Enjoyable cruise to visit friends and relatives in Kona and Honolulu. Quality of service not quite up to Pre-COVID levels, but improving. Sea (and wind) was rougher than any previous cruise, but this was our first "open ocean" cruise.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
There was a long line, outdoors, just to drop off our luggage. There was also a long line leading into the building to check in. Since it was misty, with light rain, another door for check-in was opened so that everyone was sheltered from the rain. However, if you wanted to check your luggage before check-in, you still had to wait outdoors, in the rain. Taking you luggage in the check-in line meant you had to carry your luggage throughout the check-in process and up to your cabin. Since we normally leave our luggage at the baggage drop, we ended up getting our cardio workout lugging everything through check-in, boarding, and even up a few flights of stairs (the elevators were really packed at boarding).
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Did not use specially dining. Service in the Allegro Dining Room is approaching pre-COVID levels, but still not as good. The My Time Dining did not assign us a specific table, so the wait staff was different nearly every meal. We did get great service from waiters, Martin, and Michael, in the Allegro Dining Room, and from Henrique at Alfredo's Pizzeria. Food in Allegro Dining Room was very good every night (Pre-COVID Main Dining for Princess was usually Excellent 4 of 7 nights, and very good the other 3). The buffet food was good to very good (we mainly had breakfast and lunch there). The food (and service) at Alfredo's Pizzeria was consistently excellent (we had lunch there 4 times during our 15 day cruise)
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Although there were many outdoor activities scheduled, the winds and fairly rough seas kept the upper sports deck (running track, basketball / paddle ball / volleyball courts closed off. The Fitness Center was very well equipped, and open 24 / 7. I'm currently doing some physical therapy for an injured knee and had the exercise room all to myself during late evening hours (mats, steps / benches, provided). Did not use the pools, however, they were also closed some days do to rough seas.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Entertainment was typical for Princess. The House Band was excellent. As always, it is a marvel how the dancers are able to perform even in rough seas, with the stage noticeably rocking. The Magician / Comic / Singer, Naathan Phan, merited acknowledgement for his versatility. As a Vietnamese raised in Scotland, his combination of a Scottish accent with Asian appearance, was unique. His vocal ability was demonstrated when he sang a few duets from Phantom of the Opera, with the specialty vocalist during her concert a few nights later. Enrichment speakers were entertaining. Scheduling conflicts made it difficult to attend all the lectures. Offering the lectures on cabin video would make it easier to see them all.
Children's Programs
No kids so didn't pay attention to the Children's Programs.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Two of the Main Dining Waiters (Martin and Michael) provided excellent service. Henrique in Alfredro's Pizzeria was also consistently excellent. Our cabin steward never introduced herself (first time that has happened on our more than 20 cruises), but she provided good service.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
There were stained or dirty windows throughout the ship. Maybe cleaning windows is difficult on the many sea days.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Decent size of Cabin and Balcony. Listed as an obstructed View cabin, but the only obstructions were a Life Boat / Tender under the cabin to our left, and the cabin to our right jutted out a foot or so farther out than ours. Could have used more shelf space, maybe above the counter over the refrigerator. I prefer bar soap and was told there was none available anymore (only shower gel and liquid soap provided).
Ship tip
Avoid reserving or attending the Dining Rooms when they first open (usually at 5 PM). There was usually a large crowd when the doors first open, and each group had to check in and be escorted to their table. After 5:30 PM, there were very short or no lines.
Did not do an excursion. Walked around the area by the piers, and did a little shopping. The last shuttle was at 5 PM, but at 3 PM, the line for the shuttles was 100 meters (or more). Other passengers told us the shuttle lines after 4 PM were much shorter. Had an excellent view from our balcony of the bay in Maui. Many whale sightings throughout the day. After our morning run on the sports deck, we saw several whales (4 on the surface and 4 in the water under them) swim by directly next to the ship. Since we had been out running, we didn't have our phones or camera with us, but what a view!
Did not take an excursion. Spent time visiting relatives and doing a little shopping. Our relatives drove us around and we spent a long leisurely lunch at the "Airport" Beach. There were no lines for the return shuttle.
Did not take any excursions. Taxied over to a college friend's home for a reunion party of college classmates, many of whom I hadn't seen in 50 years (and watch the Stanford Women in the NCAA Basketball Tournament). On day 2, we Taxied to visit my 93 year old Aunt, whom I hadn't seen in nearly 10 years. On the way back, we stopped at Ala Moana Mall for some shopping before walking back to the ship.
This was one of the few days the upper sports deck was open. Ran a few miles on the track, then took it easy and enjoyed the less crowded ship. We've been to Ensenada on previous cruises.
Glad you had a good time aboard the Regal Princess. I have been on the Regal 3 times & had a great time. Always found the ship to be clean & ocean ready! Happy Sailings &Thank You for your review!
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
