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secretcastle

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    Ruby Princess observations

    in Princess Cruises

    Posted

    On 1/31/2024 at 5:33 PM, MrSchwump said:

    We got off the Ruby this past Monday, 1/29.  Here are some observations about the ship and the cruise.

    Our first Princess cruise was in 2006 about the Ruby’s sister ship, the Caribbean Princess so we were familiar with the general layout. Our most recent cruises have been on the Regal, Royal and Enchanted Princess.  I liked the smaller size of the Ruby in many ways.  I thought it was easier to move about the Ruby than the larger vessels.  I loved the Promenade deck that went all the way around the vessel. This was great for walking!

    It seemed like there were lots of smaller spaces for people to lounge.  There were plenty of lounge chairs and I never saw any chair hogging activity, unlike on the bigger boats. I really enjoyed the “secret deck” above the bridge.  This was a great spot to watch our canal transit from!

    A special and unexpected highlight of the cruise was juggler Victor Rubilar.  He was very funny and engaging.  He always had a packed house in the Piazza.  Do not miss his act if you get the chance.  The house band, Pinnacle, was also excellent.  They did reggae, R&B, country and jazz.  Very talented players!

    There were a few downsides to an older, smaller ship. She was a little shopworn, with some minor dings here and there, but overall she was in great shape.  The buffet was a little small especially compared to the Royal class ships.  As such, I felt like the choices were limited.  Food was still good, just not as many options. The outdoor smoking section wasn’t nearly as nice as on the bigger ship either.

    My biggest complaint was the lack of AC power outlets in the staterooms.  With all the devices that people carry now and the charging needs these devices have there really needs to be more power outlets! I saw a lot of geezers like me who carried a CPAP on board and I had a heck of a time getting electricity for it.  Our steward came up with a heavy extension cord but it was somewhat inconvenient having to run it across the floor. This is something Princess really needs to address.

    My wife complained that the hair dryer was too weak.

    The food was generally good.  My only complaints were the size of the Yankee Pot Roast serving.  It was ridiculously small.  The worst thing was the liquid concoction that they were passing off as iced tea.  It was the color of weak chocolate milk and tasted vile.  Every other drink was fine but this was gawd-awful!

    All, told it was a very nice cruise and I would recommend the Ruby and the Panama Canal itinerary!

    Thank you for your review:) Glad you had a nice cruise.

    Is the deck above the bridge only for Panama viewing or perhaps glaciers as well ? If so, how would we access this? 
    Thanks 😊

    Tracy Arm and Endicott

    in Alaska

    Posted

    :)

    We sail on Celebrity Solstice on 09/15 and I have been watching the marine traffic website. I am just wondering why some cruise lines opt for Tracy Arm while others do Endicott Arm? Solstice seems to always choose Endicott. I have read both are beautiful and I know we will enjoy whatever we get but I just wondered why.

    We were just on the 14 day Amsterdam and did Endicott Arm. The captain had the choice between it and Tracy Arm. He chose Endicott, not because he couldn't get in to Tracy Arm as many people thought, but since so many ships go there it causes more ice from calving andwe would not have been able to get nearly as close as we did in Endicott. Many ships are going to Juneau on the same day as Tracy Arm and have no choice because it is way farther to get to Endicott and they would not have time.

    Our captain said he prefers Endicott over Tracy Arm if given a choice and we had a wonderful day and got very close.

    Have a fantastic cruise!!!

    14 Day Alaska cruise on HAL Amsterdam - 7/31 departure

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    We were on this cruise as well. It was our first HAL cruise, but it won't be our last! It was fantastic! Some observations...

    The ship seemed to be in great condition, but is a bit outdated.

    Entertainment...the evening shows were mostly pretty good. The comedian on the first night (I have forgotten her name) was absolutely awful. The Amsterdam singers and dancers were very good!

    People ... awesome! We met so many nice people on the cruise!

    We were there too- met so many great people and I was impressed for the most part at how polite people were and lined up for things instead of pushing. We found the decor in need of updating as well, although it did bring me back to feeling like I was on a cruise a long time ago 😀

    I try to be very open minded and forgiving with entertainers but agree that comedian the first night was terrible and we did not find her funny at all. Hopefully she is not back for the future Cruisers to deal with.

    Happy sails in the future!

    HAL 14 day cruise to Aaska --- Question

    in Alaska

    Posted

    :)We just got back yesterday from the 14 day on the Amsterdam. In Anchorage we went out on our own. This ship docks at the container dock that is right in Anchorage. As it is a working dock we had to be shuttled into town which only took about 15 minutes and the driver gave us great commentary on the way in. They drop you close to the tourist info building which serves as a hub for tours. From there we took the Trolley City tour which lasted about 50 minutes and was $20 each. We really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Then we took a shuttle to the Anchorage Zoo . I was a bit apprehensive about the name zoo but it was really more of an animal rehab facility as they care for many animals that have been orphaned and injured. We really enjoyed it.

    Once back we took the free shuttle to the Ulu Factory which ended up being a bit of a waste of time for us, except that we did enjoy walking around behind it and watching the many people fish for salmon in the river there .

    After that we walked around town, went to a national museum, and old historic hotel, the little Iditarod museum and also popped into the shopping mall that is right by the tourist info, and has a really nice day.

    Enjoy your cruise !

    Has the Amsterdam lost its library yet?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Hi Dr. Dobro,

     

    Just off the Amsterdam and the library was still there. No librarian and it was interesting finding books as they weren't in much of an order but there were plenty. You take the book and then return it to the book drop.

     

    Karen

    Do they accept books that we bring along ourselves and want to donate in?

    Just Off Eurodam Alaska-Never Again

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    We'll be returning to HAL & Alaska next week & my son now 8.5 is beyond excited. (We don't watch movies/play video games at home, so that for him is part of the vacation experience. We also don't have a children's menu at home...)

     

    ❤️❤️❤️ Have a wonderful trip! I travelled with my mom when I was a child and often one of very few kids and was quite spoiled by the staff - it was great!

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