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A Royal Welcome
Royal Princess arrives in Australia
I had slept through my alarm. I planned to rise at 4:30am to cheer the brave pilot as he made that superhero jump. It was the first time Royal Princess would be gliding into Sydney and she deserved my utmost attention. And, I nearly missed it.
“Captain Andrea Spinardi will get a kick out of this” I thought to myself. I had assured him the night before that I’d be up at Sparrow’s fart. He said I wouldn’t. I said I would. He won the bet. Does he have to be so charming and funny and right?
My phone screen illuminated 5:15am. %@#! I planned to have my hair and make-up perfect – camera ready – but there was no time for that. Shoving my contact lenses into my half-closed eyes, I raced up to Deck 15.
Passengers and crew lined the deck, arching their necks to get their first glimpse of the Sydney Opera House, the curve of the Harbour Bridge, iPhones ready for that all-important selfie. There was a sense of euphoria as glasses of champagne were clinked, marking the end of the epic 27-day voyage that kicked-off in Vancouver, Canada.
The sun slowly rose, the beams bounced off the iconic sails of the Opera House, the inky night evaporated and was replaced by a palate of gold. Everyone cheered. Royal Princess had arrived.
WATCH ROYAL PRINCESS' ARRIVAL INTO SYDNEY HERE
First impressions
Embarkation day can be a little overwhelming. There’s passports and security checks and check-in and the excitement bubbles up. You’re ready to step aboard and start your cruise.
(I must add here it took less than 10 mins to get check in and receive my Princess Medallion).
I didn’t realise I was holding my breath as I crossed the gangway until I stepped aboard and took in my first glimpse of Royal Princess. As my eyes scanned the familiar-yet-new surroundings, I exhaled and immediately felt relaxed. It might sound cliché, but Princess ships immediately put me at ease. This feeling of relaxation Princess creates has not come about by accident. Princess has perfected creating that vacation feel – a combination of technology that maximises ease and minimises hassles, crew that are warm but not overbearing and ship design that incorporates colour and space.
The gleaming multi-story Atrium was beckoning, reassuring me that it was the heart of the ship, where music will play and passengers mingle and where I’ll spend many hours people-watching. I couldn’t wait to start making memories.
Royal vs Majestic
As the first Royal-class Princess ship, she set the standard for her five sisters who’d follow, including Majestic Princess. While the ships in this class are very similar, there are a few differences. As both Majestic and Royal are cruising in Australasia during the 2023/24 summer season, I was keen to find out how they vary. And, to be honest, the main difference is that Majestic Princess has the indoor Hollywood Pool Club and Royal has an expansive outdoor Sanctuary and Retreat. Dining, bars, theatres, cabins and most other venues are very similar, so if you’ve cruised on Majestic, you’ll feel right at home.
Cabin space
Staying in a mini-suite isn’t a necessity, but it sure elevates the experience especially if you’re traveling with two or three people. I was obviously cruising alone but having that seating area helped me set up a ‘work’ and a ‘sleep’ area. You see, the Princess beds are so freaking comfortable, there is no way I could write in bed and not drift into slumber. The other feature of the mini-suite I appreciated was the bath/shower combo – who doesn’t like a good soak?
Dine like a Queen – or Princess
Check out my REEL
Honey’s speciality restaurant munchfest
(N.b these eateries are an added cost. Alfredo’s is included in the Princess Plus and Premium Package as a Casual Eatery. Please see here for more details).
Alfredo’s
Pizza, pasta, antipasto all oozing with fresh, authentic Italian flavours. I see why Alfredo’s has been voted Best Pizza at Sea.
Crown Grill
If you love steak, I mean REALLY love steak and want an exquisitely cooked piece of meat, look no further. Crown Grill also has many different items on the menu, such as seafood and salads. My advice is to fast at least 4 hours before as you will be absolutely full. Wear stretchy pants and order ALL the sides. And dessert. If you are going to splurge on one speciality dining experience, make it Crown Grill.
Sabatini’s
Italian nosh, but more upscale than Alfredo’s. Elegant, sophisticated flavours that transport your tastebuds to an authentic trattoria in Venice.
Ocean Terrace
If you need a sushi fix, head up to Ocean Terrace. I was surprised at the freshness and the flavours as I didn’t expect such great sushi. I loved the casual atmosphere and location ( a great view into the atrium) and I was so enamoured by the seaweed salad, I ate two bowls! Great for lunch or a light dinner. Also, try their speciality cocktail
Complimentary dining
Princess Medallion – the best tech at sea
My opinion has not changed about Medallion, so you can read my earlier blog here.
It is still the BEST cruise innovation at sea. It’s seamless, it’s personalised, it’s easy. It diminishes mucking around time with annoying apps that don’t work and increases your vacation time.
However, what I will add is that I’m very excited to see how MedallionClass is going to continue to evolve, especially on the new Sun Princess.
Watch here
R’n’ahhhhh
If you’re a keen follower of my blog, my one non-negotiable is access to the thermal spa. I have an annoying auto-immune condition that results in increased inflammation. The heat helps with the pain and mobility, so taking even a quick dip in a thermal pool and sitting in a steam room is heaven.
Watch the Enclave reel here
The Enclave in the Lotus Spa onboard Royal Princess is the perfect size, was never busy nor overcrowded and opened until 10pm. My favourite is the Hammam Steam Room, which is so soothing, especially after a busy port day.
PS I also got an indulgent mani-pedi. Just one of the services at the Spa.
Crew loving
But, when the crew is exceptional, as I experienced on Royal Princess, then your cruise and the memories you look back on will shine for years to come.
Having cruised now on four Princess ships, I don’t want to say that the crew on Royal were a standout, as that would be unfair. Why might you ask? Every time I have cruised with Princess, the service has been exceptional.
It’s a fleet-wide culture that starts at the very top with the Master and filters into every corner of the ship, ensuring the guest’s comfort is paramount.
I’ve been thinking about the words of Princess Cruises President John Padgett when I caught up with him in Sydney on Royal’s arrival.
“Whether you’re a millionaire or a plumber, we want you to have that yacht-club experience.”
I’ve pondered on his words and reflected on my time aboard and the interactions I’ve had with the crew. And a few things keep coming back to me that reinforce his words:
• Every guest is treated with the same attention and respect
• The crew are happy. Exceptionally happy with super energy and a passion for their job
• The exchanges between crew members is one of true camaraderie.
As cliched as it might sound, you do really feel the love on Princess.
Australasian season
If you haven’t yet cruised with Princess, you have the whole season to try one of their four ships that will be cruising down under; Royal, Majestic, Grand and Coral until March. Princess will be doing more cruises to New Zealand than any other line, so if you’ve always wanted to cruise to see our Kiwi neighbours, now’s the chance.
Island Princess will arrive on 14 February before embarking on a 26-night voyage to Dubai. I guess I know where I’ll be spending my Valentine’s Day, at Sydney Harbour naturally! You never know, I might even be tempted to jump aboard.
To book a Princess cruise, visit https://www.princess.com/en-au
