I will have to admit I was very hesitant about going on our 2nd Royal Princess Cruise after the experience we had this past summer in the Mediterranean. But we had booked this cruise with friends before our Med cruise and we were looking forward to being with them. The Med cruise was less than optimal with 900 children (including lots of teen agers). Many times they took over the pools, hallways and elevators. Not against children on a cruise but behavior issues at 12 midnight - screaming and yelling down the halls many nights is not my idea of enjoyment. The captain had to even come on over the PA system to say some children would not be allowed on another cruise.

But that was then and we boarded our second Royal cruise. It was a very different experience. The Piazza area is very lovely as before. If you are used to having a promenade deck, you will be disappointed. There is none. We missed the deck. We also missed the Skywalkers on the Ruby Princess. Club 6 just didn't have the same feeling so we only visited it one evening. Vista Lounge seating was less than easy to get in and out. At times we had to climb over people because of the placing of the lounge chairs.

Princess Theater is lovely and OK but has an obvious safety flaw with no side entrances (exits). I will never understand why they have to crank up the music full blast. We aren't all hard of hearing although I felt like it when I departed. And it does have an effect on my feelings about the shows. Read more