Pulaski Tickets & Tours

Regal Princess

Five things to love about the new Regal Princess

June 03, 2014

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​ABOARD THE REGAL PRINCESS — Princess Cruises isn't the flashiest of the big-ship lines. You won't find heart-pounding water slides, surfing pools and other gee-whiz attractions on the top decks of its vessels, and it doesn't tout big-name Broadway shows or celebrity chef-run restaurants.

But as can be seen on the new Regal Princess, which just debuted in the Mediterranean, it's a line that gets the basics right -- and with an elegance and style that is lacking on the ships of some of its best-known competitors. The Regal Princess' cabins are well-designed and comfortable, its eateries solid for the price point, and its crew upbeat and friendly.

1. The Piazza. Elegant and spacious, this three-deck-high atrium is the central hub of the ship, and — like a piazza in a small Italian town — the perfect place to meet up for a morning coffee or late-afternoon aperitif. Wider and more venue-filled than the atriums on most Princess vessel, it features a larger-than-normal version of the International Cafe that has become a Princess staple, with plenty of "outdoor" piazza seating; a seafood bar called Ocean Terrace; an expanded version of Princess pizzeria Alfredo's; one of the line's signature Vines wine and tapas bars; a large version of Princess piano bar Crooner's; a gelato eatery; and more. As with the piazzas on other Princess ships, the space is enlivened throughout the day with pop-up entertainment and activities.

2. The Retreat Pool and Bar. Looking to get away from the kids? This stylish adults-only pool area offers a peaceful retreat from the hubbub of the main Fountain pool, and unlike the nearby adults-only Sanctuary — a Princess staple — it's accessible at no extra charge. Only the six Retreat Cabanas located just steps away from the area's pool come with an extra charge ($50 for a half day). Come nighttime, meanwhile, the Retreat turns into what Princess is calling the Chill Lounge, a relaxed outdoor space to enjoy the evening with drinks and music.

3. The Lotus Spa. One of the biggest spas at sea, this super-serene hideaway offers just about any treatment you could imagine. It's also home to The Enclave, a sumptuous thermal suite that is triple the size of any other found on a Princess ship with the exception of the Royal Princess. A retreat-within-a-retreat, The Enclave is home to a hydro-therapy pool, heated stone beds, water beds and four "sensory showers" that offer varying water streams, temperatures, aromas and lighting. There's also a Turkish-style Hammam steam bath and a Roman-style Caldarium chamber offering an infusion of herbal aromas. Rounding out the options are a Relaxation Lounge with ocean views and a full-service salon.

4. Sabatini's. A signature of Princess ships, this Tuscan-inspired restaurant is one of the best Italian eateries at sea and, at a flat fee of $25 a person for dinner, a relative bargain to boot. Starters range from a twice-baked artichoke souffle to soft shell crab over arugula; the choices of hand-made pastas change nightly; and main courses include such specialties as baked striped bass in an herbed salt crust (for two) and a grilled veal chop with mushroom ragout. Located in an elegant space just off the ship's Piazza, Sabatini's also offers an impressive selection of Italian wines from the Tuscany region.

5. The Horizon Court and Bistro buffet. One of the largest buffet eateries at sea, this well-designed and airy complex offers an impressive range of culinary options morning through night. Like the buffet on sister ship Royal Princess, it is more than twice the size of those on earlier Princess vessels and offers a bevy of new action stations such as a rotisserie and a Japanese Hibachi grill. "Grab & Go" items are available for passengers in a hurry, and dinnertime brings a themed "crab shack" seafood extravaganza (for an extra $20 per person charge) as well as a fondue experience (also $20 per person).