Royal Princess is based in Southampton for the summer of 2015, and I visited her when I was attending the CLIA Cruise Conference on 21st May. As I was attending the conference I didn’t get a lot of time to look around, and none of the cabins were available for inspection. However, I did manage to get some video footage around the ship, which I have put together and you can watch below. If you click on the following link you can see in my photos of Royal Princess on Facebook. To book your next cruise, or to get any further information, call GoCruise with Ian on 01455821770 or 08002922850.

Although almost 2 years old, she didn’t look it, as everything is kept in very good order. I found that the ship is quite bright, especially the atrium and piazza, which looked really good. Out on deck there appeared to be a lot of space to relax or enjoy the pool and Jacuzzis. The Retreat Pool & Bar and the Sanctuary looked very inviting, although there is a supplement to pay for using these. I also took a quick look in Princess Live, where they actually film programmes for showing live around the ship.

There was just enough time for an extremely enjoyable lunch in the Allegro Dining Room (see photos below) before disembarking the ship, to head off to the cruise trade show.

Ship Facts & Figures

Royal Princess was named by Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, at a ceremony in Southampton on 13th June 2013. At 141,000 gross tons Royal Princess and her younger sister ship Regal Princess, are the largest ships in the Princess Cruises’ fleet, and have a crew of over 1,300.

Accommodation

She has 1,780 passenger cabins, and carries 3,560 passengers at double occupancy. The cabins are spread across 8 of the 19 public decks, with more than 80% of them having a balcony. There are 35 grades of accommodation, ranging from an IF grade inside twin cabin up to an S2 grade suite.

All grades benefit from twin beds (the majority of which can convert to a queen sized bed), ensuite bathroom with shower, bath towels and complimentary toiletries, 100% Egyptian cotton linen, flat screen satellite television, fridge, hair dryer and safe. Some cabins have Pullman foldaway beds for 3rd or 4th passengers. There is the option for inside, outside or balcony.

A deluxe balcony cabin has a larger balcony, and the addition of a sofa bed. If you choose a mini suite you will have the benefits of the deluxe balcony cabin, as well as a second television, a premium range mattress, and the bathroom will have a combination bath and shower.

Choose a suite, and there will be a number of extra benefits, which include a walk-in wardrobe, upgraded balcony furniture, complimentary mini-bar set-up, complimentary fresh flowers arrangement, laundry, and unpacking / packing service. You also benefit from priority embarkation, use of the Lotus Spa Thermal Suite, access to the Concierge Lounge, and much more.

Dining Options

You can choose between traditional dining with the same table companions and waiters at the early or late sitting, or opt for Anytime Dining, meaning you can eat with whomever you want, at a time to suit you.

For casual dining there are a number of choices including Horizon Court, which is a self-serve buffet area and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

For a supplementary cover charge you could choose to eat at Sabatini’s Italian Restaurant, Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, Ocean Terrace, a fresh seafood bar, or perhaps Vines, a wine, sushi and Tapas bar.

Onboard Facilities and Entertainment

During the day you can make good use of the swimming pools and loungers, shops and boutiques, library, Internet Café, or perhaps just relax and read a book in one of the many bars and lounges.

By night you might want to see a full show in the Princess Theatre, visit Princess Live which is a TV studio producing all sorts of live events, have a flutter at the casino, relax with a drink in one of the lounge bars, or dance the night away in Club 6. There is also the giant screen on deck for Movies under the Stars, complete with complimentary popcorn.

Sports & Fitness

There is a fully equipped fitness centre, putting green, bocce ball and croquet area, outdoor jogging track, basketball, volleyball, tennis and table tennis. There are also a number of pools and hot tubs, as well as the Sanctuary and the Lotus Spa.

Kids & Teens Facilities

The youth & teen centre is equipped with everything from the latest movies and video games to a DJ booth, and there is an outside area dedicated to each age group.

• Pelicans (ages 3-7) – there is a toddler area, mini air hockey table, arts & crafts and more
• Shockwaves (ages 8-12) – a great choice of games and activities are on offer, including air hockey, skeeball and video games, as well as a dedicated lounge
• Remix (ages 13-17) – a lounge area which is great for meeting new friends, as well as football, skeeball and video games

General Points

• The onboard currency is $US although, as is general on cruise ships, they operate a cashless system, with all purchases being charged to your onboard account
• Gratuities for your cabin and dining room stewards are added to your onboard account, although you can ask for these to be amended onboard if you wish. For summer 2015 the amount charged is $12.00 per person per day for suites and mini suites, and $11.50 per person per day for other cabins
• A 15% gratuity is added to all bar and dining room drinks purchases

Summary

Royal Princess is a large modern cruise ship, offering a traditional cruise experience. Service from the crew is excellent, and Princess Cruises has a very high number of repeat passengers. There are 18 ships in the fleet, including Caribbean Princess, and if you would like the Princess Cruises experience, but prefer smaller ships, the Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess are both 30,277 gross tons and carry less than 700 passengers. All details are based on the situation in May 2015.

Call GoCruise with Ian on 01455821770 or 08002922850 now