This review underscores the need to have backup travel plans, especially when cruising in the winter. When our Plans A and B to fly to FLL went out the window, we moved on to Plan C—a 12-hour drive. Although driving was a slightly cheaper option (and allowed us to bring more liquor back from St. Thomas!), it was a lot more wear and tear on us.

Also, we intended to make this cruise primarily a dining experience rather than an itinerary experience, so this review goes into detail about the eating opportunities that we enjoyed on board. Because food would be a focus, we were a little concerned by some negative reviews we read recently about the main dining room (MDR) food and service on the Regal Princess. However, we selected “Anytime Dining” and, with all the various alternative dining options, we ended up going to the MDR only on the last two nights and never made it to the Horizon Court buffet at all! Instead we thoroughly enjoyed Alfredo’s Pizzeria on numerous occasions. But we also spent lots of time in specialty restaurants and events. We went to the Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, the Crab Shack, the Chef’s Table and a Wine Maker’s Dinner. We also signed up for the Super Tuscan Dinner but there was not enough interest for that to be held. Too bad! On a previous cruise, it had been a highlight.

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