Take Another Look at Princess Cruises’ New Regal Princess
Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess wraps up Europe season to head to Ft. Lauderdale.
It’s been nearly four months since Princess Cruises introduced their newest ship, the Regal Princess. Though a sister to the 2013 Royal Princess, the Regal Princess is set to shine on her own. Since May, the Regal Princess has been sailing inaugural voyages throughout the Mediterranean. That’s all about to change.
On October 17, 2014, the Regal Princess will embark on a 17-night transatlantic crossing from Venice to a new homeport in Ft. Lauderdale. Once here, it’s on to the tropics with 7- to 14-night Caribbean cruises on the agenda.
Past Princess Cruises guests will recognize the gleaming brass and glass multi-story Atrium and marble Piazza; the ship’s stunning centerpiece. Only this time, it’s bigger. As on other Princess ships, casual wine and dine options plus a variety of performers make the Piazza a central hub of activity day and night.
Accommodations
No more will the undecided have to choose between an oceanview or balcony stateroom on the Regal Princess. Why? There are NO oceanview staterooms. Of the 1,780 beautifully designed accommodations, only 342 are windowless, a.k.a interior. So you’ll have to decide on either a balcony or inside stateroom.
For families with young children or groups of three or four friends, there are 780 staterooms with upper berths.
Those who require a handicapped accessible stateroom but have always had to settle for an inside stateroom, will be pleased to know that this ship has 29 accessible staterooms with balconies and only 7 inside ones.
Food, glorious food
Cruise tradition prevails with a fixed seating dining option. Other guests may appreciate Anytime Dining and choose when, where and with whom to dine.
Dining choices are made easier aboard the Regal Princess. With just six restaurants, only two of which incur a surcharge, choosing where to eat won’t take hours to decide. Princess Cruises’ signature restaurants, Sabatini’s and Crown Grill, are the only two full-service restaurants with a surcharge.
Of the two main complimentary dining rooms, one is designated for Anytime Dining while the other has four fixed seating times. Even guests in the Anytime Dining get dressed up on the two formal nights, so don’t forget to bring something special to wear.
With an Atrium that’s nearly double in size to other Princess ships, comes all sorts of new or expanded dining venues, too. There’s Gelato, a charming Italian gelateria or the tasty Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar. Thirsty? Try a martini in Crooner’s, a Bellini in Bellini’s Bar, or sip a cup of soup at the International Cafe. Sample some sushi, tapas and wines at Vines, the trendy Wine Bar.
Activities for everyone
Waterpark enthusiasts will find their nirvana aboard the Regal Princess. This new ship will feature the cruise line’s most expansive top pool deck, not to mention the mesmerizing dancing water and light shows.
For a mini-thrill, stroll through SeaWalk, a glass-bottom, enclosed walkway cantilevered 128’ above the sea. I dare you to look down!
Movie buffs will love to curl up on an outdoor lounger with a bag of freshly popped popcorn to watch first-run movies at Movies Under the Stars.
Bring the kids!
Available on sea and port days, supervised Youth Centers and Teen Lounges are available for kids ages 3-12 and 13-17 years, respectively. Children under 3 years of age are welcome in the Youth Centers if accompanied by an adult.
Grownups in need of a little downtime can reserve a plush, cushioned lounge chair at the Sanctuary. It’s an adults-only retreat with a large freshwater pool, thirst-quenching cucumber and citrus infused waters and cozy, tented cabanas.
Entertainment abounds
Stop in at Princess Live! – a working TV studio where guests can watch a variety of interactive game shows, culinary demonstrations or even late-night comedy.
Whether it’s a Broadway-style production show, aerialists in the Atrium, a pianist in the Piazza or the Executive Chef’s cooking demonstration, chances are there will be something for everyone to experience aboard the Regal Princess.
Reservations, please!
Princess Cruises is offering reduced rates for the first season in the U.S, from November through March. You can get an inside staterooms are $449 pp or a balcony in the neighborhood of $849 pp for a 7-night cruise. Plus, there’s an onboard credit.
Those who want a longer cruise, on April 15, 2015, the Regal Princess has a 17-night transatlantic from Ft. Lauderdale to Copenhagen, Denmark. Prices start around $1,499 per person, one-way passage. Of course, rates can change, but with this being a new ship and Princess Cruises, don’t expect too much fluctuation in price this first year. If you like to pick a specific cabin or location, it’s time to start planning your Regal Princess cruise.
Fast Facts
Maximum guests: 3,560
Crew: 1,346
Weight: 141,000 tons
Entered service: May 20, 2014
Dining and snacks: Three main dining rooms, Chef’s Table Lumiere, Wine Cellar dining, Sabatini’s Italian Restaurant, Crown Grill – Steak and Seafood, Gelato – gelateria serving ice cream & Italian crepes, International Café – coffee, snacks and light meals, Tea Tower, Vines Wine Bar, Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Horizon Court Buffet, Pastry Shop, Prego – Poolside pizza, Trident Grill – Hamburger and hot dog grill, Swirls – Ice cream bar, Ultimate Balcony Dining, 24-hour room service
Showrooms/Lounges: Princess Theater, Vista Lounge, Princess Live! – television studio, Wheelhouse Bar, Club 6 Nightclub, Bellini’s – Italian-inspired cocktails, Crooners – martini bar, Churchill’s Cigar Lounge
Onboard activities: The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars poolside screen, Lotus Spa and Fitness Center, Piazza Atrium, Wedding Chapel, Casino, Sports Central, Lawn Court – golf putting and lawn games, Jogging/Walking track, Kid’s and Teen’s Centers, Internet Café, Photo/Video Gallery, Library Art Gallery, Duty-free Boutiques, Concierge Lounge (dedicated lounge for suite passengers), Guest Services Desk, Shore Excursions Desk, Medical Center.
Guest Cabins: 1,780 total
- 40 Suites with private balconies
- 306 Mini Suites
- 360 Deluxe Balcony cabins
- 732 Balcony cabins
- 342 Inside cabins
Wheelchair Accessible Cabins: 36 including: 29 balcony/7 inside
Cabins with Private Balconies: 1,438 (81 percent of all outside cabins)
