MV REGAL EMPRESS History and Tour on MaritimeMatters
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All text and photographs copyright Peter Knego 2008 unless otherwise noted. Note: click on image to view a larger version.
Saturday, March 1, 2008:
Stepping back in time.
No doubt impressive indicators of a healthy cruise industry, ZUIDERDAM, NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS, COSTA MEDITERRANEA, RADIANCE OF THE SEAS, CARNIVAL LIBERTY, and CROWN PRINCESS dominated the Port Everglades skyline this afternoon. These all-too similar silhouettes represent the common platform ideology of today’s major cruise lines. The standout in the steel and glass assembly was by far the smallest of the lot, a former ocean liner that continues to not just survive, but thrive in today’s modern, mega seas. Imperial Majesty’s 1953-built MV REGAL EMPRESS glistened in a coat of fresh midnight blue and white paint, resplendent in rivets, from her knuckled bow and rounded superstructure topped by gently curved bridge wings to her Clyde-built cruiser stern; a vision in sheer and cambered loveliness.
Random REGAL E carpet shot.
We arrived at Terminal Four just before 1:00 PM to begin the check-in procedure, transferring from taxi to the ship in less than fifteen minutes. As my friend, Rob DiStefano and I crossed the gangway, a line of stewards welcomed us on board, one of whom escorted us up to our cabin, S2, on port Sun Deck. Immediately, we noticed the fresh new carpeting sporting Imperial Majesty’s logo in lieu of the familiar but wilting compass rose motif of recent past.
Port A to Main Deck stairs, facing up/starboard.
Forward Main Deck lobby, facing port.
Forward Upper to Promenade Deck stairs, facing aft.
Shore Excursion counter, facing port.
Shore Excursion Lobby on Promenade Deck, facing forward.
Oh, to be back in the REGAL EMPRESS’ realm of glowing, honey-varnised paneling, bakelite, brass, frosted glass and nickel!
Cabin S2 sitting area.
Cabin S2 bedroom.
Our cabin, a former first class suite from the ship’s original OLYMPIA incarnation, featured dark cherry and mahogany woodwork with separate bedroom and sitting area, each with brass-framed windows looking out over the port Sun Deck promenade. A lovely bonus, in addition to the two televisions and original Greek Line tall boy cabinet was a little maple ottoman with typically 1950s splayed legs, stamped 1953 on its underside.
Our next destination was the buffet on starboard Upper Deck, with its various offerings such as chicken, fish sticks, hamburgers and a tender port roast. As a wise precaution against NLV, all food was served by the staff in lieu of passengers handling the implements.
Out on deck, under the partial shelter of a canopy, the warm breeze whisked a napkin or two across the recently buffed and well-scrubbed teak deck. Under the backdrop of GRAND PRINCESS’ ominous Skywalker’s protuberance, the REGAL EMPRESS’ stern was especially appealing, with its traditional pool and open lido area. The pool basin and accompanying jacuzzis were spotless and the charcoal gray turf appeared to have recently been refreshed. Overall, this is the best I have seen the always well-maintained REGAL EMPRESS look since her Commodore Cruise Line CARIBE days. I feel very encouraged that with this latest dry docking and “sprucing up”, she will serve out her final three seasons in top form before SOLAS 2010 forces her into the history books.
We wandered about for a while, noticing some recent changes that have thankfully not compromised the ship’s vintage character.
Internet Cafe, facing forward.
Photo Gallery, facing aft.
Children's Playroom, facing aft.
The playroom, cafe and internet room on aft Promenade Deck (originally the upper level of her cinema) is now the ship’s spa. The card room on the upper port side of the aft Promenade Deck stair tower is the new photo gallery (I later discovered its displaced Greek Line chairs in the aft portion of the Casino). A small internet cafe with four computer stations has been installed in the forward portion of the port promenade and the former beauty salon on port Upper Deck now houses the children’s playroom.
Gourmet section of Caribbean Dining Room, facing forward.
In the glorious Caribbean Dining Room, the aft/port corner has been screened off for gourmet dining, offering a selection of dishes not on the regular menu for a $25 per person additional tariff. The screens, themselves are inoffensive and the blonde wood chairs in this area are far more attractive than the dark brown enamel chairs switched over from the late OCEANBREEZE. Hopefully, Imperial Majesty can find more of these to augment the rest of the dining room, the most beautiful vintage space on any ship in service.
We had an hour or two to sneak in a nap before sailing but the constant barrage of announcements promoting the Nassau shore excursions unfortunately rendered that impossible. The loud and frequent announcements were the only drawback in this flawless two night sailing on the only American-based classic ship in existence.
Florida NAVIGATOR.
GRAND PRINCESS.
Boat Drill on REGAL EMPRESS is, of course, mandatory and extremely organized. Our station 10 Eastern European drill master made sure we were present, attentive and lined up properly during the entire process, which was overseen by the ship’s safety officer. Frustratingly, the COSTA MEDITERRANEA, CARNIVAL LIBERTY and RADIANCE OF THE SEAS made their way past in perfect afternoon lighting while I stood three deep with cameras shut off at the back of our gathering. After the drill ended, I did manage to catch NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS and GRAND PRINCESS departing as we backed from our berth into the procession.
