New Cruiser -- Sailing the Ruby Princess

[Chickugg]

Hello all! So essentially, this is my first cruise. Ever! Me & my family are sailing on the Ruby Princess in balcony cabins on the Aloha deck to Alaska. So, as you can imagine, we have no idea what we are doing. Any tips (about anything) would be helpful!! I have been scouring google for help, but I can never find anything from this year about the boat. I don't mean to be so ambiguous but seriously anything will help! Like tips on how to check in on the first day to how to get the best seats in the shows, your experiences. We would all be so grateful to hear your experiences!:):D

 

Specifically, there are actually quite a few things I would like to know that are actually so nitpicky, but it would just be nice to know:o. (Also, I may have to add a few more questions as my curiosity will pique more as the cruise gets closer)!

 

--Should I change my dining from traditional 8 pm to Anytime (we most likely will sit with the same people and we do usually eat at around 7:30-8)...

--What is the Shockwaves Program like? Is it something I could take my 9 yr old boy to do whenever (like play video games and have play dates) or is it really a good experience? I mean I have 2 mature teenagers, and I don't want this little one to be left out, but at the same time I don't want him to miss out on a good adventure (or relaxation) of the cruise.

--How good is the shopping? I need to purchase a new pair of RayBans, and I was considering just using part of my SBC to buy them, so can I use my SBC? Are the prices reasonable, or even cheaper than on land?

--I have heard of a thing where at the end of the cruise, the souvenirs are extremely inexpensive... Is it true? I think they said that they put them in the dining room and everyone takes their pick for cheap..?

--What is the teen spa like? One of my daughters wasn't able to book an appointment because she is too young, so is it as good as the adult spa? Are the prices more reasonable?

--For 3 people staying in one room, how do they have the beds if there is no roll away?

--I have heard that the MUTS are generally pretty good, so I was wondering if anyone recently went on a Princess Cruise & would be willing to tell me what the movies were? I'm just curious and want to see like the caliber, so to speak, of the movies that they show so that I can plan accordingly.

--Are there any age restrictions on the live shows? If so what are they? Also, what are the live shows? Do they have them every night?

--Is there free ice-cream full time or only in the buffet?

--To anyone who has been on an Alaskan Cruise in mid august: did you ever see the northern lights (auralious boreolis <<I am aware that I butchered the spelling:p)? I realize its rare, but I just want to know..

--Is the library any good? It appears to be super small, but I was wondering if the quality was good? I am really into social science books, so if there is a wide selection, that would be great!

 

Wow guys, sorry! I didn't mean to write so much, but I guess there is a lot that I want to know! Thank you so much if you could help me out!! We are so excited for our very first cruise!! We would appreciate if you could give us any tips or any experiences about your cruise (and your stateroom)!! Under 2 months left!!:eek::cool:

 

PS -- How many ships does Princess have that are called Ruby? Do they have the "one and only", or do they have multiple? I have always wondered. I guess the sister ships could be like another version of the ship.. I would assume that the answer is the same for all other cruise lines too!

Edited June 24, 2015 by Chickugg
Had another question.

[JF - retired RRT]

I have been scouring google for help Scour here, lots more information.

 

Also, I may have to add a few more questions as my curiosity will pique more as the cruise gets closer Join your roll call

 

--Should I change my dining from traditional 8 pm to Anytime (we most likely will sit with the same people and we do usually eat at around 7:30-8)...It is your choice. That time of night, there is usually no crowd

 

--How good is the shopping? Mostly overpriced. I need to purchase a new pair of RayBans, and I was considering just using part of my SBC to buy them, so can I use my SBC?Any purchases made on board are applied to your OBC. Are the prices reasonable? No

--I have heard of a thing where at the end of the cruise, the souvenirs are extremely inexpensive... Is it true? I think they said that they put them in the dining room and everyone takes their pick for cheap..? There will be a "sale". Some things are $10 (for something you could buy at WalMart for $8). You might find a bargain.

