Cruising with Princess Cruises always feels like a special occasion—and our December sailing aboard the Regal Princess was no exception. From the thrill of a last-minute upgrade to the world-class dining and standout entertainment, every detail contributed to an unforgettable experience.
Pre-Cruise Preparations
We started with a standard interior cabin but jumped at the chance to bid for an upgrade through Princess Cruises’ bidding system. Our bid won, and we were thrilled to receive a balcony cabin with an obstructed view. Let me tell you—sipping coffee with a sea breeze on your own balcony is a game-changer.
We also added the Princess Plus Package, which gave us access to premium drinks, specialty desserts, and more—well worth the investment for the added value and indulgence.
To save on lodging, we stayed in Texas City the night before embarkation. It offered better prices than Galveston and was still convenient for morning boarding. I ordered my Princess Medallion in advance, while Mary opted to pick hers up at the port. The contrast gave us a chance to compare the Medallion experience both ways.
Embarkation Day
As an Elite guest, I had access to the exclusive Elite Lounge with snacks, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere. Mary, though not Elite, also had a smooth experience—picking up her Medallion and relaxing in a shaded waiting area with water provided.
Despite our different statuses, we both made it through security in under a minute and reunited just 45 minutes apart. While waiting, I grabbed a drink at a bar near the ship’s entrance, and once we were back together, we dropped our luggage at the Symphony Lounge and started exploring.
Life Onboard the Regal Princess
Our Stateroom
The Regal Princess is a stunning ship—classic elegance meets modern comfort. Our upgraded balcony cabin offered ample space, generous storage, and a layout that made settling in easy. The private balcony was the cherry on top, especially for enjoying ocean sounds and sunrise views.
Dining Delights
The food was phenomenal, and we loved stepping out of our comfort zones to try new things. Every meal started with a standout appetizer and ended with something sweet—thank you, Princess Plus, for the included gelato and premium desserts!
Though we didn’t try the specialty restaurants this time, Alfredo’s Gourmet Pizza stole the show. Hands down, the best pizza at sea. With perfectly crisp crusts and creative toppings, it’s worth a visit every time. The gelato counter quickly became our daily treat ritual.
Entertainment & Activities
Every night brought something new—and impressive. Highlights included:
- A tribute to Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner
- A show that fused opera and rock (yes, it worked!)
- A magician who left us speechless
- A cooking demo that felt more like a comedy show
Even the pop-up entertainment was top-notch: ice sculpture demos, live music throughout the ship, and even spontaneous food tastings.
We also hit up trivia games, laughed through a comedy show, and, as art fans, attended seminars and auctions that featured Peter Max, Picasso, and Thomas Kinkade. (Yes, Mary outbid me.)
Ports of Call
Cozumel
This was our 10th time in Cozumel, so we kept it simple—shopping and strolling through familiar streets, soaking up the atmosphere without rushing to an excursion.
Costa Maya
Unfortunately, this stop was canceled, but kudos to the Princess staff—they quickly filled the day with bonus activities and kept the ship buzzing.
Roatán
Our favorite port! We booked an excursion to visit sloths, monkeys, and iguanas—and it was magical. The sloths were cuddly, the iguanas oddly charming, and the monkeys? Mischievous. One even tried to swipe our sunglasses. (He nearly succeeded.)
Final Thoughts
From Elite Lounge perks and outstanding entertainment to incredible service and daily moments of joy, our Regal Princess sailing was everything we’d hoped for—and then some.
If you’re considering a Princess Cruise, we can’t recommend the Regal Princess enough. And if you’re lucky enough to score an upgrade or splurge on the Princess Plus package, trust me—it’s worth it.
Thinking about a cruise? Let Wish List Travel help you find the perfect sailing—because everyone deserves a trip where the waves are gentle, the food is divine, and every day feels like a celebration.we can’t recommend the Regal Princess enough. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the seas, this ship offers something for everyone—a journey filled with relaxation, adventure, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
