Royal Princess - episode 2

Having partially unpacked we headed first to the buffet restaurant. On the way up it was good to note the high quality furnishing and décor.  This was my first time on a Princess ship so much of what I am about to mention maybe normal, but I was seeing it through first-time Princess eyes.

 

 

The buffet area was impressive. It was divided into three areas – the Bistro, pastry area and main buffet. As well as normal juices and drinks, there was proper coffee on sale for an additional cost. Waiters were happy to get all drinks, even water, and the choice of food was very good indeed – almost too much choice in fact ! 

We then headed out to the main open deck. First impressions – stunning, with a feature fountain that can be switched off to provide a dance floor, or give coloured, musical water displays at night.

 

There was a small kiosk supplying free ice cream and plenty of varied seating, from rattan chairs in the shade to reclining beds to watch Movies Under the Stars, or ordinary sun beds. Of particular interest were the two Sea Walks – a glass-floored walkway each side of the ship, extending out from the hull so they were directly over the water some 10 or so decks below.

 

Dominating everything was a huge sea screen and the decks and sun beds were arranged in tiers to reflect this. Walking up and forward we came to the Retreat – a beautiful adult-only pool and seating area with six twin cabanas. These were all free to use and I can imagine the demand for them well exceeding supply. Towels and books at dawn!!

Forward again and we came to The Sanctuary - a spa deck with, aside from the customary juice, water and comfy day beds, a few private “rooms” with sofas, TV and tables. I’m not sure of the cost for the day of these but it included spa treatments of choice such as a massage.

Walking aft from the main sun deck, and we came to the sports and gym areas. A nice touch was some gym equipment fixed to the deck outdoors. I have seen this before on German ships. At the stern, you can look down on the huge private balconies of the top suites – not so private then for them!

 

We slowly worked our way back down to the main atrium with its twin spiral staircases. All around the sides of this were various bars and restaurants, such as Alfredo’s Italian restaurant and Gelato’s for ice creams etc. On the lowest deck off the atrium was the Reception Deck, Tours Office and, unusually, the spa. The latter was truly beautiful with some unique features such as the Enclave. After exploring it was time for muster drill – our venue was the theatre – small for such a large ship but I guess with so much else going on I suppose it only needs to seat smaller numbers. It was beautifully decorated in muted shades of mushroom and soft purples.  

After muster and unpacking (my case had finally arrived) it was time to head up on deck for sailaway. This was my first disappointment, but I freely admit I am not the typical passenger. I like to face forward on a ship to see where I am going – and the only places to do this were fronted by blue glass – no photos there then!  Secondly – I am not a fan of noisy “fun” sailaways and prefer a quieter spot to reflect on where I am going and what I am going to see. OK, this was just a preview cruise so it didn’t matter but had I been on a “proper” cruise, there were few places to get away from the extremely loud music and sea screen, especially as the only remotely forward-facing view was from the top of the Sea Walks and so right by the loud speakers!  Nonetheless, the weather pulled out all the stops, the sun shone, the cold wind died away and everyone was determined to enjoy what was, to all intents and purposes – the maiden departure. It was a Sunday and small boats came out to escort us down Southampton Water and viewpoints such as Calshot were packed with sightseers. As Royal Princess slowly lifted off the berth and out toward the open sea, she sounded her signature horn, which plays the first few bars of The Love Boat theme. The old steamship Shieldhall was stationed just down from the berth with passengers eager to see the new ship properly. These was a wonderful exchange of whistles – the Love Boat interspersed with Shieldhall’s whooping siren.

The ship was only half full of fare-paying passengers on this sailing and it was clear there was still a lot of snagging and finishing going on.

 

Dinner and beyond will have to wait till my next instalment.