Conference abbott::cruise_travel

305.0. "Regal Princess Ship Report" by SYSTMX::FRANKLIN () Sun Aug 04 1991 15:00

			REGAL PRINCESS SHIP REPORT

As a travel consultant, I had the opportunity to tour the Regal Princess on
Saturday night in Boston.  She is a beauty! The interior is decorated with
sophistication in mind.  The colors in all the public rooms and cabins are
soft pastels, which surrounds you with a very pleasant and warm atmosphere.

The lobby, called The Plaza, is very open and spacious.  It reminds me of a
plush hotel lobby.  It has a three-story atrium and a grand staircase.  The 
lobby is surrounded by a shopping arcade, specialty bars and a 24-hour guest
reception desk.

Across from the reception desk, is a European-style cafe, which features
specialty coffees, espresso and cappuccino.  They also serve an assortment of
pastries and dessets throughout the day.

The Emerald Deck has The Galleria, a two-level duty free shopping arcade and
the Princess Theatre.

The Promenade Deck has the two-level International Show Lounge, where they 
have their nightly entertainment.  At first when I sat down, the room seemed
very small, but then I realized that the seating is in a horseshoe
configuration - offering excellent views no matter where you sit.  The colors
are soft, making it a very comfortable room.

Also on this deck is a champagne, wine and caviar bar; a mid-ship lounge
with a British-India theme featuring a floor-to-ceiling mirrored bar, raised
stage area with a piano and dance floor; an intimate piano lounge; and
The Palm Court, the main passenger dining room.  The dining room is very
attractive and tastefully decorated.  It gives you a feeling that you are in
a restaurant, opposed to a ship's dining room. There are windows on three
sides and the room is terraced, so the middle section is one step higher than
the rest of the dining room.  Each section is divided by a glass partician,
which I am sure will help alliviate the usual dining room noise.

The Dolphin Deck has the second level of the main show lounge; the card room;
the library; and The Stage Door, which includes a cabaret stage, sunken
dance floor and bar, and turns into a disco in the evening.

The next three decks up Caribe, Baja and Aloha, are mainly cabins.  The cabin
space is a little tight - especially the bathroom and closet space.  The
sleeping area is sufficient and the beds can be converted to queen size. The
inside cabins have a floor length curtain on a section of the wall, which
gives the appearance that it is covering a window - it makes if feel homey.
All cabins have TVs.

The suites and mini-suites are really nice.  The suites have a verandah
with just enough room for two people to sit outside.  The sleeping area is
roomy and has a sitting area with a couch and two chairs.  The mini-suites 
have a longer verandah with enough room for a lounge chair and two other
chairs.  The mini-suites have a separate sitting area with two chairs, a
couch and TV.  The bedroom has a queen size bed & TV.  The bathroom is
spacious and there is a separate dressing area with ample closet space.

The Lido Deck looks like great fun.  There is a bar called Characters, which
serves exotic alcholic and non-alcoholic drinks; a pizzeria called Bravo
(which serves the best pizza that I have ever tasted); a pool area with
two pools and jacuzzis, as well as an in-pool bar; and the Cafe del Sol,
which serves breakfast and luncheon buffets.  There are plenty of tables
for eating inside or out on the deck.

The top deck is the Sun Deck.  This deck has a basketball and volleyball
court, 1/6 mile jogging track that overlooks the pool area.  At the front 
of the deck is a domed observation lounge with entertainment and casino.
This area is very bright and cheerful.  The casino is in the middle of the 
room and the perimeter is filled with tables and comfortable chairs.  Plants
separate this area from the casino.  The tables and chairs are all along the
windows, so you have a very relaxing view of the ocean.  

For those sailing on the December 14, 1991 cruise - I am sure that you will be
very impressed with the ship and will have a fantastic time.  I can't wait to
read your trip report.  For those who can't make the December 14th sailing, 
here is the 1991 & 1992 schedule for the Regal Princess;

Sep 7, 1991 - Oct 26, 1991	     Alternating Western/Eastern Route
Nov 2, 1991 - Dec 28, 1991           Western Caribbean Route
Jan 4, 1992 - Apr 11, 1992           Alternating Eastern/Western Route
Apr 18, 1992			     TransCanal
Apr 28, 1992			     Mexico
May 16, 1992 - Sep 19, 1992	     Alaska
Oct 17, 1992 - Dec 26, 1992	     Alternating Western/Eastern Route

The Crown Princess, her sister ship, sails The Eastern/Western Caribbean all
year round.

To be honest, up until this year I haven't given Princess much thought.  But
then they came out with a lot of special deals this year and my clients who
sailed on Princess this year were very satisfied with the experince.  Princess
is trying to change their image by catering to professionals of ALL ages.
Now that I have heard some excellent reports about Princess and I have seen
the Regal, I have to say - they have my vote.  Hope to see you on board
some day!

    Wow!  What a nice write up!  Thanks Janet.
    
    My wife and I went to Boston on Saturday also to see the ship. 
    Because we're not travel agents/consultants we could not get on the
    ship but we enjoyed just seeing it from the outside.  Now we're really
    excited.
    
    We did settle for the free tour on the Italian aircraft carrier docked
    behind the Regal.  I'm glad we're cruising with Princess and not the
    Italian Navy!
    
    Joe