New Ship with Old name
Regal Princess Cruise Review to Caribbean
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 63
14 Night Caribbean West/East Adventurer (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 01, 2019
Ship: Regal Princess
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 4 years ago
Review summary
This Regal Princess is not like the Regal Princess of 20 years ago. This is a floating palace. You will find yourself doing a lot of walking. You will get turned around many times. For some reason my medallion did not unlock my cabin door automatically. I did have to tap my medallion against the panel to get into my room. Even though I set up a companion on my iPad. It never appeared as I interacted with the large panels around the ship. After the first day. I stopped walking around with my device. Afraid I would loose it. I am also at an age we’re I am not tech savvy. Unlike person who walk around with their phones. I do not do that at home. Even though I am elite, I still had to pay for Internet package. But it was so nice not to have to go down to the Internet cafe to use a strange computer. I could do my messaging and email fro the comfort of my room. I did take the stairs most of the time. Leaving the elevator to those that need them. You always knew when everyone was coming back on board as the holding area would be crammed with people waiting for the elevator. I could be up in my cabin long before people even got off deck 4. I like the Regal, I am glad to have sailed on her before she goes to Australia.Embarkation
The embarkation was smooth. As I am Canadian. I had to pick up my medallion. So for me, even thought I had completed all the steps. I still had the normal present my passport and credit card. Also had to wait several minutes as the agent had to go to another location to get my medallion. Then I proceeded to go aboard. Still the regular security photo taken when you get aboard.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Over all the food was good. One the day I boarded, I used the Alfredo Pizza specialty restaurant. It is an option over the buffet. You get personal attention. I got a calzone. It was good. The main dining room. I was on Traditional dinner. The food was good. They need to change up the first night menu. For a person that has cruised so many times. It is too predictable. I had the prime beef. It was good and they gave you a good size portion. But they give you a very small piece of corn on the cob. Could have used a little more. I did use the buffet for breakfast and occasionally for lunch. When there are many options. You can look around to see what you like. I did not get to try any of the specialty restaurant. As a solo traveler, I could not see my self sitting at a table alone. I like to company, it is why I choose a large table. But even then, many times table mates did not show.
Onboard Activities
It can be a challenge to create an activity that would appeal to many. Many times interesting activity over lap. One of the faults I discovered with the medallion. The times for some events did not coincide with the Patter. The Patter was more accurate. No Princess does not have rock climbing or bumper cars. I look for a more relaxing trip. Plus I am at an age that I can not do many of the activities.
Entertainment
The ships shows were good. I liked the comedian, I also liked the Mexican cultural show when we were in Cozumel. Many times I opted to watch TV and retire early as a couple of ports were early calls.
Children's Programs
I was traveling solo and I am in my mid 50’s. so no kids with me.
Service and Staff
The heart of any ship is the hard working crew. From the room steward to the waiter they were all very friendly, and helpful. The first day I had a pair of dress pants that needed repairing. They had the pants repaired and pressed in one day. Everyone there was happy and friendly.
Ship Quality
To some degree, Regal Princess is similar to the Grand class ships. But she does have the stretched atrium and the spiritual stair cases. The shops are on the promenade deck 7, were as the grand class ships they are on deck 6 and 5. Like the original Regal Princess, she does not have a wrap around promenade deck 7. The walk and jogging deck is up on deck 18. The Princess theatre is nicely designed and so is the Vista lounge. Everything was kept clean and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
I had a basic balcony cabin. The room is the right size for two persons. The balcony is large enough to have two chairs and a small table. How big of a cabin do you need, when you have a large ship to explore. I was originally booked in an in side cabin. But Princess, through my travel consultant made me an offer to upgrade for a reasonable price. I am glad I took the upgrade. It is nice to have the option to go and sit on your deck and enjoy the view. The bathroom is small, but don’t complain, if you see whet the crew get. Your shower size is nice. Everything was kept clean.
Ports of call
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Ft. Lauderdale is a city. I live in a rural area on Vancouver Island. I do not like traffic. On the day that I got off the ship. I took the debarked tour to the Everglades on an airboat tour. I have done this tour a couple of times over the years. It is a nice tour. But it is better if you come a day early or stay an extra day and do the tour. You get a much longer airboat tour and a greater chance to see something.
Thumbs Up
0
Princess Cays (Cruise Line Private Island)
I had a good time in this port. I did the swim with the stingray. This is beach access. No boats. Far less crowded and far more time with the rays. I have done the tour at other places. It is so crowded.
I did not do an excursion at this port. I made the mistake of getting off the ship. The vendors are to pushy and they will scam or steal. I got caught. No this experience confirmed my conviction. Do not get off the ship on this port. Do not travel alone. Even the Canadian government has issued warnings to Canadians to stay away. It is dangerous!
Yes, I did the Crystal caves. This was a wonderful excursion and I would recommend it. The people here are very friendly. I did a little shopping before I returned to the ship.
Cozumel is very much tourism dependent. The merchants here can be a little pushy, but not as bad as Jamaica. I did the swim with the Dolphins tour. I enjoyed it a lot. But I discovered that I am out of shape and I do not swim as well as I use too, even with the use of a life jacket. But that did not take away from the experience. I do wish that they took a photo of the manatee.
Disembarkation
I had booked a tour as I had a late flight. The travel day is long and can be stressful. There is the wait, but we had a comfortable place to wait. Finding my suitcase was easy then through customs and on to the bus.
Traveler Photos
