Frommer's EasyGuide to Cruising (Easy Guides) by Saunders Aaron & Eisenberg Sherri

Author:Saunders, Aaron & Eisenberg, Sherri [Saunders, Aaron]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FrommerMedia
Published: 2017-01-30T16:00:00+00:00

Size (in tons)

141,000

Crew

1,346

Passengers (Double Occ.)

3,600

Passenger/Crew Ratio

2.6 to 1

Passenger/Space Ratio

39.1

Year Launched

2013/2014

Total Cabins/Veranda Cabins

1,780/1,438

Last Major Refurbishment

N/A

Frommer’s Ratings (Scale of 1–5)

1 ⁄ 2

Cabin Comfort & Amenities

5

Dining Options

5

Ship Cleanliness & Maintenance

5

Gym, Spa & Sports Facilities

5

Public Comfort/Space

4

Children’s Facilities

4

Decor

4

Enjoyment Factor

4.5

the ships in general

When Royal and Regal Princess were introduced in 2013 and 2014 respectively, they officially became the line’s largest ships, with a capacity for 3,600 passengers apiece. They also ushered in a brand-new class of vessels for the line, officially heralding the retirement of the “Grand Class” design that most Princess ships from 1998 to 2010 were based on.

Inside, not much has changed—it’s just been made better. Guests will find a larger pool deck, complete with some pretty cool glass catwalks (known as the SeaWalk) that cantilever out over the sea below. There’s an expanded version of the Piazza Atrium concept that was first introduced aboard Crown Princess back in 2006, and that means more seating and better views. In fact, everything that makes Princess great is here, from the Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings to the clubby Crooner’s Bar to the relaxing, adults-only Sanctuary. These ships are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and that’s okay.

If there is a downside to these ships, it’s the lack of a midships staircase, which means you can find yourself walking well out of your way just to get around their 1,083-foot length. Some areas tend to bottleneck with passengers, and overall the ship’s layout doesn’t feel as free-flowing as the Grand Class or the spectacularly lovely Coral and Island Princess designs.

Cabins If you’ve sailed aboard Princess’s other megaships, be prepared to keep your expectations in check: While both Royal and Regal Princess offer some of the same cabin categories, there are changes. Minisuites —traditionally located on the Dolphin Deck—are now scattered throughout the ship, and balcony sizes have taken a hit compared with counterparts. Ditto for overall stateroom size: Many categories just feel smaller.

Inside staterooms are roughly the same as always, at 166 square feet. All are done in a style that should be very familiar to past Princess guests: white walls, dark wood trim. Balconies come in four sizes; standard ones are smaller than what you’ll find on most Grand Class ships, and deluxe balconies aren’t much bigger for what can be a hefty. Sadly, bathrooms at these levels still come with showers with that oh-so-clingy shower curtain. Ugh.

Minisuites are also smaller than their Grand-class counterparts, but like those, these are a smart choice if you’re looking for more space but don’t want to spend the amount of money needed for a full suite. There are 40 suites —huge spaces, all with their own private balconies and perks like priority embarkation and disembarkation, priority shore excursion reservations, and use of the exclusive Disembarkation Lounge at the end of the cruise and the Elite Lounge (stocked with hors d’oeuvres and more) during the sailing.

A total of 36 cabins are designated as wheelchair accessible.

PUBLIC AREAS & ACTIVITIES Public rooms are attractive, largely adhering to the style that Princess developed for past vessels while ratcheting up the quality of materials used in certain areas.

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