With
Reuben Goossens
Cruise’n’Travel
Journalist, Cruise reviewer, Maritime Historian & Author
Please
Note: Cruise-Australia.com –
Cruise-Australia.net & ssMaritime.com are non-commercial and privately
owned cruise/maritime sites and are is NOT associated with any cruise/shipping
companies or travel agencies! Although the author has been in the passenger
shipping industry since 1960 and is currently semi-retired, but continues to
write cruise and ship reviews and articles in order to better to inform cruise
and ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in
the future. I do recommend dedicated cruise agents in order that
my readers will enjoy the best possible, BUT I neither have paid advertising,
nor do I receive commissions, as any booking made will be made direct and no
mention of my site needs to be made! Please read my statement at the bottom of
the page!
The delightful MV Royal
Princess seen here berthed in Papeete Tahiti, is one of eight fine identical
ships built!
Introduction
by the author of Cruise-Australia and ssMaritime:
Mr. Stanley Evans is a dear maritime
friend of mine and we both love the great and also the smaller liners of
yesteryear from the grand SS Normandy, to little known humble wartime US built
Victory/C3 class Cargo ships that were rebuilt into humble migrant ships, or
the countless fine passenger-cargo liners. Stan as he likes to be known, kindly
assisted me in various projects over the past year and has provided me with
many fine photographs. When I discovered that he was going on the delightful MV
Royal Princess I asked if he would be so kind as to do a cruise review, and as
you will see below he has done a most admirable job and given an in-depth
description of his voyage as well as the ship. Although I have personally
sailed on one of her sisters, the MV Pacific Princess on a number of times, the
first time in 2000, being her first year sailing out of Australian waters, I
enjoyed a Pacific Cruise on her, and the last one was in 2007 being a New
Zealand cruise, but it was not as good as the first cruise for she had gone
down hill and many parts of the ship had become overcrowded with furniture that
was out of character with the original fittings, which was a great shame. I
pray that this has since been rectified!
However the Royal Princess is greatly
blessed for a number of reasons, one she is in her original superb condition,
which Pacific Princess is not. One lounge in particular has remained completely
unaltered; and this is the magnificent “Royal Lounge” that is
located topside far forward The one on Pacific Princess has been renamed the
South Pacific Lounge and it has had a very poor, well let’s be honest, a
shabby rebuild, which very much destroyed this one magnificent venue into a
very poor room indeed. In addition they added countless chairs to the Casino
lounge to the point that there was hardly any room to move between then, and in
addition as I mentioned above they do not match the style of the venue, which
is a tragedy! Again, this is not the case with the Royal Princess, and you may
ask why this is so? The answer is simple, she was under Carnival
(P&O/Princess) Australia
management and they changed the ship to suit their conditions, a tragedy!
Princess’ American operates ships are by far superior that any operated
here in Australia!
Take it from an ex cruise operator of a cruise company, with now almost 51
years experience in the passenger shipping industry!
I am most grateful to Stan for his review
and his excellent photography, and I am sure that my readers will enjoy reading
it and envisage a cruise on this fine ship, for believe me, it is a different
and a far superior experience to Princess Cruises larger ships by at least 80%,
for my last experience on the around the world cruise in 2009 was far from
being the best I have ever experienced! But I do recommend the Royal and
Pacific Princess for that matter, in-spite of her few failings in the past for
she is at least back in American hands!
Reuben Goossens.
Page One – The Cruise Review
Stan Evans’
Cruise Review:
Mr.
Stanley (Stan) Evans
It is my pleasure to be able to write this
review of the lovely, smaller, cruise ship "Royal Princess" for my
good friend Reuben Goossens’ cruise-australia website. I am lucky
enough to be in regular contact with Reuben in regard this and his classic
liners site on ssmaritime.com site, and when I advised him that I was going on
this cruise, he asked if I might consider writing a review regarding my cruise.
This was especially important as Reuben last wrote a report on the best known
of this class of ship (for Australians), the ever-popular "Pacific
Princess" back in 2000 and that it would be good to see how this ship had
shaped up since then.
The MV Royal Princess from 2003 to
2007 served as the famous expedition cruise line “Swan Hellenic
Lines” named MV Minerva II.