 

--For 3 people staying in one room, how do they have the beds if there is no roll away? There will be a bed that drops down from the ceiling if you are in a balcony. Also, a small sofa w/a pull-out. If inside or ocean view - the beds are bunks that are attached to the wall. When folded up, you can bump your head, in in a queen configuration.

--I have heard that the MUTS are generally pretty good, so I was wondering if anyone recently went on a Princess Cruise & would be willing to tell me what the movies were? Some sports, old taped concerts and movies. The last time we tried to watch a movie, the sound was so bad we left.

--Are there any age restrictions on the live shows? Usually, family friendly, maybe a little less so at the late show. But if you dine at 8, you won't make the late shows.Also, what are the live shows? Comedians, singers, magic, etc. Do they have them every night? Usually something

--Is there free ice-cream full time or only in the buffet? Soft serve on the pool deck is always free. Rarely available in the buffet. Very good scooped ice cream in the MDR every night.

 

--Is the library any good? Small, but OK. Bring a Kindle

When you get to your cabin, ask the steward for a top sheet.

If you board before 1:30, one of the MDRs is usually open for lunch. The buffet is a zoo on the first day.

You can carry on as much soda as you want. Buy a case, slap a luggage tag on it and turn it in with your checked luggage.

I you drink bottled water, save some $$$ and drink the ship's water. It is cleaner.

[Eaglecw]

We just got off the Ruby last Sunday. I've been trying to write a full report but I'm still trying to get caught up. I'd keep the 8pm sitting for dinner. We always do the late dinner sitting and it works out well for us. They have 2 shows on most nights, we made all of them, some before dinner and some after. I heard some complaints with anytime dinning with large parties trying to get large table so they could eat together. This not the case with the 8pm traditional dinning. I walk in at 8pm, go to my table sit down and have dinner, no waiting.

[rdsqrl]

No sofa/love seat unless you're in a mini-suite, which you're not since you're on Aloha Deck. If you're in an inside, the extra bunk will be wall-mounted and fold down (steward will take care of this). If you're in an balcony cabin, it'll drop down from the ceiling (ditto).

 

Since it's your first time, I'd stick with Traditional Dining -- everyone should experience it once because there's really nothing like it on land. And there most certainly can be a crowd in Anytime at 8-ish. With a child, you'll probably find having to get a pager and wait to be very annoying. With TD, you can just walk right in to your table.

 

You will not miss the late shows; they're timed to work with late-seating dining (that said, sometimes the show for late seating is held before dinner -- the daily newsletter, the Patter, will clearly indicate that). The main production shows are song-and-dance stuff. There are also comedians, etc. Often there will be entertainment in the Piazza that's kid-friendly (jugglers, weird stuff like that).

 

Definitely take the kid to the club -- most kids seem to love it, and they do all kinds of activities with them, especially in Alaska. It's not like school -- he doesn't have to stay if he hates it!

 

Top sheet? Really, that's a thing that a first-timer needs to know? OP, the beds are made in the European style with duvets. There is no need for a top sheet; you'll be fine.

 

Bring your own reading material, especially if you like non-fiction. Kindle is definitely the way to go!

 

No alarm clock in the cabins; bring one with you.

 

There's only one Ruby Princess in the fleet. She has two identical twin sisters, the Crown and Emerald. My #1 tip: study the deck plans before you go. It can be very, very helpful or else you'll find yourself hopelessly lost when onboard. You will anyway, but once the initial shock wears off, having studied, you won't be quite as lost.

[Colo Cruiser]

Welcome to Cruise Critic, one of the first things we ask Stewart for is a top sheet. No way I will sleep without one. ;)

 

Post often. :D

[pris993]

You are in for a treat, the Ruby is my favorite ship in the fleet...if you get a chance check out Sabatini's... it is a loving dininroom atop the ship. We love the veal chops on the menu and always order if available.

 

I have 20+ cruises on Princess, love traditional late dining... so recommend you do not change to anytime dining.

 

Actually think the spa services are over priced and over rated, so I don't use - I am a senior so too late for me to worry about spa treatments, smile.

 

MUTS... really depends on the weather... they generally first run movies... but you are sitting out side. I cruise more than one line, some have the same movies available in the cabin... can't recall whether Princess does or not but you can check it out. Maybe someone else here knows. If they do, I would order hot chocolate or something and enjoy the movie inside.

