Regal Princess Review
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We sailed on the Princess Regal December 16 - 23. We took a multi generational trip with four 80+ year old grandparents, adult children ranging from 19-24 and ourselves early 50"s. The boarding process was the best we have experienced; the entire process took about 25 minutes from port to our cabin and they allowed us to board prior to the noon check-in time (outstanding). Keep in mind, our embarkation included two people in our party that needed wheelchair assistance. We had a balcony cabin and it was well kept. Rooms on cruise ships are all pretty much the same and are nothing to discuss. Our daughter and her boy-friend were "upgraded" from an interior cabin to a balcony with an obstructed view- Obstructed view included a full tender outside of their balcony. I think they would have preferred their interior cabin since the crew was doing maintenance on the tenders and in Grand Cayman they were launching the tenders for service which made most mornings very noisy.
On embarkation day, we were issued new medallions as well as the traditional cruise card. Princess did provide a lanyard, card holder and medallion holder which was nice to keep it all together. The medallion allowed entry to your room (the device does not deactivate like the magnetic cards)), allowed for charging some drinks/products very quickly and allowed for easy exit from the ship. I believe it was one of the first cruises that the Regal used this device in its entirety. The medallion is in the early stages so it will probably become better when you don't have a card AND a medallion. We pre-paid for the internet package for one device and the internet worked well. If you are planning to use the internet, I highly advise pre-paying for it because the packages cost more once on the ship. If you choose not to use the internet the Medallionnet allows you to electronically access the schedule of activities and message others in your party.
We ate seven nights in the main dining room and had excellent food and service. Bar service was good and they have improved by no longer harassing young 20 somethings regarding photo ID to show proof age (shouldn't age be part of the account when they ring you up?).