Regal Princess Enters Service, Looks Good, Fanfare Later

Regal Princess, arrived in Venice today to welcome guests on the maiden voyage, a seven-day inaugural cruise with stops in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul.  Throughout the summer, Regal Princess will sail on Princess’ Grand Mediterranean cruises, with two itinerary choices before debuting in North America in November.

3,560-passenger Regal Princess the near twin-sister to Royal Princess, will eventually sail a season of Eastern Caribbean cruises after a November naming ceremony we hope to bring you live.  Until then, let’s review the outstanding features that cruise travelers quickly came to love on Royal Princess, also appearing on new Regal Princess.

Quick Look:  Regal Princess is open for business. Two new features of Regal Princess include an additional aft pool and access to the exterior promenade on deck 7, enabling passengers to walk the length of the ship.  Naming Ceremony in U.S. in November.

Princess Listens– Not a new feature for those challenged with learning, Princess heard loud and clear from passengers on Royal Princess that they missed the aft pool and wraparound deck.  Two new features of Regal Princess include an additional aft pool and access to the exterior promenade on deck 7, enabling passengers to walk the length of the ship.  We really respect this move.

Dramatic Atrium – Arguably one of the very best features of Royal Princess, the line of the Love Boat kept this social hub of the ship in tact, offering a vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. Features such as Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and a gelateria add to the Piazza’s lively atmosphere.

Super Tuscan Wines (which we liked perhaps a bit too much) – More than 20 choices of these headline-making wines from Tuscany (the largest collection at sea at last count) are available in Sabatini’s. Ranging from recognizable Super Tuscans such as Masseto, Solaia or Tignanello to some lesser known vintages such as Castello del Terricio ‘Cappuanino’ or Il Bruciato Bolgheri, these wines are featured by the bottle and in a Sabatini’s Super Tuscan Wine Tasting event, where guests can enjoy the rare opportunity to sample the wines accompanied by delicious small plates from the Italian restaurant.

Private Cabanas – Private cabana options give guests the opportunity to personalize their relaxation time, with elegant cabanas in The Sanctuary and poolside cabanas at the Retreat Pool. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.

 

Want to see what all the crew of a cruise ship looks like, all on deck at the same time?  
Here you go.  This is the entire company of Regal Princess on deck in Venice

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 Photo- Princess Cruises

Roster of the Regal Princess inaugural season sailings:

Upcoming Regal Princess Itinerary

Ports of Call and Departure Dates

7-day Maiden

Mediterranean & Aegean

Venice, Corfu, Istanbul (overnight), Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus)

2014: May 20

6-day Maiden Greek Isles

Athens (Piraeus), Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Santorini, Katakolon (for Olympia), Dubrovnik, Venice

2014: May 27

7-day Western Mediterranean

Venice, Kotor, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno),

Toulon (for Provence), Barcelona

2014: Jun 2

10-day Mediterranean & Aegean

Barcelona, Toulon (for Provence), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri & Pompeii), Santorini, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, Venice (Overnight) 

2014: June 9

12-day Grand Mediterranean

Venice (Overnight), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Athens (Piraeus), Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, Naples (for Capri & Pompeii), Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Toulon (for Provence), Barcelona

2014: Jun 19, Jul 13, Aug 6, 30*, Sep 23*

*Ravenna replaces overnight in Venice

12-day Grand Mediterranean

Barcelona, Toulon (for Provence), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens (Piraeus), Venice (Overnight)

2014: Jul 1, Jul 25, Aug 18, Sept 11, Oct 5

17-day Maiden Passage

Venice, Messina, Naples (for Capri & Pompeii), Rome (Civitavecchia), Toulon (for Provence), Barcelona, Madeira (Funchal), Ft. Lauderdale

2014: Oct 17

7-day Eastern Caribbean

Ft. Lauderdale, Princess Cays, St. Thomas,

St. Maarten, Ft. Lauderdale

2014: Nov 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec 7, 14, 21, 28

2015: Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 15, 22, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Apr 5