Not up to expectations
Regal Princess Cruise Review to Europe
Northern Europe Passage
Sail date: April 02, 2017
Ship: Regal Princess
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: E410
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
This was our eleventh transatlantic cruise. Regal Princess went into a shipyard for two weeks upon arrival in Hamburg, and this could mean that there was a reduction in crew staffing. We had assigned dining in the Concerto dining room and service was so slow! Our waiter had 5 tables which he served. As table 4, we didn't get the next course until table 3 had been served. Princess uses an exotic menu by Chef Curtis Stone. What you get may not be what you thought you ordered. We chose to dine in the Horizon Court where you could at least see what you were eating. That still didn't improve the quality of the food however. The towels were threadbare, but Princess now offers a "Club Class" which has "enhanced linens". The bed was uncomfortable and I awoke with a sore back. Four production shows were outstanding. You had to be seated about 30 minutes before to get a seat. The cruise staff introduced balloons for the audience to bat around while waiting. This is only OK if you don't mind a balloon striking you on the head. There were two lecturers - one for destinations and another for subjects that he had researched, such as Charles Lindberg for example. Other entertainment included a ventriloquist, a magician, a comedian, a vocalist, and two pianists. The cruise staff kept the schedule full with games of trivia, line dancing instruction, and games of skill such as bouncing ping pong balls into a bucket! The weather was constantly cold (about 50 degrees F) and windy. There was no one outside, so all of the inside spaces were crowded. I saw a woman in a coat, waiting for an elevator, to go outside and get a slice of pizza on deck 16. This was our 35th cruise on Princess (85 cruises overall) and the cruise failed to meet our expectations - primarily due to cold weather and possibly due to reduced staffing. Do you bring replacement crew onboard now, ln Ft Lauderdale, or four weeks from now when it resumes service in Copenhagen?
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Dining in the Crown Grill is an exceptional experience, as is dining in the Crab Shack. Make reservations early as these specialty restaurants fill up quickly.