Royal Princess, she really is a rather splendid vessel, and I was lucky enough to spend the day aboard recently during her turnaround in Southampton.
My starting point was her beautiful atrium, it really was incredibly impressive and the gold tones gave it that WOW factor. Sometimes I board a ship and think to myself OK, is this it? But not with Royal Princess, all I wanted to do was see more! I had to pass the international Café in order to get to the Lotus Spa and I was very nearly side tracked (the prawns looked delicious), but I managed to resist the temptation and I kept on walking.
The Lotus Spa was very nice, very similar to the spa on P&O Cruises Britannia, but with a slightly darker undertone. The hydrotherapy pool was my favourite aspect – I like that entire space in general to be honest, even though I would probably never use it!
We also visited the kids clubs during our tour. I know, I’m a little old for kids clubs, but when in Rome! They were really cool spaces to be honest, I could easily see my friend’s kids playing there for hours each day. Like other ships, the clubs are split into age groups and each space is dedicated to that group – the space for the young ones was great – floor to ceiling windows that offered wonderful views (although I’m not sure they would really appreciate that) an awesome little soft play area and a cosy area for where I’m sure many fall asleep after story time.
The Lido Deck was next and what a deck it was. I love the outside space on ships, it’s one of the most important features for me and Royal Princess did not disappoint. I felt like every way I looked there was something going on or a facility to be used. The Movies Under the Stars screen was showing a Beyonce concert, there were people grabbing food and drinks and others were just simply enjoying the sunshine. Of course, Royal Princess features the famous SeaWalk, and although I am terrified of heights, I put my brave face on and I walked across it. It wasn’t as scary as I had expected it to be, but I wouldn’t necessarily be the first one in the queue to do it again. I made a stop at the SeaView Bar – for a cocktail and that famous Princess Cruises popcorn – and during my visit the bar staff put on a great show! Cocktail making at its finest! They also tried a few balancing acts with the bottles – I was convinced he would drop them all, but he didn’t!
I checked out a few other areas during the visit – the Casino, gym, restaurants etc. but my absolute favourite area onboard had to be The Sanctuary. It is by far the nicest outdoor relaxation area I have seen aboard any ship! I was also taken by the four Sanctuary Cabanas, which offer amenities such as a personal television with noise-reducing wireless headphones, cushy sofas, luxurious robe and slippers, a welcome cocktail, and healthy snacks including nuts, and dried and fresh fruit. The cabana also features a fully stocked mini-bar with refreshing waters and sodas, as well as a choice of alcoholic options, including beer or wine. I don’t usually haunt these areas onboard, but I would happily pay to use this one. If you are cruising on Royal Princess soon then you MUST check out The Sanctuary.
I was only onboard for a few hours, so I didn’t get a chance to see absolutely everything, but what I did see left me wanting more and I do hope that Royal Princess is a ship in my future that I can sail upon.
Images used with permission and copyrighted to Danielle Fear a.k.a Criuse Miss.
