Review - Royal Princess Cabin L109 Mexican Riviera

[san diego sue]

Did you have the Medallian before you cruised? You mentioned you downloaded app prior.

My additional question is if you already had the medallian, did you still have to check in at the desks?

Or did you just go through security and wait to board. You said you were group 6.In Europe we just went to security and then boarded. Wondering how it is done in San Pedro? We board on Saturday.

[Cruiser_1977]

@san diego sue I did have my medallion. They looked at it and scanned it a few times before boarding. They also still needed to see my passport. I also had my boarding pass pulled up on my phone but no one asked to see it. The van let us off at the curb, we walked into the building and you get directed to the right or left and then handed a piece of paper with a boarding number/group on it. You then wander through the maze up to a podium (not a counter) where they scan the medallion and then in my case I was all set so I was directed to the chairs to wait.

[Cruiser_1977]

Day 6 Sea day and boy was it windy! We were doing about 19knots (25mph) and the wind was about 5mph. It was hard to even read. I sat at the pool for a bit, had some lunch in the buffet and back to the room to read and rest before formal night number 2. 

 

Beautiful sunrise at what my iPhone says was 6:48am

 

 

Milky Way Martini at Crooners

 

 

 

Shrimp Cocktail, Escargot, Beef Wellington and some sort of Pistachio Chocolate dessert

 

 

 

 

Back to Crooners for a bit and then turned in.

[kywildcatfanone]

So enjoying your postings, videos and all.  Thanks so much!

[Cruiser_1977]

Day 7 another sea day! Still windy. Tried the pool again and it was cold. There was a men's hairy leg contest at the pool that was pretty funny. However, if people closest to the pool would SIT DOWN, it would be easier for everyone to see and enjoy. I took zero pictures until the evening. I know I had pizza at Prego's for dinner. It was another zero alcohol day. I think there were three total. I didn't set out not to drink, it just didn't happen lol

 

 

I read three books, watched at least 4 movies (maybe 5) and relaxed. The ship is beautiful and the staff are first rate. I have no complaints about the service or accommodations. The food in the buffet is buffet food. Everything I had was the correct temperature and there was a wide selection. It's definitely better than most buffets. The staff was quick on the drinks and clearing tables. MDR breakfast, lunch (I went one day...either PV or the second to last sea day and had the four cheese rigatoni and a caesar salad) and dinner were good. I'd say 4.5 stars out of 5. Wine and liquor selection was good and bar service phenomenal. I just realized I haven't mentioned Daniel from Bellini's great guy from South Africa. We had some nice chats and I hope he is with Princess in more senior roles in the future! I loved being able to get bottles of San Pellegrino. 

 

Disembarkation: I was up at 5am. Pulling in to San Pedro

 

 

I decided to do walkoff. I was in line early but there were a lot of people. There was a delay due to Customs. We saw a young couple get spoken to by CBP and the gentleman was escorted away with the officers. The wife was in tears. She happened to walk right in front of me and I asked to give her a hug. She said he had all of his ID and documents. No one told her why he was being detained/questioned/pulled aside. She was scared. I have thought a lot about her and hope they are okay.

 

Once off the ship I took a car to LAX. I had about 3.5 hours to chill. I had some lunch and dealt with a gate change. Tom Bradley terminal is like a mini Beverly Hills. Who shops at Hermes or Bvlgari at the airport? Wish I had that kind of disposable income...dreams....

 

 

 

 

I would definitely take another Princess cruise! 7 days was a bit long for me, alone. I was ready to get back to my routine and even work 😳 Thanks for tagging along and feel free to ask anything!

Edited January 15, 2020 by JennyB1977

[san diego sue]

29 minutes ago, JennyB1977 said:

@san diego sue I did have my medallion. They looked at it and scanned it a few times before boarding. They also still needed to see my passport. I also had my boarding pass pulled up on my phone but no one asked to see it. The van let us off at the curb, we walked into the building and you get directed to the right or left and then handed a piece of paper with a boarding number/group on it. You then wander through the maze up to a podium (not a counter) where they scan the medallion and then in my case I was all set so I was directed to the chairs to wait.

