This was our 18th Princess cruise, our last one being on Regal five years ago. We traveled in a Club Class mini-suite on deck 14. Here are some brief observations:

1. Embarkation in Ft. Lauderdale: Easy-peasy. We drove to the port, dropped off our luggage at curbside, parked in the Heron garage, and were checked in without any trouble at all. Using the Medallion along with facial recognition passport control speeds up the process. We were on board within about 15 minutes after arriving.

2. Ship/Stateroom condition: Regal is still in great shape, but is definitely starting to show some age. The crew goes to great lengths to keep things shining, but furniture shows some wear, we had a few seats in the Princess Theater that were broken, nothing terrible. Our stateroom was mid-ship and it was incredibly quiet and smooth throughout the cruise. Read more