 

While I think it is good for you to plan... I would suggest you simply board and explore, enjoying the moments.

 

Alaska is fun, small towns and ports... if you see any wild life you will be lucky. Maybe a whale, maybe an eagle, rarely a bear...

[skynight]

Hello all! So essentially, this is my first cruise. Ever! Me & my family are sailing on the Ruby Princess in balcony cabins on the Aloha deck to Alaska.

Balcony Cat. Cabins have upper berths that come down from the ceiling. No sofa. The balcony has 2 chairs and a small table.

Like tips on how to check in on the first day

RT Seattle? Generally boarding at U.S. ports starts around noon, with priority boarders first and then general boarding shortly after. Arrive at the port around 10:30/11am. Print out your luggage tags and boarding passes on line. Make sure you have all your official documents like passports, birth certificates etc on you not packed away. You will not be allowed to board without the proper official documents. Review documents required and other information at the FAQ's on the Princess.com. Baggage handlers will be at the pier to collect your luggage (except carry on). There is staff at the doors to assist you if you have any questions. Each person will be required to complete a short health form as they enter the terminal. You then go through security. Once through security you go to the counter to check in and get your cruise cards. Every passenger has their own cruise card including youth. The cruise card is your on board cash, your cabin key and your ID to get on and off the ship. Carry it with you at all times. No cash is used on board except in the casino and extra tips for the staff. You are then seated in a waiting area until your group is called to board. The boarding process goes quickly. Arrive at the port around 10:30/11am. Once boarded go directly to your cabin it will be ready.

how to get the best seats in the shows, your experiences. We would all be so grateful to hear your experiences!

No really bad seats at shows. Production shows are usually full. The 8/8:30 shows usually are full and you have to arrive at least 30mins early. Later shows and earlier shows are not as full.

 

 

--Should I change my dining from traditional 8 pm to Anytime (we most likely will sit with the same people and we do usually eat at around 7:30-8)...

Normally ATD is very busy in the 6pm hour, but starting at 7:30pm it is fairly easy to get a table since an additional DR is open starting at 7:30. If you like to dine late there really isn't too much difference.

 

--How good is the shopping? I need to purchase a new pair of RayBans, and I was considering just using part of my SBC to buy them, so can I use my SBC? Are the prices reasonable, or even cheaper than on land?

If you are from the U.S. there are better bargins on land or on the internet.

--I have heard of a thing where at the end of the cruise, the souvenirs are extremely inexpensive... Is it true? I think they said that they put them in the dining room and everyone takes their pick for cheap..?

There will be a US$10 sale in one of the DR's. There are some good items. It isn't at the end of the cruise, but on the morning of one of the sea days.

--I have heard that the MUTS are generally pretty good

During the day they have old classic movies, in the evening new movies like the ones just released on DVD. The schedule is in the Princess Patter. It may be too cold and damp to sit outside on deck at night.

--Are there any age restrictions on the live shows? If so what are they? Also, what are the live shows? Do they have them every night?

Children under certain ages are asked not to sit in the first 3 rows. Live shows are Production shows with singing and dancing: magic shows; comedy shows; singers; instrumentalist; and other. They have them almost every night. Check the Princess Patter each day.

--Is there free ice-cream full time or only in the buffet?

Free soft Ice Cream at the ice cream and Pizza bar by the Lido Pool from 11am to 11pm each day. Not in the buffet

--Is the library any good? It appears to be super small, but I was wondering if the quality was good? I am really into social science books, so if there is a wide selection, that would be great!

Small. This is the trend on all ships as more and more are into electronic books.

!:eek::cool:

 

See above

[stoneharborlady]

LOL, I must have a top sheet too. The duvet is just too warm, unless it is 30 degrees.

 

Be sure to check out the International Cafe for a quick lunch, late night snack (open 24 hours) or a much needed chicken salad or pastry. Really wonderful, my favorite place for snacking.

 

The Ruby is a fabulous ship!

