Royal Princess Inaugural Cruise

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Royal Princess

 

This past weekend we were invited to sail on the new Royal Princess with Princess Cruises.  This was a two night cruise to nowhere that allowed travel agents and media to experience the ship and roam through staterooms and the public areas.

 

This is a ship that blends the traditional with the new.  The colors and finish throughout the ship were elegant and appealing to those who like the warm feeling from wood and earth tone colors.  I commented that the ship will still be in style in another ten years. 

 

The most interesting of the new items was the SeaWalk, a glass floor extending beyond the sides of the ship at the midship area providing guests with a spectacular view of the water below.

The Retreat Pool looked like the place to relax, until I peeked into The Sanctuary, located on deck 17 at the bow of the ship.  For a few extra dollars you can have a semi-private place to relax.

 

The Main Pool area features a dancing water show as well as an opportunity to watch Movies Under the Stars. 

 

With 16 Restaurants and guests will have a myriad of dining choices, including Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.  I heard the pizza at Alfredo’s was the best pizza at sea, and I cannot dispute that claim.  I really liked what was created in the buffet dining area with a transition from Horizon Bistro, through the Horizon Court and outside to the Horizon Terrace.  The range of food choices differed from the Horizon Bistro and Horizon Court and a visit to The Pastry Shop is not to be done too quickly.

We ate our main meals in the Allegro Dining Room; however visits to Concerto Dining Room and Symphony Dining Room helped showcase the great dining venues aboard the ship.

 

The Atrium which covers the mid ship on decks 5, 6 and 7 is the happening place for entertainment, catching a drink with friends or enjoying a lite snack, specialty drink or international cuisine.

The top deck, aft is where the sports enthusiasts can try their hand at basketball, volleyball, ping pong, mini-golf or take a few swings in the driving range.

 

There is something for the kids as well with the Youth and Teen Centers which were larger than I expected, with age appropriate furnishings and a private outside area for different age groups.   

 

The accommodations will appeal to those who want a balcony category as there are no Ocean View Staterooms and an abundance of Balconies.  Some balconies are on the smaller side, and accommodate two chairs, however the Owners Suite with its wrap-around balcony would allow for two parties to go on at the same time, on the same deck.  My favorite was the Presidential Suite on the starboard side that was truly accessible with a unique system which will allow a wheelchair to access the balcony.

 

I would recommend this ship to any cruiser, especially those who like new ships or who like the warm inviting feeling this ship will provide.