Just off the Royal this morning

[4cats4me]

Had a great time. 

 

Ship still  beautiful.  

 

Cabin E107, mixed feelings.  Loved extended balcony.  Hated the severe motion up there. 

I thought I was a tough sea girl.  I flattered myself too much.  I was a big wimpy  baby. 

Have E108 booked for next year.  Might have to go back to the postage stamp balconies.  

One day they painted and varnished our balcony and railing. It smelled bad. Luckily, I brought hospital masks with me. 

LOL

On another day, they were painting the bridge which was directly above us  while in port in Mazatlan.  But we chose to disembark 

and go drinking at the port, and we got tipsy at the bar there at the port. We didn’t do Jell-O shots though, just margaritas.  

 

Didn't get off the ship in Cabo.  

 

Did the fabulous excursion to Mahajuitas and Yelapa.  They crowded 180 of us on that catamaran this time.  

We did the same excursion before and it had half the amount of people and was more enjoyable.  

Three ships in all ports created some challenges that we’re. It accustomed to. 

At Yelapa, I wanted PiE and the pie ladies were nowhere to be found.  Well. I didn’t really need a lice of pie anyway, choosing to have a passion fruit daiquiri instead. Real honest to goodness passion fruit off the tree with seeds and all.  Delicious!  

Back on the catamaran we all went, and the booze flowed freely.  Everyone seemed drunk.  It felt more like we were on a Carnival cruise, but not one Carnie was in our group, all Princess and ...... drum roll..... Holland America people. So, it isn’t just Carnies that party a lot.  

The crew were so much fun, as always. 

 

Never ate in the MDR or specialty restaurants.  Ate at the buffet.  Very good food. Very bad buffet behaviors.  I reported a couple people to the employees for licking their fingers while eating On the  food in line, then touching serving spoons.  Ewwwww.  One manager told me that he couldn’t or wouldn’t do anything as it was “their” vacation.  I went and reported to another manager and he was vigilant and wanted me to point out the offending person so that he could have a word with her to lecture her about the importance of good hygiene at buffets, but she was nowhere to be found by that time.  I used to not speak up, but with viruses running rampant on cruise ships, I feel that it is in the best interest of all passengers to be proactive to prevent cooties from spreading.   

 

Favorite night, Brazilian.  They had an excellent tri tip that  was seasoned perfectly.  I added chimmichuri sauce, and it was excellent.  

Yeaterday was a seafood buffet with tons of mussels and shrimp, but I don’t eat that stuff. 

 

Usual over-whipped cream desserts.  

 

Princess cheaping out on the little custard fruit tarts they’ve had for years.  Instead of custard they’re using plain whipped cream.  

Boo hoo.  However, it didn’t deter me from eating a bunch more throughout the week.  

 

HOWEVER, butter was in abundance at the buffet.  I could have taken a pound of it back to my table and nobody would have cared.  

 

Cocktails hAve gotten smaller, I think, but prices have jumped since October when we last cruised.  

 

We had a great cabin steward, and I got lots of Elite amenities, but I had to ask for the bag, but then I kind of specified what I would like, and he did try to accommodate my request.  So, I got one lotiOn, one conditioner, two shampoos, nail file, linen mist, cotton balls and shower cap.  All requests were fulfilled quickly. 

 

We were here to be delayed until 2:00 for embarkation.  We showed up at 10:40 and check in took like 5 minutes.  

They gave us the wrong boarding group, so I spoke up and told them we should be priority, so then they tried to direct us to the opposite end of the terminal.  I said, no, where is the lounge? Anyway, I directed myself, as nobody else seemed to have a clue.  

We were onboard at 12:00. Went to room at 12:45 to put our carry one, and poor stewards were all behind due to the Coast Guard drill, and 

we were all called at 1:30 that we could go to our rooms.  Very late, but we all understood. 

 

Disembarking, we were group F walk-off, and I wanted to be in A, bit was too lazy to go to the purser’s desk, and group A was at 7:25 and F at 7:35, so we went to our lounge this morning and they called ALL walkofffs at 6:55 am, well, there weren’t more than 20 of us altogether, and they escorted us to the disembark point, but while we were filing out, they called all group A over the loudspeaker im the Wheelhouse and they were all folding in.  So, we were all stoked to be leaving extra early and then they put the gate back up and we waited until 7:@5 exactly and flew out of there to the tent area, which was a long walk, and we were in our car and driving away by 7:35, 5 minutes later than our planned 7:30 departure, drive 400 miles to our house, and pulled in the driveway at 2:35, 5 minutes later than our estimated arrival home. LOL

 

lots and lots of good music this cruise. A much younger crowd, and a very fun crowd. I knew it would be fun when everyone erupted in huge applause at the end of muster. LOL

We loved the festive atmosphere. Many age groups were represented on this cruise.  3,600 onboard. 3,100 from America. 200 from Canada. I don’t know where all the other people hailed from.  