Although she had been sold to Princess Cruises in 2006, she remained in Swan
Hellenic’s service until Princess took delivery of her in April 2007 and
renamed her Royal Princess. However, she was built as one of eight
identical ships for the super deluxe Renaissance Cruise Line and these ships
were simply known as R1 through to R8. All of these ships remain in active
service with various shipping lines and all remain very popular ships because
of their design and luxurious appointments and of course their low passenger
capacity. In addition the very fact that these ships have a draught of just
under 6 meters means that it allows them to access ports that are denied to
larger cruise ships that simply cannot enter then, nor even anchor
there. Royal Princess was the original R-8 and therefore the very last of
the R Class ships to be built in 2000.
Royal Princess’
Specifications:
Operated by: Princess
Cruises, Los Angeles.
Built by: Chantiers de L'Atlantique, France.
Completed: February
2001.
Port of Registry: Hamilton.
Official Number: 737927.
Call Sign: ZCDV2.
Tonnage: 30,277
GRT (Gross Registered Tons) – 11,481 Net.
Length: 180.45
m.
Width: 25.46
m.
Draught: 5.965
m.
Propulsion Type: 4
Diesel Electric Engines by Wartsila Diesel.
Total output: 13,500
kW at 720 rpm.
Cruising Speed: 20
knots.
Thrusters: 2
bow thrusters at 750 kW each.
Propellers: 2
Fixed Pitch Propellers / Four Blades.
Rudders: 2
Semi-Balanced, Each Rudder 19.4 square m.
Stabilisers: Two
Fins, each 9.9 square m.
Details of the
Cruise.
MV Royal Princess offered us
a 10 day cruise, departing and returning again to Papeete
on Tahiti Nui, Tahiti. The total cruise
was only 990 nautical miles and was undertaken at a very leisurely 8 knots. I
was very fortunate to be able to sail on this cruise with a good friend from Calgary, Alberta in Canada, Mr. Ray
Marcil.
Islands visited and the distances
between them:
Papeete to Rangiroa Atoll in the Tuamotu islands: 295 Nautical Miles.
Rangiroa Atoll to Huahine
Island: 354 Nautical Miles.
Huahine Island to Raiatea
Island: 124 Nautical Miles.
Raiatea Island to Bora
Bora Island: 60 Nautical Miles.
Bora Bora Island to Moorea
Island: 139 Nautical Miles.
Moorea Island to Papeete, Tahiti Nui: 18
Nautical Miles.
The most wonderful part of
the whole cruise was that each of the chosen islands in the itinerary was so
totally different from the previous islands visited. The first island
visited was a huge flat and featureless atoll of great beauty and the islands
slowly built in expectation until the climax of Bora
Bora Island and
wonderful Moorea
Island.
Two aspects of the cruise that are
especially worth noting is that although you board the Royal Princess at Papeete on day one, you
do not sail until 5pm on day two. Therefore whilst living on board that first
day was a wonderful experience and assisted to weld the passengers into a happy
and homogenous group. It also allowed us to get to know many of the
wonderful staff who was to become something akin to friends over the ensuing
days of the cruise and this made for a wonderful start to our cruise.
Boarding.
Papeete is in the process of building a new Cruise Terminal so at present
only temporary facilities are available on the main wharf, which is located in
the heart of the city. Access to the terminal was easy. As we stayed
at a hotel downtown and we simply walked to the ship. After our baggage
check-in there was a slight delay of about half an hour before boarding took place,
but this was because we had arrived somewhat early. There were the usual
formalities of passport checks, etc, and then we were free to board. We were
warmly greeted and given adequate assistance in locating our cabin. There
are presently no toilet facilities available at the check-in area on the wharf.
The first impressions of the ship were
that one was to spend the next ten days living in a London Gentlemen's Club or
grand period style house. The furnishings and fittings are all period pieces
and the effect is simply stunning as the photographs will show. The
condition of the ship itself was first class. There was no rust anywhere
and the standard of cleanliness in all areas and departments was excellent.
There was a particular emphasis on personal hygiene and hand washing on board
and these were adequately supervised. Hand-wash gel was available at all
strategic points and it was observed to be well used by all passengers.
The Cruise
Experience.
Reception.
The reception desk is on deck four
amidships at the foot of the grand staircase. The area contains both the
Reception Desk and the Tour Office. On both sides of the Reception Desk
are delightfully intimate lounge areas with beautiful period furniture and just
the perfect place to rest and read.
The Cabin.
We chose a balcony cabin number 7000 far
forward on Deck Seven. It was situated directly under the navigation
bridge area and it overlooked the bow, although it was almost at the center of
the ship, it was located just off to port. This room was to prove an
excellent choice of accommodation, especially when entering and departing the
various ports through the narrow channels of the reef systems there. It was
also an excellent point for forward-facing photography, which was extremely
limited on the upper decks as they all had blue tinted glass, more on that
later.
Although we anticipated
that our balcony would be windy while at sea this proved to be incorrect, 1.
Due to the slow speed. 2. The warm fine weather we enjoyed. 3. The front
wall of the superstructure is sloped inwards, and this also deflected any of
the wind above us so that there was virtually no wind at all.
The cabin was well set out and
beautifully furnished. There was more than adequate storage space and the
bags fitted nicely under the beds, which was a relief. Each cabin is equipped
with a refrigerator, a personal safe for valuables and a flat screen TV with
local on-board stations and with satellite reception available. Our cabin was
set out in its twin bed configuration and the beds were comfortable with good
pillows and coverings. There was a good assortment of toiletries in the
bathroom. The cabin was well maintained and very clean thanks to our wonderful
steward. She was a small Pilipino lady called Rungnapa Decha who preferred to
be called 'Napa'
and who seemed to be always on duty with her 16 cabins. She was an absolute
delight to know and nothing was too much trouble for her. Much of our
satisfaction with the cruise is due to 'Napa'.
Balcony
Cabin 7000
Entertainment and the Cabaret
Lounge.
The main venue for nightly
entertainment is the Cabaret Lounge on deck five, forward. Although a
spacious venue ands occupies the full width of the ship, but it is not like the
theatre style show lounge seen on those giants of the sea. But then the Royal
Princess is an intimate ship and this venue is suited to the more glamorous
lifestyle and the venue reminds one of the grand main-lounge and entertainment
venues of the stylish ships before the theatre style show rooms arrived on the
scene. It has an excellent stage area with a large dance floor, come apron
area in front of the stage, which is used by the ship’s talented show
team and the many other performers. Seating on the lower level is level but the
back and the sides are somewhat raised. Sight lines from some seats are not as
good as others, but that is the case on any ship. The room itself is
beautifully decorated and seating is in the most very comfortable chairs.
We
were entertained to three main shows by the Resident “Royal Princess
Theatre Company” being a Dance Group and soloists such as Luke Sabatino
and Sarah Harlow. The three shows were. “Do You Want To Dance”,
“Music Music Music,” and “Motor City.”
These were full of song and movement and were an exhausting visual feast to
watch. Where these performers manage to obtain all that energy from is
totally beyond my comprehension. Other entertainers provided were the
wonderful singer called Mr Gregg Arthur who performed in the style of Tony
Bennett, there was a very entertaining magician called Mr Greg Moreland and a
very funny humorist called Mr Dick Gold who also turned out to be an excellent
pianist. All performers were assisted by the fabulous resident band
called “The Royal Princess Show band.” As well as this we had
local cultural groups from both Tahiti and Raiatea
performed on board and the drumming and dancing was just spectacular. The
Cabaret Lounge was also used as a Cinema most afternoons during the voyage.
Of particular mention in the Cabaret
Lounge was a drink waiter called Mr Jefferson Salamat. Although I do not drink,
we formed a particular friendship with Jefferson who always greeted us with a
friendly wave when we entered the room and made a point of saying good night as
we retired. Jefferson also managed to
serve me with a few alcohol-free Pina Coladas which was greatly appreciated.
Whether we met Jefferson in the Cabaret
Lounge, on deck serving by the pool or serving behind the bottled water stand
as we disembarked for tours, we found him to be a most pleasant and friendly
young man and an asset to any cruise line. I also appreciated the fact that while
we were seated in the Royal Lounge awaiting disembarkation, Jefferson
singled us out to come and say goodbye as he finished his shift. Well done Jefferson.
