Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Beverlie Cemmell
Email: bcemmell@hotmail.com
Age: 47
Occupation: Hospital Manager
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: 27 August 2000
Itinerary: Inside Passage Alaska
Cabin: A181
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 70
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 75
CasinoStaff: 
PrivateIsland: 
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 
EntertShowLounge: 60
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 85
EntertainmentPoolside: 
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Oct 2000
Time: 06:23:06
Remote Name: netway-nhs.ukcore.bt.net
Remote User: 

Comments

Cruise Review Regal Princess Alaska 27 August 2000 

My husband, Gerald and I are fortysomethings. This was the longest holiday we have had for years
because of business commitments, but with our Silver Wedding coming up next year and meeting people
on another cruise who had cruised Alaska we decided to have a go. 

We flew to Calgary on August 20 for a pre cruise tour of the Rockies which ended in Vancouver on 26
August. On the night before sailing we stayed overnight at the fabulous Pan Pacific Hotel, Canada Place
room 2001 with a fantastic view of the pier which would be occupied by Regal Princess the next day. All
night long I kept getting up, as you do, and just looking down from my 20th floor vantage point to see if
she was in yet. My husband saw her first around 6.45 am. We looked down over the ship and could see
activity as disembarkation took place during the morning. One word about Princess luggage handling
EXCELLENT. On sail away day our luggage was collected around 9.30 am and taken to the ship. The
luggage handling during our tour of the Rockies was wonderful, we reclaimed our luggage at Calgary
airport after that we did not need to touch it again as it was delivered and collected from each hotel room
as we toured. 

Sail Away Day 

We had breakfast (included) and afterwards went to the IMAX cinema to catch the 12 noon showing of
'Alaska' to get us in the mood. The film was great and after this we went straight to the ship at 1.00 pm. 

We boarded from the hotel pressing 'S' button on the lift selector for Ship and we walked through the
terminal to the check in desks. No queue, we signed for our cruise card and proceeded through passport
control on to ship. As we are from UK there was a little more immigration paperwork but we had completed
the forms which were sent to us by Princess earlier and this sped up the process, but US citizens were
waved straight through onto ship with just a glance at passports. 

We were shown to our cabin Aloha 181. The balcony was larger than the handkerchief size I had
expected but still cosy for two and the cabin was made up as double with plenty of storage space for our
two week's worth of luggage. Our luggage had not yet arrived and as it was still quite early we decided to
disembark to spend a little more time in Vancouver before sailing. We returned to the ship around 3.15
pm and it was about fully boarded we just walked straight back on, presenting our cruise cards to the
entry processor which really made the embarkation/disembarkation process in ports much quicker than
we have previously experienced. 

We explored the ship finding the hot tubs at the back of Aloha deck not far from our cabin and which we
used plenty during the voyage. Meeting up with newly made friends from the Rockies Tour we sailed
under the Lion Gate (did not look as if we were going to make it) out towards Alaska. 

This cruise had three ports of call at Juneau; Skagway and Sitka, there was also a day cruise at Yakutat
Bay to see the Hubbard Glacier. Our first port was Juneau and we pulled alongside the Sun Princess
which had left Vancouver the day before Regal. 

Excursions 

We had booked four excursions through Princess for Juneau and Skagway and one independently in
Skagway with Temsco Helicopters. 

In Juneau we did the Mendenhall Float Trip. This was really good fun. Bus to the raft departure point. We
sat at the front of the raft but as it seated three across and I was in the middle I did not have to row and
just enjoyed the view! We got a little wet but it was hardly white water rafting but we travelled around five
miles to a meeting point where snacks and a hot drink were served. The water, all coming from glaciers is
very very very cold! We returned to ship and had a pizza in the Pizzeria, which was excellent, before
venturing forth for our helicopter glacier landing trip. This was organised through Princess using Era.
They were excellent we had never flown in helicopter before and it was a great introduction. Our guide
Chuck obviously had great pride in his job and through our headsets he had introduced music which
swelled in time to the sights we were seeing. At one point we hovered while the music caught up then we
rose to the magnificent panorama before us. Wonderful. We landed on the Norris Glacier and saw the
bluest of blue ice cave. This was something I thought I would never see it defied description it seemed to
go down into the glacier forever but the toothpaste blue colour which is a completely natural phenomenon
defies description. I will try and scan the photo in but it does not do it justice. It was very cold on the
glacier, this was the last trip of the day around 4.30 pm and we could not bear it for our full glacier visit
time so Chuck got us back into the 'copter (see how used to these terms I am) and we flew over the most
amazing landscape The whole experience reminded me of the Superman Fortress of Solitude. Forbidding
landscape but awesome in the extreme. When we returned to the ship I was beat but Gerald went up the
tramway. This was right by where the Regal docked and so he stepped right on it. He said if anyone did
not do any excursions in Juneau they would still have seen everything by going on the tramway. He did
not have much time to explore but there were plenty of walking trails up there and he was pleased that he
went up even after our full day. 

