A Journey Aboard Regal Princess
Let me take you on a little adventure aboard the Regal Princess, a ship that's all about mixing luxury with comfort and giving travelers of all ages some unforgettable experiences. I recently set sail on this beauty with my family, and trust me, there's a lot to love here. In this blog, we will delve into what makes the Regal Princess a top choice for cruising enthusiasts and first-time travelers alike.
Medallions
As I stepped aboard the cruise ship, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. One of the first things I noticed was the elegant little pendant on my wrist—the Princess Medallion. At first glance, it seemed like a simple accessory, a small token of my journey ahead. But as I soon discovered, this stylish piece was about to transform my entire cruising experience. The Princess Medallion is a wearable communication device designed specifically for Princess. The medallion worked its magic by unlocking the door to my cabin as I walked close. No fumbling with keys; just a seamless entry that made me feel right at home. Throughout the ship, the medallion became my lifeline. I could effortlessly make onboard purchases. One of the most heartwarming moments was when I used the medallion to locate my family. At times, the ship felt enormous, and the idea of getting separated was intimidating. But with a few taps on my phone, I could easily find where they were hanging out or if they were joining me for a planned activity. It made our time together feel more connected and less chaotic. Navigating the ship turned from a daunting task into a leisurely exploration, guided by the medallion's insights.
Expansive Accommodations
Reserve Collection
There are some amazing perks with Reserve Collection cabins including in-room wine setup, evening canapes delivered to the cabin, reserve dining, and cabin amenity upgrades. The exclusive dining room as a Reserve Collection guest was by far the best perk! No reservations were needed and there was never a wait, plus the service was excellent! This exclusive dining area is open for breakfast and dinner daily along with lunch on sea days. However, some of the advertised amenities don’t apply when cruising out of Galveston - there was no priority line at the terminal for checking in, but there was a separate waiting area. The priority disembarkation lounge was decent and a good spot to wait before getting off the ship, but you may have to ask for better luggage tag placement if you want to disembark early (Just visit the Guest Services desk to request earlier luggage tags).
Gastronomic Delights
Now, let’s dive into the food as we all know we indulge while on vacation! There are many restaurants to choose from, you’ll never go hungry. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner in the main dining room or a casual snack at the 24-hour International Café, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a steak lover, Crown Grill is where you want to be, but we had a not-so-great experience there. The manager was apologetic and invited us back for a second dinner (free of charge) to make it right. Tip: definitely order the shrimp appetizer; they were massive and so delicious. If you crave pizza like I do, you’re in luck! The ship serves fresh pizza on the pool deck until 11 PM, perfect for those late-night cravings. Like any ship, there is a buffet but I found the layout odd: one section is all continental food, and then there's a full spread in another area, so it can get confusing as it was difficult to determine where various cuisines were. Also, there were times that it was a bit of a struggle to find a table at the buffet.
Entertainment and Activities
The fun doesn’t stop with the food. Regal Princess really knows how to keep you entertained. There are so many activities throughout the day and evening to keep everyone busy. Broadway-style shows in the Princess Theater were impressive, though keep in mind the theater is smaller than what you might find on other ships, which can mean limited seating. If you’re more into laid-back vibes, there’s live music happening in various spots on the ship all the time, which made for nice socializing vibes. The Movies Under the Stars was a highlight for sure—cozy blankets and popcorn while lounging on deck? Count me in! And for the adventurous types, there are activities like ping pong, pickleball, mini golf, a driving range, basketball, and even shuffleboard. Plus, there's a small arcade (for an extra cost) and a casino for adults. Be aware, though, that smoking is allowed in certain areas of the casino. From having been on other Princess ships, my biggest disappointment with the entertainment was the Regal Princess’ version of a nightclub. It must have been an after-thought as it was only a small section at the Club 6 bar in the casino. There was hardly any dance floor and not much space to spread-out.
Pools
When it comes to the pools, I have to say the main pool area was a bit too loud for my liking. It didn’t feel like a chill spot at all. But the serene Sanctuary, which is the adults-only area, was a perfect escape if you want some peace and quiet. There’s a bar there too, so you can unwind with a drink in hand.
Family-Friendly Features Traveling with family
Traveling with family? Regal Princess definitely has you covered. They've got awesome kids' and teen clubs packed with cool activities to keep the little ones entertained. My son had a blast in the teen club, making new friends and having his own hangout space, which was a lifesaver for us. Just a heads up though: traveling over the holidays can mean a lot of kids on board—I might rethink traveling over a holiday next time!
At the end of the day, a journey on the Regal Princess is way more than just a cruise. It’s an experience that tickles all your senses and creates memories you won’t forget. With its luxurious rooms, tasty food options, loads of entertainment, and a pretty solid commitment to keeping families happy, this ship offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a cruise pro or gearing up for your first trip, Regal Princess is waiting to give you a fantastic adventure on the waves!
