ROYAL PRINCESS CRUISE SHIP REVIEW 2024: In-depth Review of Princess Cruises Royal Princess

#cruise #princesscruises #royalprincesscruise
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Watch my Royal Princess cruise ship review to learn about the entire cruise experience. What's it like to cruise on Royal Princess, a ship that is over a decade old, in 2024. I'll cover everything you need to know about cruising on Princess Cruises including dining on Royal Princess; accommodation and cabins; Princess Standard, Princess Plus and Princess Premier fare tiers; the brand new Princess Casual Dining tier and how to avoid paying extra onboard; and much, much more!
**Music by Master Planned Music
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0:00 Introduction
0:33 The Ship
6:48 The Medallion and Tech
9:34 Princess Fare Structure
11:52 Dining
16:35 The Crew and Service
17:09 Accommodation
18:07 Entertainment
20:21 Our Itinerary
21:08 Conclusion
22:55 Bloopers

[@jasetheace5954]

Brilliant again thanks Adrian! As you mentioned, the onboard experience can vary with a different demographic. On our recent Sydney to Tokyo cruise we felt the ship coped well with the number of passengers due to a bit of a younger crowd as well as the usual oldies. The younger ones seemed to hang around the top of ship with pool and buffet being big attractions for them. We never had a problem finding a place to sit and it never felt crowded until you were in port when you realised how many people were actually onboard. As you mentioned the crew are fabulous, medallion is brilliant and they really seem very well organised with everything. I can imagine it wouldn't cope as well with too many of one age range onboard though. Love your work, thanks again!

[@gillianmoorcroft9480]

After two cruises on Royal Princess I can say it is my least favourite ship. Although Elite on Princess it was to be my first Royal Class ship I had cruised on, unfortunately after my cruise in January I couldn’t change my 21 day cruise to Japan. I much prefer the Grand class ships. I agree with you about the Piazza and find the Wheelhouse bar or Explorers lounge to have a much nicer ambiance for dancing or having drinks with friends on the Grand class ships.The Horizon court I found to be like a rabbit warren and I often forgot which side I was dining on. Also I enjoy quizzes but found Princess Live way to small and often saw people turned away cause they couldn’t fit in. Table tennis was a joke with tables on deck 19 on the port side with netting around them to stop the ball from going into the sea. It was so windy you really couldn’t play. The biggest positive onboard was the adults only pool which we used a lot. Staff as usual were brilliant, food was fine, but I will wait to another grand class returns like the Diamond Princess.

[@nathalieC250]

We just returned from a back to back in Alaska on the Royal (June 1-15). This was our 3rd Princess cruise and second time in Alaska. On the first week, the ship was packed with over 3800 passengers and a lot of kids. The venues were packed and we had to wait in line often. My biggest complaint had to be the bar service. The bars were understaffed and over run by orders coming from wait staff, online orders, dining rooms, restaurants, and passengers. It would take forever to be able to order a drink. Many of my drink orders were wrong. I'd order gin and tonic but receive gin and soda. The wait staff for bars were ?? In the dining room, I would receive my 1st glass of wine by the time I was done with my entree and about to get my dessert. The food in the buffet was excellent. However it was lacking in the dining room and did not come close to the food on the Crown Princess. Contrarily to another commenter below, the production show Encore is the best at sea. However the hypnotist was really hookey. The princess orchestra was absolutely amazing. The entertainment staff (cruise director and team) were phenomenal. The very best. In my opinion, there were to many passengers for the staff count on board. With the new model of 3rd & 4th passenger sail free might make a "not so good situation" even worse.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for sharing your recent cruise experiences and for watching!

[@gandjconway30]

Thx for the great summary Adrian. My concern with the Casual Dining is that the “Plus” fare is payable every day, but the free Casual Dining is only available twice, regardless of the length of the cruise - perhaps Princess needs to adjust this to 2 per week, or something, to make it more equitable.

[@user-rk5vx6ww1s]

we agree! there is a disparity here for sure.

[@lim2001burger]

Agreed. I'd gladly give up the desserts and exercise classes to have more included casual dining

[@tracyjohnstoncaruso6065]

@@lim2001burger I felt the same way! Why give us two exercise classes along with the unlimited premium desserts? Lol I would rather have a photo package if not more dining nights.