 

Matt, the cruise director,  is adorable.  So energetic. 

 

Enjoyed Encore show.  Didn’t really partake of anything else.  

Loved the selection of movies on demand.   

 

Will attach some some pics of random things later from iPhone. 

 

Met a lot of nice CC people.  Had a fun little cabin crawl yesterday, followed by champagne in HBCruiser’s suite. 

 

We are already booked again for next April, but we might have to switch cabins.   

 

I think that just about covers it.  I do have Patters, in case anyone has questions, but HBCruisers did a fully comprehensive Live From, which should answer a lot of questions people might have.  

 

 

 

 

[4cats4me]

Edited April 14, 2019 by 4cats4me

[4cats4me]

[4cats4me]

[4cats4me]

[4cats4me]

[4cats4me]

[4cats4me]

 

 

 

When they decide to paint AND varnish your balcony on a sea day 

[tawlaw1526]

Excellent review and pictures.  Thank you very much!    We have sailed with CD, Matt O. on the Royal a couple times.   He is full of energy for sure.    Welcome. Home!!!!   

[4cats4me]

31 minutes ago, 4cats4me said:

Had a great time. 

 

Ship still  beautiful.  

 

Cabin E107, mixed feelings.  Loved extended balcony.  Hated the severe motion up there. 

I thought I was a tough sea girl.  I flattered myself too much.  I was a big wimpy  baby. 

Have E108 booked for next year.  Might have to go back to the postage stamp balconies.  

One day they painted and varnished our balcony and railing. It smelled bad. Luckily, I brought hospital masks with me. 

LOL

On another day, they were painting the bridge which was directly above us  while in port in Mazatlan.  But we chose to disembark 

and go drinking at the port, and we got tipsy at the bar there at the port. We didn’t do Jell-O shots though, just margaritas.  

 

Didn't get off the ship in Cabo.  

 

Did the fabulous excursion to Mahajuitas and Yelapa.  They crowded 180 of us on that catamaran this time.  

We did the same excursion before and it had half the amount of people and was more enjoyable.  

Three ships in all ports created some challenges that we’re. It accustomed to. 

At Yelapa, I wanted PiE and the pie ladies were nowhere to be found.  Well. I didn’t really need a lice of pie anyway, choosing to have a passion fruit daiquiri instead. Real honest to goodness passion fruit off the tree with seeds and all.  Delicious!  

Back on the catamaran we all went, and the booze flowed freely.  Everyone seemed drunk.  It felt more like we were on a Carnival cruise, but not one Carnie was in our group, all Princess and ...... drum roll..... Holland America people. So, it isn’t just Carnies that party a lot.  

The crew were so much fun, as always. 

 

Never ate in the MDR or specialty restaurants.  Ate at the buffet.  Very good food. Very bad buffet behaviors.  I reported a couple people to the employees for licking their fingers while eating On the  food in line, then touching serving spoons.  Ewwwww.  One manager told me that he couldn’t or wouldn’t do anything as it was “their” vacation.  I went and reported to another manager and he was vigilant and wanted me to point out the offending person so that he could have a word with her to lecture her about the importance of good hygiene at buffets, but she was nowhere to be found by that time.  I used to not speak up, but with viruses running rampant on cruise ships, I feel that it is in the best interest of all passengers to be proactive to prevent cooties from spreading.   

 

Favorite night, Brazilian.  They had an excellent tri tip that  was seasoned perfectly.  I added chimmichuri sauce, and it was excellent.  

Yeaterday was a seafood buffet with tons of mussels and shrimp, but I don’t eat that stuff. 

 

Usual over-whipped cream desserts.  

 

Princess cheaping out on the little custard fruit tarts they’ve had for years.  Instead of custard they’re using plain whipped cream.  

Boo hoo.  However, it didn’t deter me from eating a bunch more throughout the week.  

 

HOWEVER, butter was in abundance at the buffet.  I could have taken a pound of it back to my table and nobody would have cared.  

 

Cocktails hAve gotten smaller, I think, but prices have jumped since October when we last cruised.  

 

We had a great cabin steward, and I got lots of Elite amenities, but I had to ask for the bag, but then I kind of specified what I would like, and he did try to accommodate my request.  So, I got one lotiOn, one conditioner, two shampoos, nail file, linen mist, cotton balls and shower cap.  All requests were fulfilled quickly. 

