My husband and I have just booked a 72 day world cruise on Royal Princess..spur of the moment...it is a good deal. My after-the- fact research shows that reviews are generally favorable...however, I am having misgivings about the size of the Standard Double Cabin. At 168 sq ft it seems cramped for a long cruise. Would love to hear from anyone who has cruised on this ship. I am open to praise or criticism for all aspects of a cruise on the Royal Princess. Thank you, Kelley.

Kelley, <BR>We sailed on the Royal Princess 2 yrs ago on the Amazon River to Buenos Aires itinerary - 15days. <BR> <BR>We thought the ship very nice - we do prefer the smaller ships like the Royal - and the food, entertainments, etc. was excellent. We had one of the partially-obstructed (life boat) cabins (one of the ones that you can see between the lifeboats) - I cant recall the number. The cabin was small, but efficient. When we boarded the beds were set up as twins. I have to say it looked roomier that way than it did when we requested they be joined to make a queen. Would I like to be in it for 72days?? I don't know - I think I would prefer to upgrade to a balcony cabin. I guess I am one of those people that spend more time in the cabin than everyone else, but the cabin is important to me. If you got a good deal, go with it. We looked at that cruise, but couldn't get away that long. Some day.

Hi Kelley,we just spent 34 days on Royal, the rooms are small, but how much time do you plan on spending in your room. We did not have a problem,we kept the beds apart, made the room seem bigger. lots of quite places to go and read or needle work. We met a few people who are doing the same cruise. Take some novels, the libary is small.Have a great time.

Thank you Cash and Sandy. I have just read a very bad review of the ship on another site. That former psgr really panned the food and cleanliness on Royal Princess. Since we are booked for a very long cruise, could you kindly give me some insights based on your cruises on RP?

Hi Kelley, <BR>I find it hard to believe that the food and cleanliness on the RP is really awful. Sometimes when people write reviews like you read they have another agenda and you really never know where anything comes from on the Internet. <BR> <BR>Granted my experience was 2yrs ago, things do change however with all the competition in the cruise industry, cleanliness and food are certainly items that are high on anyones list of importance. I looked at the CDC website for RP's last inspection report and she got a 94 (out of 100). 20 or 30 yrs ago food was all gourmet and a big deal,and the average person couldn't afford to take a cruise. I think it is now more realistic to expect good to great food. Treat a ship like any nice restaurant - some meals are great, others ok. They are feeding hundreds of passengers at a time, be realistic and I am sure it will be fine. If cleanliness is a problem in reality, I would visit the hotel manager on the ship and discuss it with him/her immediately. Would love to hear your comments about the cruise on your return.

Hi Kelley, since I just returned from my cruise,my take on the ship will be current. The ship is very clean, the food is ok,not great,but ok. All the rooms was in good order, they are always doing something,ie new carpet,recovering the chairs. I would suggest when in port, have lunch off the ship. This will give you a break from the ships food. This is not to say the ships food is bad, I think you just get tired of the the same type of food. Remember, some people can never be pleased. Go have a good time and make up your own mind.

Thanks very much Cash and Sandy for taking time to respond to my query. I feel reassured and expect to board with a positive attitude...which goes a long way towards the enjoyment of any cruise.

Kelley: AMEN!

Kelley, <BR> <BR>Guess what? I'm cruising on the same ship at the same time. Long cruises tend to be very different to 7-14 day trips where you knock yourself out trying to do something every minute. This world cruise will become a way to life. <BR> <BR>The size and age of the ship is a giveaway as to smaller room size, but I'm sure in no time you will find your favorite spot on the ship for relaxing. <BR> <BR>The food, no matter how good, will get to be ho-hum this length of time. It's a blessing in disguise, if you don't love everything. Can you imagine what would happen if you over did it every day? <BR> <BR>Enjoy the trip. I'll be looking for you.