Admittedly, Regal Cruises’ Empress ship is overshadowed by the cruise industry’s towering lines; this is understandable though, since it is gaining on in years, and would soon be permanently stuck at port. Built in 1953, and after having undergone several ownerships and renovations, the Regal Empress remains a symbol of the golden era, with brass framing on etched panels of glass, the sheen of fine, polished mahogany, and teak decks. But for first-time cruisers who want a quick fix getaway, its two-trip voyages to the Caribbean offers easy comfort, or an intermission experience to a Florida vacation.
The ship provides two-day, two-way journeys the whole year round, starting from its home port of Fort Lauderdale and ends with the routine port stop of Nassau before turning back. Since the trip is pretty quick even for first-time cruisers who want to get an idea of what it’s like to sail in leisure at sea, most of the passengers are spring break vacationers who want to carve another notch on the logbook of their travel experiences. Your fellow passengers come from all generations, as the cruise is geared more to the family than anything else. Be forewarned though, although the Empress still complies with updated Safety-of-Life-at-Sea standards, it is not handicap-friendly. The decks are dotted with short flights of steps which may cause difficulty in mobility.
Although most of the accommodations are quite cramped when compared to modern cruise ships (the staterooms have been renovated as twin cabins, and claustrophobics should stay away from the standard cabins), you’ll probably spend less time at your room than at the entertainment offerings of the ship, since your journey is very limited. The Mirage Disco is a competent distraction for those who want to jiggy the night away, with a good-sized dance platform and a black-white themed setting. The Grand Lounge, the Empress best offering, is the staple venue for bingo sessions, showrooms, and the captain’s party, although you shouldn’t expect a Royal Caribbean; the ship is dated, but that’s part of its luring charm.
The dining experience is where the Regal Empress shines best. Although the menu on the Caribbean Dining Room is practically standard fair, they’re quite delectable even if compared to home-cooked meals. Breakfast offerings include the usual bacon and eggs, griddle cakes, and the like, as well as a variety of juices and salads. Lunch menus are hearty with pasta variants, grilled chicken, and clubhouse sandwiches, while dinner is plusher with the catch of the day serving as entrees, such as sea bass or salmon. A few regional cuisine alternatives are offered as well. La Trattoria, the other dining area, is open for the most part of the day and the evening, and is perfect for a quick bite or late-night snacks. Although the Regal Empress can’t be compared to larger cruise lines (as it shouldn’t be), it offers a quick roundtrip to the Caribbean while keeping you occupied during the journey. The impression lasts nonetheless, and you’ll be able to take more frequent trips due to the trips affordability, even if you bring along your own Brady Bunch for the journey.