My wife and I recently took a family Caribbean cruise on the beautiful Regal Princess out of Galveston, Texas. My two sons and our daughter-in-law joined us for family time sailing the Caribbean and exploring some prime spots in Mexico and Honduras. Stops included Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.
Regal Princess
Since we live in The Woodlands in Texas (near Houston), we had the convenience of driving the hour and a half to Galveston rather than flying to our departure point. It was quite a feat to get five people and all our luggage in our vehicle, but our Hyundai Palisade proved up to the task. We left mid-morning and parked at Lot C at the Galveston Port, and then caught a shuttle to the ship. Check-in usually starts around noon with an estimated departure time of 3 pm, but the ship was running a bit late because of earlier weather issues.
Julie and I had enjoyed a previous Princess cruise aboard Discovery Princess in 2023 out of Vancouver, and noticed the Regal was very similar to the Discovery. Cabins were spacious and comfortable, and the ship was well laid out and offered a wide variety of activities. We could also choose from over 20 excursions at our ports in Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel. All three of our staterooms were midship on the 10th, or Caribe deck.
Costa Maya
We were scheduled to go on the excursion, the Best of Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. However, the ship was running behind schedule because of earlier weather conditions, and we were too late to catch the bus to the ruins. Instead, we had fun browsing through the the tourist area at the foot of the pier. We enjoyed time exploring the dolphins, flamingos, and various vendors selling Mayan themed souvenirs. We also were treated to an amazing aerial performance by four Mayan daredevils who swirled off a tall pole hundreds of feet above the ground.
Roatan
In Roatan, we went on an excursion featuring Botanical Gardens, Birds, Butterflies, and the West End Village. This guided tour of Roatan was a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation. We began with a trip to the Seaside Village of West, offering a taste of Honduran culture with its coffee, lemonade, and chocolate. With many picturesque views, we had time to shop for unique handcrafts and souvenirs.
Next, we took a scenic drive to the Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum. We wandered with our guide through some of the 160 acres of lush greenery while learning about the diverse tropical flora from a knowledgeable naturalist. My favorite part of our Roatan visit was our time at the Mayan Eden Eco Park. The park offers a close up and hands on experience – a haven of local butterflies, exotic birds, monkeys, and other flora and fauna. Walking through this vibrant space feels like stepping into a living painting. We enjoyed watching the playful monkeys and feeding toucans fresh fruit as they gently perched on our extended forearms.
Cozumel – Playa del Carmen: Rio Secreto, the Secret River and Caverns
After we ported in Cozumel, we took a 45-minute ferry ride into Playa del Carmen. We then boarded large vans for a quick drive to Rio Secreto (Secret River and Caverns) deep in the Mayan jungle. Río Secreto is a fantasy land of caverns connected by underground waterways. It is home to incredible natural formations like stalactites and stalagmites, where you can walk, wade, and swim through 600 meters of mystery. When we arrived, we received a comprehensive safety briefing before donning a wetsuit, water shoes, life jacket, and helmet outfitted with a headlamp. Our expert guide explained the cultural and natural importance of this underground world and its crystal clear waters as we entered the caverns and marveled at this unique natural treasure that went unexplored for millions of years! Learn how the ancient Mayans used these caves for ritualistic purposes.
We walked, waded, and swam in the underground cavern with our guide by our side. A traditional Mexican regional buffet was served before returning to Playa del Carmen for some free time to shop.
Outstanding Food Options on the Regal Princess
Under the guidance of Head of Culinary Arts, Chef Rudi Sodamin, Princess Cruises is widely known for having some of the best food and drink on the seven seas.
We loved the wide selections of the Horizon Court, the large buffet styled dining venue on board. We all appreciated the fact that we could see the food, get what we wanted, and go back for seconds or to try another dish. We were relaxed and ate at the Horizon Court for many of our meals. We also had some wonderful experiences at the well-appointed Symphony, Concerto, and Allegro Dining rooms.
