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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Joe Blazenski
Email: jblaze@teleport.com
Age: 52
Occupation: Systems Analyst
NumberOfCruises: 0
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: Sept 6, 1998
Itinerary: Inside Passage/Glacier Bay
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 50
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 50
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 70
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 18 Sep 1998
Time: 11:00:11
Remote Name: 198.106.136.53
Remote User:
Comments
The ship was spacious and the service was good. We had a rough days at sea. I was in the
navy and was amazed by very little rolling, though
there was a lot of up and down.
The food in the dining room was very good for dinner and there was enough selection where
I often had two different soups and desserts just to
try them out. The dinner service was also very good.
The breakfast meals in the dining room were mediocre to bummer, and it showed because it
was never very crowded. The Lido deck breakfast was
usually better. Lunches were good in the dinning room, sometimes very good. The service at
the breadfast and lunch was usually very good,
though we had one day with a rather rude waiter. (Breakfast and lunch were free seating so
we simply didn't go to him).
Midnight buffets were sweet and plentiful, though not well attended because of the rough
sea and older crowd.
I really enjoyed the entertainment. The production shows were very good to excellent,
though some of the seats had not too good of views, getting
in a little early ensured a good seat. Bar service was unobtrusive to non existent. I'm
sure that the older crowd didn't make much booze money for
Princess.
I was surprized by the size of the room. This was our first cruise and our travel agent
said SMALL. I suggested motel 6 size and she said think
SMALL. The room was about 3/4 the size of a motel 6 room and plenty large enough. The
private balcony was nice, though expensive. We looked
in the inside cabins and found the rooms to be about the same size, just not having the
balcony. There was certainly no class distinction. Everyone
got the same service.
A few technical issues. If you drink on a budget, bring your own. Otherwise, beer is $2.75
a can, soda $1.50, mixed drinks $3.75 up, PLUS a built
in tip. There is a 'fridge in your room to store them. Bring your dramamine. Many people
were sick the first day because of the rough seas (not
unusual in Alaska). If your cheap, you can go to a pharmacy and ask for meclizine generic
which is the active ingredient in Bonine. 100 tablets for
about $4.00. Give them to your friends and be a hero. The ships store ran out of dramamine
and was offering $45 shots at the ships doctor!
BRING AN UMBRELLA!! I was amazed by how many people thought the weather would be like
central Texas. Alaska is rainy at the best of times.
We had two great days, but it rained when the ship was at the glaciers and it was nice to
have the umbrella on the deck. I was the first to do it, but
then, I live in Oregon were it rains most any time. Others figured it out pretty quick.
Set a trend, be the first.
Tours. In Juneau, there are lots of shore tours to the glacier cheaper than princess. I
recommend using the school bus by MGT. We went on the
van thinking smaller would be better. Even though it cost more, I couldn't see much from
the van. Don't use vans, buses are better. The tram costs
the same on the ship or on the pier. If your not sure, simply get it on the pier. There is
no shortage of space In skagway, there are also lots of
private cheaper tours, but if you want the train trip, go ahead and book on the ship. The
train comes to the dock and it is a pain to get it on your
own. Rather expensive either way. If you just want to see the scenery, take the bus,
otherwise it is fun and less cramped than a bus. In Sitka,
unless you have an aversion to walking, don't bother with a shore tour bus. If you do need
a bus, book on the ship, there were no shore tours
available that we could find.
The inside passage is a trip for sightseeing. The crowd was older and the weather colder.
While the shows and bands were very good, there
wasn't a dynamic party atmosphere. There was no poolside entertainment because of the
cold, wind and rain. This was a cruise to see nature, not
to escape.
Name: Rachel Kern
Email: rkern@bellsouth.net
Age: 22
Occupation: Merrill Lynch
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: June
Itinerary: Alaska-Glacier Bay
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 93
CruiseStaff: 88
CabinAmenities: 92
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 96
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 96
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 70
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 93
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 86
Casino: 86
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 93
DeckSpace: 93
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 87
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Nov 1998
Time: 20:14:25
Remote Name: 209.214.132.11
Remote User:
Comments
My cruise on the Regal Princess was very enjoyable. This was my first cruise, and a very
enjoyable one at that! My fiance and I were about the
youngest couple on the ship. We are both 22.
Being the youngest couple on the ship we had a feeling that there would not be much to
keep us occupied, but we were wrong.