The next day was Skagway. Our first trip here was the best of all the trips we did, The Glacier Wilderness
Safari which involved a flight on five seater Piper to Glacier Point. It was raining when we left Skagway but
the sun shone over Haines. When we arrived at Glacier point we landed on a dirt strip and were met by
two of the ten inhabitants of the area. The ten stay there for the season, this area is so remote it was a
ten minute flight from Haines but around 5 hours by road. Jeremiah and Orianna were our hosts for this
trip and they collected us from the plane by coach and took us to a change area. Tip if you do this trip
use the facilities at the airport before you leave the portaloo is primitive in every sense of the word! We
put on wellies and there was option wet proof jackets and trousers if you needed them. Although it was
quite early in the morning we were dressed adequately and the sun was just about coming through. We
walked through rainforest for about 1/4 mile, I wish it had been longer as it was a great experience with
sun coming through the trees and the vegetation had just grown as it naturally would without man's
interference. We arrived at the canoe departure point, again into life jackets (although my husband,
Gerald, kept saying what was the point as the water was so cold that would get you first!). There were two
canoes and around 15 of us on the trip we split up and rowed up on to Henderson Lake. There were
outboard motors on the canoes and it was a combination of motor and rowing but at least the rowing kept
you warm. This was very very very cold indeed. A chill wind came when we were on the lake blowing cold
from the glacier and I really needed something on my head, which I did have fortunately as well as a
spare for Gerald. He was very glad of my little woolly hat in the circumstances but would not let me take a
photo! We rowed across Henderson Lake saw quite a few icebergs, and right up to the glacier. We
landed on the small beach to the side of the glacier and brought back a couple of stones from the area
as a souvenir. Then we returned the way we had come. This trip had everything, the flight, the rain forest,
the canoe, the beach and something good to eat! They gave us bagels with freshly smoked salmon and
cream cheese and hot drinks very welcome. 

Still in Skagway we went to the Temsco office to check in for our prebooked dog sledding trip.
Unfortunately, this is the most cancelled excursion and we were cancelled out. It is worth noting that we
did have good weather most of the way round and the previous day dog sledding organised by Princess
in Juneau did go ahead. This gave us time to explore Skagway before we embarked for the White Pass
rail tour. We did enjoy the train. Gerald had not been too keen before departing and took a book with him
but hardly picked it up as the scenery was breathtaking and the story behind our route so absorbing. On
return the train came right up to the ship and we were quick off and back to have a rest after our day's
exertions. 

In Sitka we did not book any excursions. Again, it was a lovely day tshirt and shorts weather and we left
on about the first tender of the morning for Sitka. All of the ship excursions which involved bikes were fully
booked but we were able to book them privately and take our own tour for about an hour. We were very
impressed with Sitka. A very pretty little place with better, although rather more expensive, shops than we
had seen previously. There was a small penguin made from semi precious stones I saw in Juneau which I
thought I would purchase in Skagway after comparing prices but I never saw the same thing again. If you
are looking for Ulu knives or babooshka dolls you will see them everywhere but if something different
takes your eye you might not see it again. I bought some bits of fools gold which were really cheap and
everyone I gave them to loved them! 

Yakutat Bay 

We spend several hours cruising the bay. The weather was beautiful full sunshine. Very cold by rails of
ship but hot sunbathing weather just a few steps back. We sipped Baileys and hot chocolate as we
observed the Hubbard Glacier. Our guide who came on board for our tour of Yakutat Bay was excellent, I
believe Princess particularly excel in this area. The commentary was clear and could be heard all over the
outside deck areas. We spent the time aft as the ship turned so you could see all of the glacier. We
heard plenty of calving and saw some of it but it was too far for really good shots of plunges into the sea.
Binoculars are a must, we had a good pair which we have had for some years and they really enhanced
the whole experience. 