 

We were here to be delayed until 2:00 for embarkation.  We showed up at 10:40 and check in took like 5 minutes.  

They gave us the wrong boarding group, so I spoke up and told them we should be priority, so then they tried to direct us to the opposite end of the terminal.  I said, no, where is the lounge? Anyway, I directed myself, as nobody else seemed to have a clue.  

We were onboard at 12:00. Went to room at 12:45 to put our carry one, and poor stewards were all behind due to the Coast Guard drill, and 

we were all called at 1:30 that we could go to our rooms.  Very late, but we all understood. 

 

Disembarking, we were group F walk-off, and I wanted to be in A, bit was too lazy to go to the purser’s desk, and group A was at 7:25 and F at 7:35, so we went to our lounge this morning and they called ALL walkofffs at 6:55 am, well, there weren’t more than 20 of us altogether, and they escorted us to the disembark point, but while we were filing out, they called all group A over the loudspeaker im the Wheelhouse and they were all folding in.  So, we were all stoked to be leaving extra early and then they put the gate back up and we waited until 7:@5 exactly and flew out of there to the tent area, which was a long walk, and we were in our car and driving away by 7:35, 5 minutes later than our planned 7:30 departure, drive 400 miles to our house, and pulled in the driveway at 2:35, 5 minutes later than our estimated arrival home. LOL

 

lots and lots of good music this cruise. A much younger crowd, and a very fun crowd. I knew it would be fun when everyone erupted in huge applause at the end of muster. LOL

We loved the festive atmosphere. Many age groups were represented on this cruise.  3,600 onboard. 3,100 from America. 200 from Canada. I don’t know where all the other people hailed from.  

 

Matt, the cruise director,  is adorable.  So energetic. 

 

Enjoyed Encore show.  Didn’t really partake of anything else.  

Loved the selection of movies on demand.   

 

Will attach some some pics of random things later from iPhone. 

 

Met a lot of nice CC people.  Had a fun little cabin crawl yesterday, followed by champagne in HBCruiser’s suite. 

 

We are already booked again for next April, but we might have to switch cabins.   

 

I think that just about covers it.  I do have Patters, in case anyone has questions, but HBCruisers did a fully comprehensive Live From, which should answer a lot of questions people might have.  

 

 

 

 

 

Oops, it is so hard typing on a touchscreen and battling auto-correct at the same time. 

It should have said “slice of pie” not “lice of pie.”   Yuck.  LOL

Edited April 14, 2019 by 4cats4me

[milolii]

Thank you, nice review and pictures.   Sorry to hear you were a little sick.  We have a foreword window suite booked on the SKY next year.  I might have to think about that again,. 

 

We were on the NCL STAR MR Cruise  in March  forward but still right behind the first bank of elevators.  Some motion but I did not think it was too bad. It was rough seas  going back to LA. 

 

We are also on the Royal this year and thanks for the pics and review.  

[4cats4me]

Forgot to mention, everywhere we went on the ship, we were told that no more cruise cards would be forthcoming for check-in after our cruise, ONLY medallions.  So, ours was effectively (supposedly) the last cruise card cruise.  

The Medallion screens were all over, and it was fun touching my Medallion to the reader and seeing my tag along that I created at home pop up on the screen!  

 

 

[Host CJSKIDS]

Glad you had such a great time, great review.  And thanks for all the cocktail menus!

[Host CJSKIDS]

Any chance you know what the drink prices are at good spirits?  I'm hoping they are part of the drink package.

[4cats4me]

8 minutes ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

Any chance you know what the drink prices are at good spirits?  I'm hoping they are part of the drink package.

 

Yes, they are $12 plus tip.  Apparently, they’re testing this Good Spirits concept on a couple ships right now, the Royal and I think the Caribbean Princess. The “show” is held in the lobby bar, and the bartender has a head set on, and he explains over the P.A.  system,  in detail , each  drink, as he makes them, lots of descriptors.... authentic Mexican vanilla extracted from the bla bla bla.... kind of interesting, but ruins the evening ambience, especially when we’re sipping our cosmos and the bar stewards throw the menu on our table and want to explain this specialty drink thing.  It is very in-your-face upselling, especially at 9 at night when you really just want to enjoy your significant other’s company. I felt that this drink show would have been best accomplished as a daytime thing in the atrium to advertise.  

Also, the Good Spirits concept reminded us of the Molecular Bar on Celebrity, lots of unique drinks with frothed egg whites, that type of thing.  

I liked the idea of Good Spirits.  I just didn’t care for the delivery.

The few people who bought the drinks were raving about them though.  

