Royal Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,777 reviews

A True Princess

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Royal Princess
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johnboy2
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Jun 2013
Cabin: Balcony

Check-in went very smoothly with plenty of staff and well organised boarding. The overall appearance of the ship was very impressive and all the staff were very cheery and seemed proud to be involved with a brand new vessel. Our cabin looked a little smaller than expected but perhaps this was because it was dominated by a large and very comfortable double bed. For once there was plenty of storage space in the cabin for clothes and things but the balcony was disappointingly small with room (just!) for two chairs and a tiny table. Celebrity balcony dining would have been interesting but difficult. It was also overhung by the horizon buffet which might make sitting out there in sunnier climes less attractive.

We generally like the layout of Princess ships and this one was even better than usual. The dining rooms (we were on our favourite any-time dining) were really good and the waiters' service areas dotted around were unobtrusive. The food and service in the dining rooms was excellent but we missed having a menu posted outside, this is normal on cruise ships and would help passengers plan where to eat in the evenings The Horizon self-service dining area was a huge improvement on any others that we have seen on any ship. It was large and very well laid-out with attractive displays of food and wide aisles so that there was no appearance of crowding. One definite niggle was that it was so large it was often difficult to find things. It was split into two halves and on our first visit we did not find the second part with its yummy cakes and deserts. A few signposts in this area would be invaluable.

The decor was to our mind very tasteful and the co-ordination of the lighting, stairs, ceiling design and carpeting was extremely well done. The piazza area was very attractive as the shows could be seen from three different decks and the pianists could be heard all round, even if playing on one of the higher up decks. We particularly liked the strong man show and the string quartets were very good and entertaining. The choice of casual dining or snacking was the best we have experienced with the International cafe and the Pizza area being top of the poll.

Cabin Review

Balcony

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