Easy embark. We live 20 min. away up the beach so a brief taxi and we were at the ship and having lunch in under an hr. Good service at the check-in.

-We are Platinum and have been on nearly every Princess ship. The Royal is just a blown-up version of the most basic design. There are no new or special poolside amenities, and just a small mid-ship pool area with very few pool games or activities other than watching the big screen.

-It seems that everyone spends the day jammed into the buffet or the Piazza. But with at most 50 seats near the atrium area, including those chairs people drag from the International Cafe & other bars, it is always mobbed and SRO 10 deep, even the upper level balconies. It seemed like the International Cafe, everyones favorite place, was reduced to allow a large gellato bar to be put in, a mistake I think. Lots of acts like dancers or gymnasts, but the "shows" are relatative short (15 min) and repeated over and over. The music is good and varied with singers, piano, string quartets, etc. Read more