Travel writer Jo Kessel filmed the razzle dazzle aboard the Regal Princess, putting the ship’s ‘luxury’ bedding, mini-suite bathtub and giddying 16-deck-high glass walkway to the test. This footage gives the insider’s scoop on entertainment aboard the Regal Princess and best spots to dine out and wine at onboard.
There’s an expectation of VIP treatment on a cruise ship with ‘Princess’ in its name – and I certainly got it on the Regal Princess.
Here’s a video of me on my mini-cruise between Southampton and Rotterdam. The journey started by exploring outdoor amenities, including hot tubs and pools as well as an indoor gym.
Jo Kessel sailed aboard the Regal Princess during a mini cruise from Southampton to Rotterdam
You can burn calories in many other ways, like golf. Tiger Woods would be proud of my game.
I decided to test some unusual amenities.
Beds are first. Sleep’s key on holiday and American cruise line Princess has hired slumber experts to design the bespoke ‘Luxury Beds’ – available to purchase in the US if you fancy burning $1,700 (£1,250) on a mattress and $100 (£75) per pillow!
Jo starts her trip by exploring the 3,500-passenger ship’s outdoor amenities, such as the hot tubs (pictured)
It is an adults-only area. Jo claims there are multiple swimming pools onboard
Jo joins the ship’s jogging and walking track. Jo says that there are numerous ways to burn calories in the outdoors.
Jo takes part in a exercise at the Regal Princess Cruise Ship’s al fresco’ gym
Jo says that Tiger Woods wouldn’t have liked Jo’s swing. Jo was referring to her time on the putting course.
This travel writer had a different take on her mattress. You could feel the mattress, sheets and pillows. Keep reading for more details.
Mine’s normally a balcony stateroom, but this voyage saw me upgraded to a mini-suite.
This footage shows the benefits of this accommodation which offers extra space as well as two types of bubbles.
Jo says that her mattress was comfortable, as were the pillows and sheets. American cruise line Princess hired slumber experts to design the bespoke ‘Luxury Beds’, she reveals
Jo normally chooses a balcony stateroom but on this trip, she is upgraded to a minisuite (pictured).
‘A mini-suite’s bathroom boasts a full-sized tub – a rarity on a cruise ship,’ Jo writes
One’s a welcome bottle of champers; the other’s the soaking-in variety. A mini-suite’s bathroom boasts a full-sized tub – a rarity on a cruise ship.
Enjoy a lot of relaxation in a bathtub filled with fluffy foam.
No more room keys that look like credit cards.
On the main deck of the ship is a stage that can be seen between two pools. It transforms into an evening fountain, which lights up with nightly sounds and light effects.
Jo brandishes her ‘Medallion’ – a touchless technology system that has multiple functions
Jo sip on a vibrant cocktail near the ship’s main swimming pool and cinema.
Instead Regal Princess pioneered the ‘Medallion’ – a touchless technology now rolled out fleet-wide.
The disc is 10p in size and can be used as a pendant to a necklace, bracelet or other jewelry. It performs multiple functions such opening cabin doors and paying for goods.
It’s the perfect, hands-free pandemic accessory.
Next up are a couple more exclusive-to-Princess offerings.
Between the swimming pools on the upper deck, the stage transforms into an entertainment center that hosts nightly light and sound shows.
Then there’s the ‘Sea Walk’ – a 16-deck-high glass walkway that cantilevers over the edge of the ship.
The joy of walking its length, and seeing the ocean below your feet, is priceless.
Many passengers retreat from fear after just a few steps.
The ‘Sea Walk’, pictured, is a 16-deck-high glass walkway that cantilevers over the edge of the ship
According to Jo, food is of a high standard throughout the Regal Princess
Don’t worry. The film shows there’s plenty of conventional entertainment too, from live music venues to a theatre that stages West End-style musicals to the spa.
Finally we see Regal’s cuisine.
While food is of a high standard throughout the ship, my favourite dishes are Italian speciality restaurant Sabatini’s mushroom risotto and Crown Grill steakhouse’s filet mignon.
Jo takes a break in the Lotus Spa. ‘There’s an expectation of VIP treatment on a cruise ship with “Princess” in its name,’ she says
Jo claims that she felt like royalty during her time aboard Regal Princess. This is Jo pictured in the atrium on three levels, which “bustles with bars” and “glamours like a Tiara”.
The video concludes in the three-tiered atrium. It sparkles and bustles just like a tiara.
Is Regal Princess living up to her name? Actually, yes! It was like being a king from the beginning to the end.
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Fort Lauderdale was the first stop for Regal Princess. The ship sets off on Caribbean cruises from the US port from November to April