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 The "Secret" Outside Forward Observation Deck(s)
and Summation of Regal Princess
A PARNAMI Cruise Page
An ongoing criticism of Regal Princess concerns her lack of forward looking outside observations areas. While she does have a designated indoor observation area, it has restricted hours and that annoying "Wheel of Fortune" machine and its constantly blaring screams for attention. Little do most passengers of Regal realize, there IS an outside observation deck as well, although, to most, it's presence is very well hidden.
This deck, located two decks below the bridge, and three below the Dome, can be accessed via the starboard (right) passageway on Baja Deck, at the extreme forward end. It IS intended for and open to passengers! During times of high wind, or extreme weather, for safety, it's kept closed, but during normal circumstances, it is available for use.
During scenic cruises such as through the Panama Canal or Alaska, the crew pool on the bow is covered with wood planking and converted to an additional observation area for passenger use. Access here, is on Dolphin Deck, via the port (left) side of the International Show Lounge's balcony level. For the curious, the path will take you behind the scenes, back stage, to areas normally off limits to passengers. The area, only, is open during designated times and otherwise, closed to passengers.
SUMMARY
I think, to anyone reading this report, it's obvious that Regal Princess does not rank among my favorite ships. It's old, not so much in years, but rather in design, with an archaic deck plan and poor passenger flow. The aft located dining room suffers from excessive amounts of motion as the ship sails though only moderate seas. She lacks a secondary theater/show lounge, so, the International Show Lounge serves as THE center of ALL major activity. The Dome entertainment center is a joke for any and all of its intended purposes. She lacks many of the perks being provided on modern cruise ships. I'd never consider Regal Princess for a Caribbean cruise where there are much better choices of ships to serve the purpose.
BUT, Regal Princess definitely has her place in the Princess fleet, and serves her function well! For purposes of longer cruises to off beat destinations of the World, Regal Princess makes a wonderful choice! Although large, she carries a passenger load unlikely to overwhelm most ports to which she visits. With fewer public areas than usual for ships her size, her deck plan is easy to learn and finding friends simplified. She's relatively closed off from the outside world, so, during heavy seas, passengers will not find themselves gulping air as they try to avoid sights of boiling ocean waves rushing past them: Windows are in short supply!
Regal Princess is NOT a floating resort! Despite her "dolphin" profile and a few quirks, she's a traditional ship providing, except for the multitude of petty charges, a traditional cruise experience. Unfortunately for her, Princess, no longer is in the market of providing "traditional" experiences. "Personal Choice," the current Princess marketing plan, has no place on Regal Princess, and for that reason, her time with the Princess fleet is limited. For anyone seeking to see the world by sea, sailing with people of similar ilk, Regal Princess is your token! But, don't hesitate; she won't be around for many more years!
 Copyright © 2001 Mel Litzenberger. All Rights Reserved
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