Regal Princess March 31 - April 7 (live???)

[texascat]

This is a little early, but Happy Cruising day!  Yes, I will say it is a happy cruising day, even though I haven’t departed yet.  Each and every day that I am on a cruise ship will be a wonderful day!  I am starting this a little early, but will depart on the Regal Princess on March 31 for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise! 

 

Our itinerary –

Sunday 3/31	Ft Lauderdale		4pm
Monday 4/1	Princess Cays, Bahamas	9am	5pm
Tuesday 4/2	At sea
Wednesday 4/3	St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands	10am	10pm
Thursday 4/4	St Maarten	7am	6pm
Friday 4/5	At sea
Saturday 4/6	At sea
Sunday 4/7	Ft Lauderdale	6am

 

A little about me – I am a self-proclaimed cruiser, in my humble opinion no better vacation is to be found.  My first cruise was way back in 1980 on the Norwegian Southward.  That ship was wonderful and we had a great trip. 

My past cruises include –

Carnival 2 times

1.       Valor Western Caribbean –  Sept 2005

2.       Carnival Pride Baltimore to Bahamas – Oct.2009

Norwegian 6 times

1.       Norwegian Southward – Eastern 1980

2.       Norwegian Star Alaska – Sept 2008

3.       Norwegian Epic Western Caribbean – Oct 2010

4.       Norwegian Breakaway Bermuda – Sept 2013

5.       Norwegian Escape Western Caribbean – Oct 2017

6.       Norwegian Getaway Eastern Caribbean – October 2018

 

Royal Caribbean – 7 times

1.       Sun Viking 1980’s

2.       Allure of the Seas Western Caribbean – Oct 2011

3.       Enchantment of the Seas Bermuda Sept 2012

4.       Quantum of the Seas (nowhere) – Nov. 2014

5.       Navigator of the Seas Western Caribbean – Nov 2015

6.       Harmony of the Seas Bahamas – Nov 2016

7.       Independence of the Seas – Feb 2017

And the ‘Big Red Boat’ on Premier cruise lines 1980’s

I am scheduled this year for the Regal Princess and the Norwegian Bliss – Mexican Riveria!

This cruise will be my first Princess, my first solo, and my first birthday cruise!  I am single and during this cruise I will turn 59 years young.  When I was approaching 50, I decided that it would be so much fun to do a birthday cruise.  I tried to find someone that wanted to celebrate with me, but alas, nobody wanted to cruise in April.  So here I am 9 years later going on that birthday cruise by myself.  This cruise is courtesy of my local casino (yep it was oh so free! Lol)  by being a ‘free’ casino cruise you do not have to pay the single surcharge.  I must say that I am both excited and apprehensive about going on Princess by myself. 

 

I decided to enjoy the entire Princess experience.  I booked Princess EZ air and will actually depart on Sunday morning at 522am connecting in Charlotte arriving in Ft Lauderdale at 12:06pm.  I also purchased the round-trip airport transfers from Princess.  This gives me peace of mind in knowing that should something happen that my flight is delayed, Princess will get me to the ship.  (Let’s hope that we do not need to visit this benefit!)  Typically I like to fly in the day prior to a cruise to ensure that I make it, but since I’m traveling by myself, I didn’t want to spend as much for the one night as I spent for the entire cruise.

 

Being that I love the balcony, I paid the price to upgrade my cabin to a balcony.  Also, included in my ‘free’ cruise was the Premier Beverage Package.  This package comes at a cost of $482.93 for one person for the week.  I don’t think I would have purchased it had the cruise not have included it in my fare.  I also, prepaid my gratuities, Medallionnet Package for 7 days (only $59.99, such a bargain compared to Norwegian and Royal), and I put $300 Onboard Credit.  So I think I should be ready to go. 

 

What is the ‘Premier Beverage Package’?

What is Included

• The package includes all beer, wine by the glass and cocktails $12.00 USD and under as listed on our menu(s), or $16.00 AUD and under for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand.

• The package includes all bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, Gong Cha items, Frappés at Coffee & Cones, milk shakes (if available) and Red Bull energy drinks.

• The package provides a 25% discount on the following excluded items: all bottles of wine, one liter bottles of water, canned soda and bottled juices.

• The package may be used on our private islands, all food and beverage venues, and other areas such as the theater or public spaces that offer beverage service. Selections and service are limited to each venue’s menu offerings and operating hours.

• If dining at a specialty dining venue, a large bottle of water (one liter) of still or sparkling is covered by the package.

 

What is the ‘Medallionnet Package’?  I think it is an all-inclusive internet package.  I have heard that the internet on the Regal Princess is wonderful!

 

My photo equipment – 1^st of all, I am not a great photographer, but I love to take pictures!  I have a Go Pro Hero 7 Black, a Nikon DX – 3400, and my brand new Samsung Galaxy S10+.  Hopefully, I will get photos from somewhere. 

 

11 Days Until Departure!

[XBGuy]

Bon Voyage, TC.

