My Irish Escape with a Princess.

When the dark long days of January are upon us we can always rely on Princess Cruise Lines to give us something to look forward to when Spring finally arrives. As in previous years Princess offer agents the chance to take part in what they call their Mega Fam. This was to take place on sectors of the first British Isles cruise of the Summer Season. Basically it is a chance to experience the Princess product first hand whilst enjoying training sessions and overnight stays on board the Royal Princess.

Now we as agents never miss an opportunity to experience this to the full, so when I was allocated a Dublin to Glasgow sector we decided to add a night pre cruise in Dublin. Oh my what an amazing city !! apart from Temple Bar Dublin has so much to offer, and after 26,000 steps my feet really knew most of them. We based ourselves just off O’Connell Street so very central to the shops and port but walked around the Castle, Trinity and Grafton Street seeing some beautiful buildings and parks. So much history along side ultra modern, this City is certainly a wee gem. I even had a pint of Guinness or 3.
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The next morning my colleague Babs and I were like two little girls and as soon as we saw this magnificent ship we both had our Christmas Day faces on with screams of excitement. I am so happy that after all these years that feeling never goes away. Today we had a double whammy as the new MSC Meraviglia was along side Royal Princess. I have been on two previous Princess ships but never one as big as this and a whole new love affair began.

This ship is stunning in so many ways, space and natural light were in abundance.

We were sharing a twin bedded balcony cabin which can be made up into a double.Plenty of storage a wall mounted TV, mini bar and safe. The bathroom although compact and had a shower curtain also served its purpose.

After muster drill and a welcome presentation given by very enthusiastic Princess Staff we were free to explore this ship. We found ourselves in the Bellini Bar with an array of champagne’s to suite every pallet.

I was impressed with the choice of alternative dining that is included in the cruise fare which meant if you did not want to feel out fazed by the Horizon Court Buffet or Main Dining rooms you can eat in the Piazza’s International Cafe or Alfredo’s Italian. In these you can have a lighter option or a full 3/4 course meal. Best Pizza I have ever tasted. Yes Princess win that award.

First evening we were again hosted by the amazing Princess team to pre dinner drinks in Club 6 a private venue for our party. Whean talking to the team I did ask how much there loyalty and commitment to the Company came across just to be told “with a product like this how can you not” and they meant it.
We dined in the main Symphony Dining Room with a feel of an exclusive club, the service, food and ambiance was truly Princess. Just look at the lights.

After diner we took in the show which was a Beatles Tribute act and really enjoyed it and ended the evening back in Club 6 for a dance and an odd cocktail. (we had conference at 10 so took it easy).

After a morning of talks and tours we were free to go into Belfast or just enjoy the ship, which was the option we took. We had not seen all we wanted to as of yet. That night we were treated to the Crown Grill Princess’s specialty steak house. This carries a $29 supplement but was well worth it. It was decorated very much like a swanky New York eatery with large tables if you were celebrating with friends or smaller for the more intimate feel. Food was AMAZING, take a look.

We had missed the show that evening so we gathered in Crooners Bar this was hilarious. The Piano man played tunes old and new whilst making jokes that were side splitting and the hours flew by.

Next morning we were in Glasgow, well port of Greenock and time to say goodbye Royal Princess. Although my stay was short I now thinkshe is my favorite ship so far (sorry MSC). What is there left to be done than enjoy a hearty breakfast. So I did.