We enjoyed our cruise on the Royal Princess. This is our 8th cruise having sailed with Celebrity, Holland American, Princess and Carnival. This was our favorite cruise ship so far. The food was excellent especially in the buffet. We had dinner at the Crown Grill and it was excellent. We also tried Alfredo's Pizzeria and the food there was excellent. We had early dining at 5:30 p.m., but because the buffet was so good at the end of the cruise we just went to the buffet. In future, I would do anytime dining on this ship because the buffet has so many choices and the food is always fresh. Princess makes all the food in house and you can tell the quality is very good. Of all the cruises we have been on this ship had the best food.

Our cabin was D609, and the cabin steward was excellent. Georgetta was friendly and kept our cabin very clean. Yes, the balcony is slightly smaller on this ship, and from our stateroom when we looked down we saw a tender boat. These boats protrude out from the side of the ship instead of tucking under I think that is why the promenade deck does not go right round the ship. We did miss having a full promenade deck for walking. There is a walking/jogging track at the top of the ship, which we did use, but it can be very breezy up there making it difficult to walk.

I know many people dislike this ship because there is no center stair case and the elevators can be crowded. We saw this but it did not bother us. We are healthy and fit. We always walk and use the stairs so this was not a problem for us. I could see if you had mobility issues this ship could be a problem. Read more