Edited April 14, 2019 by 4cats4me

[Host CJSKIDS]

4 minutes ago, 4cats4me said:

 

Yes, they are $12 plus tip.  Apparently, they’re testing this Good Spirits concept on a couple ships right now, the Royal and I think the Caribbean Princess. The “show” is held in the lobby bar, and the bartender has a head set on, and he explains over the P.A.  system,  in detail , each  drink, as he makes them, lots of descriptors.... authentic Mexican vanilla extracted from the bla bla bla.... kind of interesting, but ruins the evening ambience, especially when we’re sipping our cosmos and the bar stewards throw the menu on our table and want to explain this specialty drink thing.  It is very in-your-face upselling, especially at 9 at night when you really just want to enjoy your significant other’s company. I felt that this drink show would have been best accomplished as a daytime thing in the atrium to advertise.  

Also, the Good Spirits concept reminded us of the Molecular Bar on Celebrity, lots of unique drinks with frothed egg whites, that type of thing.  

I liked the idea of Good Spirits.  I just didn’t care for the delivery.

The few people who bought the drinks were raving about them though.  

 

Is the menu only available the show? Sounds like it would be much better if it was held during the day. 

 

Sorry to hear about you not feeling well.  I'm so bothered by the motion so it would have been tough for me.

 

Love the picture of you with the mask on!

 

 

[4cats4me]

1 minute ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

 

Is the menu only available the show? Sounds like it would be much better if it was held during the day. 

 

Sorry to hear about you not feeling well.  I'm so bothered by the motion so it would have been tough for me.

 

Love the picture of you with the mask on!

 

 

 

Good Spirits is listed in the Patter daily as occurring at 5:00, 8:00 and 10:00, I believe. I did find it interesting, and yes, it seems that you can only get those particular drinks within those one-hour time frames, as the drinks look a little more involved than the average drink, but if it is a success maybe they’ll make these drinks more often?  At least they’re trying to be imaginative.  Celebrity used to have Molecular Bar, but the licensing ran out or the copyright, or whatever it is called, the rights to the drink by the creator.  I am wondering if that guy is behind the creation of these drinks? Seems similar.  

 

Yeah, so glad to be off the ship.   The Royal does not handle the seas on the northbound Baja portion very well.  It is always a bumpy ride, but We felt that the Sapphire and Star And Golden handled it a bit better.  We were so far forward, we were even forward of the show room.  From the front bank of elevators in the 300s it was a long walk to 107. However, it was such a nice, quiet cabin, and no ambient outside light at night. Pitch dark! So that was a nice treat. 

[Vic The Parrot]

Did I see Strongbow on that drink menu ??!!?? 

[elliair]

2 hours ago, 4cats4me said:

 

Never ate in the MDR or specialty restaurants.  Ate at the buffet.  Very good food. Very bad buffet behaviors.  I reported a couple people to the employees for licking their fingers while eating On the  food in line, then touching serving spoons.  Ewwwww.  One manager told me that he couldn’t or wouldn’t do anything as it was “their” vacation.  I went and reported to another manager and he was vigilant and wanted me to point out the offending person so that he could have a word with her to lecture her about the importance of good hygiene at buffets, but she was nowhere to be found by that time.  I used to not speak up, but with viruses running rampant on cruise ships, I feel that it is in the best interest of all passengers to be proactive to prevent cooties from spreading.    

 

 

I think the manager just told you he would have a word with the offending party just to appease you.  When I see it in the buffet area and they're in front of me or behind me licking their fingers, I say something to them.  I point out that they licked their fingers then picked up the spoon and that's not right!   If you just sit and watch people's eating habits, MANY lick their fingers, doesn't matter where you're at, people do it.  I haven't caught noro yet, but that's how it's spread.

 

 

 

[mthomp5]

Thank you for your review and wonderful pictures!  Good for you for pointing out poor buffet manners.  Some people may just need to be educated.

 

Thanks also for you’re honest feedback on the forward cabins.  I’ve always wondered about booking those but was worried about the motion.  I too think I’m a tough sea gal but I bet in really rough seas at the front of the ship, I would not enjoy it.  

 

Just one question...what is the show Encore about?  Is it opera?  One time we unknowingly went to one that was opera.  We only realized after it started and I wouldn’t let poor DH leave.  He was a good sport and sat through the whole thing.  Now before going to a show, I make sure it’s not opera.

[4cats4me]

26 minutes ago, elliair said:

 

 

There was also an incident on night one where a young teen was running around picking things at random, taking a bite, licking fingers, went to six stations in less than two minutes, and the sous Chef was walking through and I stopped him and he went over and told the kid to knock it off, so action was taken.  

