Last week I had the opportunity to tour the Royal Princess when she was docked in Fort Lauderdale, and I was impressed. Although it is possible that the Best. Thing. Ever. about Princess is the ability to have Fettuccine Alfredo, in a Parmesan crisp bowl, at every meal, there are quite a few additional positives about the ship.
The Royal Princess is a big ship, carrying over 3,500 passengers and spanning 19 decks, and features classic Princess favorites like the Crown Grill specialty restaurant, and Movies Under the Stars on the main pool deck. There is also an adults-only pool deck, complete with poolside cabanas and plenty of loungers.
Princess Cruises has not stopped there. They are introducing a number of new and innovative features, like The Voice of the Ocean. This program is modeled after the hugely popular television show, The Voice, and enables passengers to compete over the course of the cruise. Just as it is on television, the judges sit in chairs that rotate when they choose a contestant. The audience members get to vote on the winner, using handheld voting devices. It is very cool.
On the dining front, Princess has partnered with renowned chocolatier and pastry chef, Norman Love, to create amazing new desserts, and beautiful chocolates. I took one for the team and tried the chocolates. Not only are they beautiful works of art, but they are divine. They are so good, I may have had to get a second “sample”. In addition to the amazing chocolates, Princess has also partnered with celebrity chef Curtis Stone to create more specialty dining menus.
Staterooms on the ship are about average for the industry, with loads of balcony rooms. However, because of the layout of the ship, the balconies tend to be narrower than on some other ships and lines. Upper end suites, however, are spacious and well-appointed, as you would expect for rooms that command a premium of three to four times the standard rate.
Overall, the ship is lovely, and would make for an excellent, relaxing vacation. Call or email me to find out how I can help make your vacation planning a breeze.
