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Royal Princess Questions

Andy

By Andy,
in Princess Cruises

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Andy

Andy

Posted
Posted

Hi Everyone,

 

We're getting very excited about our Royal Princess sailing this weekend.

 

4 quick questions please :

 

1. We'd like to dine at both Sabatini's and Crown Grill. When we board the ship, how do we make a reservation ? Do we call from the cabin ? Go to each Restaurant ? Go somewhere else ?

 

2. Can we book more than 1x for each Specialty Dining venue ?

 

3. In the Casino, if you want to purchase chips at the Gaming Tables against your shipboard account, is there a surcharge (Celebrity charges 5%).

 

4. Is the Casino Non-Smoking ? I thought it was, but read something contradicting this.

 

It will be my pleasure to post a review when we return home. Thanks very much in advance !

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Potstech

Potstech

Posted
Posted
Hi Everyone,

 

We're getting very excited about our Royal Princess sailing this weekend.

 

4 quick questions please :

 

1. We'd like to dine at both Sabatini's and Crown Grill. When we board the ship, how do we make a reservation ? Do we call from the cabin ? Go to each Restaurant ? Go somewhere else ?

 

There will probably be a table set up for the reservations in the Piazza area for when you board. Also on the first day you can go buy the venues and see the menus and make reservations at that time. I believe you can also call the dine line but I am not sure on that.

 

2. Can we book more than 1x for each Specialty Dining venue ?

 

Youy can eat there every night of the cruise if you so wish and can get a reservation.

 

3. In the Casino, if you want to purchase chips at the Gaming Tables against your shipboard account, is there a surcharge (Celebrity charges 5%).

 

No idea.

 

4. Is the Casino Non-Smoking ? I thought it was, but read something contradicting this.

 

It is non smoking but still smells of it. There is usually one or two nights that smoking is allowed. Check you Platter closely for that information.

 

It will be my pleasure to post a review when we return home. Thanks very much in advance !

 

Have fun on your cruise the Royal is a great ship.

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skynight

skynight

Posted
Posted
Hi Everyone,

 

We're getting very excited about our Royal Princess sailing this weekend.

 

4 quick questions please :

 

1. We'd like to dine at both Sabatini's and Crown Grill. When we board the ship, how do we make a reservation ? Do we call from the cabin ? Go to each Restaurant ? Go somewhere else ?

Call the dine line or visit the restaurant. There should be someone at the restaurants starting around 2pm.

 

2. Can we book more than 1x for each Specialty Dining venue ?

You can, but the menu does not change. You may wish to also consider the Crab Shack ($20/pp). This is buckets of seafood and is held some evenings in a closed off section of the buffet seating area. Dress is casual. Don't forget the MDR serves great food also.

 

3. In the Casino, if you want to purchase chips at the Gaming Tables against your shipboard account, is there a surcharge (Celebrity charges 5%).

Don't know.

 

4. Is the Casino Non-Smoking ? I thought it was, but read something contradicting this.

When we were on board the Royal in Sept. 2014 smoking was allowed in the Casino. A few nights were designated non-smoking, I think these were the formal nights.

 

It will be my pleasure to post a review when we return home. Thanks very much in advance !

 

See above

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Steelers36

Steelers36

Posted
Posted (edited)
Just off the ship last week ...

 

Just to correct the smoking vs non - the casino is smoking - but a few night after 6:00pm they are not

 

I WISH it were the other way (mostly NS), but unless changed, I have found in recent years that maybe 3 nights out of the week are NS. It is always NS on the two Formal Nights each week and then maybe get one more. (I think the NS might start before 6pm, but not sure).

 

What is most frustrating is that people come in to smoke and are not gambling and the casino is not supposed to be a smoking place - it's supposed to be that gamblers/players can smoke when allowed.

 

At least the poker table is smoke-free all the time. Also, BJ tournaments are NS.

Edited by steelers36
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grouchomarx

grouchomarx

Posted
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When we sail Princess we always eat in the Crown Grill and Sabatini's more than once. The menus do not change, as already mentioned, but there is plenty to choose from in each dining venue. We find it a major improvement over the MDR, which sadly has declined in service and quality over the years. Best bet is to go to your cabin and call the DINE line right away to get the days and times you want. I always ask for the formal night dates first and save those for the MDR (upgraded food choices, usually), then schedule my specialty dining around those.

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Andy

Andy

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Hi Everyone,

 

Thank you for your replies. Much appreciated !

 

Can anyone please share more information on Crab Shack ? Is it once per cruise ? Multiple nights ? What types of seafood is served, and is it unlimited ? Do you need to make a reservation ?

 

My mom loves seafood, and this sounds like a great idea.

 

Thanks again !

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Mom33

Mom33

Posted
Posted (edited)
Hi Everyone,

 

Thank you for your replies. Much appreciated !

 

Can anyone please share more information on Crab Shack ? Is it once per cruise ? Multiple nights ? What types of seafood is served, and is it unlimited ? Do you need to make a reservation ?

 

My mom loves seafood, and this sounds like a great idea.

 

Thanks again !

