As someone who has enjoyed many cruises over the years, I was excited yet curious about trying out the Regal Princess for the first time. Having heard a lot about Princess Cruises, I was eager to see how this ship would measure up to my past experiences.
Over 12 nights, my family and I set sail around the British Isles, and I got to see firsthand what the Regal Princess had to offer.
In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences, offering my perspective on what makes the Regal Princess stand out.
The Ship
The Regal Princess first set sail in 2014, receiving facelifts in 2017 and 2022. With 19 decks and 1,780 cabins, it’s a floating city, accommodating a balanced ratio of passengers to crew at 2.64:1.
At first glance, the ship didn’t exactly dazzle me. I’ve been on my fair share of glitzy, modern liners, and this one had a touch of the “old-school” charm—brown tones and slightly dated décor, which probably wasn’t helped by the gloomy weather on day one. But, as the sun came out (and I had time to explore), the ship grew on me. By the end, I was more than a little fond of it!
One standout feature is the SeaWalk—a glass-floored walkway on Deck 16 that hangs 128 feet over the ocean. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers… or anyone who wants to test how brave they really are!
Staying in a Mini-Suite
We booked a mini-suite, which ended up being perfect for our family—me, my husband, and our little one—while my mum enjoyed a peaceful room to herself next door. The suite felt more spacious than a typical cabin, and with 12 nights to stretch out and relax, we appreciated every inch.
The real highlight? Two TVs and a curtain that divided the room. At bedtime, we could settle our little one down and still enjoy a film without disturbing her, which felt like a parenting win!
The suite’s layout was thoughtful, too. Instead of the usual cramped wardrobe next to the bed, this one was a walk-in style, conveniently located opposite the bathroom. It made getting ready in the mornings a breeze, especially with a little one in tow.
The bathroom also had a full-sized bath—something you don’t often get on a cruise, where shower cubicles are the norm. After long days exploring, having the option to soak in the bath felt like a real treat.
That said, we did expect a few more perks, given that we were in a mini-suite. I was hoping for the odd chocolate on the pillow or some nice little extras—as we had in Cunard’s Queen Anne, even in an inside cabin. Sadly, no such luck on this cruise.
However, Princess made up for it with their Medallion technology. This small device was our room key, our map, and even a way to track down family members across the ship! And for entertainment, the interactive touch screens by the elevators kept our little ones happy, especially with the built-in games. It’s the little things!
The Food and Drink
Where do I even begin? Let’s just say the scales were not my friend after this cruise! We started our culinary journey at the buffet, where there was a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
Depending on the location of the ship, they often had specials inspired by the region, and there were plenty of treats, including sugar-free and gluten-free options. It’s safe to say my willpower wasn’t as strong as I’d hoped!
The Lido Deck had some fantastic casual spots, like the Trident Grill for burgers and fries and Prego Pizza, which served up some of the best fresh pizza I’ve ever had on a cruise. And, of course, Swirls was a hit with the whole family—a perfect poolside stop for some creamy ice cream. Let’s just say our little one was a regular customer.
The Piazza area was a gem for lighter bites. We loved the International Café, especially for a quick snack after a day out. Whether it was a sandwich, a cookie, or something sweet, it was the perfect stop.
Most nights, we dined in the main dining room, where we booked the same table for the whole cruise. It was a lovely touch having the same wait staff every night, who quickly learned our preferences—especially for my mum, who has dietary needs.
The food was always excellent, the menus varied nightly, and the service was impeccable. Friendly, attentive, and always ready with a smile, they made dining a real pleasure!
The Itinerary
Our 12-night itinerary took us around the British Isles, and I know what you’re thinking—why cruise the UK when you live here? Well, after many trips to the Mediterranean and Caribbean, we realised there’s so much beauty to explore right on our doorstep. Plus, driving around the UK can be a bit of a hassle, so why not cruise in luxury instead?
The beauty of this itinerary was that you could spend your day exploring a new location, head to bed, and wake up in the next one—no driving, no stress. And, of course, with the added bonus of being fed and pampered the entire time. It really is the most relaxing way to see the UK.
Here’s the full itinerary:
Day 1: Southampton
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Cobh, near Cork in Ireland
Day 4: Holyhead, Wales
Day 5: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Day 6: Greenock, Scotland
Day 7: At Sea
Day 8: Orkney Islands, Scotland
Day 9: Queensferry, near Edinburgh in Scotland
Day 10: At Sea
Day 11: Le Harve, France
Day 12: Falmouth, Cornwall, England
Day 13: Back to Southampton
Now, I’ll admit, cruising around the UK is a bit of a gamble with the weather. But we went in the summer of 2024 and got lucky – it was mostly sunny, with just the odd drizzle here and there.