Regal Princess 

After a week's touring I was glad of the full laundry facilities on board. However, there were a few
drawbacks to this ship itself , mainly access to deck from interior areas. I did not mind not having a wrap
around promenade deck but the bars were all set in the centre of the ship and exits to the outside were at
either end of the corridors. I like a close link between sea and interior when on a ship and I felt this was
not really part of the experience. This was particularly a shame for the lounge at the top of the ship which
should have been one of the most popular places on the ship for dancing and observation but housed
the casino so you were always aware of the sound of slots. 

The staff however, were excellent always courteous polite and helpful. Special mention of Slavko the
maitre d'hotel. He was excellent. His operational running of the restaurant and accommodating people's
requirements was second to none. The champagne waterfall evening, which I had no expectation of
turned out to be one of the real highlights of the entertainment partly because of his showmanship. 

We have no real complaints about the food, although the dining room was not 5* it was not bad, we have
had better. The pizzeria was particularly good. Real Italian thin crust pizza. The burger bar was very
popular although we did not try it, there were long lines there at lunchtime. The Bistro which offered good
alternative dining was very well done and managed to create an intimate atmosphere although it was
situated at the end of the buffet, the area was carpeted and separated with dividers, with a pianist in
residence during dining times. 

Entertainment 

Unfortunately, the evening shows were a real disappointment. We have seen some wonderful shows at
sea and none of them were reflected in the Regal's repertoire. There were two singers, one male (who
had seen better days) and one female and a team of dancers who were very good but it was such a
skeleton troupe there was no opportunity for variation. All songs were sung by him to her or her to him or
him to the audience or her to the audience, I think you get the picture! There was a terrible
comedian/guitarist who told the most unfunny jokes but who could actually play the guitar, I cannot recall
his name, I have pushed it back to the recesses of my mind. However, the music entertainment on other
parts of the ship were excellent. The entertainment in the Bengal Bar was normally a duo they were very
popular, as were the evening quizzes in fact this was standing room only most evenings. The pianist in
the piano bar was also very popular and again standing room only some of the time. We sat one
afternoon in by the Patisserie (best coffee on the ship) and were entertained by a guitarist who again,
was excellent. 

Our Thoughts 

All in all we had a wonderful time. Because of the week touring and all the trips we did in Alaska we were
quite tired so the lack of good shows did not spoil any of the experience of that. However, if we were
cruising elsewhere this would certainly detract from our enjoyment. . We had second sitting in the dining
room as we prefer longer days and we still prefer this. On formal nights everyone dressed up to a degree,
there was a mix of OTT beaded numbers and understated dressing for others and most of the men wore
bow ties either with dark lounge suits or full dinner suit. . For touring we had taken advice to dress in
layers as the differences in temperature swung from hour to hour. For the tours I took a thermal vest and
two other layers plus a lined jacket. 

We would return to Alaska for the longer trip north and tour of interior Alaska in a few years time. Anyone
visiting Alaska will not be disappointed by the experience for that is just what it is. To call it scenery is
doing a disservice, this land is so much more than that. I sat in the hot tub aft watching dolphins, against
a woody amd mountainous backdrop, what can beat that. We have never had a balcony before but for
this particular trip it really enhanced the experience, one afternoon we were whale watching on the
balcony. We left the curtains open at night and woke to the beautiful landscape next morning. One
evening Gerald even saw the northern lights, unfortunately I was asleep. 

This trip does attract an older crowd and when we first arrived at Calgary airport and sat on the coach
watching our new companions arrived our hearts did sink a little we were the youngest, but we had such a
great time on the tour and everyone was determined to enjoy themselves. I don't think there was one
person there who did not enter into holiday spirit. 

Sorry this is such a long review but I was not sure what to leave out. Please email me for any other
information. 

Name: Paul Wong
Email: pbj1230@aol.com
Age: 60
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 14
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: 2/25/01 - 3/11/01
Itinerary: Auckland, NZ to Sydney,Australia
Cabin: EE202
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 88
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 92
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 69
GoodForHoneymoon: 
CasinoStaff: 
PrivateIsland: 
GoodForFamilies: 
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 
ExerciseFacilities: 
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 69
CruiseActivities: 82
Casino: 
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 92
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 22 Apr 2001
Time: 00:28:05
Remote Name: spider-wd042.proxy.aol.com
Remote User: 

Comments

Dining Room/Food Service: The food in the dining room on this cruise is fair at best. The meat dishes were
tough and the soups were too salty. The salad dressing was too thick and clumpy. The sauces and gravies
were also too thick and pastelike. The only good dishes were the lobster and shrimp dishes and the pastas.
Overall, the dining rooms meals were below my espectations as compared to the previous nine Princess
cruises I have been on. Our waiter and waiter captain were efficient and friendly. They were eager to
please and prepared additional dishes which were not on the menu for us to compensate for the poorly
cooked dinners on several occasions. The Cabin: Our cabin was centrally located and was very stable
without much motion even during rough seas, especially when crossing the Tasman Sea and between
Melbourne and Sydney when we encountered some long swells. 