Other performing venues on
board are the Casino Lounge (shown below) that is adjacent to the Casino where
the resident pianist Mr David Crathorne wove his magic throughout the evening.
In addition there is the wonderful Royal Lounge (also down the page) on Deck
Ten far forward of the ship and this becomes a late night venue with a group
called “Apasionada.” There were also the usual dance parties
by the pool and the ever popular “Champagne Waterfall” evening held
in at the bottom of the Grand Atrium Staircase, which we come to associate with
cruising in general.
Promenade Deck Main Corridor.
This is a long, wide corridor on the
starboard side of the ship (deck five), which connects the Cabaret Lounge
located far forward to the Casino and the Casino Lounge, the Photo Shop and
shopping Centre and the elegant amidships grand foyer, the delightful Club
Lounge and Restaurant aft. The corridor is entirely panelled in dark stained
woods and have large windows on starboard side that look out onto the promenade
deck and all windows on board are blessed with beautiful classical drapes.
The carpets are of a Persian Carpet Design and the overall effect is one of
sheer opulence.
At the forward stairwell
and forward lifts there are two entrances to the Cabaret Lounge and these are
beautiful curved, corridor entries into this venue, it is complete with
gracious carved wooden pillars and embossed leather wall decorations.
The carpet in this area is also unique and
indicates to the passenger that they have arrived somewhere very special being
a place where you are about to be entertained! The overall effect of this
corridor is simply stunning.
Shopping
Gallery.
Just aft of the Grand Atrium Staircase you
will discover several shops that has available a wide range of goods including
the fabled tax free Polynesian black pearls cultured in Tahiti, as well as the
famed French and International perfumes. There is also a general emporium
offering a variety of souvenirs, postcards and many of the necessities you may
need for cruising as well as a good variety of excellent clothing.
The
Grand Atrium Staircase.
Next comes
the elegant Grand Atrium Staircase that is topped with a fine dome which is
superbly decorated around its edges and the stairs has a beautiful stairwell
with decorative black and gold decorated balustrade. At the top is a dark
timber wall with a roman style center section and a gilded mirror. On the lower
(hall) level the thick carpets which is beautifully decorated. This area also
has the reception and two lounge areas on both sides of the ship, including the
Tour booking Office on the portside. The upper Hall contains the Art Gallery,
shops, Future Cruises Sales Desk and the Captains Circle Desk.
Royal
Lounge.
There are a good number of
Bars on board and most were well utilized as were many were comfortable
lounges. The topmost of these is the wonderful Royal Lounge. This superb
venue is located forward on deck ten and consists of a glazed viewing area far
forward what on most ships would be called the “Crow’s Nest”
Lounge and then there is a spacious
inner area complete with a bar and dance floor. This wonderful room
becomes an after-dinner and late-night venue and it was well utilized. In
the mornings it is used for trivia quizzes and as a general contemplation of
the sea. Light classical music plays quietly through the speaker system during
the day and this lead to many just sitting enjoying the music and the beauty of
the sea. The Royal Lounge is a superbly beautiful room and I spent many
happy, quiet hours there. What a pity that so many of the newer cruise ships
have done away with this kind of forward-facing lounge and have replaced it
with either a “Lotus Spa” or a Bistro. The Crows Nest lounge, or
its equivalent is, to me, the crowning glory of any ship and its loss
diminishes all that goes below it. But sadly that is what the modern cruise
ships is all about, they do away with the best things in order that the cruise
company can place something there that makes then money!
The
Internet facilities is located in the portside, aft of the Royal Lounge. It has
eight terminals and assistance in the use of the system is available from a
staff member who is present. It was extensively used during the
voyage. I did not take any photos of the Internet Lounge as its decor is
identical to that of the Royal Lounge itself.
Other Bars on board.
Other bar areas includes the delightful
and popular Casino Bar that is adjacent, but somewhat separated and just aft of
the actual Casino and further is the equally superb Club Bar which leads into
the Club Dining Room aft.
Both are on deck five (Promenade Deck) and
feature at various times live music and are used for other amusement
purposes. Both are lined with dark wood panelling and beautiful
furnishings.