The ship was full of passengers from the US, Canada, and Australia, so it was lovely meeting people from all corners of the globe while sailing through familiar waters!
We didn’t do any excursions. The price for the four of us added up quite quickly and wasn’t worth it, so we relied on local taxis to take us everywhere.
One day in Scotland, we decided we wanted to go to Loch Lomond. We asked the taxi driver to take us there. It took about 45 minutes. Then he waited while we enjoyed a few hours there, and then he drove us back. It cost about a quarter of the price of an excursion, and it was also nice to speak to a local and hear all the stories he had to tell about the area.
Overall, I loved the itinerary. We managed to pack so much in and see so many places that I wouldn’t have visited otherwise.
Things To Do
With the weather on our side, we made the most of the outdoor spaces, starting with the swimming pools. There are two main pools, perfect for families, and a smaller, adults-only pool if you’re looking for a quieter spot to relax. We spent a lot of time poolside, soaking up the sun.
For indoor fun, there’s a small arcade where we became pros at the grabber machine—winning a small army of ducks to take home! We also spotted a tiny library on board, though we didn’t use it. It had some board games and puzzles for those looking for a more relaxed activity.
The top deck offers a great sports area where we tried our hand at table tennis (on non-windy days!), basketball, shuffleboard, and even some golf putting.
My mum loved the art gallery, which regularly rotates its collection for the frequent art auctions on board.
There’s also the Princess Live! Studio, where you can join quizzes and trivia sessions or take part in their live gameshow experience.
We didn’t have time to visit the spa, but it looked lovely!
Finally, we spent a fair bit of time in the casino. It was bustling, but we had plenty of space to try our luck. We even won a little, which was a nice bonus to help cover some of the tips for the staff!
The Entertainment
There was never a dull moment on board, with plenty of live music to enjoy. The atrium and bars were buzzing with everything from smooth jazz and elegant violin performances to modern rock and pop bands. One day in Scotland, they even brought out a bagpiper for a truly authentic touch!
I also loved the guest speakers, especially Leo Rossi, a former road crew member for legendary bands like Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, and the Beach Boys. His stories were fascinating, and he had such a laid-back, friendly vibe.
Every evening, we headed to the theatre for a new show. There was a bit of everything: comedians, musicians, magicians, dancers, and even a hypnotist. Some acts were more memorable than others, but the variety kept things fresh.
For something magical, the Princess WaterColor Fantasy® show by the main pool was a must-see—fountains, lights, and music all choreographed beautifully. If films are more your style, Movies Under the Stars was a highlight on the Lido Deck. They made it extra cosy in the evenings with blankets under the stars and freshly popped popcorn at the ready!
The Kids Club
Booking the kids’ club on the Regal Princess was a breeze and much less stressful than other ships I’ve been on. In the UK summer holidays, I usually worry about kids’ clubs being overbooked, like my experience on P&O Iona, where you had to pounce on the app to secure a spot. But on the Regal Princess, all we had to do was register on the first day, and on sea days, you could just turn up without any drama.
The club offered three sessions a day: 9-12, 2-5, and 7-10. On port days, you simply informed them of your drop-off time. There was also one evening session from 7-10. My little one absolutely loved it!
They provided a schedule for the whole cruise, packed with activities like crafts, competitions, computer games, air hockey, and board games. The club was split into age groups—3-7, 8-12, and 13-17—so everyone had age-appropriate fun.
One of the highlights was a cake decorating workshop, which cost just $10. It was fantastic! We got to go down into the kitchens for a session with the chef, and the kids were given aprons and chef hats to keep. They even took professional photos, and the cakes were delivered to our cabin later that day. It was such a fun experience and well worth the money!
My Verdict
I absolutely loved this cruise and would happily do it all over again. The Regal Princess is a fantastic ship for families and couples alike, with plenty of activities and entertainment to suit everyone. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, enjoying the live music, or indulging in the food, there’s always something to keep you entertained. For families, the kids’ club was a huge win, and the staff were incredible at catering to our needs, making sure everyone was happy.
For couples, the ship offers plenty of romantic spots, from cosy dinners in the main dining room to late-night movies under the stars.
However, if you’re travelling solo, the experience might feel a bit different. I noticed there were very few solo traveller meetups, which could leave some solo guests feeling left out of the social scene. While there’s still plenty to do, the activities and layout seem more geared toward groups, families, and couples.
That said, the ship’s friendly atmosphere and attentive service make it a memorable experience for all, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mix of relaxation, exploration, and a bit of adventure.
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Thanks for reading!
I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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