|
|
 |
 The Pools & Hot Tubs on Regal Princess
A PARNAMI Cruise Page
Midship on Lido deck are located Regal Princess' twin pools and two of its four hot tubs. The pools, although fairly substantial in size, are of the older design with high walls containing the water. Swimming in them can best be described as swimming in a well. There are no shallow wading areas surrounding the pool with dykes containing the water as is typical of modern day ships.
The aft pool benefits from two novelty design elements: a partitioned off section permitting guests to "sit" in the water at the Wave's Bar, and a water fall spilling over from the bar seating area into the main pool. For those guests preferring drier seating arrangements, the opposite side of the bar has more traditional stools on dry decking! A slight canopy provides some protection from the elements.
Passengers accessing Lido deck from the midship stairway, will find a glass viewing window peering into the underwater happenings of the forward pool. With Princess' pools being available to guests throughout the day and night, I'd recommend taking an occasional peek to see what interesting events may be taking place....below the surface! Both pools contain fresh water!
Surrounding deck areas are covered in a nicely maintained teak and very green Astro Turf. Unlike many, I'm not so much a traditionalist that I condemn the use of artificial surfaces, but, I do feel, in today's market, that the use of Astro Turf tends to date a ship, giving her an older feel than is actual. I'd prefer to see the turf removed and replaced with a more modern appearing cushioned and rubberized surface.
On an elevated deck separating the twin pools are located two hot tubs surrounded by lounge chairs. Passengers are served drinks while bathing within the tubs, a treat I find particularly relaxing and enjoyable.
Freshwater showers are located mid deck on both sides for those wishing to rinse off the pool chemicals.
At the stern, one deck down, are found two additional hot tubs, which for many passengers will remain undiscovered throughout the cruise. Not only are these tubs uncrowded, they also provide spectacular glimpses of passing scenery. Do be certain to check them out during your cruise but, except for your closest friends, promise to keep their location secret!
Regal Princess was designed and built for warm water cruising. She has no sheltered pool or hot tub areas, and during cool weather cruising, although the water is heated, most passengers will find the air temperatures a bit too nippy for comfort. On my cruise, while sailing along the Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific, finding the occasional brave soul in the pool became a novelty, and the subject of dinner conversation. We even spotted a couple of gals in the stern hot tubs, sporting ear muffs! The photos below provide glimpses of the pool area as many cruisers have not seen them before.
Unfortunately, on Regal Princess, Princess continues with its trend of charging for ice cream served pool side. The result of passenger acceptance to such nickel and timing techniques have led to the current state where significant charges for real food served on board ship have become the norm and no longer the exception. PLEASE, to preserve cruising as the premium experience we all expect, don't patronize any area on board ship that charges for food. On Regal Princess, that means, ignore the Haggen Daz ice cream cart and get your ice cream fix at dinner! PLEASE!!?
 Copyright © 2001 Mel Litzenberger. All Rights Reserved
|
|
