Almost live from Regal Princess February 12,2022

[Host CJSKIDS]

@CineGraphicglad you got the Winemaker’s dinner.  Hoping to get this for our sailing.  Last time we did it with friends we had so much fun.

 

Are they doing the Super Tuscan Dinner on the sailing?  That’s the one that I would really love to have.  

[dickinson]

2 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

Yesterday was a mish-mosh for me on board. Breakfast in the MDR was mostly OK, except for the bagel that felt like it had been drying out all day. (I was just served another bagel this morning and it too was as dry as a crouton)

Lunch also had it’s problems as I found a long black hair in my fish and chips. Having spent much of my younger days in the hospitality biz, I politely brought it to a manger’s attention. He was very apologetic and thanked me for letting him know. He then took the fish back to the kitchen to show the staff.

 

 

Then I was eliminated in the first round of the $50K slot tournament the casino is hosting by a mere 150 points. Oh well, you win some and you lose some.
 

At 3pm I hosted a group slot pull for members of our roll calls on Cruise Critic and Facebook. We had 28 participants show up and we walked away with slightly more money than we put in, so that’s a win in my book. 
 

Later on, I saw a young couple hit a $1600 jackpot, and they then went on to win the marriage game held in Princess Live. What a special day that must have been for them.

Last night was formal night, something I always try to avoid since there was a time in my life where I owned 3 tuxes and wore them while working. I had 8pm reservations at Sabatini’s. Being Valentine’s Day, they were slammed earlier in the evening and still trying to recover. I sat at my table for 15 minutes with nothing more than a glass of water and the menu before I decided that it was not going to get any better, so I decided to leave. The manager apologized and asked me to come back tonight. He then informed the hostess to not accept anymore walk-ins for the night since service was suffering. Another couple approached the manager while I was there, and they too were not happy with the service.

 

I ended up eating in the Allegro Dining Room. The two main dining rooms served over 1500 dinners by 8pm. There are just over 1800 passengers on board, so the buffet must have been totally deserted.

 

Lastly, one of the first things I did when I embarked was to sign-up for the winemaker’s dinner. Somehow, my name was not on any of the lists, but that was quickly taken care of, and I’m now booked for Thursday night.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh my!   We saw the marriage game.  that couple did have a great day!  We are considering staying on for the next cruise.  We got a great price (almost half what we paid for this one and that was a great price!).  the future cruise desk said the amount of people on board would be about the same as what is on now.  A couple we met playing trivia booked to stay on so we checked it out and will decide by tonight.

[CineGraphic]

2 hours ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

 

Are they doing the Super Tuscan Dinner on the sailing?  That’s the one that I would really love to have.  

From what I understand, there are supply issues with the Tuscan wines.

[Host CJSKIDS]

2 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

From what I understand, there are supply issues with the Tuscan wines.

That sure makes a lot of sense. Thanks. 
 

enjoy today!

[chubbypiggy]

22 hours ago, dickinson said:

 

$36.58.  This includes gratuities.  There is no tax.  Hope it helps.

Thank you!

[Oceansaway17]

16 hours ago, dickinson said:

 

Royal class ships have the right horns to be able to play it.  The other ships do not have the capability.  I  am sure Discovery will be able to do so.

yea I understand.

Well at least so far all 4 ships for Disney play their themes.  I just assumed Princess was the same. 

[geoherb]

7 hours ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

Are they doing the Super Tuscan Dinner on the sailing?  That’s the one that I would really love to have.  

 

I asked about the Super Tuscan Dinner last week on the Regal. The employee said he did not know when they would start scheduling them again.

[Donyb]

5 hours ago, dickinson said:

Oh my!   We saw the marriage game.  that couple did have a great day!  We are considering staying on for the next cruise.  We got a great price (almost half what we paid for this one and that was a great price!).  the future cruise desk said the amount of people on board would be about the same as what is on now.  A couple we met playing trivia booked to stay on so we checked it out and will decide by tonight.

Did you go to the Captains Circle person or the future cruise booking person to get a rate for staying on next week?? I will be boarding on Sat. and wonder if there will be the same offer for the following week.

[MISTER 67]

On 2/12/2022 at 9:30 PM, dickinson said:

Booked last minute on Monday. Got a good deal and scored a mid ship extended balcony. Flew into Florida on Friday. Met friends for dinner. Stayed at embassy Suites. Room was mostly nice. Took an Uber from airport for less than $14. Was going take an Uber to port but hotel shuttle was leaving and more convenient. More expensive but $8/person. 
 

had some trouble getting on because they confiscated our power strip.  It was not a surge protector but they said it still was not allowed. We argued a bit because googling said it was ok. We lost

 

Exchanged our Elite mini bar for water. They brought 18 bottles to add to the two already there. I think we’re set!

