We're a Princess family, don't get me wrong, we cruise a ton and love each one that we're on however every time we book a Princess cruise, as my wife says "it's like we're home"...We were especially looking forward to this one...Our family was travelling with a group of people that were running the A1A Marathon in Lauderdale then jumping on the Royal to enjoy the cruise but run at each port of call...Pretty cool idea-everyone was stoked to see the Royal since it was quite a change from more of the cookie cutter ships they had been putting out lately...This one was filled with a lot of changes that we were excited to see, namely, the Piazza that everyone was raving about!

Pre-Stay was at our home away from home, the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach, a staple every time we stay...It's got everything we need and you're right on the beach so no complaints there...The kicker though was that the finish line to the Marathon was right at the hotel so it was great to just cross the line, run into the hotel, shower up, grab the bags and boom! we're off to the pier...Fave lunch spot is the Bahia Cabana across the street...Doesn't look like much from the outside but once you're there, it's gorgeous views of the intercoastal and all the yachts for sale lol...Try the Big Daddy's fish tacos-we get em every time...Coconuts on the Intercoastal for dinner-don't even read the menu, just wait to hear the specials then make your decision, you won't regret it! If not there, then Bubba Gumps is always a second choice for us...Love that shrimp mac n cheese in the skillet!! If you're at the hotel, try for the beach tower, great views of the beach volleyball (if you know what I mean) and I'm not being sexist, the views from both genders are equally as impressive...The pool is nice but the access to the beach is great and setting up with umbrellas and chairs will make your day.

Marathon Day was packed and filled with activity first thing in the morning...It was a stunning sunrise and a perfect temp for running...10 minute trek from the hotel to the pier and we were ready to get on...Easy Peasy checking in (thank you Elite Status-love you Princess for that) and we were on the way...Stepping on board, it will take your breath away, the Piazza is everything you wanted it to be, so elegant and stunning, was just gorgeous...We made our way to the room, had a balcony cabin on Aloha Deck and first impressions were quite good although the balconies are smaller than what we've been used to (unless you get a Deluxe)...Kudos to Princess for the On-Demand system on the TV-great flat screen with access to tons of good TV shows and awesome movies, plus you could pause and come back to watch another time which I found really convenient...Typical bathroom for what we're used to on a cruise, yes the toilet paper is hard to get to but just be a caveman like me and take the roll and put it in a good spot you can get to it...You have to be a practicing Yogi to be able to get to where you need it right now...Not sure who designed it but I've seen in 5 star hotels as well so what ev! Make it happen! Beds were good, nice and soft, they're pillow top now so you'll sleep like a baby...Internet access is still prehistorically slow in the cabin but we weren't on it that much anyway with the exception of our son who has school work to do. Read more