 

I was tickled to see that your first cruise was on the MS Southward.  For our honeymoon in 1976 we decided to try a cruise.  We took the Western Caribbean itinerary on Norwegian Caribbean Line's (you guessed it) MS Southward.

 

Since 2011 all our cruising has been on Princess.  After 40 years of corporate life, I am done with airports and airlines, and it is just so easy for us to drive to San Pedro and get on the ship.

 

I've never purchased any of the beverage packages and, so, I can't help you out, there.  I'm a wine guy, and Princess is very liberal about bringing on your own wine.  Since, I don't deal with airlines, this is very easy for me.

 

MedallionNet is just a generic name for their new on-board wi-fi capability.  The Regal Princess was one of the first ships equipped with it.  Yes, initial reports is that it is quite fast, and, yes, the package that you purchased will give you unlimited access.  When you reach your cabin, you'll find instructions for logging on.

[texascat]

40 minutes ago, XBGuy said:

.

 

Since 2011 all our cruising has been on Princess.  After 40 years of corporate life, I am done with airports and airlines, and it is just so easy for us to drive to San Pedro and get on the ship.

 

I think the Bliss is leaving from San Pedro!

 

[kywildcatfanone]

We'll be onboard as well, looking forward to the break from work.  I'm sure there is a roll call you could join.

[tourismtessy]

Hubby and I will be on this cruise as well and staying onboard for the 7 day Western Caribbean (making ours a 14 day cruise).  I'm sure you will have a wonderful time and enjoy all that is Princess.  People are very friendly and I have seen solo women in their 70's and 80's onboard.

[texascat]

On 3/20/2019 at 6:47 PM, kywildcatfanone said:

We'll be onboard as well, looking forward to the break from work.  I'm sure there is a roll call you could join.

I am in the roll call and it is extreamly quite.

[Colo Cruiser]

Bon Voyage!!  😎

[AF-1]

Nice start to what should be fun times.  Have a great cruise

[WisCruiser2]

We did this itinerary on Regal in early February and had a great time. If you enjoy the production shows, Born to Dance was excellent. We also really liked the Beatlemaniacs 🙂 If you like Trivia and other games, there's several opportunities every day to participate. Looking forward to getting your perspective on Princess, especially as we haven't been on Norwegian.

[Gorilla Girl]

Hello Texas Cat!! 

My husband and I will be on this sailing as well.  I think you will really enjoy the Regal Princess.  Wishing you a wonderful cruise vacation.  

 

[texascat]

9 days prior to departure!  I am so ready, my home is in the Dayton Ohio metro area and it is totally cold! I am not a winter fan in any way, shape or means, but this is where I reside and this is what I must deal with for ½ the year.  Today we have a low of 33 and a high of 45 (crazy!) but next week we should get up to a high of 62 by Thursday.  Personally, I am over the winter stuff and ready to get on the Regal Princess!

 

I love when a cruise line or a ship tells me that we have this new item or that new ship.  In my travels I have had the privilege of being on the Inaugural Seasons of – Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Quantum of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.  It is exciting to try out the new water slide, have a drink made by a robot, walk the plank, go up in North Star 300 feet above the ship, and try the new technology offered.

 

On the Quantum of the Seas they had the check in enhancement where we entered all our boarding information and provided our picture.  When we arrived at the port, the boarding agent met us in the lobby with a tablet and checked us in.  We were given a wrist watch type of item that was used in place of our key card to handle payments on the ship.  It did not open our doors.  That was so neat, I couldn’t understand why when I checked into my next 4 Royal Caribbean cruises, they didn’t offer these enhancements.

 

Fast forward to the Regal Princess!  We will be one of the first cruises to offer the Medallion Class enhancements.  I have entered all my information and photo. Downloaded the 5 apps (yep, I did say 5 apps) Received my Medallion in the mail and created my avatar for the ship.  I’m ready to go!  I can’t wait to compare the apps to the 1 app that I use on both Norwegian and Royal.  But, I think this app will do more.

[texascat]

Thanks everyone, I am really looking forward to this cruise.  It has been a difficult month.  In February, I was told that my job was ending on March 15th.  I was freaking out, as a single person I can't handle being out of work.  So I decided to continue going on my cruise since it was paid in full.  Just figured I would not be able to do a lot of activities.  

 

But, my company put me on a different contract so I did not loose my job, but I'm going to try to limit my spending.  Which is why I went ahead and put down my On Board Credit.  Looking forward to this ship and this cruise.

[AF-1]

Have fun with your ocean medallion.  Medallion net is super fast; ocean compass and ocean now apps are the two I used the most.  Neither work until you are on the ship and on ships intranet. 

[texascat]

I am extremely excited to do the MUTS program!  I can honestly say that in all my cruises, I have never felt that spending my time in the movie theatre in the Caribbean was not my idea of fun.  But, to enjoy a movie on deck under the stars sounds like way too much fun!  I have no idea what movies are going to be available, but I do plan to spend some time enjoying this  Princess amenity.

 

(is there a way to find the movie list prior to going on the cruise?)  Thanks,

[Steelers36]

7 minutes ago, texascat said:

...........