As I said the Club Bar serves as an entry
into the Club Dining Room and both venues proved to be very popular, however
the Club Bar also offered espresso coffee specialities, making it extra popular
with many. In addition there are excellent bars in the Panorama Bistro as well
as adjacent to the pool on deck nine.
Dining
facilities.
The Club Restaurant takes up the width of
the ship and it seats about 400 passengers and is situated far aft on Promenade
Deck (five). The walls are of light wood panelling with delicate light
fittings. There is a raised area in the centre of the room which allows all
passengers to have views through the almost floor to ceiling windows which
cover the three sides of the venue. Tables are available with seating for 2, 4,
6 and 8 passengers. Seating is in high-backed, velvet covered comfortable
chairs. The room never seemed to be crowded as some dining rooms tend to be and
there was plenty of room between the tables to negotiate your way through the
room. With the entrance into the dining room being via the very lovely
Club Lounge and Bar it was obviously used by many passengers for pre-dinner
meetings and drinks. My friend and I chose first sitting at 6pm.
The Maitre D’hôtel
was Mr Jean Paul Musiv who was ably assisted by two Head Waiters. I am
especially grateful to Mr Jean Paul Musiv and his head Waiter Mr Sebasitian
Nalaskowski (Poland)
for access to the dining room for photography and the supply of menus, etc, for
this review. Their assistance is greatly appreciated and it was all freely
given despite their busy schedule.
We were seated at a table for
eight although there only six places was ever set. We were very well served by
Senior Steward Mr Rodolpho Belmar (Chile)
assisted by the very able Ms Polina Platonova (Ukraine). Although at first we
were aware that these two were a newly formed team, they very quickly formed
into a cohesive unit, which made our dining experience a most enjoyable one
indeed!
The menu was varied and
interesting. The food was beautifully presented in a timely manner, at the
correct temperature and in a manner which allowed gracious dining with good
friends. We had the good company of a couple from Texas (Wayland
and Karen) and another couple from Florida
(Fred and Joyce). It was a happy table and it was a pleasure to meet with
our new friends around the ship and on shore and to hear of their exploits.
The main menu consists of
three parts. Page One consists of tried-and-true passenger favourites
which are on the menu at all times. Page Two consists of those items
available for that meal only and these are varied and interesting. There are
theme nights such as European night and special dinners such as the Captain's
Welcome Dinner etc which one expects on all cruises. Page Three being the
Dessert menu comes separately and contains a variety of sweet dishes as well as
a sugar free alternative, fruit selections and cheeses. Tea and coffee as well
as specialty beverages are available to complete each meal.
*The number of menus can be viewed on Page
Two, see the link at the bottom of this page.
Difficult requests and situations were
always well handled. We observed one gentleman who, ordered a particular
dish, but upon receiving it, decided that he would prefer a hamburger. This was
provided, complete with salad and fries by the Head Waiter Mr Nalaskowski
within a very short period of time. We also observed one couple who always
arrived for their 6pm dinner sitting at 7pm. Their table was also served by our
stewards Mr Rodolpho Belmar and Ms Polina Platonova. Although it must have been
terribly disruptive to their work and to the kitchen, they were served each night
with dignity and without any hint of annoyance.
MV Royal Princess at anchor
Alternate Dining Venues.
There are three main
alternate dining venues. First is the lovely Panorama Bistro up on deck nine,
just aft of the pool area. Second is the extremely elegantly decorated and
furnished Sabatini's Italian Restaurant, and Third is the more modest, but
excellent Sterling Steak House, both have an added fee.
1 … Panorama Bistro.
The Bistro offered a great
variety of dishes based on a particular theme each day. We took lunch here most
days as with port tours it was more convenient and timely than the dining room.
Service was of the self-serve variety but well assisted by the various stewards
who made sure that all was correct and provided coffees etc as well as
wonderful conversation. Tables were cleared immediately they were vacated and
cleaned down.
There were four stewards who became our
particular favourites and who should receive particular mention. The first
of these was Mr Samai Kham-ong from Thailand. It was obvious that
Sammai was the consummate professional and to watch him work his tables and
interact with the various passengers was a sheer delight. He also served in the
main dining room in the evenings. We had many wonderful conversations with
Samai who is indeed a fine human being.
