Regal Princess

The layout of this ship, and the sister ship the Royal, are a bit different from their previous ones. Looks like they have tried to create a 'small intimate ship' experience on their latest and largest. No huge grand areas but lots of little ones instead. The open air Horizon buffet option at the stern is a good example. For included dining, multiple dining rooms, instead of one multi-level room, are provided. Emphasis has moved away from the big theatre / floorshow type productions to smaller 45 minute shows and lots of competing alternatives. Generally works. However, some public levels cannot be walked from bow to stern. Have to go up a level and then back down a level to reach the other side. Also there were many port docking issues. Eg ended up at out of town wharves. Transfers were offered at $10-20 per person per port. Sometimes there was a cheap local alternative, not mentioned by them, and sometimes no other option. Saw other cruise liners, some of similar size, docked in town or using tenders. But you have to hand it to all the terrific staff who made it a very enjoyable trip.
John, Adelaide, Australia on 06 July 14, cruised on Regal Princess