 

(is there a way to find the movie list prior to going on the cruise?)  Thanks,

Not really.  Think about it - you probably book months ahead of time.  Final payment is at least 75 days ahead of cruising.  No way to know when the list might change.  Best would be if someone was posting from your ship the sailing or two before yours and was posting that info.  Otherwise, the list is in the initial embarkation Patter - but not the exact day/time schedule.  Watch your daily Patter for that.

 

[texascat]

11 hours ago, steelers36 said:

Not really.  Think about it - you probably book months ahead of time.  Final payment is at least 75 days ahead of cruising.  No way to know when the list might change.  Best would be if someone was posting from your ship the sailing or two before yours and was posting that info.  Otherwise, the list is in the initial embarkation Patter - but not the exact day/time schedule.  Watch your daily Patter for that.

 

Thank you! I know that last month folks had Crazy Rich Asians and that one sounded like a good film to see on deck.  I will definitely be glued to my Patter!

[AF-1]

All the MUTS will be listed on patters in your cabin.  It will be on first page.

[imapost2003]

My mom and I will be sailing with you next week!

First man and Bohemian Rhapsody were 2 highlighted in a recent email from princess about onboard entertainment.

As we all know, there are many many more that all of us will eventually end up watching by the end of the week.  On our last princess cruise we must have inadvertently watched more than a dozen movies, whether its in the cabin early or late at night, on the MUTS screen, or during attempted naps where you just cant look away.

[kywildcatfanone]

20 hours ago, texascat said:

I am extremely excited to do the MUTS program! 

I can honestly say that in all my cruises, I have never felt that spending my time in the movie theatre in the Caribbean was not my idea of fun.  But, to enjoy a movie on deck under the stars sounds like way too much fun!  I have no idea what movies are going to be available, but I do plan to spend some time enjoying this  Princess amenity.

 

(is there a way to find the movie list prior to going on the cruise?)  Thanks,

IMO Princess doesn't use MUTS well at all.  They are still showing concerts I saw 12 years ago on my first cruise, and they only have a few movies showing  and don't use it enough for what their expense is for it.  We gave up and I don't even consider checking it out anymore.

 

Check recent previous cruises for the Regal, some people will post the movies on, will likely be the same list.

[texascat]

On 3/24/2019 at 6:07 PM, kywildcatfanone said:

IMO Princess doesn't use MUTS well at all.  They are still showing concerts I saw 12 years ago on my first cruise, and they only have a few movies showing  and don't use it enough for what their expense is for it.  We gave up and I don't even consider checking it out anymore.

 

Check recent previous cruises for the Regal, some people will post the movies on, will likely be the same list.

Thank you, I hope that I find something to see!  I think sitting out on deck with the movie and the stars would be fun.  I will let you know my opinion. 

 

[texascat]

Boy, this has been a bad couple of weeks for travelers.  The poor folks on the Viking ship are so lucky that the captain and crew were able to get them out safely! Watching the videos it was extremely scary and I am positive that I would have been sick from that motion.

 

So glad all ended well for them prayers for the 17 injured people.

[kywildcatfanone]

On 3/24/2019 at 9:23 AM, texascat said:

Thank you! I know that last month folks had Crazy Rich Asians and that one sounded like a good film to see on deck.  I will definitely be glued to my Patter!

Well, like I said, they will have something about every night, and during the day they will show those old concerts off and on with a movie here or there.  There should be at least one movie each night.  But be prepared, even in the caribbean, at night, it can be terribly windy and can get quite chilly, so be prepared.

 

[vastdomain]

We just cruised March 17-24 on the Regal.  The MUTS in the evenings were Crazy Rich Asians, Instant Family, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Old Man and the Gun, Greenbook and First Man. There were others shown during the daytime. The weather was great.  With a blanket it was not too cold or windy.

 

 

 

[quantumleap]

On 3/23/2019 at 10:02 PM, texascat said:

(is there a way to find the movie list prior to going on the cruise?)  Thanks,

 

Hello texascat!

 

I'm also on this cruise, and the "It's nearly showtime!" email that I received from Princess, specific to my booking, stated the following in regards to MUTS:

 

Embark on a journey with Movies Under the Stars®     
         
Enjoy these feature films in our open-air, poolside amphitheater (popcorn included!): 

 

First Man (2018)
Starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy. Directed by Damien Chazelle. Rated PG-13, 2h 21min.

 

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Starring Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton. Directed by Bryan Singer. Rated PG-13, 2h 14 min.

 

Btw, I noticed that you said you were in Ohio, do you also have a connection to Texas?

 

Just another curious Texan here. ;.)

 

[texascat]

1 hour ago, vastdomain said:

We just cruised March 17-24 on the Regal.  The MUTS in the evenings were Crazy Rich Asians, Instant Family, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Old Man and the Gun, Greenbook and First Man. There were others shown during the daytime. The weather was great.  With a blanket it was not too cold or windy.

 

 

 

sounds like I know where I will be! thank you.