The cabin was comfortable, quiet and had
lots of drawer space. However, the shower curtain was torn and was never replaced/fixed during the entire
cruise. The toilet did not work a couple of times and we had to request additional shampoos. Entertainment:
The entertainment and shows in this cruise were better than most of the other ones in our previous
Princess Line cruises. The dancers and singers were energetic. There were couple of guest entertainers
who were outstanding. The trio in the Bengal Bar (the Filipino group) was excellent. They provided good
danceable music and were also customer friendly. On a few occasions the lady singer even got on the
dance floor and showed some of the elderly folks how to do the cha cha cha. The poolside entertainment
was poor. 

Princess was definitely cutting corners on this one because there was only one single singer
strumming the guitar and singing the Yellow Bird song the whole trip. There should have been at least a
good trip on the pool deck to liven the six long sea days we had during this trip. Shore Excursions: The
shore excursions were over valued considering the exchange rate between the U.S. dollars and the
Australian/NZ dollar. Example, the Bay of Islands historic Waitangi Tour - Princess charged $38 US per
person. We basically did the same tour by hiring a taxi and visiting the historic site (the Treaty House) for
$15 US for two persons which included admission to the Treaty House. Example, Christ Church Excursion -
Princess charged $59 US per person to visit Christ Church, we did the same tour by hiring a taxi to town,
rode the tramway, visited the international Arctic Center for $25 US per person. Shops On Board: The
shops on board were standard cruise shop quality, but the service was poor and the shop personnel were
not friendly. Princess Staff: Being a Captain Circle member and close to 100 days of cruising with Princess,
I made several suggestions to the Social Hostess and Purser office concerning the benefits of the Captain
Circle membership. 

The attitude and response from both the Social Hostess and Purser Office were
indifferent and not receptive. They were not interested in receiving constructive comments and had
negative defensive responses. I found this to be a very discouraging sign especially when the comments
were coming from a previous passenger who had repeatedly (9 times) chosen a Princess ship to cruise on.
I see no value nor incentive to wear the many Captain Circle pins I have nor attend the Captain Circle
functions. It does not matter whether you cruised once or ten times with Princess. This does not privide
incentive for repeat cruising with Princess, especially now that there was numerous new and large ships
being launched by other cruise lines. In the 'old days' there was only Princess and some smaller older
cruise lines, but now the competition was caught up and are providing great discounts, mega ships,
excellent service, gourmet food, and exciting ports to visit. Princess has to learn to keep their repeat, loyal,
past passengers. Ports of Call: Overall, this was a nice cruise as far as the itinerary was concerned. It is
interesting to learn about the Maori culture and history amidst the background of the thermal reserves and
breath-taking scenery. Christ Church is interesting. Both Sydney and Melbourne are beautiful cities and
well worth a visit. 

Name: Mark Lindsay
Email: marktime2000@msn.com
Age: 71
Occupation: retail executive
NumberOfCruises: 11
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: March 25,2001
Itinerary: South-East Asia
Cabin: Baja 138
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 69
CabinComfort: 93
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 97
FoodLidoDeck: 99
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 60
CasinoStaff: 
PrivateIsland: 
GoodForFamilies: 69
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 89
WheelchairAccess: 100
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 89
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 79
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities: 100
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 40
DiscoNightclubs: 
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 89
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 May 2001
Time: 20:33:54
Remote Name: ip-20-117-236.charlotte-t.navipath.net
Remote User: 

Comments

Pre-Cruise and Embarkation We flew to Singapore and after retrieving our luggage from the airline ran into
a disorganized trio of P&O-Princess employees. It was bedlam. To make a long story short we never did
receive our garment bag with our evening dress clothes and our semi-formal attire. (It finally showed up at
our home three days after the vacation ended) Princess announced that we would have embarkation
procedure handled at our hotel to speed boarding onto the ship. Great idea, but again alack of trained
personnel made the procedure a shambles. After getting to the ship we were able to walk right onboard
however. 