From the time we set sail, we were treated like royalty. Our cabin steward greeted us in
the hallway by name and escorted us to our cabin. Our cabin
was on the 12th deck and was close to the stern. If we walked out our cabin door, we were
right in the two hottubs outside on the back deck. Our
steward was unbelievable! His name was James.
The dining experience was to die for. I swear that I gained 10 pounds during the week. I
ate everything in sight. All the food on the ship was excellent.
From the pizza parlor to the dining room, I give it an A+.
At the ports of call, we had a great time. We went on two helicopter glacier tours that
were breathtaking. In Skagway we went on an adventure
floatplane trip. That was nice also.
All together,I had an unbelievable trip that was a dream come true.
We are getting married next July, 1999 and plan to go on another Princess cruise for our
honeymoon.
Name: Doreen Morris
Email: d.debili@worldnet.att.net
Age: 38
Occupation: Textile Sales
NumberOfCruises: one
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: 11/28/98
Itinerary: 10 day Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 88
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 89
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 89
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 89
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Dec 1998
Time: 09:13:53
Remote Name: 12.79.188.159
Remote User:
Comments
Let me first explain some of my review marks. My husband and I were on our honeymoon and
first time cruisers. We are both in
our mid 30's and did not want a real party boat but wanted some activity. I would say 70%
of the passengers were over 65 and
the ships activities were geared towards them which is understandable. We left from Ft.
Lauderdale which went off without a
hitch, very organized and no lines. The cabinwas spacious enough and we had a bacony which
was very nice. Enough closet and
draw space and adequate bathroom. Our steward made sure we had everything we needed. First
port - Cartagna, Columbia
which was dirty and people trying to sell you everything under the sun, we took a tour of
the monastary which was very nice but
still people follow you around to buy their wares. Next stop Costa Rica- Beautiful, took a
Mowamba Boat Tour through some
canals, saw great wildlife. Next - Panama Canal - what an experience, got up early when
out on our deck (Baja) and got a great
view, unfortunately it rained that day but it is a magnificent site. Next stop - Grand
Cayman - gorgeous! We toured the Turtle
Farm, Hell and a Rum Cake Store. We decided we would definetly goback there some day. Last
stop Cozumel - we toured the
Mayan Ruins in Tulum and spent a couple of hours at a lagoon which was very relaxing. On 2
of the tours we took (Grand
cayman and Costa Rica) some of the other passengers were rushing the tour guides because
they wanted to get back to the
ship or go shopping which made it uncomfortable for the rest of us who wanted to enjoy the
tours. The food categories differed
greatly: dining room food was good not fantastic which i had heard cruise food was, some
other seasoned cruisers also said food
was not up to par. The service in the dining room was great anything you wanted you got.
Buffets on the lido deck were much
different - breakfast was not good,eggs not cooked well, pancakes hard and cold, bacon
& sausage drowning in grease. I stuck
to bagels and muffins most mornings. Lunch was O.K. Entertainment was geared to an older
crowd, we went to some of the
shows which were nice.We would definetly cruise again but with other couples.
Name: Paul Glickler
Email: paulg@att.com
Age: 57
Occupation: Business Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: December 18, 1998
Itinerary: Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 50
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 100
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 100
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Jan 1999
Time: 10:22:48
Remote Name: 192.128.167.42
Remote User:
Comments
First let me state what went very well. As with our prior Princess cruise on the Crown
Princess, the Panama
Canal cruise on the Regal Princess, it's sister ship was VERY relaxing. Embarkation and
deberkation went
quickly and efficiently. The Ports of Call, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Limon in Costa Rica and
Ocho Rios were all
very good. The trip through the Panama Canal was absolutely fascinating. It's something
everyone should
experience.
My wife and I also thought that the waiters in the Palm Court and Cafe Del Sol for the
evening meal were very
good. We can't say enough good things about the Casino staff. The dealers at the Black
Jack tables, especially
Ivo and Dagman, were funny and very warm. It was a pleasure to live the dealers tips when
I had a good hand.
The warmth exhibited by the dealers carried over to the players who began conversing
amongst themselves
resulting in a warm and friendly atmosphere, even when losing.
The food in the Palm Court was ALMOST up to the standards of our prior cruise on Princess.
We also had an
opportunity to eat one evening meal in the Cafe Del Sol. My wife ordered grilled lamb
chops that were
outstanding. Our waitress in the Cafe Del Sol, Daniella was also very warm.