In the other incident yesterday, the guy wanted me to take him to the woman, but by then it was too late. I was in a different section and couldn’t find her

 He seemed very serious.   At any rate, at least he pretended like he cared, unlike the other manager guy so saw her, and I 

pointed right at her and he simply refused to be proactive.  That woman was posted up near the taco bar in the front part of the buffet, leaning against the wall while eating at least 12 tortilla chips with guac.  I couldn’t understand why she didn’t just sit down.  There were spots to sit.  She licked her fingers of guacamole several times.  Then I called it to the attention of one of the buffet guys who had a chef hat on.  He didn’t want to get involved.  The. Both my husband and me went over to him again as her gross behavior persisted.  

Then she went back to get more food, and picked up the serving spoon for more guacamole.  At that point I went to find a supervisor, and I pointed her out, her bad behavior persisting, and he told me that it was “their” vacation.  Unacceptable.  Shortly thereafter  I marched into the other section to find someone wo might be willing to take my complaint seriously, and he seemed sincere, but at that point I couldn’t find her.  

We were vigilant handwashers before going into buffet and sanitizing again before eating.  I guess that’s really all a person can do.   It’s almost getting to a point where I am going to refuse going to the buffet due to our aging and compromised immune systems.  Maybe the International cafe And  Alfredo’s would be better options in the future for us.  I never used to care, but now I do. 

[4cats4me]

34 minutes ago, mthomp5 said:

Thank you for your review and wonderful pictures!  Good for you for pointing out poor buffet manners.  Some people may just need to be educated.

 

Thanks also for you’re honest feedback on the forward cabins.  I’ve always wondered about booking those but was worried about the motion.  I too think I’m a tough sea gal but I bet in really rough seas at the front of the ship, I would not enjoy it.  

 

Just one question...what is the show Encore about?  Is it opera?  One time we unknowingly went to one that was opera.  We only realized after it started and I wouldn’t let poor DH leave.  He was a good sport and sat through the whole thing.  Now before going to a show, I make sure it’s not opera.

 

Definitely opera.  I love it.  Encore and Bravo are both opera.  Sadly, we had no Secret Silk on this sailing. It is on hiatus for a while. Sad, because we saw it last year and it was excellent.   I usually hate cruise ship shows, but enjoy Bravo and Fiero on the Regal and encore and Secret Silk on the Royal.  

 

The Princess orchestra is very good, and we enjoy them always.  The party band Xcite was so good! Both singers and all musicians wer3 top notch and they played in the atrium every night.  Loved Los Brilliantes, too. All the musicians were good. I didn’t hear or see any weak links. 

[ceilidh1]

4 minutes ago, 4cats4me said:

 

Definitely opera.  I love it.  Encore and Bravo are both opera.  Sadly, we had no Secret Silk on this sailing. It is on hiatus for a while. Sad, because we saw it last year and it was excellent.   I usually hate cruise ship shows, but enjoy Bravo and Fiero on the Regal and encore and Secret Silk on the Royal.  

 

The Princess orchestra is very good, and we enjoy them always.  The party band Xcite was so good! Both singers and all musicians wer3 top notch and they played in the atrium every night.  Loved Los Brilliantes, too. All the musicians were good. I didn’t hear or see any weak links. 

I inadvertently wandered into Encore, got ready to see a show I hadn't seen before (I think this is the ONLY show I haven't seen before) and then found out it was opera. Don't get me wrong, opera is fine....except that my job for the past 12 years has been at an opera company! NO WAY was I going to be listening to opera on vacation! Thankfully, I was on the end of a row and able to make a quick exit....lol!

Edited April 14, 2019 by ceilidh1
typo

[#1Nanna]

Thanks for your review. I am wondering, did you notice if they had sushi in the buffet, and if so was it only on a certain night or theme?

Thanks!

[mthomp5]

33 minutes ago, 4cats4me said:

 

Definitely opera.  I love it.  Encore and Bravo are both opera.  Sadly, we had no Secret Silk on this sailing. It is on hiatus for a while. Sad, because we saw it last year and it was excellent.   I usually hate cruise ship shows, but enjoy Bravo and Fiero on the Regal and encore and Secret Silk on the Royal.  

 

The Princess orchestra is very good, and we enjoy them always.  The party band Xcite was so good! Both singers and all musicians wer3 top notch and they played in the atrium every night.  Loved Los Brilliantes, too. All the musicians were good. I didn’t hear or see any weak links. 

Thank you!  I think it was Bravo that we saw when we were on the Regal. Thanks for the heads up on Encore...I’ll give DH a pass.  I usually do love the orchestra music.

 

Bummed about Secret Silk.  We’ll be on the 4/27 sailing and was hoping to see it.