Review-Ruby r/t Alaska Inner Passage May 8-15, 2016

[New York Nana]

Ketchikan - Tuesday - 6:30-2:30pm

 

 

Our 1st port and everyone was anxious to set foot on land!

 

The Ruby was actually the ONLY ship in ALL our ports (except for Victoria), so it was like having the towns to ourselves!

 

 

DH and I have done 3 prior Alaskan cruises (one way, south bound on the Island and Coral Princess). For the 1st time, we were docked right downtown (pier 2) so it was very easy walking.

 

This time around we were staying close to town. Mostly because he is not entirely recovered from heart surgery and I just had surgery 3 weeks prior to this trip.

 

So, in Ketchikan, we walked around town and for the 1st time we did the Lumberjack show. I have to say, it was a bit corny - but fun! It was a cool, overcast day, but their bleachers are covered and have overhead heaters. The further up you sit, the warmer it is.

 

Although we arrived in port at 6:30, we took our time that morning and walked off around 9:30. All aboard was 2:30.

 

 

 

Ye Olde Pub Night was held in the Explorers Lounge at 8 & 10 that night. Steve White, comedian, was in the Theater.

 

CRAB SHACK was offered that night (now cost $29pp). It was held in Cafe Caribe between 6-9:30. We did this last June and I really liked it - for $20. I'm not sure an almost 50% increase is worth it. BUT, if you're interested, you should call the 1st day on board to request a reservation. I suspect if you wait to see when it's offered in the Patters, the available times may be limited. It was also offered on Thursday (Skagway). Here's a photo of what I got last year:

 

 

Something new I hadn't seen before - "Vodka Tasting" from 4:30-5:30 in the Explorer's lounge.

 

More "North to Alaska" presentations.

 

Live music in Wheelhouse and Club Fusion.

 

Something else I've never seen before while cruising in Alaska.

 

There was a restriction on self-service laundromats.

 

"Due to strict environmental regulations in Alaskan waters, we are unable to operate the self-service laundromats on Aloha, Baja and Plaza decks from 6:00 am Tuesday, May 10th until 6:00pm Thursday, May 12th. The remaining laundromats on Emerald, Dolphin, Caribe and Riviera will remain in service"

 

We were on Baja and there was a sign on the door during this period stating they were unavailable and where to go instead.

 

We saw Steve White and had a few chuckles. We'd seen him in the past. The Ye Olde Pub night was a BLAST! I've seen it on other ships, but this one put them all to shame! You could tell that Peter and his staff really were enjoying themselves!

 

Oh - and I completely forgot about mentioning Michael Minor (the ventriloquist) on Monday night. We're not big fans of this medium of entertainment - but he is so much MORE than just ventriloquism! He has a gorgeous voice! And his 'grandpa' bit had everyone on the floor laughing! His 2nd show on Skagway night was standing room only and even funnier!

 

I'll be back!!

 

 

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[CarnyMan]

I am loving this review! We leave on the 29th on the Ruby and it is our first Princess cruise.

[lmkucala]

Loving your review - thanks!

 

I'm curious - what actually is the "Ye Olde Pub night"?

[New York Nana]

Wednesday: Tracy Arm Fjord (5:00-9:00) & Juneau (12:30-10:00)

 

OK, I lied. We were SUPPOSED to go to Tracy Arm - BUT (as the Captain announced early and the Naturalist repeated several times - I say this because I was amazed at the number of people who said they had no clue we didn't go to Tracy Arm!) the Pilot and the Captain determined that the heavy ice floe in the passage was too unsafe to expose the ship and passengers to. In its place, we sailed Endicott Arm.

 

OK, so honestly one of the reasons I booked this trip was to see Tracy Arm. Was I disappointed? Yup - until I saw what Endicott Arm offered. I can't compare it, but I was pretty impressed with our replacement.

 

I will also say that 5 years ago, on our 1st cruise to Alaska, we were unable to visit Hubbard Glacier (a big high point of the southbound trips) because of the heavy ice floe. A week prior to our trip, a HAL ship was seriously damaged by the ice. That cruise was cut short due to the extent of the damage and pax were flown home from Alaska without seeing most of the scheduled port stops.