ZUIDERDAM passing!
Reflections on a fantail.
REGAL sunset
REGAL E gave her traditional three long and one short whistle salute to the condominium complexes on the north side of the channel as a strongly backlit ZUIDERDAM followed us, ultimately passing on our port side as the sun began to set. Cruise director Jim Ward (familiar from past cruises on DOLPHIN IV, OCEAN BREEZE and REGAL EMPRESS) emceed horse racing by the crowded pool area. The jacuzzis were filled, as were most deck chairs and rail space by a healthy complement of passengers. Many braved the windy Boat Deck promenades, while others stood at the rails on the fantail, gazing at the spectacular cloud formations.
Caribbean Dining Room, facing aft.
We were assigned table one (located at the starboard entrance of the Caribbean Dining Room) for second seating dinner at 8:30. A bottle of very smooth chianti (selection 115 -- $30) accompanied our delicious multi-course meal; the modestly billed, chilled tomato soup is actually a delightful gazpacho that should not be missed; the lemon sea bass with pico de gallo sauce is superb and the chocolate cake is as buttery and tasty as it is caloric. We capped it off in the Commodore Club with its sunken alcoves and pianist with a glass of cabernet and then headed to the Grand Lounge show, a medley of Broadway tunes performed by the ship’s attractive and classically trained Eastern European troupe.
It was 50’s night out on pool deck as the ship’s sultry singer and accompanist performed a number of familiar hits. We enjoyed a few romps around the promenade, stopping up forward to gaze at the constellations and a discreetly red Mars. A following wind belied the REGAL EMPRESS’ forward progress, although the rush of white foam along either side of the ship and slight pitch assured we were making speed on our course to Nassau.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
CARNIVAL GLORY and MAJESTY OF THE SEAS at Nassau, pre pivot.
Port bridge wing.
CARNIVAL GLORY and MAJESTY OF THE SEAS from REGAL EMPRESS at Nassau, post pivot.
I parted the curtains at 8:00, just as we passed the Nassau lighthouse and its wave-washed breakwater. By the time I got out on deck, REGAL EMPRESS was pivoting in the basin, preparing to back stern-in to her berth near the CARNIVAL GLORY and MAJESTY OF THE SEAS. Soon, the REGAL EMPRESS was empty and quiet with most passengers off to explore Nassau, giving us time to enjoy and explore her vintage features yet once more.
Open seating lunch included a tasty deviled egg starter, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, a very good fettucini al pesto and chocolate mousse.
REGAL EMPRESS at Nassau.
Imperial Majesty Of The Seas!
Dark, thickening clouds portended rain, which was fulfilled just as we completed a romp around the pier area for photos of the REGAL E and MAJESTY OF THE SEAS. Once back aboard, we enjoyed some freshly baked cookies and a mysteriously weak cappuccino by the pool.
Cabin S2 windows on the sea.
Atlantic sunset from the shelter of the forward Sun Deck vestibule.
Port Sun Deck twilight.
From forward Sun Deck.
At 5:00 MAJESTY blew her deep-throated whistle and thrust her way out of the harbor. REGAL E followed, entering the choppy seas as an opening of magenta sky on the port horizon framed the sunset.
Dinner included an excellent marinated and tender chicken main course and a very fresh fruit tart. We missed the company of Alain Chabot, REGAL E’s veteran hotel manager, who was mending from a knee operation. Alain is always a delight to sail with and has a good book’s worth of anecdotes from his long career on ships ranging from CN’s PRINCE GEORGE to RHAPSODY (ex STATENDAM) and the late OCEANBREEZE.
The Grand Lounge act featured a very competent R&B singer, although we yearned for the ship’s regular company and their always entertaining revue. We enjoyed more time under the stars at the stern and walking around the Boat Deck on another balmy night as we sailed against a southbound procession of Carnival, Costa, Princess, and HAL identi-ships. Although neither of us could justify the caloric intake, we stuck around for the Mexican buffet, finally getting to sleep at 2:00 AM.
Monday, March 3, 2008:
REGAL rain.
Empress REGAL to Princess ROYAL at Ft. Lauderdale.
Announcements began at 7:45. This time, when I parted the curtain, the REGAL E’s railings and port Sun Deck were drenched in rain. She had just picked up the Fort Lauderdale pilot, so I gathered the cameras and sought some shelter under the starboard wing to document our arrival. RCI’s ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS and ROYAL PRINCESS were the only other ships in port. The gloomy weather was an appropriately symbolic end to our all-too-short romp in the REGAL E. I always get a bit melancholy when I leave her behind but am happy to see her with a full passenger complement and in such great condition.
Anyone with the slightest interest in ocean liners or appreciation for old world craftsmanship and style that does not sail in REGAL EMPRESS before 2010 is really missing out on a great opportunity.
Fortunately, the next chapter of my latest Florida-based adventure was about to begin, so it was off to Miami and the BALMORAL’s maiden U.S. sailing.
Very Special Thanks to: Martin Cox, Rob DiStefano, Stephanie Serviates