 

Also asked cabin steward Darrell if we could get a pen and pad of paper. Used to supply them automatically but I guess not now. No elite upgrade toiletries. I asked for a nail file but they don’t have any. 
 

Total passenger count is 1887. More than last cruise. Next one will be lower. 
 

 

Most people wear masks except when sitting in Crooners. Seams people think there is no catching Covid because of where they are seated. They can sit and chat for hours while taking a sip every Now and then. No one sips and cover and no one enforces anything. Sad

 

had lunch in main dining room. Delicious. Dinner in Crown Grill. Delicious

 

 

if anyone has questions I will try to answer. 

What is the difference in drinking in Crooners without a mask or eating in the dining room or up in the buffet without a mask? 

We sailed twice on the Caribbean Princess in December and thought that policy didn't make any sense. 

Edited February 15, 2022 by MISTER 67

[hllwdcruiser]

9 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

Lastly, one of the first things I did when I embarked was to sign-up for the winemaker’s dinner. Somehow, my name was not on any of the lists, but that was quickly taken care of, and I’m now booked for Thursday night.

How did you sign up when you embarked? Do you know if they are having more than one?

If you feel so inclined, I would love to see some photos of the food. However, no worries and can't blame you if you just want to enjoy the experience without pulling out your cell phone at each course!

[dickinson]

4 hours ago, Donyb said:

Did you go to the Captains Circle person or the future cruise booking person to get a rate for staying on next week?? I will be boarding on Sat. and wonder if there will be the same offer for the following week.

 

Went to the Future Cruise booking person. He had us buy FCD so we could get the OBC associated with it.  Basically the 2nd person price was free except they have to pay the taxes.  Of course I had to change my air on Southwest  and the prices are higher.  We still come out way ahead.

[dickinson]

4 hours ago, MISTER 67 said:

What is the difference in drinking in Crooners without a mask or eating in the dining room or up in the buffet without a mask? 

We sailed twice on the Caribbean Princess in December and thought that policy didn't make any sense. 

 

I think you missed the point.  There is no difference WHILE eating or drinking.  There is a major difference if you are just sitting and chatting with a drink on your table of which you are NOT sipping from. That is why the rule is sip and cover.  Most people in the dining room sit at the table and immediately take their mask off.  No eating or drinking at the time.  Ugh. Maybe the rules will change soon or maybe not.  Either way please don't be selfish people and only think of yourself.  If you should get a breakthrough case of Covid the medallion will track who was near you and they too will have to quarantine.

[jimmieg]

On 2/14/2022 at 7:19 PM, dickinson said:

 

Royal class ships have the right horns to be able to play it.  The other ships do not have the capability.  I  am sure Discovery will be able to do so.

Saw a YouTube yesterday of the Discovery sail out from the shipyard in Italy. They were playing the theme. Awaiting its arrival in LA. Was going through Suez Canal recently.

[MISTER 67]

7 hours ago, dickinson said:

 

I think you missed the point.  There is no difference WHILE eating or drinking.  There is a major difference if you are just sitting and chatting with a drink on your table of which you are NOT sipping from. That is why the rule is sip and cover.  Most people in the dining room sit at the table and immediately take their mask off.  No eating or drinking at the time.  Ugh. Maybe the rules will change soon or maybe not.  Either way please don't be selfish people and only think of yourself.  If you should get a breakthrough case of Covid the medallion will track who was near you and they too will have to quarantine.

We are not selfish, we live in Florida where hardly anyone wears masks but we still do. We followed all the rules when we cruised in December but some things just don’t make sense, so I’m in the International Cafe and it’s always crowded  and you’re sipping a coffee but also are munching on a piece of cake, so no mask while a couple floors up I’m having a drink in Crooners and I have to sip and mask. 

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by MISTER 67

[wowzz]

7 hours ago, dickinson said:

Most people in the dining room sit at the table and immediately take their mask off.  No eating or drinking at the time.  Ugh. 

I really don't understand your concern.

I am going to be eating and drinking for 90 minutes or so with no mask. What difference does 5 minutes unmasked at the beginning of the meal make  ?

Fortunately the mask paranoia is rapidly disappearing in Europe. Hopefully it will spread to cruise ships as well.

 

[CineGraphic]

47 minutes ago, MISTER 67 said:

We are not selfish, we live in Florida where hardly anyone wears masks but we still do. We followed all the rules when we cruised in December but some things just don’t make sense, so I’m in the International Cafe and it’s always crowded  and you’re sipping a coffee but also are munching on a piece of cake, so no mask while a couple floors up I’m having a drink in Crooners and I have to sip and mask. 

 

Crooners is a much smaller space than any of the dining rooms, and it appears that people are sitting much closer to each other  in Crooners than the MDR, and that may be the deciding factor. 
 

Yes, many folks from Florida don’t like to wear masks, and the case numbers reflect that.