[sh2738]

LOL, I must have a top sheet too. The duvet is just too warm, unless it is 30 degrees.

 

 

 

Be sure to check out the International Cafe for a quick lunch, late night snack (open 24 hours) or a much needed chicken salad or pastry. Really wonderful, my favorite place for snacking.

 

 

 

The Ruby is a fabulous ship!

 

 

Glad to hear about the Ruby being great. Board for the first time on princess in her next weekend ton Alaska [emoji16]

[havasuharry1]

Question on cabin P310--is it noisy? First time on Ruby and was told this was an "upgraded" cabin from an interior for the Alaskan cruise. Thanks for any help.

[sherryf]

You can see the Patters for the Shockwaves club from our Alaska sailing back in 2011 here. They are the first ones at the top of the page that say Shockwaves. On our cruise, there were enough kids in this age group that they split the group into 9-10 year old and 11-12 year old groups. These Patters are from the 11-12 group, but will give you a pretty good idea of activities.

[Moondawgie]

My advice is bring 1/2 the clothes and 2X the $$$.

 

Ask your Cabin Steward if you need anything special (like top sheet or egg crate), ice bucket filled. IMO, leave auto tip on and tip extra if you get special treatment.

 

Write down staff names for comment card. They get promoted this way.

 

Bring $1 bills for tipping (typical room service tip is about $1-$5 depending on what you get). Porters outside ship will ask for tips - I do it because I want to see my luggage again.;)

 

I like traditional late dining (but that's just me). Gives you plenty of time to come back from excursions and even take a nap if needed.

 

Spa is very expensive and come with a hard sell (unless you tell them up front not to even try to sell you something for a better tip).

 

Bring a clock.

 

Don't try to do everything. Try to make a real vacation.

 

Laundry rooms are available if you really want to pack light(er).

 

Don't let rude people ruin your week. There will be chair hogs and line jumpers. Prepare your attitude about them and try to chill.

 

Any questions on board, to go Purser's desk.

 

Just have fun and enjoy the family.

[Moondawgie]

Oh, and leave clothes out for debarkation day so you don't leave the ship naked.:D

[catugirl]

We have had great experiences with Anytime Dining. We enjoy the flexibility. On one cruise we were a party of nine for dinners, and we found a waiter we really loved, so we requested to have him every night, and it was no problem. With ATD you can call and make reservations (reservations phone #listed in the Patter) or you can just show up. We never had to wait. We like to eat about 7:15 or 7:30.

 

The MDR is formal on formal nights; whereas, the buffet is not. There are two formal nights on a seven day cruise. If you want to have dinner in a specialty restaurant (for a fee), both Crown Grill an Sabatini's are good.

 

Alaska varies greatly in temperature from south to north. When we were at Hubbard Glacier, it was about 40 degrees. By the the time we arrived in Vancouver, it was in the 70's. Take layers, including a waterproof windbreaker. You will love Alaska...such beautiful scenery.

[partybarbie]

As far as the shopping goes, it depends what you are looking for. While I've never purchased Ray Bans on the ships, the Estee Lauder make-up is about 30% less than what I would pay in California. There's no sales tax, so if you live in a high tax state like me, that's almost a 10% savings. DH smokes and I was able to buy his cigarettes for $20.00 a carton. On one cruise, there was a special on charm bracelets for $15.00. It doesn't cost anything to go look and check stuff out.

[TXRed]

I just want to thank all of you who took the time to answer the OP..so often I see a snarky response telling someone to search for the answers. Experienced cruisers often fail to remember their first cruise or destination and how excited your were and wanted to know it all!! Hat tip to all of you!!

[Moondawgie]

I just want to thank all of you who took the time to answer the OP..so often I see a snarky response telling someone to search for the answers. Experienced cruisers often fail to remember their first cruise or destination and how excited your were and wanted to know it all!! Hat tip to all of you!!

 

When I ask a question, I love when people reply. We were all 1st timers at one time - when I was one, there was no Cruise Critic or Internet at all. I have learned so much since then (much more when I don't search and just ask).

