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Princess Cruise Line

MS Regal Princess

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Reviewed by: Gerold Signer
# previous cruises: 8
Date of Trip: May 18, 2006
Itinerary: Transcanal

The cruise was pleasant and very interesting. Panama canal is worth a trip by itself. Ports were well selected and at this time of the year not overcrowded. Fast and efficient boarding in Ft. Lauderdale within 15 minutes. Debarkation at San Francisco was a nightmare, no organization on the pier, 2-hour wait on board, 45 minutes more on the pier just to get our luggage with lots of nasty shouting and "ever tighter nerves" . Absolutely unacceptable. We will never use a cruise line with arrival at SFO again.

Public areas are mostly quite good, but show some wear. The lovely dome is badly misused by the casino and almost unbearable for some serious reading. Atrium lounge is well done, but nerves with all the so-called art auctions! For many days, some public rooms are literally clobbered by exhibited art pieces, which ruin the otherwise quite refined feeling!!

No complaints about the food. Palm Court dining was fine with excellent waiters, we enjoyed free seating for breakfast and lunch. Buffet was better than average, huge dessert selection of cakes, many specialty buffet sections and very friendly service.

Cabin was big and well equipped, very spacious shower, plenty of closet space and very friendly and helpful room stewart. We were midship on the Plaza deck, quite low in the ship, but it was quiet and had a reasonably large window.

Quality of the entertainment was average, but OK. Cruise staff was helpful and quite friendly. What lacked was more and better advance information on the ports of call and land excursions as to infrastructure, political, industrial, social or living situation. Narration during the passing of the Panama canal was however excellent.

We did not take part in many general on-board activities, they seemed to be on par with many other cruises. But - again - what nerved most was the childish art auction stuff, a real pain in the neck and the noticeable effort to make extra money through "wine tasting", Coca Cola sales, auctions and shop activities. Here, Princess Lines should go over their books...

The boat was fully booked, mostly seniors and only a handful of younger people. There was never a too crowded feeling and everybody was polite and considerate which made for a very good climate all around. At this time of the year not a cruise for the younger crowd.