[@seanrorie2081]

Loved the Royal Princess and on it again in November to Tassie.Definently buy the beverage package which we have upped to the top tier for the two specialty dinning and unlimited casual dinning.Yes can be hard to find a seat sometimes but there are plenty of bars and places to go.The Medalion isnt bad either

[@leoniemercer7748]

Can't love the medallion enough! Order a late night snack and drink to your cabin as you leave a bar area. By the time you're in the cabin, have had a quick shower or changed into your PJs the knock on the door is your snack and nightcap.

[@mrscuteas]

Thanks Adrian, we have not yet tried Princess Cruises but it is on our list although duly noted not in peak season times 👍😂

[@alecaquino1185]

Great video🚢

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks!

[@lim2001burger]

Great review as always - we'll sail on her to NZ this year and hoping its a good time. We went for plus because we wanted wifi and not having to think about costs when it came to drinking coffees and soft drink. I didnt think included/casual/specialty dining was that complicated a concept, though we are new to crusing so we didnt know anything different. We're hoping to get to some speciality dining venues too, so checking the comments for what people like/don't like. Your comments on lack of public spaces makes me glad we went for a balcony, so we can always go back there if we need some peace.

[@pappy505]

Thankyou for the great review. will be on the royal in December. In future could you do a video on which ships have the best feeling of open space versus the ones that feel overcrowded, that be very helpful on which ship to select to cruise on next

[@user-wm4vd6lc1q]

I loved Majestic Princess when she was here and I would certainly try her out

[@lucychia3987]

The best Princess ship I have been on so far, much better than Royal Princess

[@lovecruisin6457]

I have sailed on the Royal twice. Loved it both times, but it was not sailing at capacity. Thanks for your review. It allowed me to relive my cruises. Cheers!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

I’m so glad. Thanks for watching.

[@jasongale5045]

Having recently cruises on the Royal Sydney to Tokyo I agree the live music in the Piazza makes it impossible to sit and talk which is very annoying. Crew were fantastic!

[@bernadetteleonhardt6709]

Hi Adrian. We are cruising on crown. Plus package... so confused with the dining. I agree music is WAY too loud. I won't sit in atriums/ piatza. Love your bloopers as usual. You always make us laugh. Xo

[@edwardgramauskas5866]

Great review of my favourite Princess ship. I think Princess has the best value at sea, you have our choice of what you want included and with the packages and you are not being nicked and died to death like some other cruise lines.

[@user-rk5vx6ww1s]

Hi Adrian, excellent balanced review, thank you. We are sailing on this ship in November from Sydney and your review has givenus more meaningful insight in what to expect. (our very first cruise) I can't understand though how on a 4 night cruise with princess plus package we can have causal dining twice but if we were say on a 20 night cruise on a princess plus package, we still only get 2 casual dining opportunities included. It just makes no sense to us if you on a longer cruise, spending more money by the day having the package. Saying that, going with the standard the wifi package daily is AUD$38 a day it seems, so it does make sense then to pay the $65 daily charge for the varying drinks, fitness class and Wifi and the causal meals are a bonus? I've heard before the piazza is audibly over-bearing too. Time they listened to the passengers then and adjusted the volume so more people can enjoy the space. Hope they do. Thanks again Adrian.🙂

[@victoriasmith1897]

Thanks for the review. After watching this I do t think I would sail on her. I did the Great Barrier Reef cruise on Celebrity Edge in February and she has spoilt me. 😊

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Have fun!

[@therealunclep]

I just came back from a two week cruise to Alaska. Vancouver to Alaska to Vancouver. It was amazing! Keep in mind only about 400 of us stayed for the full two weeks, most got off in Whitter for land tours. I think your opinions and takes on the ship are spot on. The crew was amazing! My waiter Jeff and his assistant treated me like a king. I am really impressed as to how you constantly see managers etc...working alongside the rest of the crew, especially in the food venues. Jose and Francisco are two of the managers I interacted with a lot. The inside common areas could get crowded at times. Being it was Alaska, I didn't have any concerns with getting a lounge when I wanted one. I really enjoyed the movies under the stars. I only wish they have moved a few more movies to the Vista lounge due to the temperature being pretty cold at night. Like you really have much night there. LOL. I was disappointed with the production shows. The best way for me to describe them is that they didn't really know what they were trying to be. You may have to read the sentence twice. It does make sense. The last show I saw was a variety show that included our cruise director Dan and his assistant singing a couple of songs. They sang beautifully! I thought that our cruise director Dan was the best I have ever come across on any of my cruises. The guy could really make you laugh. I chatted with him a couple of times 1 on 1 and he was such a kind man. He has a great staff too. After sailing with NCL last year in Europe on the Epic this was 1000 time bettter. NCL=horrible food, crew and the ship should be retired. Nuff said. I will definitely sail with Princess again!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks so much for sharing your recent experiences (and for watching!)

