CruiseOpinion.com Ship Reviews

Name: Mark Kahansky
Email: mkahansky@plesman.com
Age: 45
Occupation: District Sales Manager
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: March 30, 1996
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 70
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 75
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Dec 1996
Time: 12:43:34
Remote Name: 206.116.242.78
Remote User:


Comments

This was our second voyage on the same ship and the most noticeable difference was the major change in the cabin steward service. On the first cruise, it was exemplary but on the second it was virtually non-exeistent. We found the "below deck personnel" very reserved, bordering on unfriendly.

Both cruises were tremendous experiences. Overall, the food was well prepared, presented and there was always lots of it, in terms of volume and variety. Each meal had a number of choices to suit every pallate. The variety extended to vegetables, desserts and suprisingly, the wine list. The service was superb, and the dining room staff seemed genuinely concerned with our enjoyment. If there was even the slightest complaint with any aspect of a meal, the offending object was replaced immediately, without question. And if any one of us at the table wished seconds, it was there in a flash.

One of my concerns with the first cruise was the sense of confinement, although I'm not claustrophobic. Though there were over 1600 passengers, I never had the feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers. In fact, because of the vastness of the ship, it seemed more like 160 passengers.

Another concern was motion sickness. Many passengers came prepared with the "patch" which dispenses a controlled dosage of Dramamine. Again, due to the size of the ship and the captain's ability to stabilize it in any condition, lessened the incidence of motion sickness. In any event, the prevailing wisdom of not watching the horizon usually worked.

On both cruises, my wife and I preferred to explore the ports rather than go on any shore excursion. Nonetheless, had I been inclined, there were many choices from which to choose. The private islands (different for each cruise) were private, well equipped in terms of beaches, and CROWDED!!!!!.

Overall, I would heartily recommend cruising as an alternative to a land-locked vacation. In terms of value, cruising is a no-brainer, especially with the incentives being offered by the various lines (upgrades etc.) Cruising is also very romantic, regardless of age or years together. For the most part, cruising is not for young children (I would think 10 would be the youngest suitable).

If not for our desire to visit other destinations, I would probably take a different cruise each and every time I vacationed.

 

Name: Dennis Stott
Email: dstott_tucson@msn.com
Age: 42
Occupation: Programmer
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: 4/09/97
Itinerary: Panama Canel
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 75
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Apr 1997
Time: 00:15:32
Remote Name: 153.35.226.240
Remote User:

Comments

We just loved this cruise. Thirty days prior to the cruise, Princess upgraded us to a mini-suite. What a place to watch
your transfer through the locks at Gatun from.

What we noticed most during our cruise was the service. Everyone on this cruise from the captain to the maintenance
people always had a smile on their face and always said hello.

The Regal needed a little sprucing up(a little paint here and there) but overall the Regal Princess was in very good
condition. The public areas were very clean and polished.

Some of the ports of call were not very exciting(Catagena, Columbia and Limon, Costa Rica as examples) but to see the
Panama Canel... what engineering marvel.

We would definitely sail Princess Cruise Lines again.

 

Name: Robert G. Browne
Email: cleo1bob@att.net
Age: 65+
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: April 9, 1997
Itinerary: 10 Day Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 92
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 92
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 91
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 89
PrivateIsland: 91
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 98
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 89
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 89
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 995
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 92
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 96
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Jul 1997
Time: 09:51:00
Remote Name: 207.146.81.62
Remote User:

Comments

This was a great cruise wwith many (6) days at sea (our favorite thing.The ships staff was grea. Lenard our Cabin Steward was the best one we have had
in 4 cruises. The waiter and assistant waiter were great and made the meals at our table enjoyable. (An opinion shared by all 6 of the people seated at
our table) The partial transit of the canal was an experience that could only be surpassed by a full transit. The Canal is an amazing feat. Our trip was
enhanced by having a veranda cabin. We booked this because we thought that it would make the Canal transit more enjoyable and we were correct. We
got lucky and were upgraded to a Mini Suite with veranda. We were right next door th the Stotts who have also reviewd this cruise here. We did not find
this out until later. All in all a really great cruise on a graet ship.