[Cruisin' Chick]

Hello all! So essentially, this is my first cruise. Ever! Me & my family are sailing on the Ruby Princess in balcony cabins on the Aloha deck to Alaska. So, as you can imagine, we have no idea what we are doing. Any tips (about anything) would be helpful!! I have been scouring google for help, but I can never find anything from this year about the boat. I don't mean to be so ambiguous but seriously anything will help! Like tips on how to check in on the first day to how to get the best seats in the shows, your experiences. We would all be so grateful to hear your experiences!:):D

 

Specifically, there are actually quite a few things I would like to know that are actually so nitpicky, but it would just be nice to know:o. (Also, I may have to add a few more questions as my curiosity will pique more as the cruise gets closer)!

 

--Should I change my dining from traditional 8 pm to Anytime (we most likely will sit with the same people and we do usually eat at around 7:30-8)... We are major fans of traditional dining (and the late seating). The one time we had anytime dining, we disliked it -- hubby found it disorganized and felt rushed by the waitstaff, and on that cruise, we ended up eating half of the 14 nights in the buffet. On our Alaskan cruise, we only had one port that was in the evening so we never had a problem with getting to our seating.

--What is the Shockwaves Program like? Is it something I could take my 9 yr old boy to do whenever (like play video games and have play dates) or is it really a good experience? I mean I have 2 mature teenagers, and I don't want this little one to be left out, but at the same time I don't want him to miss out on a good adventure (or relaxation) of the cruise. My daughter has been in that group (when it was called the Pirateers) as a 7 and 8 year on a couple of cruises. On the Alaskan cruise, they made models of a glacier and of the solar system. There's quite a few activities. Make sure your kids go the first night to meet the kids in their age group. Even the teens -- that's when they make friends for the rest of the cruise (my daughter was 13 and 15 on our last two cruises). They don't have to be there all the time. You'll get a day by day schedule in your cabin for both Shockwaves and Remix so they can see what days are not to be missed.

--How good is the shopping? I need to purchase a new pair of RayBans, and I was considering just using part of my SBC to buy them, so can I use my SBC? Are the prices reasonable, or even cheaper than on land?

I've been to a couple of the sales. Mostly drek that you probably wouldn't want or can find better deals with brand names on Amazon.

--I have heard of a thing where at the end of the cruise, the souvenirs are extremely inexpensive... Is it true? I think they said that they put them in the dining room and everyone takes their pick for cheap..? Usually on the last day, there will be a "sale" of logo items. Princess tees, sweats, and hats. Usually three for the price of two or something like that.

--What is the teen spa like? One of my daughters wasn't able to book an appointment because she is too young, so is it as good as the adult spa? Are the prices more reasonable? I didn't know there was a teen spa. My girl didn't mention anything like that, or this was started in the last couple of years. Probably better to check out something similar at home.

--For 3 people staying in one room, how do they have the beds if there is no roll away? As said, there's beds that come down from the ceiling or the wall in cabins that accommodate three or four persons. The cabin steward will pull down the bed and set up the ladder during turn down service time while you're at dinner. In the morning, the steward will return the bed to the wall or ceiling.

--I have heard that the MUTS are generally pretty good, so I was wondering if anyone recently went on a Princess Cruise & would be willing to tell me what the movies were? I'm just curious and want to see like the caliber, so to speak, of the movies that they show so that I can plan accordingly.

Usually movies that have just been released on DVD or some oldies (based on your itinerary or if it's during a holiday, which won't be for your cruise, holiday movies). Maybe major sporting events (but if you can't miss a baseball game,etc., best to record it for viewing post cruise). Concert films for the daytime. Some of the nighttime movies could be rated R so keep that in mind. Some of those movies might be shown on the in-cabin TV, which gets several channels, but no broadcast networks. Some programmed channels. The bridge cam channel. The navigation channel.

 

--Are there any age restrictions on the live shows? If so what are they? Also, what are the live shows? Do they have them every night?