Itinerary: We chose this cruise for the itinerary more than anything. The ports were: Singapore, Bangkok,
Saigon, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nagasaki and Beijing. If we had it to do over again we would have gone to
Singapore a day or two before sailing. It is a clean, beautiful city. Bangkok was the most gorgeous of all of
the ports of call. We had a lovely tour of the Grand Palace, a river cruise, and a fantastic Thai luncheon
and folklore show at the Culture Center. Vietnam was disappointing. Be were beseiged by sidewalk vendors
shoving and pushing items in our faces for $1.00. They would not take 'No' for an answer making the visit
to Saigon miserable. Shanghai and Beijing were big surprises. Very large but relatively clean with wide
avenues. Very friendly people and great Chinese food. A visit to the Great Wall was a lifelong dream come
true despite a 32 degree wind-chill factor. Hong Kong was unfortunately blanketed with fog when we went to
Victoria Peak for a view of the city. We did enjoy a Sampan cruise around Aberdeen Fishing Village and a
shopping excursion to Stanley Market where my wife bought a string of pearls. Nagasaki is a clean seaport
town at the southernmost tip of Japan. A visit to the Atomic Museum, Peace Park and 'ground-zero' where
the bomb exploded was a rather numbing experience. We stayed the first night at the 5-Star Westin
Stamford Hotel and in Beijing for the final two nights at equally posh and comfortable Sheraton Great Wall
Hotel. Princess chooses the top hotels as part of the pre-cruise and post-cruise experience. From our
experience, Princess probably does the best job of any cruise line in organizing tours and people moving.
They do need to hire more and better trained staff in Singapore and Beijing, however. 

The Ship We had expected the 10 year-old Regal Princess to be a rather drab, aging ship. Instead we were
pleased with a bright, well-appointed ship that had been completely renovated during the past year. Our
outside stateroom had a small 5 by 12 foot balcony. We had breakfast on the balcony the first morning.
The food was delivered promptly at the requested 8 o'clock hour. The temperatures were in the 90's with
about 95% humidity until we reached Hong Kong. Consequently we had little use of the balcony. After Hong
Kong the temperatures dropped to low 50's with considerable wind so we were outdoors as little as
possible. We would not recommend the extra expenditure for a balcony unless the temperatures are
expected to be temperate. 

The Staff Everyone from Captain Vito, who was very visible, on down to waiters, deck attendants, pursers,
and cruise director's staff went out of their way to give us the kind of attention and service we expected and
paid for. 

Food: Most mornings we ate at the excellent Lido Buffet. The variety and quality of food was excellent.
Breakfast in the Palm Court dining room was open seating which we do not particularly enjoy. We like to
have the same wait staff serving our meals. In any event, the food was good with poached eggs done 'just
right'. Dinner food was good but not as 'gourmet' as the menu sounded. 

Entertainment: The Regal had an excellent full time team of singers and dancers that did three outstanding
production shows. Other acts included a comedian, juggler, banjo player and violiist that ranked from OK to
Good. A popular group with all was a trio called 'The Austalian Tenors'. They performed twice and got
standing ovations each time. Various groups and soloists played in the various bars and showrooms
throughout the ship and were very professional. The cruise director seemed very stiff and high strung; not
the usual loose, relaxed, humorous human that we have usually encountered on other ships. 

Ship's Hospital: I picked up a couple of bugs and had to visit the ship's hospital on two occasions. They had
a very efficient staff and a personable English female doctor who quickly diagnosed and helped me get
better fast. 

Movie Theater The theater was full sized with very comfortable seats. The movies were recent but not
first-run. 

Exercise Facilities: Being an older ship the exercise room is small and down in the bowels of the ship. The
relatively small amount of equipment was up-to-date and kept very busy. We were amazed at the large
number of seniors that went to the various exercise classes. 

Disembarkation: At our Beijing hotel Princess handed out air tickets with baggage tags attached. Again, a
great idea but they were understaffed and created a lot of dissatisfaction among their passengers. We
were given color coded passes to get off the ship. Ours was the second lot called so we disembarked within
45 minutes. 

Overall a good cruise experience on a fine, clean ship with superior, friendly service. The ports of call on
this cruise were the feature. 

Back to Regal Princess

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