 

Name: Karen Elinich
Email: kelinich@fi.edu
Age: 31
Occupation: educator
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: 7/27/97
Itinerary: Alaska - Inner Passage
FoodDiningRoom: 92
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 96
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 92
CabinAmenities: 97
FoodLidoDeck: 88
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 96
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 92
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 92
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 96
EmbarkDisembark: 97
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 97
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 96
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Aug 1997
Time: 08:23:58
Remote Name: 192.231.162.136
Remote User:

Comments

The Regal Princess turned out to be the perfect ship for me to take my 71 year old mother on a long-dreamed of cruise to Alaska. The
ship is plenty big enough, and never felt crowded, without being overwhelming. The itinerary was excellent. Princess seems to have the
best connections in Alaska.

While the quality (and certainly the quantity) of the food was always good or better, they did seem to have some trouble with temperature.
My dinners were often quite good, but not as hot as I like. Of course, the cold dishes were always great :-) The menu has gourmet
tendencies, with 1,500 pinches of reality. They definitely try to offer some exotic choices, but the volume seems to challenge them a little.

Overall, this is a wonderful ship with superb service. I'd sail it again in a heartbeat.

Name: Sarah Anderson
Email: sarahk@tenet.edu
Age: 33
Occupation: Teacher
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: 7/27/97
Itinerary: Alaska - Inside Passage
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 88
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 97
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Aug 1997
Time: 13:35:51
Remote Name: 168.37.171.85
Remote User:

Comments

My husband and I enjoyed our cruise immensely - it was our honeymoon, and we can't imagine a better experience. We sailed the Inside
Passage to Alaska, the scenergy was incredible! We did not choose to purchase any of the shore excursions. They were quite expensive,
and we were content to wander on our own. We did a lot of hiking in Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. The same tours appeared to be
available for purchase in port - and were cheaper. The cabin was spacious - we had an inside cabin and did not feel claustrophobic, as I
feared we might! Our room steward, as well as all the other staff were extremely friendly, efficient, and eager to please. The shows in the
lounge were good, especially 'Odysea'. There were 1600 passengers on board, but we never felt crowded, as there were lots of places
for people to be, and lots of activities. The food in the dining room was exceptional, service was excellent. Some of the food in the Cafe Del
Sol wasn't as good - but still fine. We enjoyed the pizzeria - Bravo. We were very impressed, we've instantly become addicted to cruising
after this experience!

Name: Cheryl Kamen
Email: ckamen@aol.com
Age: 38
Occupation: executive director
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: January 9, 1997
Itinerary: Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 79
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 89
FoodLidoDeck: 60
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 89
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 89
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 89
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 93
OverallCruiseValue: 83
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Sep 1997
Time: 11:53:22
Remote Name: 169.132.98.156
Remote User:

Comments

Embarkation handled well; long line, but it moved quickly. Food at arrival luncheon was pure drek: tuna fish, hot dogs and dried up
hamburgers & chicken patties. Food in the dining room never lived up to the menu descriptions, particularly during the first half of the trip,
but was better during the second half. Desserts were marvelous and the Island Night late night buffet up on deck was out-of-this-world
delicious. Food served on the Lido Deck was particularly disappointing. The Pizzaria was outstanding. The Patisserie needed expanded
hours and often did not have (plastic) food choices that were displayed available. The entertainment was, for the most part, outstanding.
An exception was the first night out, which was rather lame. There were never enough seats, however, for all those who wanted to watch
the show, and I saw several arguments nightly and one fistfight over seats that looked open but belonged to people who were up dancing
or using the rest rooms. Ports of call visited were wonderful. Two disappointments: only 4 hours were scheduled for Cartegenia and the
tour scheduled through the ship left 40 min. late, so that we only got to see half of the promised sights. Also, large swells made a landing
at the Line's private island impossible. Service was excellent, particularly in the dining room, where our waiter, his assistant & the asst.
maitre d' couldn't do enough for us. Our cabin a/c did not work when we first came on board, but someone came to fix it within minutes of
our call. Our cabin was comfortable and kept clean; however, the sheets were not changed with any regularity, even when there was
obviously a need for it. Activities seemed plentiful, but there was little offered in the evenings after the show besides the casino (which
doesn't interest me) and not enough dancing offered. The activities staff, particularly the Cruise Director, were wonderful and great fun.
The spa & beauty parlor were quite good, but appts. filled many days in advance of formal nights, leaving too many out of luck; this space
& staff needs to be expanded. We never saw any of the ship's officers or non-activity staff in passenger areas; there was a determined
effort by them not to visit, mix or even exchange friendly hellos with the passengers. The shops offered some lovely merchandise and
featured some good sales during the cruise. I was disappointed that they were not open as usual after the first show on our last night at
sea, however, as there was still some shopping I wished to do. Except for when we were waiting to get into the dining room (at which times
the outer lobby was packed like a sardine tin), the ship never seemed crowded, although it sailed at full capacity. Unless the seas were
particularly rough on our voyage, the stabilization could have been better; it seemed a very rocky journey. Disembarkation seemed to take
forever, but went smoothly. All in all, I ended up having a wonderful, relaxing trip, but would choose another Line for my next trip.
Particularly in the area of food quality, I was disappointed in the Regal Princess.
.