 

If there's an age restriction, such as for a midnight comedy show, that will be listed in the Patter for the day. We started taking our little one to the big production shows from her first cruise on (23 months of age). On our last cruise, she even ditched her friends and went with us to the Motown show and the British Invasion show. If your kids aren't into song and dance shows it might not be for them. There's also variety acts, especially in the Grand Atrium which is called the Piazza -- the Plaza deck midships. That's also where the International Cafe is on many Princess ships. Open 24/7 so if you wake up at 1am hungry, you'll find food there. Best chocolate chip cookies ever!

The casino will have an age restriction at 21 years.

--Is there free ice-cream full time or only in the buffet?

It's been some five or six years maybe since the mid-afternoon ice cream in the Horizon was dropped. But at the same time, the Sundaes bar by the pool stopped charging for soft serve ice cream. You can get some nifty hand made and interesting flavored-ice cream at meals in the main dining rooms. The Sundaes bar is just open from late morning to about 11pm.

 

--To anyone who has been on an Alaskan Cruise in mid august: did you ever see the northern lights (auralious boreolis <<I am aware that I butchered the spelling:p)? I realize its rare, but I just want to know..

 

Our Alaskan cruise was in mid-August, but I don't think this was seen from our ship --else, I would have hard. One thing to know is that it will stay light until late evening.

 

--Is the library any good? It appears to be super small, but I was wondering if the quality was good? I am really into social science books, so if there is a wide selection, that would be great!

 

I always bring my own books and a word puzzle magazine.

 

Wow guys, sorry! I didn't mean to write so much, but I guess there is a lot that I want to know! Thank you so much if you could help me out!! We are so excited for our very first cruise!! We would appreciate if you could give us any tips or any experiences about your cruise (and your stateroom)!! Under 2 months left!!:eek::cool:

 

PS -- How many ships does Princess have that are called Ruby? Do they have the "one and only", or do they have multiple? I have always wondered. I guess the sister ships could be like another version of the ship.. I would assume that the answer is the same for all other cruise lines too!

 

Princess calls each ship by a different name. There are some names that get reused like the Regal and Crown, but usually there's a few years between when the first one gets decommissioned and the new one gets built.

 

My biggest piece of advice is to get to your embarkation city (Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco) at least a day early. Very important.

 

Also make sure to be ready to get up on the glacier cruising day (it should be listed in your itinerary). Not to be missed.

 

In addition, don't overplan. You can decide now what to do in port, but even then, often it's fun to be flexible. In Skagway, we had an afternoon tour into the Yukon Pass, but during the day we walked around the town. We ran into a ranger giving a historic tour about the mining days and we learned a lot. So we followed them (it was a free tour) and ended up at the Moore House, which was fascinating. We may have missed it otherwise. Definitely do not try to plan out your days at sea. Every night you'll get the next day's Patter which is the schedule of activities -- check it out to see what you might want to do but also play it by ear.

[LoveByrds]

Hi Chichugg! You are going to have a fabulous time! My husband and i cruised on the Golden in 2013 and will be on the Ruby in September! Woo hoo! I don't have many answers, but thought i would chime in cause it is nice to have different opinions and if you're anything like me, more information is always better! :)

 

Hello all! So essentially, this is my first cruise. Ever! Me & my family are sailing on the Ruby Princess in balcony cabins on the Aloha deck to Alaska. So, as you can imagine, we have no idea what we are doing. Any tips (about anything) would be helpful!! I have been scouring google for help, but I can never find anything from this year about the boat. I don't mean to be so ambiguous but seriously anything will help! Like tips on how to check in on the first day to how to get the best seats in the shows, your experiences. We would all be so grateful to hear your experiences!:):D

 

--Should I change my dining from traditional 8 pm to Anytime (we most likely will sit with the same people and we do usually eat at around 7:30-8)... We chose anytime dining because we want flexibility. But meeting and bonding with a group of people during traditional dining sounds nice too.

