DO ANYONE HAVE ANY INFORMATION OR HOW OLD THIS BOAT IS. AND WOULD YOU SAIL AGAIN WITH THEM.

TERESAW2798,

welcome to Cruise-Chat.com.

The "Regal Empress" (which is a ship, by the way, not a boat!) was built in 1953.

Just last week, the ship scored a near-perfect score with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program. It is a great old liner if you like ships of that vintage that have a true soul. If you want a new ship and plan to go for the price only, I would suggest looking at alternatives. It really is a matter of taste. Personally, I love vintage liners, but I know many people who don't (which is fine, as well).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Raoul Fiebig,

Teresa,
Welcome to cruise-chat. The Regal Empress (Imperial Majesty's ship) was built in 1953. I have not had the experience of sailing her, but for a two night cruise - she might be fine.

Hopefully someone else can provide more first-hand knowledge.
Nancy

Ooops -sorry Raoul - we must be posting at the same time.
Nancy

Hi cindyeb. I'm not Raoul, but I hope you don't mind if I chime in.

I am a great fan of this ship, and took a 5-night cruise back in 2001. The food and service were superb then, and I hear from friends that have sailed her recently that this is still the case.

Compared to brand new ships that offer rock climbing walls, alternative dining experiences, outstanding kids' programs, and other recent bells and whistles, I can understand why this ship gets mixed reviews. Yet as these are not critical to your enjoyment (and I feel the same way), I wouldn't worry about the bad reviews. And yes -- cabins are air-conditioned.

I give just one word of caution, and it's a big one - choose your cabin carefully. The two lowest passenger decks, A-deck and B-deck are very maze-like and the cabins are rather sparse. There is also a group of cabins on Main Deck that is not accessible by elevator.

That is not to say that all cabins are undesirable. We stayed on Upper Deck and found it a great location and very convenient to the dining room, show lounge, and other public areas. I'd recommend this location, as well as Sun Deck. Promenade Deck cabins are nice, although they overlook the indoor promenade rather than giving an unobstructed sea view. Note that people cannot look into these cabins, but occupants can look out.

Happy to answer any other questions. We're thinking of booking a weekend cruise, as well.

Lisa-now that I've sent the 1st. letter, I apologize for all of the typos! I guess I should have reread it before I sent it!I guess I'm just excited!!-Cindy

Cindy,

when it comes to older ships, expectations and attitude are everything. The ship is more than 50 years old. And while Imperial Majesty does a superb job maintaining it, it's still 50 years old, and you will notice that. As LisaP indicated, if someone expects a ship with all the latest facilities and amenities he or she will be very disappointed. However, if ones sees the chance of sailing on the "Regal Empress" as a (rare) opportunity to sail on a vintage, former trans-Atlantic liner which is a real ship and not a floating resort, one will likely have a great time. Sailing onboard a ship of this vintage is like making a step back in time.

While this is a budget product these days, the value for the money is very good if you don't expect a luxury product (which few cruise ships offer, by the way).

Thank you so much for responding to my questions and concerns. I really don't need all of the bells and whistles of the huge liners, but and I know this sounds crazy, how's the food, bathrooms in each cabin,air conditioning,etc...? I hear the staff is wonderful, but I read that some of the walls are kinda wearing thin(the woodwork), and you know the old saying,"You get what you pay for?",I still want to know I'm going to get that "cruiseship" feeling of a bit of luxury. I know i'm sounding worried, but I am!
Cindy

In all honesty, the cabins are not luxurious, but they are fine for two nights if expectations are in line. There may still be a degree of cruise ship luxury, but mainly in the dining room and not the cabins.

Bathrooms are small, not at all fancy, yet functional. I had been warned about the small showers, but our shower on Diamond Princess wasn't any larger. There were a few dings in the furniture, although I've seen that on newer ships, too. Beds, however, were very comfortable. And, we had more storage space than needed. We were in U44 on Upper Deck.Definitely go for the higher cabin categories, and try to stay on Upper Deck or above.

We had no AC problems that I recall, and we went during the month of August. Of course, systems may temporarily break down on any ship, including brand new ones.

Food was fabulous when we went. But being an older ship, there are limitations. The buffet area is small, and the seating for it is near the pool. At the time, there was very limited room service, as well -- pretty much finger sandwiches. However, the dining room is amazing. The decor is lovely and there are large windows. And, I'd rate the service about the best of any of our 20+ cruises.

While it won't feel like an average cruise, I agree with Raoul that it is an opportunity to sail on a true ocean liner. Besides, much of the time will be spent in Nassau, so there will be plenty to do ashore.

Lisa-
Thank you so much for the info. I really think I'm getting excited. I'm not certain yet when we'll go, but I can't wait. I wish it was a longer cruise. I'd love about 7 days or more!!
Oh well, I can still dream!
Thanks again for the wonderful and useful advice.!
Cindy

Cindy,

different people have different views as to what the word "luxury" means to them. Few cruise ships offer a true luxury product, even well-known lines such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean with large, modern ships don't. Yet, millions of people love to take cruises, including myself of course, as IMHO cruises are nonetheless an excellent way to spend quality vacation time.

Be warned: Cruising is addictive!

Thank you so much! I'm really getting excited! Between you and Lisa, you have eased my mind a great deal! Hey- that's one addiction I would LOVE to have!!
Thanks again. I promise I'll stop being a pest!
Happy New Year!
Cindy

My DH and I are planning on a cruise at the end of June and were wondering if anyone has better pictures of the staterooms, other than what is posted on the Imperial Magesty web site?

Also, what is the difference between a superior outside cabin and a outside cabin?

Thanks,
Kathi
West Palm Beach

Hi Kathy!
Sadly, I haven't been able to take my cruise yet so I can't answer your questions, but would love to hear your impressions when you get back! Check with SHERMANSTRAVELS.com- he actually gave me info about the ship a while ago.
Have fun. I am soooo jealous!

I'll definately send a report on our trip. I tend to overplan even short trips! (I took a three ring binder with info on our last trip to NE Georgia!)

Thanks,
Kathi
West Palm Beach

Raoul,
I couldn't agree more about the old(er), classic ships. I had the priviledge of sailing on the previous Rotterdam - she was the last steam vessel in HAL's fleet and it was a wonderful experience (smoooooth, no vibration). She was elegant without being glizty (think Marlena vs. Madonna). My travel companions and I were treated to a tour of the engine room by one of the Engineering officers (who was trying to impress the daughter of the other couple).

Cindyeb, stop worrying about it; you will have a marvelous time!