Thank you for the information. Glad we don't have the check in process, just scanned. We were on the first Medallian cruise

last year on the Royal but I didn't have mine in advance and didn't pay attention to what those who had one did. Most didn't for what I could see.People receiving their medallians got their photo taken for it as they boarded (same as with a cruise card in the past) What surprised me was when I asked why they didn't take mine, they said already had it. It was a photo taken the last time we were on the Royal six months previously. so it was saved. Didn't know they do that. The photo currently showing when I board a Princess cruise is a photo much older than that one, taken on the Caribbean Princess three years ago. I guess we can change our photos but not worth the trouble.

[Cruiser_1977]

@san diego sue Using the Ocean Medallion app you can upload new pictures. I think I changed mine twice LOL

[4hunters]

Thanks very much for the review. I enjoyed the read!  

[Cruiser_1977]

@CarelessAndConfused I was walking toward the Uber stand and a private car (Escalade I think) was waiting. He had a couple seated already and added me for $50. He was trying to add more but we told him that if he didn't leave right away we were all getting out LOL he hopped right on the gas. Posted to my CC as Amidu Limosine LA

Edited January 15, 2020 by JennyB1977

[exbiologist]

The CBP stuff probably had more to do with drugs than immigration.  I got offered weed and coke (all with the same script “you want some weed, you want some blow, i take you to the mooooonnn”) 4 times in Cabo by guys selling cigars and once in Mazatlán by a cab driver.

Edited January 15, 2020 by exbiologist

[4cats4me]

3 hours ago, san diego sue said:

Did you have the Medallian before you cruised? You mentioned you downloaded app prior.

My additional question is if you already had the medallian, did you still have to check in at the desks?

Or did you just go through security and wait to board. You said you were group 6.In Europe we just went to security and then boarded. Wondering how it is done in San Pedro? We board on Saturday.

 

We were onboard in October, and after going through security all we had to do was tap our Medallion to the reader and breeze onboard.  No more desk.   (Unlike 6 months earlier when we’d boarded the Royal)

[subaru94]

On 1/15/2020 at 9:19 AM, rj42 said:

The drawback I had in a Lido deck inside cabin at the very front of the ship was treadmills in the gym right about me, so I heard pounding on the ceiling early in the morning until late at night, as well as what sounded like weights hitting the floor. 

Going by the deck plans on the Royal I thought the Sanctuary was above the Lido Deck?

[Cruiser_1977]

@subaru94 yes my cabin L109 was under the Sanctuary area.

[subaru94]

6 hours ago, JennyB1977 said:

@subaru94 yes my cabin L109 was under the Sanctuary area.

Thanks Jenny, last place I wanted to be was under the Gym.

[onboard2005]

Thank you for the great review and pictures.

I also travel solo and love it!

[WinksCruises]

On 1/14/2020 at 4:56 PM, JennyB1977 said:

@subaru94 I loved the location on the Lido. One deck up to Fitness Center and the Retreat. After embarkation day there was never an issue getting an elevator to 5 or 6. I never quite got "used" to where everything was located. 🤦‍♀️

Don't feel bad. Neither did we! We were on Lido in the front as well and loved being so convenient to pool, fitness, MUTS and Horizon Court and Pizza! Great review!

[pacruise804]

On 1/14/2020 at 2:18 PM, JennyB1977 said:

 

Stunning pictures throughout.  Someday I hope to cruise on a sail boat.

Great job making it to the gym 🙂 

 

On 1/14/2020 at 2:18 PM, JennyB1977 said:

 

Headed for Alfredo's and had a wonderful lunch.

 

I also put my name on the list for the Winemaker's Dinner. That never happened due to low interest. They let me know later in the week by slipping a note under my door.

