There were many wonderful things I can say about my cruise on the Regal Princess. She's a beautiful ship with gorgeous appointments. The staff was top notch, friendly and accommodating. The food was very good with many old favorites and some new dishes. I enjoyed my hours spent with the very large Cruise Critic roll call. It was a very enjoyable cruise!

Now the minuses. With so many sea days, ship sponsored activities are very important. I found this Regal cruise lacking in this area. Let me be specific: a bridge instructor with morning lessons and afternoon organized games, would have made the sea days so much more attractive. I know there are no more Princess sponsored bridge lessons fleet wide, but on repositioning cruises, there should be. Additional lectures are also needed and not just the same ones every day. Princess attracts a well educated, well read cruiser, and would appreciate more informational activities. Speaking of well read, another minus comes to mind. The book discussion group was a travesty. The first meeting was poorly listed as a book club discussion of The Girl on the Train, as it was merely a book distribution. Later in the cruise, the real discussion was held. The leader gave out a list of questions about the book, told us she hadn't read it, and left because "she had someplace else to go."

I don't want to dwell on weaknesses because, in truth, there were so many strengths. The lack of seating in the piazza area on so many ships, was remedied on the Regal. And even by the pools if you couldn't get a lounge, there were plenty of couches and tables and chairs. The TV setup was wonderful, especially the movies. Embarkation went smoothly but why weren't the cabins ready as they always were? Passenger Services were always ready to solve any problems. Entertainment ranged from good to excellent and were often offered three times in an evening. And since I always keep my promises, I will not say that the center stairway for the staff should be opened to the cruisers. I promised not to talk about it, so I won't say the lack of that staircase was problematic.