Page seven: REGAL EMPRESS Tour, Continued

Facing aft toward the main stairtower from REGAL EMPRESS' forward Sun Deck foyer. Aside from the new deco themed posters, it is still very much the OLYMPIA's Radio Square. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Sun Deck begins as it always has, with an outside full wraparound teak covered promenade leading aft under clusters of lifeboats to what is now called the Mermaid Terrace. Internally, the forward section is devoted to officers' accommodation (the aft port portion of which used to house the Radio Room). The former Radio Square continues aft of a narrow athwartships vestibule that links the port and starboard promenades. Sandwiched between largely original suites 1 and 2, it retains its splendid paneling and circular ceiling ventilator. Fresh new carpeting and recently added art deco-themed posters are a nice touch in this foyer that leads to the top of the forward stairtower.

Suite 9 is an Admiral Suite grade, one of the finest on the ship. It still features much of its original OLYMPIA wood paneling and furniture. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

On either side of the stairtower, passageways lead aft along the Sun Deck accommodation. On this level, midships suites 9 (non smoking) and 10, on starboard and port side, respectively, are second only to 1 and 2 (see OLYMPIA tour) in size and amenities. These units are four of seven in the highest, Admiral Suite (AS), category. With much of their rich paneling left intact, the rooms were opened up with the removal of the barriers between the bedroom and sitting areas. They can accommodate queen or king beds and can sleep a third on a convertible sofa.

One of the Category 4 outside staterooms on starboard Sun Deck. This particular room has some original OLYMPIA cabinetry, a brass window, and an original OLYMPIA chair. Otherwise, it has been refurbished with modern appointments.

The rest of the Sun Deck accommodation consists of 22 outside Category 4 (queen or king beds) and Category 5 (double fold-out beds) cabins. With a combination of original and refurbished fittings, they are attractive for their size and location. There are also three Category 7 inside cabins and one Category 12 inside (with upper/lower berths).

The Commodore Lounge is one of the most inviting spaces on board REGAL EMPRESS. The is a starboard view from the center section. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Although the 55 seat Commodore Club was reconfigured in 1982/3, it still retains much of its original allure and charm. Its raised 'tween decks midsection contains the long bar installed in 1983 and a piano, but the paneling and aft doors are bonafide OLYMPIA fittings. This sophisticated room is a perfect adjunct to the lively Mermaid, just aft.

The starboard sunken wing of the Commodore Lounge, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Perfect hideaways for intimate gatherings, the stepped down wings on either side of the Commodore Lounge are among the best nooks at sea with their zigzag brass railings, floor to ceiling windows, and glorious wood paneling.

The Mermaid, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

As detailed on the CARIBE I page, the 175 seat Mermaid Lounge was created by combining the OLYMPIA's former first class pool, gymnasium, and children's playroom areas. Daytime watering hole and relentless nighttime disco, its dance floor was once the pool and is presided over by an angled skylight. The diamond-shaped bar is aft, with its glass brick facade and etched glass panels loosely based on those to be seen in the Caribbean Dining Room.

Facing forward along the port section of the teak covered Sun Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Culminating at the Mermaid Terrace, the Sun Deck promenades are as originally built. Their delightfully sheered length can be shared by those in deck chairs and others who might fancy a walk in the sea air. Many new ships, for all their high tech allure, have sadly done away with a fully encircling promenade.

Facing aft toward the exquisitely proportioned forward superstructure from forward Promenade Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1996.

Promenade Deck begins with a generous open deck (which is accessed by stairs on forward Sun Deck). Another feature lacking on many new ships is ample forward observation space, which can be especially frustrating when sailing through scenic areas. Those who love classic ships can savor the view of REGAL EMPRESS' beautifully sculpted forward superstructure with its arced bridge wings.