Name: Roy A. Wallman
Email: wally@kalama.com
Age: 80
Occupation: retired chef
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: August 31
Itinerary: Alaska inside passage
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 99
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService:
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 60
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 99
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 97
TenderService: 99
GoodForSeniors: 98
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 96
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 75
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Oct 1997
Time: 18:27:30
Remote Name: 204.245.228.216
Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I embarked on a 7 day cruise on the Princess Regal leaving Vancouver B.C. on August 31st @ 5:30 P. M. The itinerary was
excellent. We visited Juneau, Skagway.Sitka and Glacier Bay. Each of the ports were wonderful places to visit and we spent a good bit of time
ashore at each one. There are many side trips that can be taken. There are bus trips, helicopter rides, train and boat side trips. The cruise
overall was excellent and it would have been our best cruise except for a few happenings. We arrived early on embarkcation day. A little after
noon and thought we might check in a little early. (boarding was to start at 2 P.M.) Much to our surprise we boarded right away and went
directly to our cabin. We wandered around the ship and found the Dining area. We were invited in and were served lunch. We both thought
'what a great way to start a trip'. At dinner we had 1st seating and were at a large table of ten. Everyone was pleasant and we all got off to a
great start. I will digress for a moment. The dinner seating was the only seating that was reserved. All other meals was a shambles. We prefer
the same seating for all meals. This way you have the same waiter and busman. On the other cruise the waiter was and is our friend. We found
that the side trips were overpriced on board. Practically all of these trips could be duplicated on shore for much less. In some cases almost half
price. We enjoyed our trips but we always signed up on the dock. The only other thing to tell follows. Our table of ten was always missing
someone each day. By Thursday all but 2 of us had a bug of some sort causing vomiting and diarearia. I managed to hold out to Saturday and
came down with the same bug. I was to sick to drive and my wife had to drive the 5 hour trip home. I wound up in the Hospital and all is well
now. I don't know and neither do any of our ten know what caused it. We have been in touch with one couple and they were still affected 1
week after the cruise.

Name: Alfonso L. Yustos
Email: yustos@juno.com
Age: 74
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: Dec.29, 1996
Itinerary: caribbean, partial Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 88
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 88
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 96
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 78
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 88
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 88
PrivateIsland: 99
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 99
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 77
EntertShowLounge: 88
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 96
Stabilization: 88
ShopsOnBoard: 05
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 Sep 1997
Time: 17:21:19
Remote Name: 209.81.154.3
Remote User:

Comments

Of all my cuises this one was the best, Including my Mediterranean cruise on the Royal Viking Sun. Ship is very spacious, beautifully kept,
beautiful works of art everywhere, lots of places to go, nice people around in shops, desk and photo gallery. Friendly and courteous dining
room service, excellent serenading trio during dining hours, unbstrusive bar service, very good pizzeria and lovely dancing at the dome by the
casino. New Year´s eve celebration was not as expected. Bands not outstanding, but pianist and trios were good. The boat rocks quite a bit
compared to others of the same size sailing the Caribbean like, Monarch of the Seas. Anyway, I love it. Looking to book another cruise with the
Regal or the Crown as soon as they go into a different itinerary.

Back to Regal Princess

 

buttons.gif (9761 bytes)

Want to book your cruise at a great rate? Click here.
Questions or comments? Mail to webmaster@cruiseopinion.com.
Copyright ©1996-2001 CruiseOpinion.com. Last modified: March 23, 2000.