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Adrian, you have a beautiful family there and I don't know how you balanced family together time, personal space with some private time for you and you managed to get your work done so that you could produce this excellent content!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thank you so much!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Adrian, you are very welcome, plus I love the sound of the male Australian accent.

[@tracyjohnstoncaruso6065]

Thank you for this through and honest review of the Royal. I set sail on her for the first time in 20+ days. I did get the Plus package as it seems like the best value. As for the overcrowded issues, because we are cruising inside passage of Alaska, we plan to spend a lot of time on her balcony in the stateroom. As for the noise in the main area, I have heard that from other reviews. I will avoid that area as I am very noise sensitive. Thanks for all you do!

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy your cruise to Alaska.

[@stevefoxg]

I don't drink but I need the wifi. So I think I will just pay for the wifi? So the base you can only eat in the main dining room, the buffet, one of the pizza things (not Alfredos) and an ice cream thing? Oh and a cafe? You're right it seems to be deliberately? confusing. Do I pay for tea? (I don't drink coffee).

[@haggiskiwi]

Hated the Princess Live theatre for trivia. Not very well set up for that. Would have been better at back lounge.

[@shawnwert4277]

Thanks for the great review of Royal Princess. We are taking a 23 day from LA to Auckland at the end of September. Did you use the pickle ball court? Of the 2 main dining room which did you like the best? Thanks

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks for watching! There are actually three main dining rooms, two mid ship on decks 5 and 6 and one aft on deck 6. The two midship dining rooms are very similar in appearance. Across all three through, you’ll find basically the same experience and the same menu for dinner time. I don’t think you can go wrong. Your dining room will ultimately be determined by which dining style you choose, between anytime dining or traditional early/late. The latter is my preference, with the same table/waiter every night. The sports court was popular but it was a very windy spot, especially when at sea. I didn’t use it but saw that it was used a lot during the day, even with hosted events and competitions.

[@tinaellis2194]

Looking at doing this cruise to Vancouver from Auckland.. 28 days. Some lovely places to enjoy along the way so all good

[@richardschiebel9460]

Hi Adrian, Taking the 13 night 1 way Sydney to Aukland on Feb 15. Can you advise on the thermal spa, can you reserve this daily when you are on the ship or do you need to book it for full cruise (which I believe is AUD199 for the trip.) Thanks again for another great video. Taking Royal first and then later Ovation to Adelaide from Sydney on Mar 15.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Thanks Richard. The Enclave is usually available online only for the duration of the cruise. Onboard, day passes are not always offered according to my research, but might be in some cases. If you would like access to the thermal suite area, I would probably suggest purchasing the entire cruise pass.

[@annajean1207]

Hi! I love your content. I am a Personal Holiday Planner for Carnival Australia. I have been watching your videos since i got this job and because of you I am better at my job. So thank you. I don't know if you have heard but the Carnival Splendor is getting refurbished in August. It'll come back to Sydney a brand new ship in September. Might be some new content for you so i wanted to let you know in case you didnt know. Thanks again for being so great.

[@suave-rider]

and it's about time

[@bdouble69]

Hopefully a better colour scheme.

[@suave-rider]

@@bdouble69 they only have 3 weeks, not sure how much will be done and whether cabins will be refreshed

[@bernadetteleonhardt6709]

Splendor us,the worst ship. Decor and layout is horrendous. Hated it. Shame it wasn't retired

[@suave-rider]

@@bernadetteleonhardt6709 yes it looks like a brothel-cum-nightclub and has the worst layout of any ship cruising today.

[@geoffreystone4849]

The loud music generally goes to hiding the poor quality of an artist. If someone is bad crank up the sound. The lack of quiet space will make folks stsy on their balcony. Ergo not going to bars or shops.

[@robertk4552]

2 weeks from today we start our vacation. 14 days on the Royal Princess in Alaska, Premier Package. Our first time on Princess and to Alaska. The ship has appeared FULL for ages now so we do have concerns over how full the ship is going to feel. We will have a balcony and enjoy spending time on it but still want to feel comfortable travelling about the ship and exploring without feeling crowded.

