***Important Info on the new Royal Princess***

[T&J]

Hello everyone...

While onboard the Regal currently, I have found out some very interesting information regarding the new Royal Princess.

 

Firstly, there will be no major retrofit of the old Minerva II to make her into the new Royal Princess. Essentially, she will be spruced up to Princess standards kinda.

 

There will be no Mini-Suites on this ship either meaning no CAT AA, AB, AC. Also, Inside Cabins will be from CAT L, K, J, I and II just like the Pacific Princess and Tahitian. However outside and outside obstructed will run from a new CAT G, GG, EE, (NO CAT E), D, DD (New CAT), C and (NO CAT CC).

 

Balconies will run the same with the exception of CAT BA on all of DECK 8 replacing the usual space for Mini-Suites.

 

Owners Suites remain as 10 in total however a new sub CAT PH has been created for 4 out of the 10 Full Suites which are posiitoned Forward.

 

Hope this helps adn I know most of you that enjoy extended longer cruises to Exotic Destinations will appreciate the addition of the Royal, however not having Mini-Suites will deter a lot of loyal extended travellers needing the extra space. Cabin sizes mentionned above are all identical to the Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess.

 

Tony

[Coral]

Thank you for the heads up! A lot of people are very interested in these specifics!

[T&J]

If and when I get more while onboard I will pass it along!

 

Tony

[TorontoTL]

Well that makes sense, it would be pretty much impossible to convert the existing cabins into minisuites in a two week dry dock. Thanks for the information.

[amyr]

Hi Tony!

 

Thanks for the info. I know not having a mini will keep a few people away, but I rather like the balcony cabins on these ships, so it's okay with me. Could you ask around and see if they're going to put in a casino and a stage in the forward lounge?

 

Have you taken a look at the transatlantic itinerary from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale? Does anyone on board know if they plan to do the S.A. itineraries after arriving in FLL?

[Cruise Junky]

Hi - from what I read, even Princess doesn't know what routes she'll be doing after the transatlantic.

[GottoCruise]

Tony -

 

Thanks for the information -

 

I was told the opposite after speaking with Princess directly and put on hold while the Rep. went looking for a 'higher' up confirmmation. They told me there would definately be minis re-fitted on the Royal

 

Of course you know when you call Princess they don't always know what they are talking about. (I think they are all 10 years old there!)

 

Too bad - No Minins - (I) No go on this ship.

 

(Rates I got were very high anyway - If I have to pay - other lines look like a better choice for us for Summer 2007 and beyond)

 

I had already e-mailed my TA to hold minis on July 7, Oct. 11 and possibly Nov. 28 - I'll call her immediately!

 

I am glad that I have the Sapphire April 17, 2007 Mini already booked!

(Arlene told me you booked this one too.......... looking forward to chatting and meeting you......)

 

Renee

[T&J]

Renee and all, my source is "High Up in Yield Management Department" and no mini's until it's first dry dock scheduled for late Nov 2008. Until then they will be sticking to the existing configuration for cabins, passenger ares etc. Just applying some Princess touches to teh ship cosmetically...but that's it until it's drydock in Singapore for a major overhaul. Yes the pricing appears to be Koo Koo as FIT Rates are leading in on a BA CAT at $4700.00 per person for the 24 day Trans Atlantic Crossing to FLL. Apparently the Exotic Itinerary for press releases to TA's will be coming out out in less than 10 days. If I am lucky enough to get an advance copy I will post and share on here.....gotta run to Dinner now...I'm on early seating!

 

Tony

[Coral]

Too bad - No Minins - (I) No go on this ship.

 

It is too bad that you are ruling out a ship just because there are no minisuites. I have cruised on everything from insides to suites and have no problems going back to lesser cabins for price or itinerary.

[katisdale]

I called Princess today and asked about the "new" Royal. After being on hold for about 5 minutes while the rep spoke with a supervisor I was told that there is no ship called Royal in the fleet now and none planned for the future. My biggest gripe with Princess is the customer service (or non service) when you call. They must all have DUH tattooed on their foreheads, or maybe I do for calling.

[Cruise Junky]

I called Princess today and asked about the "new" Royal. After being on hold for about 5 minutes while the rep spoke with a supervisor I was told that there is no ship called Royal in the fleet now and none planned for the future. My biggest gripe with Princess is the customer service (or non service) when you call. They must all have DUH tattooed on their foreheads, or maybe I do for calling.

 

Unbelievable!! Wouldn't you think a call center rep might show a little initiative by keeping up with their companies news releases? If I were you, I'd send that comment into Princess HQ.

[susancruzs]

I called Princess on Sunday and the young lady I spoke to was aware of the Royal as soon as I mentioned it saying that it was same size as the Pacific and Tahitian. She also stated that Europe 2007 pricing wouldn't be available until April, TA's will have it before then I think.

 

I also asked if the smaller ships have single share pricing available seeing as they have so few inside cabins and she said yes they do. My TA tells me I

should be able to book the Royal for my B2B Athens to Rome and Rome to

Venice March 31st! I am excited, not having to do a mega ship in the Med is the absolute best.

 

Susie

[T&J]

Here's a deck plan for the Royal Princess...it will remain as such as the Minerva II when it goes into service in April 07.

 

http://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/Swan/minervaII.htm

 

Tony:eek: