Royal lived up to her expectations!

Having just spent a week on the Crown Princess it was great to have the opportunity to head down to Southampton again to get a sneak preview at the new addition to the Princess fleet, the ‘Royal Princess’.

It was great to see how Princess are developing their fleet in line with their competitors but still delivering the unique Princess experience. It’s fair to say she is stuning. From stepping on board and looking up three decks high within the Piazza surrounded by buzzing bars, exciting atmosphere and classic decor, we knew we were in for a great night. The light in the Piazza bounced off every highly polished banister and glass light fitting, she really is worth seeing.

Once stepping on board and dropping our bags off we set on our mission to explorer a few cabins. As always they were excellent, spacious, with classic comfortable decor.

Up on deck 16 we discovered the delights of the Horizon Court, the serving area reminded me of the food counter in Selfridges, a little larger though, it seemed to go on for miles. On a standard lunchtime/evening sitting you would be able to sample more or less every cuisine under the sun. We manager to stumble upon the Pastry kitchen where the chef offered us pastries out of the tallest display I’d ever seen.

The main poolside area was buzzing with Travel Agents soaking up the sun and catching a quick beverage between decks, it’s a hard life but you wouldn’t want us passing out on route, not with the best bits to come.

The famous Skywalk was entertaining, if you are afraid of hights you may want to give this one a miss though.

At the back of deck 17 we found what I can only describe as my idea of paradise ‘The Sactuary’ and ‘Retreat pool’ area. Exclusively for adults this is a secret little hideaway where you can soak up the sun, relax and totally spoil yourself rotten. The pool area surrounded by large 2 bed cobanas, the bar area serving refreshing cocktails, private therapy rooms for that long awaited pampering session. Heaven.

We were treated to an excellent 5 course evening meal were the quisine was superb. Goats cheese souflet, orange & ginger sorbet, being vegetarian the gnocci was a hit followed by a caramel cheesecake desert. Service was great, staff very attentive, my wine glass was never empty through the entire meal.

We were entertained by Lamar on top deck, the staff had never been so popular for blanket requests as the sun was long gone, but the atmosphere buzzing. Club 6 was heaving with dancers and the Piazza alive with Live music and dancing.