Embarkation was a breeze. The Fort Lauderdale cruise port was by far the most organized and efficient port. There were luggage porters standing by ready to help us and Princess kept the security and boarding line moving along. Excellent experience. I wish the Los Angeles cruise port was that organized.
The Royal is a beautiful ship. Our mini suite L224 was nice. As many people already mentioned, the balcony is so small that it is hard for two people to stretch out and relax. We were located close to the grill, pizza, pool, Horizon eatery and an easy elevator ride to casino and theater. Very nice location for us.
All of the food and desserts on this cruise were excellent. We ate in the Crown Grill one night and it was very delicious. The service was superb. We also ate in Alredo's a couple times and it was the best vegetable pizza I had ever had. It is true that everyone must wash their hands before entering the buffet and you had to use hand sanitizer before entering the restaurants. Yes, this was a pain for some of us who are very clean people but let me say this, I didn't see or hear of any major illnesses on the ship. I saw one lady wearing a mask and I applaud her for not sharing. We were NOROVIRUS FREE on our vacation and if washing our hands several extra times is what kept us healthy, then I am all for the slight inconvenience. One thing we are noticing about cruising is the fact that more and more people are opting out of eating in the main dining rooms in the evening and going to the buffet so they can remain in their shorts and shirt all day and night. We are included in that as well. I wish they would have a night or two during the cruise where you can go eat in the dining room dressed as you are.