Lumiere - Chef's table on Regal Princess

When we lost out on the chance to experience Lumiere on the Royal Princess, I was bummed. I made a promise the next time we were on Princess, I was making sure we were getting the chance.

So for our trip on the Regal Princess we decided to skip the transfers that were included with our hotel and take a cab over to the pier at 10am so that we were one of the first onboard. The cruise lines recommend boarding after 1pm as they say it is quicker and easier, it is because from this time your rooms are available, but if you want to get your name on the Lumiere's list the sooner the better.

From the time we left the hotel we needed to wait in line as the terminal opened up at 11am and it was worth the wait. Once we were checked in and on board, our room was off limits, but now it gave me the chance to get my name on the list. First stop was the concierge desk, it was not open so we went to the front desk to inquire and the restaurant was not answering. We later found out that one of the restaurants were going to be open from 2pm to 3pm to make any changes, including the chance to request Lumiere.

As hope was slowly being lost and I could see the chance slipping through my grasp while we were at the front desk and I turned over, I saw Sabatini's which was open and I saw the hope. We went in spoke to one of the dining room captain's, he stayed that nothing could be promised, but that he would take down our room info and pass it along to the Maitre D. So now all we could do was wait.

Well we didn't have to wait long and that was the best option and idea that I ever had because coming back from dinner that night, I had the best treat at my door.  Opening the envelope and seeing the words I so desperately wanted to see, we were lucky to be given the opportunity to join the chef and his team for dinner.

There is a cost for this experience and it goes towards the alcohol that is included with the meal, service during the meal by the staff and a few other treats along the way and at the time it was $115 for each of us. Cost was not a factor for us, we wanted the experience and if I have the chance again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

  

  

  

  

 

To Haven or not to Haven that is the Question

For the cruise traveller that prefers the ultimate luxury and privacy, that would be a yes to Haven. If you are not familiar with The Haven, this is the ultimate in private luxury where only suite passengers gain access to with your suite key card.

When I think of The Haven, I describe it to others as the small ship within the much larger ship. This type of cruise travel is found amongst the newer NCL ships, our voyage was on the Norwegian Getaway and it was many years after we had cruised on our last NCL trip.

This new concept intrigued us and it was the perfect balance of luxury, service and exactly how we liked to cruise. Keep in mind it is not a cheap cruise fare at least for Canadians when there could be exchange added in the mix, but for this cruiser SO WORTH IT.

Exclusive Haven lounge, personal concierge, private butler depending on suite, private 2 storey sun deck and pool, hot tubs, sauna, private restaurant and so much more.

Do you really need a balcony?

That is the optimal question, on any other cruise line a balcony is a retreat from all the other passengers, on Windstar the sailing yacht is your own private balcony. Yes the deck space is shared with others, but with a small set of passengers that actually enjoy the open space it does feel like your own private space.

Small ship cruising is different and if you are one to enjoy activities than this type of cruising is not for you. On the other hand if you like pure relaxation and conversation with other adults then you have picked the right cruise.

currency use in St barts

Our trip into St Bart was a lesson in the best currency to use as part of the European Union via France it is so much easier to bring along euros. Although US dollars are accepted they are often converted into the euro exchange for purchases and change is returned in euros. Of course for the more expensive designer buys it is so much easier with your credit card, no exchange worries there as it is handled by your financial institution. HAPPY SHOPPING!

Another amazing suite this time aboard Royal Princess

Main Living space access to powder room and balcony

Moorea Suite C102 port side aboard Royal Princess, bedroom window faces the bow of the ship and who wouldn't want to wake up to the most amazing sunrises.

The living space is slightly smaller than those in the penthouse suites, but the bedroom space makes up for it with all the extra storage and sitting by the window as you sail the ocean was breathtaking.

Window faces the bow of the ship

Bathroom Suite full Tub, Shower and access to powder room