The second of these was Ms Chi Chi Sri
Umoroh Handayani. Chi Chi was an absolute delight and it was a pleasure to
be served by her. The third was a newly embarked steward from the Ukraine called
Mr Pavlo Kryvoshei. Although new to his job, Pavlo was a quiet and gentle young
man who was so willing to be of assistance and had a most pleasant manner.
The fourth was a tall young man from Serbia with a
name we never learned to pronounce but whom we called Medich. He was a
delight and took to calling me Mr Stanley which was greatly
appreciated. Although there were many other wonderful staff present such
as the delightful, always-singing Pizza man behind his little counter, we
became particular friends with these four. They helped make our cruise the
happy one it was.
That
is “Lunch at the Panorama Buffet”
At
the rear of the panorama Bistro is a lovely open deck dining area overlooking
the stern and the wake of the ship.
Further forward there are also
tables available around the pool area as well as a sandwich and BBQ facility.
The BBQ served a variety of hamburgers, fries and other BBQ meals as well and a
variety of rolls and sandwiches and this venue was well utilized during lunch,
especially by those lazing around the pool.
2 …
Sabatini's Italian Restaurant.
Sabatini's is situated aft on
deck ten and is available for an extra fee. Sabatini's is a feature of all
Princess Cruise Line ships and is renowned for the superb standard of its
Italian food and low key but elegant décor. We did not dine here but talking
with many who did, we learned that it was one of the most wonderful dining
experiences. You can gain some impression of the décor from the photographs
below, note the wall carvings and the pillars. Far forward is a delightful
reception lounge and a bar. It was not possible to photograph the venue
set up ready for dinner.
An
additional note by Reuben Goossens. Having dined at
Sabatini’s whilst on a cruise in November/December 2000 on the Pacific
Princess, we booked a meal for the night of December 2, and I can assure all
readers that this Restaurant is without doubt one of the finest afloat. It is
an event not to be missed when sailing and worth every dollar we paid for it!
However not all Princess ships have a Sabatini’s for the two Australian
based Princess ships are devoid of this wonderful Restaurant and have only an
extremely poor alternative located in the buffet. I am speaking of the Dawn
Princess, Sun Princess, for neither is blessed with the same high standard of
service and style as Pacific Princess or the Royal Princess for that matter as
these ships are in a class of their own!
3 … Sterling Steak House.
Again,
Sterling Steak House is situated on deck ten, aft and serves a wonderful
variety of steaks and sea food. A feature of the room is the very dark
panelling and quite large bar area. We did not avail ourselves of this
facility but again, we heard good reports of the food available there. An
impression of the dining area can be obtained from the photos.
An
additional note by Reuben Goossens. We also dined at
the Sterling Steak House in 2000; however, we during that particular cruise on
Pacific Princess we found that the steak house was rather disappointing.
Service was no way near as good as at Sabatini’s and the steaks were
better in the Club Restaurant where we paid nothing extra, although we were
happy to pay for something special! To be honest, at the time we felt that this
venue was a waste of money, for it was certainly not worth the $25 extra! I
hope that there has been a vast improvement on Royal Princess, and knowing that
Americans love their steaks, I am sure they would have been very much better
than what we received on the Australian operated Pacific Princess in 2000!
The Library.
The very lovely library is
situated aft on deck ten (just forward of Sabatini’s and the Steakhouse).
It faces forward and has large windows overlooking the lido pool area. The
library is "U" shaped as it is situated around the funnel casing. The
décor of this room is an absolute delight with its dark panelling, green marble
fireplace, vaulted painted ceiling, extremely comfortable chairs and wide
selection of books. Of particular interest was a table with a large,
partially-completed jigsaw puzzle on it. It was simply not possible to
pass by that table without trying to put a piece in place. The library is a
place of quiet contemplation and was well used. I understand that on one of the
sister ships ('Azamara Quest' of Celebrity Cruises) it has been converted into
a bar, what a waste of a most beautiful room.
The Lotus Spa.