We sailed Regal Princess a few years ago and loved Alfredo's for embarkation lunch - so much more relaxing than buffet.  I'm sorry you didn't get the Winemaker's Dinner - that was one of my favorite meals on sea or land.

 

On 1/14/2020 at 2:18 PM, JennyB1977 said:

My muster station was in the theater. Muster is muster. Had a nice chat with the folks around me. Then up to Outrigger. I met a few folks from CC and it's nice to meet "internet people" in person! At some point I saw my luggage down the hall and just grabbed it and took it to my room. I think that was right before the muster. I am pretty sure I ate in the MDR - Concerto this night but I honestly can't remember and don't seem to have photos.

 

Did you have a meet and greet on board?  We thought Princess did a great job with ours.

 

On 1/14/2020 at 2:18 PM, JennyB1977 said:

 

❤️❤️❤️ Stunning!

 

On 1/14/2020 at 3:07 PM, JennyB1977 said:

 

Spent most of the day at the pool. Pretty sure I had salad and cheese for lunch in the buffet. This is the craziest layout I have ever seen. There is an area called Horizon Bistro then a dessert area and then another section called the Horizon Court. I can not tell you why it's done this way. Food was fine. It's a buffet. 

🤣Great description of most buffets.  We didn't use the buffet much but I would agree it was a slightly odd layout.  I did really like the rolling cart service for drinks and pastries, it was a nice touch that I'm not used to in buffets.

 

On 1/14/2020 at 9:32 PM, JennyB1977 said:

 

This excursion was simply food, drink and view some landmarks during sunset. However, we got to see a pod of whales and some dolphins!!!

 

Whale Video

 

 

This ended up being a day with zero alcohol! Since I ate on the sailboat, I didn't eat when we got back and simply watched a movie and hit the hay. Tomorrow Mazatlan!

Great pictures and videos.  It really feels like we are there with you 🙂 Your vacation seems so relaxing - I always mean to just sit and read but end up feeling I should "do" something.

 

On 1/15/2020 at 10:03 AM, JennyB1977 said:

Day 4 Mazatlan 

 

The only thing I really wanted to see was the view from Faro Lighthouse. My plan was to walk/jog to the site, make the hike/climb and the walk/jog back. Mission accomplished!!! I spoke to a nice van driver at the cruise terminal and he said he had a daughter and he'd let her do it 🙂 So, with my google maps punched up, music on and my MapMyRun app tracking me I set off! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That sounds like my type of day 🙂 Where is your hat from?  I have one like it from the Williamsport (PA) Crosscutters.  

 

 

 

On 1/15/2020 at 10:27 AM, JennyB1977 said:

We've made it to Day 5 - Puerta Vallarta. Again no excursions planned. I got off and had a bit of tequila. I like tequila and was not overwhelmed by it. Overall, it was more of a boat day. Pool, reading, and relaxing!

 

 

 

I love the Love Boat horn...

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FcrKWlYPfJ8KrAxOCbKNm7yD6rma9zAF

 

 

This may have been the evening I ordered room service and watched movies.

 

Love the hat 😂 & the sunset.

 

On 1/15/2020 at 10:50 AM, JennyB1977 said:

Day 6 Sea day and boy was it windy! We were doing about 19knots (25mph) and the wind was about 5mph. It was hard to even read. I sat at the pool for a bit, had some lunch in the buffet and back to the room to read and rest before formal night number 2. 

 

Beautiful sunrise at what my iPhone says was 6:48am

❤️❤️❤️ It still looks so smooth for the wind you had.

