if anyone is interested

 

 

Never ate in main dining room

 

Buffet nicely laid out.

 

I will find it quite difficult to have to go back onto the other ships after having experienced this ship

 

Great entertainment. Much to choose from. So glad that we opted for this instead of Celebrity, since X cut their entertainment staff

 

LOVED the Enclave

 

Bought a spa pass for $149 for the week and really utilized it. Most everyone followed spa etiquette except for the loud husband and wife who were shouting at each other from across the large hot tub.

They were there on a spa special daily pass thing and had no regard for others

Perhaps the spa should put up signs reminding people to be quiet.

 

The jumbo tron for outdoor movies was fantastic!

 

The love boat disco deck party was loads of fun, one of the best ever

 

And I finally made Elite level. (After 12 years of sailing Princess)

 

I'm sailing on Regal in December and have booked a room on Deck 8 with an obstructed view. I'm wondering if I should upgrade to another type of room or is the obstruction not a big deal? Please post any pictures you may have.

[ar1950]

On the Regal, do they offer Lemoncello in the main dining room?

 

Yes, welcome to CC. On both our Golden cruise in October and our Regal in December they served lemoncello on the "Italian" themed nights in the main dinning room. Also, on the Regal they served it in the buffet as well. :cool:

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

As 'richstowe' posted limoncello made on the ship is part of the Winemaker Dinner. On Italian night they have limoncello available although being "homemade" I've been told they cannot "sell" the limoncello but they can "sell" you the souvenir glass used to pour it into...about $4.50-ish.

 

According to Bimmer09 in his latest Ruby review the lemoncello was still offered, but, no shot souvenir shot glass. If that is the case....bummer! :mad: