Live Regal - Nov 26 2023

[TxNight]

I thought that I would start this.  However I probably won't be as faithful as St Greg and TxTeach. First time on Princess. Did Holland America last year and others pre-covid. Hubbie and I traveling.  We are recent empty nester. We live near Dallas.  I stumbled upon this trip in Sept 2023 while researching for 2024 cruises in the Mediterranean. The price was very reasonable and we had the time available. We have a balcony near the Aft. We love being in the aft.

 

We drove down Saturday.  Stayed at my sister in Houston.  Drove to Galveston on Sunday. Using the SMP parking garage with covering. 

 

This is what I posted on another thread before deciding to start this

 

I'm on the Regal now.  Nov 26th sail date. Embarkation issues were the same as TxTeach reported.   We arrived at 12(came a little bit later hoping to avoid crowd some). The line went back and forth under a covering so if it rained there was protection.  We were on ship at 1pm. Left port sometime after 3:30. I wasn't watching the clock so don't know exact time. 

 

I plan to do a review after the trip.  I might answer some questions during but everyone should read St Greg and TxTeach reports.  I learned so much from them. 

 

However,  initial thoughts.

1. Where's my horn blast?  I was so disappointed not to hear the Love Boat theme on departure. I was so looking forward to hearing it after reading previous live reports. I was on my balcony the whole time watching us pass the carnival and RC ship.

 

2. Internet went down on first day shortly after departure.   It was up again Monday morning. 

 

3. I went to get a drink at bar.  I have plus package.  Advised that it would cost cuz in Texas waters. I asked about the $25 credit that was mentioned in a live report. Bartender said they don't do that.  Internet was out so I couldn't check.  Ended up just getting a coke for now.  On Monday when I was able to check account.  I did have a $25 credit and a return of some Galveston port fees(maybe for no horn). Plus a charge for the soda. I though the tax was for only alcohol not for sodas also.   I have the credit so a non issue for me.  

 

[TxNight]

Addition reviews. 

 

DH and I got the premium desserts.  Something we looked forward too but never could do 2 a day.  I got the Godfather and Dh the Davinci (without candy). The brownie was so dry that the moisture was badly needed from the ice cream. The ice cream tasted mostly like frozen ice.  I guess that I have been too spoiled by Blue Bell. I didn't even bother finishing.  It just wasn't worth it. Just didn't taste good.  DH agreed.  We won't attempt again. 

 

Swirls ice cream was passable.  On par with something from Dairy Queen.

 

Did Alfredo's for lunch while in port in Galveston.  Food was very good and the place was empty.  Thanks for the tip from a previous live report. 

 

I had a lot of OBC to use so decide to get a massage on Monday.  They had a lot of openings.  Very enjoyable.  I kept falling asleep. Did get sales pitch at end and said no.  Normally would not do on ship cuz it is half the cost at home.

 

Watched comic Gary DeLena.  Was funny but did a lot of musical comedy (funny songs) which is not my style. Sometimes some of the words were lost over the guitar. 

 

[TxNight]

 

Full moon. Without and with night mode. 

[DUCHESSRN]

Sailing along with you , we got off Regal Nov 12th ...hope they have sorted out issues in the Port for your return.

I agree on the Ice Cream deserts ..most people who have a drinks package I am sure do not bother with more than 1 visit . 

Have fun.

[TxNight]

Yay!!! I got my horn blast with the Love Boat theme. Happened today at noon. 

 

THE LIGHT - who is the idiot that design or picked the brightness of the closet light.  I tried to cover the sensor per StGreg instructions but couldn't get it to work. I had some post it notes and put this on the light. It dimmed the light. It is a led so not a heat concern. However our Stewart saw us today and asked if he could block the light for us. He did with what looks like medical tape.

 

Christmas decorations started going up today. I'm excited that I will get to see the ship fully decorated before we leave.

 

Due to concern of past debarkation, we decided to play it safe and get off as soon as possible. Just carry off our luggage and head straight to our car. Normally we like to be slow and enjoy I nice breakfast.

 

Ordered drinks to be delivered for the first time to me and DH while sitting on deck. After about 45 minutes, (nodded off) I checked out app and it said the drinks were delivered within 15 minutes of my order.  I tried using the crew chat which was a complete waste of time.  I'm not going to fight it anymore.  I don't think DH and I will get to 30 drinks today.  

 

[satxdiver]

We have found that ordering drinks via the "ap" is fruitless unless you have them brought to the stateroom.  I took a few times to learn do not use the ap elsewhere on the ship rather have a crewmember take the order and deliver the drinks.  

[atakkat]

Did Alfredo's for lunch while in port in Galveston.  Food was very good and the place was empty.  Thanks for the tip from a previous live report. 
 

Do they waive the Alfredo’s charge on the first day?

[bethfelk]

Always glad to see another Regal report as we will be on the NYE cruise next month. Disappointing to hear that the Galveston port mess still hasn't gotten better. As far as the light issue, I was able to mostly solve it by just putting an extra pillow in front of the light which pretty much blocked it from being visible even if the sensor was tripped.

[TxNight]

5 hours ago, atakkat said:

Did Alfredo's for lunch while in port in Galveston.  Food was very good and the place was empty.  Thanks for the tip from a previous live report. 
 

Do they waive the Alfredo’s charge on the first day?

The Alfredo lunch was included in our 2 free casual meals. So no charge. It was so empty that we were satby the window and we got to see some dolphins while dock in Galveston

Edited November 29, 2023 by TxNight

[TxNight]

So we chose the same MDR for the exact same time all week. We thought we would end up with the same table/servers all week but they have moved us to 3 different tables so far. It asked for our dining preferences, which seemed to be ignored. My thoughts is why ask if they are just going to do everything the same for all.

 

Did the steel drum class today. That was so fun. On Monday they had sign ups and you picked the day and time later in the week to participate.  Those that showed up to a class that didn't register had to wait for no shows to participate

[TxNight]

Attended the destination expert talk. Found out that these are recorded and are available on the TV under the entertainment section. 

[redtop101]

38 minutes ago, TxNight said:

So we chose the same MDR for the exact same time all week. We thought we would end up with the same table/servers all week but they have moved us to 3 different tables so far. It asked for our dining preferences, which seemed to be ignored. My thoughts is why ask if they are just going to do everything the same for all.

 

This seems to be hit and miss on different ships. My wife and I had a table for 2 on a Majestic Princess cruise and liked our wait staff. We asked to be seated at that same table for the rest of the cruise, and it was granted. On a Crown Princess cruise with my wife, brother & SIL the 4 of us were seated in a nice window table. We requested the same table for the rest of the cruise. We got it the 2nd night and after that they wanted to move us to other tables, even though our preferred window table was empty. We had quite a battle with the Maitre’d and restaurant manager to keep the same table. Not sure what the problem is, if the tables are empty at your reserved dining time. 

[MissP22]

12 hours ago, redtop101 said:

 We had quite a battle with the Maitre’d and restaurant manager to keep the same table. Not sure what the problem is, if the tables are empty at your reserved dining time. 

They like to give other people requesting a window table an opportunity to sit there.

[TxNight]

Costa Maya

Arrived late due to wind according to captain. After docking, Virgin started docking across the pier from us so we couldn't get off the ship till they were done. Able to disembark at 9:15am

 

Did the Choccoben ruins and scenic drive tour with ship. We prefer ship excursions when traveling a distance from ship.  Got on the bus and ended up in the back.  The last few rows of windows were completely blocked from any viewing by decals on the bus. So much for scenic tour.  Not sure why anyone would complete cover a window on a tour bus. Found out on return trip not too much to see but still disappointing.  The tour guide held up pictures that she had on a clipboard.  I'm sure everyone can image how that went.  I couldn't see clipboard at all. My DH saw a glimpse while leaning out in the aisle.  People in the front probably had a good bus trip.  We enjoyed seeing the ruins that part was good. Also saw spider monkeys jumping around the trees.

 

Weather was great. It was predicted to rain all day. Ended up drizzling around 4 when most people had already returned to ship.  Just can't trust the weather predictions and hope for the best.

 

Main Christmas tree was setup today

Edited November 30, 2023 by TxNight

[Paula_MacFan]

9 minutes ago, TxNight said:

Costa Maya

Did the Choccoben ruins and scenic drive tour with ship. We prefer ship excursions when traveling a distance from ship.  Got on the bus and ended up in the back.  The last few rows of windows were completely blocked from any viewing by decals on the bus. So much for scenic tour.  Not sure why anyone would complete cover a window on a tour bus. Found out on return trip not too much to see but still disappointing.  The tour guide held up pictures that she had on a clipboard.  I'm sure everyone can image how that went.  I couldn't see clipboard at all. My DH saw a glimpse while leaning out in the aisle.  People in the front probably had a good bus trip.  We enjoyed seeing the ruins that part was good. Also saw spider monkeys jumping around the trees.

 

Thanks for the excursion info!  We have that same one booked in January.

[Cajuntraveler]

11 hours ago, TxNight said:

Did the Choccoben ruins and scenic drive tour with ship.

We are considering the Choccoben tour for our January cruise, but I have some concerns about my DH being able to negotiate some of the terrain.  He walks with a cane and sometimes has trouble on uneven surfaces.  He can walk long distances, but becomes uncomfortable if he has to stand in one place for a long period.  Is the walking surface at the ruins fairly level?

[Beav1279]

4 hours ago, Cajuntraveler said:

We are considering the Choccoben tour for our January cruise, but I have some concerns about my DH being able to negotiate some of the terrain.  He walks with a cane and sometimes has trouble on uneven surfaces.  He can walk long distances, but becomes uncomfortable if he has to stand in one place for a long period.  Is the walking surface at the ruins fairly level?

I did this same tour this past March from the Ruby. The terrain isn't too bad... there are walking paths throughout that were easy - pretty flat with the occasional tree root popping up. With a cane and some patience, he should be fine!