Horizon Court – Deck 16 Aft
Horizon Court provides a well-rounded buffet experience! The buffet had something for everyone, from fresh options at the salad and fruit stations to hearty hot dishes and kid-friendly fare. The rotating international section added an exciting and flavorful twist, making every visit feel unique. Overall, the outstanding buffet truly catered to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Horizon Court has special hours for main meals when all stations are opened, but there were always some stations open in between. Coffee, tea, and water stations are available all day.
Regal Princess also has several other dining options, including:
Prego Pizzeria – Deck 16 Mid
Princess advertises that they have “the best pizza at sea,” and it is very good. Try the specialty of the day or the always-available cheese or pepperoni by the pool.
Trident Grill – Deck 16 Mid near the pool
For a quick bite – burger, fries, tacos, or hot dog cravings – Trident Grill is a good choice. You can grab a meal or a snack and relax by the pool or watch one of the nightly movies.
Swirls Ice Cream Bar – Deck 16 Mid
Swirls is a popular place for quick treats on board the Regal Princess. Conveniently located by the pool and outdoor movie screen, Swirls is a great place to enjoy a soft-serve ice cream. They also have fresh popcorn at certain times of the day.
International Café – Deck 5 Mid
Open 24/7 for snacks, light breakfast or lunch. Coffees available but extra unless you have upgraded package.
Main Dining Rooms – Decks 5 and 6
Symphony Dining Room – Deck 5 Mid
Reservations at 5 pm or 7:30. Breakfast and lunch on sea days. Breakfast on port days.
Concerto Dining Room – Deck 6 Mid
Walk-ins. Afternoon tea.
Allegro – Deck 6 Aft
Dinner reservations in 20 minute increments
Specialty Restaurants – Extra Charge
Crown Grill – Deck 7
Our group of five was treated to an excellent dinner at the Crown Grill on the evening we returned from our fun-filled excursion in Roatan. Filets ruled the night, although my wife did opt for the outstanding salmon. For appetizers, we enjoyed the delicious crab cakes and the tasty French Onion Soup. The staff also entertained us by parading to uplifting music and flaming (actually electric candles!) Baked Alaska while the diners twirled our white napkins in appreciation (see video above). We finished off our delicious dinner with a variety of desserts, including Baked Alaska, turtle cheesecake, vegan chocolate ice cream, creme brûlée, and a chocolate and vanilla sundae.
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria – Deck 5
Excellent specialty Italian Restaurant. Julie and I also enjoyed breakfasts at Sabatini’s because of our Gold Member status.
Crab Shack pop up at Crown Grill – Deck 5
Set menu with a choice of a soup, a seafood pot, and a dessert at select times.
Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar – Deck 7
Sushi and sashimi. Extra charge.
Vines Wine Bar – Deck 5 Mid
Try a variety of wines from all over the world at Vines wine bar and restaurant, another casual dining restaurant on board ship.
Gelato – Deck 5 Mid
Gelato orders were an extra charge unless you had certain upgraded packages.
The Sanctuary – Deck 17 Fwd
The Sanctuary sounds like a perfect oasis for relaxation and indulgence! It is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship. The option to book a lounger for a half or full day is very convenient, especially if you want to tailor your time there to your schedule. The exclusive menu and the Sanctuary version of afternoon tea add such a luxurious touch—it feels like a mini-vacation within your cruise. The Sanctuary experience can include a favorite snack, the peaceful atmosphere, or perhaps that special tea service.
Caymus Winemaker Dinner
Chef’s Table Lumiere
Ordering via the Ocean Now App
The Ocean Now app is a game-changer for convenience on board. Being able to order food or drinks and have them delivered to you anywhere on the ship makes relaxing even easier. Princess offers the option to waive the delivery fee for those with Plus or Premier packages.
Fun at Sea on the Regal Princess in the Caribbean
For families, couples, and solo travelers, The Regal Princess is a great choice for sailing from Galveston to fabulous ports in Mexico and Honduras. Make your plans today!
Thanks to Princess Cruises for hosting our family for dinner at the amazing Crown Grill and for providing special amenities. All opinions are my own.
