We received an eMail brochure on the Maiden Voyage of Regal Princess and the camera shot of the Piazza prompted us to want to see just what made it Regal. Unfortunately, the Piazza was the beginning and the end of the Regal part. From then on the ship looked no different from other ships. However, some of the changes were definitely not to the standard we have come to expect from Princess.

While stunning, the Piazza made a lousy dance venue. Unfortunately, there was no other suitable venue except for the Vista Lounge which was used too frequently for other activities like bingo. The loss of the Wheelhouse bar and its traditional setting turned out to be virtually useless for anything other than a bar to support the Crown Grill. The proximity to the grill made a secluded dinner anything but special when a jazz quartet and a piano player were in residence.

The theater stage was so small that presentations looked crowded and awkward. Seating was decent but without drink services and cup holders, clapping was a challenge. Too few aisles made for difficult maneuvering throughout the two levels. Read more