Stateroom P2 was expanded in 2000 with the inclusion of a portion of the forward Promenade wraparound as its own private veranda. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Eleven Category 1 veranda staterooms begin the interior portion of this level, the verandas having claimed the forward enclosed promenade. In various sizes due to the semicircular facade of the superstructure, the largest verandas for cabins P1 -- 4 contain private Jacuzzis.

The spacious private veranda of stateroom P2 facing port/aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

The cabins, themselves, date from OLYMPIA's 1970 refit when the Mycenaean Room was eliminated. Two inside Category 10 staterooms are also located in this portion of Promenade Deck.

Facing forward along the port enclosed Promenade. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Glass enclosed promenades continue aft on either side. The aft portion of the starboard side was considerably remodeled to accommodate the expanded La Trattoria buffet area, but the port side remains largely original with polished wood decking, full length windows, and glistening bulkheads. This is where passengers embark when the ship is berthed at New York.

The forward portion of the Promenade Deck Tour Office is much as it was when built as OLYMPIA's Agora. The smaller shops on either side had to be removed to conform to the latest S.O.L.A.S. regulations. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Once OLYMPIA's Agora with gift, beauty, and barber shops catering to first class clientele, REGAL EMPRESS' forward Promenade Deck Lobby retains its beautifully veneered forward portion and its circular ceiling recess. It is now a shore excursion office and the two side shops were removed to conform to the latest S.O.L.A.S. (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulations.

The classic Library, facing forward. On the right is a detailed view of one of the two carved wooden Greek Line crowns. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Sixteen Category 3 superior outside staterooms follow on either side, with two Category 7 insides and one Category 12 upper/lower. The 16 seat Library is centered at the tail end of the accommodation, retaining its original dark paneled mystique. The Dickensian painting, carved Greek Line crowns, and wood framed glass cabinets are unchanged. New soft fittings and a new chandelier are recent additions.

The Internet coffee bar, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

The upper level of the Cinema evolved first into the Mirage Disco balcony and in 2000 was given a complete overhaul as a 15 seat Children's Playroom on the starboard side and 30 person capacity Stu's Internet Coffee Bar (with five computer terminals) in the larger port portion. Now closed off from the lower part of the former double level room, Stu's also is used as REGAL EMPRESS' Sports Bar.

Facing forward from the Trattoria to the starboard enclosed promenade. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Just aft, the once enticing Atlantic Bar has surrendered most of its 1950s glamor for the sake of a better buffet facility and to accommodate ever stringent S.O.L.A.S. stairwell and lobby requirements. The starboard portion was opened up onto the promenade, renamed La Trattoria, and restyled in colorful tiled surfaces.

The aft promenade stairtower, facing forward. It was originally part of the open Atlantic Bar during OLYMPIA days. In recent times, the starboard portion was converted into the inboard section of La Trattoria and the port portion was enclosed to become the Card Room. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

A sliver of the forward center portion of the Atlantic Bar survives today as the upper level of the aft Promenade Deck stairtower. Here, the elevator casing, recessed ceiling with fans, and rich paneling have been carefully preserved. Some of the paneling removed from other portions of the space to make way for La Trattoria has been skillfully incorporated into the newly reconfigured area.

The Card Room, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

The port portion of the Atlantic Bar was sealed off from the stairtower (S.O.L.A.S. again), but has also been thoughtfully preserved with a combination of well-tended original paneling and modern fireproof simulations. In its new guise as the Card Room, it has 1950s built chairs from the Caribbean Dining Room

The sheltered outdoor pool bar, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

The Pool Bar was constructed over the basin of the original tourist class Promenade Deck pool in 1982/3 and fronts the generous lido area. The terrace built on Sun Deck, above, provides shelter for those utilizing this open air watering hole.

A look forward from the fantail on Promenade Deck level. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

With its constantly renewed and fresh surfacing and inviting pool, the aft Promenade Deck lido has a plenty of sunning area. The pool, itself, was built for OLYMPIA's 1970 refit, and is the only one of three passenger pools to survive to this day.

Continue here for REGAL EMPRESS tour continued: page eight (final)

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