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Princess Cruise Line

MS Royal Princess

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Reviewed by: Bernard De Roo
# previous cruises: 21 to 30
Date of Trip: February 19, 2003
Itinerary: South America

At the end of February, onto the beginning of March this year, we took a trip to South America and a 14 day cruise that went around the very Southern end, namely Cape Horn. Their seasons are just the opposite of North America, so it was their summer. In a separate paper is a daily journal of the many, wonderful places we visited and toured. What follows here is some information about the ship we were going to make our home for the next two weeks.

The Royal Princess was built in Helsinki, Finland and launched in Oct. 1984. She was christened by Princess Diana, whose portrait is still displayed in the atrium. At the time she was the most expensive passenger ship built at a cost of $200 million. In today's standards, she would be classed as a smaller ship of 45,000 tons, 757 feet long, with a wide beam of 106 feet. The maximum passenger capacity is 1200 and this cruise was fully booked. Even today she is considered to be of a beautiful appearance, with sleek lines and long tapered bow. The design of the front of this ship, with several decks of open observation deck space makes this ship an excellent choice for a cruise like this or through the Panama Canal. Many passengers came out to view the glaciers and arrival to ports. We could just take a short walk from our cabin to gain access to the front of our deck. There are two self service laundry rooms, but we did not make use of them.

The layout of the ship is unusual with most of the public rooms on two lower decks with almost all cabins on the upper decks. The foyer spans 2 decks and was the first with a shipboard atrium, with two dramatic winding staircases. The front desk and information desk and the entrance to the Dining room is on the lower level. The second level has free flowing spaces with plenty of easy chair seating with floor to ceiling windows making it bright and spacious. The atrium serves a lot of functions and is very active. There is a good size gift shop and casino. What I liked, that many newer ships do not have any longer is a small cinema. It was not only used for movies, but for other varied functions.

A big plus was the 260 seat Horizon Lounge on the very top deck, with slanted floor to ceiling windows, in a panoramic 360 degree observation lounge that made a wonderful viewing area traveling through fjords and channels. We could listen to the running commentary in a nice warm space and then run outside to snap the fantastic waterfalls and glaciers as we made our way. It was a quiet pleasant space at other times for a drink alone or with friends and for Lois to do her sewing artwork.

Our first dining table assignment for, four people, was absolutely in the worst possible corner location with walls on two sides. I made it very clear to the Maitre de that it was totally unacceptable, since we had requested a table for 6 or 8. Fortunately, the other couple at the table was also of the same mind. We were both moved to another table in the middle of the dining room where we joined 2 other friendly couples. This changed turned out to be great for all eight of us. We never lacked for conversation and dining was very pleasurable. We were well taken care of and served by efficient and friendly waiter and assistant. Most of the time we only had the evening dinner in the Continental Dining Room It is a warm, pleasant room, with large windows. There were two sittings, with assigned seating. Breakfast, lunch and days in port had open seating. The food selection was good, nicely presented, and in sufficient quantity for our appetites.

Hot eggs or omelets would be individually prepared and food selection was plentiful. Pizza was also prepared at different times and the Royal was the first 24 hour service. We did not make use of the evening meals, but had breakfast and lunch here. Sometimes we had a continental breakfast served in our cabin. For us more than enough food and variety was provided.

Thru a mix up by our travel agent, we did not get the cabin we wanted and even after repeated inquiries no change was made.

There are 600 cabins with 150 balconies. All cabins are outside and except for 2 deluxe suites and 52 mini suites, are standard size of about 170 sq. ft. The cabins are not as large as some of the newer ships, but adequate. Closets are shallow and drawer space is a little short for longer trips. All cabins have a mini refrigerator and TV. There is a well lighted desk/dresser combination, a small easy chair and desk chair. Each cabin has either a large rectangular window or sliding door to a small balcony. Because of the temperature and wind, I don't think the balconies could be used much on this voyage. All standard cabins have one twin bed and another which folds up against the bulkhead if requested. They can be also made into a queen size configuration. Sound proofing was good. Lighting is very good. The bathroom is nicely designed and all have bathtubs with showers. With the height of the tub getting out could be a little difficult. Toiletries and terry cloth robes are provided also.

The International Lounge seating 620 never seemed to be crowded with the two different show times and other functions. It does not have the 2 story high space of the newer ships. The ceiling a little low with some columns, but the floor is steeped. It is an intimate space and good shows are presented. Brian Pierce, the cruise director from our last trip, was making his last voyage before transferring to one of the newer Princess ships. We meet the new cruise director, who was the lead performer on a previous cruise. He was taking over the position. Both men were very capable and passenger oriented. The energy of the entertainers was amazing.

There is a swimming pool and a whirlpool spa on Lido deck and one of the largest lap pools on a ship with full spa and small gym up on Sun Deck. These pools did not get used very much on this cruise because of the wind and temperature. The Promenade deck provides a full walk around space under the lifeboats. However, adjustable lounge deck chairs are not permitted on this deck and I missed this feature of watching the sea thru the open railings. You had to seat on several decks at the stern to watch the sea, but it is not the same. The Lido Cafi serves meals from morning into night. It wraps around the stern area and though it got crowded at times, it provided good meal service.

We have traveled on many different size ships from 12,000 tons to 90,000 tons. Each size has plus and minus's. The newer ships, of course, have more up to date facilities and more lavish entertainment, but you lose the intimacy of smaller ships and contact with personnel. This is our second voyage on the Royal Princess and we would not hesitate to cruise on her again.