 

 

On 1/15/2020 at 11:14 AM, JennyB1977 said:

Day 7 another sea day! Still windy. Tried the pool again and it was cold. There was a men's hairy leg contest at the pool that was pretty funny. However, if people closest to the pool would SIT DOWN, it would be easier for everyone to see and enjoy. I took zero pictures until the evening. I know I had pizza at Prego's for dinner. It was another zero alcohol day. I think there were three total. I didn't set out not to drink, it just didn't happen lol

 

 

I read three books, watched at least 4 movies (maybe 5) and relaxed. The ship is beautiful and the staff are first rate. I have no complaints about the service or accommodations. The food in the buffet is buffet food. Everything I had was the correct temperature and there was a wide selection. It's definitely better than most buffets. The staff was quick on the drinks and clearing tables. MDR breakfast, lunch (I went one day...either PV or the second to last sea day and had the four cheese rigatoni and a caesar salad) and dinner were good. I'd say 4.5 stars out of 5. Wine and liquor selection was good and bar service phenomenal. I just realized I haven't mentioned Daniel from Bellini's great guy from South Africa. We had some nice chats and I hope he is with Princess in more senior roles in the future! I loved being able to get bottles of San Pellegrino. 

 

 

Another stunning picture!  Our last cruise the seas were so rough we spent a day in the cabin just reading and watching movies - I feel bad that it was such a difficult time for so many but it was amazing to just relax.  We often end up drinking less than we think we will too.

 

 

[Cruiser_1977]

@pacruise804 Thanks! The curly W is for the Washington Nationals 🙂 I've been a fan since they came to town back in 2005.

[Vexorg]

Thanks for the review.  I'll be boarding the Royal Princess next Saturday for this cruise (albeit with the ports in the reverse order to avoid a 4-ship day in Puerto Vallarta.)  Looking forward to it.

[maggieq]

Thanks for the review.  Our first cruise together (fiancé and I) was the golden princess and have wanted to go back to princess on one of their newer ships.  This is making me want to look into more. 
 

I could be crazy/confusing with someone else but were  you on the NCL Encore TA?

Edited January 19, 2020 by maggieq

[brightfeather]

On 1/14/2020 at 5:43 PM, JennyB1977 said:

Here are the Patters. I somehow missed the first sea day. I also have uploaded the "Family Letter" from embarkation and the Disembarkation Information. I have all of the inserts for each port and the tender information if folks need/want that please ask.

At Sea 1.9.2020.pdf 4.45 MB · 60 downloads At Sea 1.10.2020.pdf 4.58 MB · 39 downloads Cabo San Lucas 1.6.2020.pdf 4.49 MB · 31 downloads Disembarkation Information.pdf 1.74 MB · 17 downloads Embarkation Day 1.4.2020.pdf 4.61 MB · 47 downloads Family Letter.pdf 1.27 MB · 37 downloads Mazatlan 1.7.2020.pdf 4.69 MB · 32 downloads Puerto Vallarta 1.8.2020.pdf 4.67 MB · 29 downloads

Hi Jenny, thank you for posting the patters! I have a group of 30 going in April so it's most helpful for me to plan.  Would you be able to post or email me the first sea day patter? I'd be truly grateful.  Dlyazzie@hotmail.com or post here? 

Thank you,

Diane

Edited January 19, 2020 by brightfeather
Spelling

[PCWalton1]

Jenny, thank you for the review. Marie and I will be taking the same cruise this coming May. 

[PCWalton1]

1 minute ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

 

If it's on the Royal, that doesn't sound right.  I thought they were starting the Alaska season right at the beginning of May.  Perhaps I'm not recalling correctly.

May 2, Mexico. 😁

[Thrak]

Thanks for the review and pics. Also, absolutely love the "Family Letter" from the captain. We've never seen this on Princess. Glad you enjoyed Princess but my wife laughed when I read to her that 7 days was a bit long. We tend to find anything less than 10 days to be too short. 😎

[jennybenny]

57 minutes ago, Thrak said:

... We tend to find anything less than 10 days to be too short. 😎

I have to agree with you! We did a 7 day cruise for Christmas this year (instead of a 10 or 15 day as we normally do) and the kids and DH all said it was too short.

 

We drove and spent extra days driving back up the coast slowly but still, they all wanted a longer cruise.