Some of the entertainment was very good, primarily Terry Costa and Jamie Anderson. The
remainder of the
entertainment, particularly the ventriloguist and Misha Eichorn who palys the xylophone,
was 'corny' at best. It
also seemed that Billy Hygate the Cruise Director who also served as Master of Ceremonies
was more
interested in feeding his ego than satisfying the needs of the passengers. More on that
later.
Now for what can be improved. It wasn't only my impression but that of several passengers
with whom we spoke
that the ships officers were 'surly' in their attitude towards the passengers. There were
several times when I'd
pass an officer and say 'good morning', 'good afternoon' or whatever. They'd pass me by as
if I didn't exist. My
experience with Billy Hygate, the Cruise Director was especially disappointing. When we
boarded the ship on
December 18th we were given a list of Casual, Semi-Formal and Formal nights aboard ship.
This differed from
the cruise itinerary. I went to the Pursers desk and spoke with a very helpful young man,
Chris from Austrailia. I
told Chris that I was confused and explained that since my wife is Catholic, I would have
hoped that there would
be some 'festive' activites planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, especially since
it was an 'at sea' day.
Chris wrote up my inquiry, quite nicely I might add, and sent it to Billy Hygate with
instructions that I would like a
response. I never heard from Billy Hygate nor any member of his staff. Christmas Eve
turned out to be a 'casual'
night. Many of the passengers had better sense than Billy as they independently chose to
dress up for the
occassion. That typified the attitude of the ships officers. Another example. We met a
nice couple from Rochester,
New York who arranged and paid for a 'Renewal of Vows' ceremony. Instead of it being
conducted by the
Captain, it was delegated to the Crusie Director who conducted the ceremony with 5 other
couples. Then there
was the experience the same couple had with the Maitre'd in the Palm Court. The wife was
on a special diet.
Each night Madge was given a special menu to select her meal for the next day. Each night
for 4 successive
nights her meal was wrong. Finally her husband on the advice of the Head Waiter spoke with
an officer at the
Purser's desk. The next evening the Maitre'd came to their table of 6 and announced 'I
understand someone at
this table is not happy'
My 'feeling' is that the Regal Princess is now the 4th eldest ship in Princess fleet,
behind the Grand, Sun, Sea
and Dawn. As such, I believe the 'best' crews and entertainment are assigned to the newer
ships. Instead of
bringing all crews up to standards I think Princess is willing to let the 'older' ships be
downgraded. Somehow I
don't think that a 7 year old ship is an 'old' ship. Besides while I'd be willing to sail
on the Sun, Sea or Dawn,
which are marginally larger than the Regal Princess, I'd NEVER want to sail on the Grand
which is almost twice
the capacity of the Regal Princess. In speaking with someone who sailed the Grand they
confirmed my
impression that the ship is TOO large and impersonal.
Name: Jodi Salomon
Email: wccinc@primenet.com
Age: 27
Occupation: flight attendant
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Regal
SailingDate: 4-21-98
Itinerary: panama canal reposition
FoodDiningRoom: 92
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 89
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 60
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 60
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 50
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 92
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 88
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 13 Jan 1999
Time: 22:36:13
Remote Name: 207.218.83.36
Remote User:
Comments
This cruise was fun, and the service was excellent! It was definitely an older crowd (we
thought there would be a
prune shortage!) but that didn't bother us. If you are looking for a party ship, this
probably isn't the cruise for you. I
think that is most likely the case on any cruise longer than 10 days.
The ship itself was pretty nice. We had an inside cabin, and it was very roomy. Our dinner
companions paid more
for a balcony room, but the balcony was tiny, and the room wasn't much bigger- all in all,
not worth the extra $$ on
this ship. The public rooms were smaller than other ships we had been on. I preferred
RCI's Majesty of the Seas,
because of the impressive public areas.
The only really negative aspects were the shows, and the shore excursions. I felt that
they were deliberately
misleading in order to get you to book their overpriced tours. For example, in Puerto
Caldera, they told us we
would be unable to find a cab, or go anywhere on our own. After purchasing the tour, we
found that there were
plenty of cabs, and we could have gone anywhere. As for the shows, I was actually
embarrassed for the
performers. In the acrobatic shows, the performers were out of sync. The musicals were
amateurish at best.
That seemed to be the general consensus.
That said, we really did have a great time. We enjoyed the movies in the theatre, the food
was great, and we really
enjoyed the afternoon tea in the dining room. This wasn't my favorite cruise ever, but it
was a good value, and I
would definitely book a Princess cruise again.
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