Just off Ruby Princess March 5 - 12, 2023, and now sitting at IAH waiting for flight.
Cruise boarding started at 1:30 pm on the 5th. They listed boarding groups and time on emergency notification, but I arrived at 12:15 and was quickly up to Suite & Elite seating area (small lines). Shore staff apologized for no beverages and pastry in this seating areas, as restrictions due to prior cruise.
Kids clubs were supposed to be closed for 72 hours but then were allowed to reopen after 36 hours from sailing. Having no children, this was not a problem for me.
The crew serving the passengers in the buffet throughout the Cruise.
Not sure if related to prior week issue, but fruits for juice bar came late and they opened at 9 instead of 7. It appeared rest of morning they started at 7. This is at Calypso bar.
They served the bread and butter in the dining rooms, as well as sugar and sweetener, when these were wanted. Salt and Pepper shakers were consistently present on tables in the dining rooms from boarding.
Porters did apparently stop taking luggage on 5th at certain point (seems to be about 2:30) so many had to carry all bags on to ship. Checked bags with porters came later as well (was in room after dinner).
By the way, since boarding was delayed, DaVinci dining room opened on embarkation day for lunch from 1:30 to 3. This was a pleasant surprise.
It really was a normal cruise (from my experience), and we had to the most beautiful weather in the 3 ports and at sea.