Regal Princess Review
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We chose this cruise because it was back to back eastern and western Caribbean. The Regal Princess is a beautiful ship and the entertainment was outstanding. This is not the usual compliment for Princess. They are not known for their shows. But throughout the ship whether in the Princess Theater or in the piazza the entertainment was incredible. We have been to these ports many times, explored on our own and on shore excursions. Therefore, we no longer disembark at the ports, but choose to stay on board. But this time we booked, through Princess, a hillside cabana at Amber Cove, a new stop, in the Dominican Republic.
On a positive note, Amber Cove is beautiful, with lovely shops at the end of the pier. Both the Hillside and Ocean cabanas close out early. My word of advice for booking either of them - DON'T. Why? Despite the hype that the shore excursions give this - butler service, free Wifi, a.c., jacuzzi, lounge chairs, drinks and snacks, it is not desirable and very misleading.The Hillside cabanas stairs are 15 minutes from the pier and then the walk begins up about 80 steps. The icon that Princess uses to rate the activity level is "easy walk." No, it isn't. The cabanas is said to be for up to eight people. Yet there are only 2 lounge chairs on the deck with a jacuzzi for 2 very small people. The deck cannot comfortably hold more than 3 lounges. Yes, there are bottles of water, soda and fruit juice. The snacks, chips and crackers/cookies were terrible. Now to use the pool you have to navigate the 80 steps down and then back up. By the way when I complained to the tour desk when I got back to the ship, they told me there was a ramp, yet the escort who took us to the cabana did not inform us that there was an alternate route to the top of the mountain.
The pool is lovely and surrounded by lounges. You can rent umbrellas. Save your money ($270 for hillside cabanas) and stay at the pool. The beach is not visible and is a supposed 10 minute walk from the pool area. The Ocean cabana has a great ocean view but you can only swim at the pool.
Cabin Review
Balcony
The new ships are larger with smaller cabins, an inverse proportion. Princess needs to upgrade their towels. The amenities in the cabin are good with wifi now available in your room as well as the public areas. The flat screen TV offered good movies.
Port Reviews
Montego Bay
I suggest Dunn's Falls, always a popular attraction for the 1st time visitor. Must be agile as the rocks can be slippery.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Shore excursion is recommended
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Very pretty new port (Jurassic Park was filmed there), owned by Princess/Carnival, in the Dominican Republic. Do not rent a cabana; stay at the pool, there are plenty of lounge chairs and you can rent an umbrella. 'The beach is not visible and it is an additional 10 minute walk (so they say). The shopping is very nice and easily accessible built in a half circle away from the pool area.
St. Maarten
Just a beautiful port. Take the water taxi into town ($14 unlimited trips). Great shopping. Love Oro Diamante on Front Street for jewelry and Longchamps for really great prices on their bags. Visit the Dutch side or the French. We prefer the Dutch.
St. Thomas
The ship docks in Havensight, not a great shopping area. Take a taxi to the town.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
We live here, but recommend spending the day on Las Olas Blvd with great restaurants and shops. It is very European in feeling with international visitors and outdoor dining.
Princess Cays
The beach is lovely. Just get there early so you can get a lounge under a tree. The beach bar-b-q is adequate.