Royal Princess Review (1/3-1/10)

The buffet had a large selection so you’ll find at least something you’d enjoy

Not enough pools. Although pools are deep, the aft pool is missing and the midship pool had too much kids during the day and wasn’t as clear as the adult only pool. Lots of chlorine and a LOT of tiles missing around the pool. I guess it’s showing its age a little. Adult pool is the way to go

I loved the Take5 bar in the evenings before shows. A little out of the way and less well known.

Main dining room staff was very attentive and genuine. We really loved the service. Although the food isn’t as interesting variety as 15 years ago, it’s still nice. The dinner menu was cutt down by about half and less options as opposed to when we dialed on Royal a year and a half ago and back in 19’

LOVED that the room steward would turn down our room twice. In the morning and in the evening before bed (during dinner). This was nice as RCC stopped doing that.

Now these might be really silly but it’s the small things that make a big difference and since I sailed with Princess in the past, after taking a break with them this is what I noticed.

• No chocolates left on the beds and no towel animals
• Deserts aren’t as good as I remembered them to be. Specifically in the buffet, they were not good at all. They were either dry or just sheet cakes. Lots of options but all of them were not very pleasant. Cookies and brownies were always available which is good?
• Good thing I’m not that into theatrical shows because Royal Caribbean is the way to go if you want a GOOD show. The production shows or concerts as they call it on this ship where just “eh”, although the orchestra is very good. I was not a fan of Encore. Am I the only one that feels that way?
• I guess the main theatre has no bar servers walking around anymore and taking drink orders?
• Choices in dining room where limited. The menu was cutt back a lot. No more chilled soup for appetizer that I loved and no lobster on the second formal night which was quite strange because I thought Princess still served lobster free of charge for one Gala night (it’s okay though, we weren’t too bummed out).
• No designated water refill station for water bottles. Buffet stations indicated that you can’t refill there but I still did anyway. It felt a bit wrong but I tried to do so during times when it was not busy and when I didn’t interior the waiters
• In the main dining room, would’ve been nice if they still offered mints and toothpicks when leaving. Once again, might be silly, but I remember they used to do that and it was nice because I don’t like walking with things in my teeth. I just carried floss around with me. I’m very subconscious about having soemthing in my teeth from a previous meal

Bigger issues:

• Ship kind of smells. Specifically some hallways especially on the 8th deck. Actually, Id reiterate, all hallways and corridors smell, maybe some spots have a stronger odor or scent. Still not very pleasant. I’m guessing it’s the carpet.
• Waiters in the buffet and bartenders all seem overworked and tired. After speaking to some of the staff they are all genuine and very polite, although the cutt in crew is very evident
• Not enough salt shakers in the buffet. It was a bit ridiculous. The waiters had to take it off other tables and bring it to us. It’s a salt shaker. It costs a few bucks. Have some on each table 😭

What I liked:

• Paper planners delivered every night with next days schedule which was so helpful
• Diamond Trio mariachi in the piazza was extraordinary!! They were the highlight of my cruise. Just sitting and listening to them and watching people dance was so fun
• The almond crescents and mouseli bars in the international cafe are to die for