This is situated forward on
Deck Nine directly below the Royal Lounge. It contains the various rooms
for the full range of treatments usually associated with a Lotus Spa and has a
private, open, forward facing deck complete with Jacuzzi and sun lounges
and protected by the usual blue tinted glass screens. I did not photograph this
area at all.
Just behind the Lotus Spa on the port side
is the Card and Games Rooms, which have all the facilities for those who love a
game or two, be it a game of bridge, or one of the many games that can be found
on the shelves.
The Decks.
Although Royal Princess
lacks a wrap-around promenade deck there is more than adequate deck space
available. There is a promenade deck available on both sides of deck five that
runs from the Cabaret Lounge aft to the Club Lounge and Bar. In addition there
is the more spacious lido deck area around the pool up on deck nine. Because of
the somewhat limited length of deck on Deck Five (Promenade), it is little used
by the daily exercise crowd, thus it makes the perfect place for some
quiet reading away and relaxation. Up on Deck Ten there is a circular
jogging track and a sunning area, and on Deck Eleven is another large sunning
area. This deck has high, blue-tinted glass screen extending the full width of
the front of the ship and this does means that forward photography is rather
limited. Any photographs taken forward will receive the blue tint from the
glass screen. This made the appreciation of our forward facing balcony
cabin even more desirable. This blue glass was the only limitation I found
regarding the deck areas (as well as my favourite a walk around deck of course,
but you cannot have everything), which were very clean and well kept as well as
well utilized.
The
Children's Play Room.
I understand that there is
a play room for youngsters and children but it was not open as I only saw two
children on board the ship during the whole cruise. Consequently there are no
photographs of this area.
Disembarkation:
Earlier mentioned the boarding process
which gave us a night on board, but our return to Papeete was equally pleasant! Our arrival
time to Papeete
was 8 pm, but for us there was no rush to leave the ship us everyone remains on
board until the next morning. The actual disembarkation was a most very
leisurely affair. Although the cabins had to be vacated by 8.30 am, but
all the facilities of the ship remained available to passengers until they
finally disembarked.
Passengers with independent arrangements were
expected to disembark by 3 pm, but others remained on board until ready for
departure. Our hotel in Papeete
had a book-in time of 2 pm so we remained on board until after lunch (which we
took in the Panorama Bistro). Other passengers remained on board until
their flights were ready for departure later in the day. This leads to the
unusual situation of having both newly embarked passengers and those
finishing the last cruise on board together for much of the day and this was
quite exciting as one could learn so much about the best tours and experiences
to be had at the various islands to be visited for the embarking passengers,
and we also received this information upon our embarkation earlier, which was
very helpful, and we were glad to part with our new found knowledge!
Overall Impression.
Princess
Cruises is to be congratulated on the condition of the MV Royal
Princess with the ships delightfully elegant old world décor, for it certainly
conveys the opulence of the sailing on the greater ships of yesteryear,
something that is all but lost in the up to 220,000-ton over 6,000 passenger
mega cruise ships of today and that have that over the top glitzy décor with
mega Atriums souring up to 14 stories high, with glass domed lifts shooting up
and down, just like any major land locked hotel or shopping centre anywhere in
the world. But this delightful ship, although as modern as tomorrow, still
feels like a ship inside and provides an excellent cruise experience!
Back in Papeete a wonderful cruise comes to an end
with an overnight stay on board!
On MV Royal Princess, the food and in
particular as well as the service provided by a wonderful staff was an absolute
delight. There is an intimacy and friendliness available on these smaller
ships, which becomes overwhelmed by the rush and bustle and crowds of Princess
Cruises and other companies much larger ships. Royal Princess was
sublimely elegant, comfortable and indeed a very happy ship. It was simply a
wonderful cruise and this was my 49th cruise to date, with my 50th.due in January on Sun Princess, being a New Zealand
cruise.
I trust that you have
enjoyed my review, for it was certainly a wonderful cruise and I would
recommend it to anyone!
Stanley Evans, Newcastle, NSW. Australia.
Visit Page
Two for Menus and several
dining room images
Please Note: In May 2011 the MV Royal Princess will become
P&O UK’s - 710 passenger - MV Adonia
*********************************************
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Reuben
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