[Stosh68]

5 hours ago, Cajuntraveler said:

We are considering the Choccoben tour for our January cruise, but I have some concerns about my DH being able to negotiate some of the terrain.  He walks with a cane and sometimes has trouble on uneven surfaces.  He can walk long distances, but becomes uncomfortable if he has to stand in one place for a long period.  Is the walking surface at the ruins fairly level?

 

It's fairly level, but there are sections with gravel and there will be roots sticking up that will need to be negotiated.  There is one area that has steep and uneven stone steps, but it's totally optional and can be skipped.  Basically you'll be walking in a large circle, and most of the sites branch off of the circle path.

 

There is also at least once place with a stone wall that can be used to sit on for a rest if needed.

 

My wife has issues walking long distances, and she was fine.  There were multiple people on my excursion that navigated the ruins using a walker.  Expect to be on your feet for an hour.  Pre and post tour, there is a snack and souvenir area with benches in the shade.   Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, there will be mosquitos that you likely won't notice until it starts to itch later that evening.

[Stosh68]

On 11/28/2023 at 12:58 PM, TxNight said:

Due to concern of past debarkation, we decided to play it safe and get off as soon as possible. Just carry off our luggage and head straight to our car. Normally we like to be slow and enjoy I nice breakfast.

 

 

The two main dining rooms off the main lobby on the 5th and 6th floors will be closed for passenger disembarkation, but they will have self-service coffee and juice.

 

However, the Allegro dining room in the aft that is only accessible by the aft elevators/stairs will be open at 5:30am.  You can still have a sit-down breakfast on the last day if you are an early riser.  They will ask you to leave your luggage at the entrance of the restaurant, or you can just return to your room to get your luggage since you will be leaving before the 8am cutoff time.

Edited November 30, 2023 by Stosh68

[Cajuntraveler]

1 hour ago, Beav1279 said:

The terrain isn't too bad... there are walking paths throughout that were easy - pretty flat with the occasional tree root popping up. With a

 

37 minutes ago, Stosh68 said:

There were multiple people on my excursion that navigated the ruins using a walker.  Expect to be on your feet for an hour. 

Beav1279 and Stosh68 - thank you, so much, for responding!  I'm going to book the tour today.

[TxNight]

1 hour ago, Cajuntraveler said:

 

Beav1279 and Stosh68 - thank you, so much, for responding!  I'm going to book the tour today.

I agree with the others.  Terrain is fine with occasional root. DH had knee replacement surgery a couple months ago and had no issues.

[TxNight]

Club 6 was closed. Was told that they are converting it to extra casino space.

 

Belieze day

Forecast thunderstorms. Actual weather cloudy morning and sunshine afternoon.

 

Tenders did not start until 8am. Was told non excursions started about 9.

 

We did the cave tubing excursion with the ship. Took advantage of the priority tendering for ship excursions.  After 20 minutes tendering, drive took 1 hour to caves. Lockers were $12 USD. They took credit cards and US cash. They also had a gift shop and took pictures in water. It was $8 for 1 picture which is printed and emailed to you.  Walk 20 minutes to water entry point mostly on gravel. Larger rocks in river.  Watch out for tree roots in path. Water was cool or as they say refreshing.  8 tubes are tied together and we have a guide directing us.  Lunch was chicken, rice, beans, and coleslaw which was acceptable. Drinks were extra but we brought water from the ship. We had fun on this excursion and our guide DJ was very entertaining.

[BlerkOne]

On 11/28/2023 at 9:09 PM, redtop101 said:

 Not sure what the problem is, if the tables are empty at your reserved dining time. 

I'll take a guess...

   To distribute the work load among the staff who may otherwise have no tables to serve.

[luvseaside]

5 minutes ago, TxNight said:

Club 6 was closed. Was told that they are converting it to extra casino space.

 

Belieze day

Forecast thunderstorms. Actual weather cloudy morning and sunshine afternoon.

 

Tenders did not start until 8am. Was told non excursions started about 9.

 

We did the cave tubing excursion with the ship. Took advantage of the priority tendering for ship excursions.  After 20 minutes tendering, drive took 1 hour to caves. Lockers were $12 USD. They took credit cards and US cash. They also had a gift shop and took pictures in water. It was $8 for 1 picture which is printed and emailed to you.  Walk 20 minutes to water entry point mostly on gravel. Larger rocks in river.  Watch out for tree roots in path. Water was cool or as they say refreshing.  8 tubes are tied together and we have a guide directing us.  Lunch was chicken, rice, beans, and coleslaw which was acceptable. Drinks were extra but we brought water from the ship. We had fun on this excursion and our guide DJ was very entertaining.

How interesting about Club 6.  Last week it was in use for Platinum/Elite happy hour.  Guess they'll move that to Vista Lounge?

 

Thanks for update on Belize.  We would love to get off ship and take ferry to Caye Caulker but may just be too much to fool with considering the ferry schedule. Might be a stay-on-the-ship kind of day.

Edited November 30, 2023 by luvseaside

[BlerkOne]

20 minutes ago, TxNight said:

Club 6 was closed. Was told that they are converting it to extra casino space.

 

They have done this for special casino tournaments - the casino took over Take 5 on Discovery one cruise in October. Perhaps that is still the case.