 

The Crab Shack is held once or twice a cruise on different nights. You need to make reservations . Call the dine line when you board. They serve shellfish, King Crab, Snow crab, shrimp, mussels and clams. You can have a combination of all or select one or more. They are accompanied by hush puppies, boiled red potatoes, kielbasi and corn on the cob. There is also a shrimp appetizer and chowder to start.

My DH asked for seconds on the mussels. I had more than enough in my seafood bowl. Oh, yeah dessert is included.:D

 

There is a picture in my Royal review :)

Edited by Mom33
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Andy

Andy

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The Crab Shack is held once or twice a cruise on different nights. You need to make reservations . Call the dine line when you board. They serve shellfish, King Crab, Snow crab, shrimp, mussels and clams. You can have a combination of all or select one or more. They are accompanied by hush puppies, boiled red potatoes, kielbasi and corn on the cob. There is also a shrimp appetizer and chowder to start.

My DH asked for seconds on the mussels. I had more than enough in my seafood bowl. Oh, yeah dessert is included.:D

 

There is a picture in my Royal review :)

 

Thank you for the very helpful information Mom33. Great photo too !

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Steelers36

Steelers36

Posted
Posted (edited)
When I sailed on the Royal in 2013 most of the casino was non smoking with only the machines along the starboard side smoking. It was always crowded in that area.

 

That helps. The poker and BJ should be on the other side.

 

Hmm, according to the deck plan (if accurate), it would be the port side smoking and the starboard non (but perhaps they drew it up wrong).

Edited by steelers36
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Palmist

Palmist

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Posted

We were on the Royal in March and went to the Crab Shack. It was fantastic!

If you love seafood it is the best bargain on the ship. There are tons of shrimp in the pot along with mussels, clams and sausage plus King Crab legs. Best money spent. We are on Royal Nov. 30 and will sign up for this one ASAP.

They start with clam chowder, stuffed mushrooms, then the pot. You will not have room for desert but you can take it back to your cabin. To us this is a don't miss restaurant experience.

Myrna

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frothy

frothy

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Posted

Have eaten out the crab shack onboard Princess. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it. The food came out and was very very greasy. It was all in one pot (forgot what it was called) for 4 of us. it was shellfish and corn on the cob and some other stuff. But the greasiness just turned me off.

 

Sorry, but I do love shellfish also

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sunshine100

sunshine100

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Posted

We just got off Royal last week and they had 3 'crab shack' nights on our 10 day cruise! It was really a bargain of all you can eat for 20.00 cover charge. I, too, think this was the best bargain!! Make sure you go hungry since it is all you can eat!!! fantastic dinner!! you need to make reservations--do so early because it does fill up!!

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goofy559

goofy559

Posted
Posted
Hi Everyone,

 

We're getting very excited about our Royal Princess sailing this weekend.

 

4 quick questions please :

 

1. We'd like to dine at both Sabatini's and Crown Grill. When we board the ship, how do we make a reservation ? Do we call from the cabin ? Go to each Restaurant ? Go somewhere else ?

 

2. Can we book more than 1x for each Specialty Dining venue ?

 

3. In the Casino, if you want to purchase chips at the Gaming Tables against your shipboard account, is there a surcharge (Celebrity charges 5%).

 

4. Is the Casino Non-Smoking ? I thought it was, but read something contradicting this.

 

It will be my pleasure to post a review when we return home. Thanks very much in advance !

 

You can book by calling the dine line but sometimes it takes a while. We had the best luck by booking at both venues. You may make multiple reservations. If you like seafood don't forget the ocean Terrace in the piazza - the crab Margaritas are amazing.

 

Also, the winemakers dinner is superb - sign up early. Great food and less costly than the chefs table.

 

When you board do the tour where you get the stamps - it will help you get t oriented as the ship is large. Also, have lunch at Alfredos on embarkation day - usually nearly empty as people think it costs money to eat there

 

Have a great time. The Royal and regal are our favourites.

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Grego

Grego

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Posted

Some great responses here, some not so good.

 

If you are on one of the 10 day voyages you'll have ample opportunity to try the different venues. Certainly do the Crown Grill and Sabatini's once. The Crab Shack when offered. Must do Alfredo's at least for lunch and is great for dinner.

 

The biggest surprise might be the expanded offering in the Horizon Court in the evening with special cuisines offered and the quality is quite good. This is one of our favorite spots for evening meals (other than when it's Lobster Night in the MDR) especially when we want to dine in time to get a seat for the production shows.

 

It's a beautiful ship and hope you enjoy your voyage.

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chamima

chamima

Posted
Posted

Hi Andy,

Your questions have been answered but if you have more I'd be happy to answer. I just wanted to add my wishes that you have a wonderful cruise and enjoy the Royal as much as we have!

 

If you have a chance find the Headwaiter Roberto (there are two - Roberto Zoboli and Roberto Navarro) and say hello from Allan and Karen in Michigan.

Roberto N. is a large Hispanic gentleman who will regale you with wonderful stories if you get to know him! Roberto N. is Italian and just as wonderful but a little more reserved.

 

Also, it looks from Perry's schedule as if he disembarks Feb. 8. We sail on the 22 nd and I was hoping he might still be on board.

 

Can't wait to hear your impressions!

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