 

--How good is the shopping? I need to purchase a new pair of RayBans, and I was considering just using part of my SBC to buy them, so can I use my SBC? Are the prices reasonable, or even cheaper than on land? I personally didn't find the prices on board reasonable, but i come from a sales tax free state. I bought a couple souvenirs of the ship and a lipglass that was around $16 and that's it. And i think the lipglass was wayyyy overpriced. lol

 

--I have heard of a thing where at the end of the cruise, the souvenirs are extremely inexpensive... Is it true? I think they said that they put them in the dining room and everyone takes their pick for cheap..? What i remember is the souvenirs were from the ships prior sailings (IE: Tropical items while we were in Alaska), a bunch of ladies tops, belts, ties, watches and similar lower cost items. I'd save your money and spend it in the ports imho, but some people were buying things like it was the last Tickle Me Elmo on Christmas Eve - lol.

 

--Is there free ice-cream full time or only in the buffet? On deck 15 (pool deck) there is the Pizza and Ice cream bar! Yay for ice cream! My husband got the "Unlimited Soda And More Package" and milk shakes are included in its price. So i wonder if milk shakes are usually a fee? BTW - if you haven't looked into the specialty drink packages i think they are pretty great! http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/food_dining/casual_dining/

 

--To anyone who has been on an Alaskan Cruise in mid august: did you ever see the northern lights (auralious boreolis <<I am aware that I butchered the spelling:p)? I realize its rare, but I just want to know.. I've been told that we probably won't see it on my September cruise but i forget all the reasons why. If your awake in the middle of the night it would be worth trying though right!?

 

--Is the library any good? It appears to be super small, but I was wondering if the quality was good? I am really into social science books, so if there is a wide selection, that would be great! I'd bring your own reading materials, how sad it would be if you couldn't find a good book! That would about kill me!

 

 

Personal/random recommendations:

The International Cafe is free and has the BEST desserts, snacks, & food! (There are a some fee items, just watch for signs.)

You can order multiple apps/entres/desserts - a great way for the family to share a taste of something new.

Print out the deck plans at home and carry them around the first few days (or the whole cruise if you're like me and get lost easily!)

Take everyone's recommendations with a grain of salt - we are all so different it is hard to determine what is right for each person :)

Have soo much fun! Come back and tell us all about it!

[SoCal Cruiser78]

Question on cabin P310--is it noisy? First time on Ruby and was told this was an "upgraded" cabin from an interior for the Alaskan cruise. Thanks for any help.

 

The Plaza deck cabins have been discussed on other threads, so you might do a search for in-depth info. IIRC, some love them for the convenience to the IC and ease of access upon boarding the ship from shore excursions, etc. Others have found them noisy, with cabins in P310's area prone to noise while underway from the stabilizers, as well as from non-passenger areas on deck 4 below.

 

If you are a light sleeper, you might reconsider your location. If not, you may love the convenience. Hope this helps :)!

Edited June 25, 2015 by SoCal Cruiser78

[caribill]

The International Cafe is free and has the BEST desserts, snacks, & food! (There are a some fee items, just watch for signs.)

 

 

Except for the ships that have gelato at the IC, there is no longer any charge for any food at the IC.

 

The foods that used to have a charge are no longer available there.

[havasuharry1]

SoCal cruiser 78 thank you for the info. My friends will take the cabin & have a good time & consider it part of the experience.

[shredie]

Oh, and leave clothes out for debarkation day so you don't leave the ship naked.:D

 

I heard of one man who had to wear the Princess bathrobe off the ship!

[TXRed]

When I ask a question, I love when people reply. We were all 1st timers at one time - when I was one, there was no Cruise Critic or Internet at all. I have learned so much since then (much more when I don't search and just ask).

 

I know that feeling. This is our first cruise on Princess and to Alaska...I so appreciate when someone takes the time to answer a question instead of answering with a 'do a search.' I have been reading everydday and have found out so much! We are 72 days out and sooooooooooo excited

[Eaglecw]

I find it rather odd that “Chickugg” hasn’t been back to comment or thank anyone for there comments. I think a lot of Blue cards or cruise virgins get disappointed or upset when they get on the ship and things don’t go the way that they feel they should go, I’ve seen this numerous times, nothing is 100% prefect all the time. On our last cruise our table mates didn’t have a clue about cruising and I blame their travel agent for this. They thought that they had to pay for dinner in the MDR. They didn’t know that they were being charged $11.50 per day, per person gratuity.