[@calumshaw]

Princess is one of the few lines which ventures up Glacier Bay, a must see destination on any Alaska cruise. Unfortunately Royal will feel crowded. We've done 4 cruises on her (not by choice, but available itineraries) nevertheless you'll love Alaska and the inside passage

[@edwardgramauskas5866]

I just got off a 14 night Alaska Glacier cruise, round trip from Vancouver. I did not feel the ship was overly crowded and we where sailing at 100% capacity. It might of been the demographics on this particular cruise. The Piazza was crowded at times but then it could turn into a ghost town quickly, all depending on what else was happening in the other venues. You will love this itinerary as you get to go to Glacier Bay twice and once to the Hubbard Glacier. We had blue sky days for both major visits and it was spectacular. Enjoy your cruise.

[@jimdeimler3712]

Totally agree with your observation that the music noise level is way too loud in the atrium Piazza level. We love to have an evening martini in Crooners while listening to the piano player doing the standards. This was impossible because of blaring mariachi music rising from the deck below. It was so loud that we could not even have a conversation. This totally destroyed the Crooners experience. Walking aft we could hear the blaring music all the way back at the photo are. This was not a one off, it was like this every day. Princess needs to back off on the Piazza volume. Like way back.

[@bdouble69]

Have to be up early to find a seat in the piazza. The interior passengers scurry out in the morning like cockroaches from under the fridge and stay there all day.

[@markeaston7353]

A little unkind??

[@bdouble69]

@@markeaston7353 true all the same

[@northwoodsartscouncil1484]

Hilarious!

[@calumshaw]

I know this is going to rise the ire of some passengers, but reserving a pool side lounge with a towel seems to be the purview of passengers cruising in Inside and non balcony staterooms. Unexpectedly, Crown Grill never changed it's menu over the 14 day cruise and for us, Sabatini's was far superior; they have a super Tuscan night which we reckon is a must on every cruise. Unfortunately Royal doesn't have 360 dining which we loved on Enchanted Princess last year. I totally agree with your summary of dining choices being confusing, take me back to pre 2023 please!!! I just cannot comprehend why sauvignon blanc is only available with the Premier package and having to pay extra to enjoy Australia's most favoured wine, Princess Plus provides semillon sauvignon blanc, a poor alternative. Finally we truly miss the Promenade Deck, walking around funnels far removed and elevated from the ocean surface lacks the romance and pleasure of deck 7.

[@PeterColenso-pd9ug]

Our Alfredo’s pizza came out nearly cold and little topping. Like cold cheese on toast ? Then Alfredo’s is for you. Too many people and poor quality food. Staff were definitely the highlight. Some will love this but ocean cruising is not my thing. European river cruising is my choice and have booked my fifth Viking river cruise. No kids, no gambling and about 100 people only.

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Did you try them a second time? Or provide feedback so they could correct your issue? I think we all need to be open to the fact that when dealing with any service that’s provided in a commercial setting, it may not always be what we expect. Since you asked, no - I never experienced “cold cheese on toast” at Alfredo’s. Happy cruising for the future and thank you for watching.

[@lucychia3987]

Based on the video and the travel time you mentioned, I think we were on Royal Princess at same time as you were, we enjoyed our cruise on Royal Princess, but I must say Majestic Princess is much better than Royal Princess

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

I think I preferred Majestic Princess in some ways, but I definitely preferred the open-air adults only pool on Royal Princess. Thanks for watching!

[@ColetteNicoll]

I love Medallion, but the Royal is my least favourite ship

[@ThePolaroid669]

Public spaces overrated, why would you want to spend time with a whole lot of riff raff. Prefer to watch the world go by from my balcony.

[@suave-rider]

I presume you just get room service meals

[@anthurion1]

Stop in at the BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH for a drink. The BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Hard pass on this channel ROFL

[@TheCruiseandTravelGuy]

Maaaaaate! Thanks for the view 🥂

[@nickydabas1622]

How did you expect him to say it. With an American accent. Barrrrrrrrrrrrrrr 😊

[@anthurion1]

@@nickydabas1622 exactly. Proper way, not that neolithic crap!

[@anthurion1]

@@nickydabas1622 Yes. The proper way. oh, sorry, the Proooooooppppppaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh way

[@nickydabas1622]

​@anthurion1 Typical American. Everyone else has an accent 🙄 DA