[MISTER 67]

17 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

Crooners is a much smaller space than any of the dining rooms, and it appears that people are sitting much closer to each other  in Crooners than the MDR, and that may be the deciding factor. 
 

Yes, many folks from Florida don’t like to wear masks, and the case numbers reflect that.

Things are pretty crowded in the International Cafe, and as I stated you don't have to mask if you're snacking but guess what, there were  people in Crooners who brought their own snacks like nuts since Princess isn't handing them out during the Pandemic and they didn't mask up.The bar itself in Crooners was  packed every night and hardly anyone masked up while at the bar.

One other thing, in the 2 cruises we took in December, I was told by the Passenger Services that there were no cases on the 2 cruises. 

BTW, per capita, Florida is about in the middle of the pack in cases and deaths. Before Omicron Florida was doing exceptionally well.

Edited February 16, 2022 by MISTER 67

[CineGraphic]

18 minutes ago, MISTER 67 said:

Things are pretty crowded in the International Cafe, and as I stated you don't have to mask if you're snacking but guess what, there were  people in Crooners who brought their own snacks like nuts since Princess isn't handing them out during the Pandemic and they didn't mask up.The bar itself in Crooners was  packed every night and hardly anyone masked up while at the bar.

One other thing, in the 2 cruises we took in December, I was told by the Passenger Services that there were no cases on the 2 cruises. 

BTW, per capita, Florida is about in the middle of the pack in cases and deaths. Before Omicron Florida was doing exceptionally well.

I will have to disagree with you. The IC tends to be more spread out than Crooners, I believe that square footage and the number of people in said space is the deciding factor. As for Florida, the state has always ranked high in cases and deaths over the past 2 years. Believe what you want, as I won’t spend anymore of my vacation time on the subject.

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited February 16, 2022 by CineGraphic

[MISTER 67]

6 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

I will have to disagree with you. The IC tends to be more spread out than Crooners, I believe that square footage and the number of people in said space is the deciding factor. As for Florida, the state has always ranked high in cases and deaths over the past 2 years. Believe what you want, as I won’t spend anymore of my vacation time on the subject.

Enjoy your cruise.

I guess you don't know what per capita means.

[Jemnibabe]

1 hour ago, MISTER 67 said:

Things are pretty crowded in the International Cafe, and as I stated you don't have to mask if you're snacking but guess what, there were  people in Crooners who brought their own snacks like nuts since Princess isn't handing them out during the Pandemic and they didn't mask up.The bar itself in Crooners was  packed every night and hardly anyone masked up while at the bar.

One other thing, in the 2 cruises we took in December, I was told by the Passenger Services that there were no cases on the 2 cruises. 

BTW, per capita, Florida is about in the middle of the pack in cases and deaths. Before Omicron Florida was doing exceptionally well.

No cases at all on the two cruises sounds almost too good to be true.  But I'll take it coming from another Punta Gorda resident.  LOL

[dickinson]

Thank you Cinegraphic!  The only other thing I will say is that if you take the mid ship steps you will see the deck 8 doors on both sides of the ship are CLOSED. Deck 9 has one side closed.  These are the Covid wings.  I am sure some are new crew members but I bet the rest are  passengers.  How many of each I do not know.

 

Whatever others want to believe or not, there is Covid on board.  We will mask unless physically eating or drinking because we obviously have to do so.  Because we signed up for the next cruise I looked at the roll call.  Someone posted a link to a post in a thread where someone explained when they tested for their b2b  some people tested positive and had to go into quarantine.  I hope that is not us!

 

That is the last I will say about the matter.

[dickinson]

57 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

I will have to disagree with you. The IC tends to be more spread out than Crooners, I believe that square footage and the number of people in said space is the deciding factor. As for Florida, the state has always ranked high in cases and deaths over the past 2 years. Believe what you want, as I won’t spend anymore of my vacation time on the subject.

Enjoy your cruise.

 

See my post above this.  I agree with you.

[hllwdcruiser]

22 hours ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

@CineGraphicglad you got the Winemaker’s dinner.  Hoping to get this for our sailing.  Last time we did it with friends we had so much fun.

 

Are they doing the Super Tuscan Dinner on the sailing?  That’s the one that I would really love to have.  

What is the difference between the Winemaker's dinner and the Super Tuscan? Has the Super Tuscan always been offered on all class of ships? I've heard of it before but never saw anything on it when sailing on the Royal Class. I'd really like to try it if it is ever offered again.

[wowzz]

11 minutes ago, dickinson said:

These are the Covid wings

But that doesn't mean they are occupied.

[MISTER 67]

29 minutes ago, Jemnibabe said:

No cases at all on the two cruises sounds almost too good to be true.  But I'll take it coming from another Punta Gorda resident.  LOL

The first cruise was the first time the CP sailed in 608 days with passengers, 1300 on board. Not much difference 2 weeks later when we sailed again on the CP.