 

Sooooo, I go with the Captain's decision every time!

 

Here's what Endicott showed us:

 

 

 

 

So, in short - I enjoyed the serenity and beauty of it all!

 

After cruising onward to Juneau (you can see from the photos that we had the PERFECT day! Clear, warm - unbelievable!), we docked at the Franklin Dock. We decided this time around to not book any excursions (we've done Harv & Marv Whale Watching 3 times before - DEFINITELY a favorite of ours!). We walked to town and had a drink (or 2 maybe) at the Red Dog Saloon. It was such a gorgeous day. We enjoyed the walk along the water front.

 

Several people were in line for the aerial ride (get tickets right near the port). It costs $33 pp for round trip.

 

For anyone who did an excursion to the glaciers by air, BOY did they luck out with this weather!

 

 

 

 

As I mentioned before, we had reservations for the Crown Grill that evening. There's only one (well maybe, two) things I get there. Filet mignon and lobster! Yes, thank you - thank you very much! I was NOT disappointed in my selection! The service was outstanding and I couldn't eat another morsel - well, I think I actually had a Norman Love dessert - well, I KNOW I did!! The price is now $29pp, which I was told when I called to make reservations.

 

Because of the late departure, ALL the MDR's were open seating. 2 started at 5:30 and Michelangelo opened at 6:30.

 

Boutiques were open from 8:00 am until arrival in Juneau and then reopened from sailing to midnight.

 

Casino was open till arrival and reopened 1 hour after sailing.

 

Local entertainer, Steve Hites, was onboard performing at 7 & 9 in the Explorers Lounge with local folklore and songs.

 

Iditarod Champion, Libby Riddles, was in the Princess Theater at 8:00.

 

Afternoon and evening Happy Hours were still held.

 

MUTS only at 10:30 with The Martian (noise restrictions limit outdoor announcements, etc)

 

OK - taking another break! Will be back soon!

 

 

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[New York Nana]

Loving your review - thanks!

 

I'm curious - what actually is the "Ye Olde Pub night"?

 

Thanks - I enjoy and live vicariously through reviews by other CC members, so I like to return the favor.

 

Ye Olde Pub night is a show put on by the Cruise Director, his staff and the house singers/dancers. It is a humerous replication of an old English pub with sing a longs, silly jokes and just a fun, audience participation show.

 

I haven't seen it on all our cruises - I think the itineraries determine if they have time for it.

 

We enjoyed this one with the CD - Peter Tredgett. He really has a huge personality and seems to really enjoy his job - as does his staff.

[karen_g]

I'm lovIng this review too! I am on the June 26th cruise and can't wait. A question about "Puppies in the Piazza": what time of day was this event held and how long did it last?

 

 

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[XBGuy]

NYN, those pictures are beautiful. You certainly did hit good weather.

 

Thanks for the report on Crown Grill. I'm now looking forward to it.

 

:)

[SubbyWife]

Reading your review has gotten me even more excited for our cruise than I already was! Husband and i are in the Ruby for the June 19th sailing. It will be our first cruise too.

[New York Nana]

I'm lovIng this review too! I am on the June 26th cruise and can't wait. A question about "Puppies in the Piazza": what time of day was this event held and how long did it last?

 

 

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The Puppies in the Piazza was listed in the Patters (say that 3 times! Ha!) to start at 3:00pm. We headed down a few minutes before and it was obvious it started a bit sooner than 3 - there was already many people there passing the puppies around. The CD announced that they would be still be there until around 4:00pm or so. They would try to allow as many people as possible to hold the puppies and have photos taken.

 

If I'd known they were there early, I would have headed down sooner - so be prepared! :)

[Alaskan Joe]

Reading your review has gotten me even more excited for our cruise than I already was! Husband and i are in the Ruby for the June 19th sailing. It will be our first cruise too.

 

 

I second that! However, we don't sail until Christmas time:(. Although this is not our first cruise it will be our first cruise with Princess.

[LHARTWICK]

Reading your review has gotten me even more excited for our cruise than I already was! Husband and i are in the Ruby for the June 19th sailing. It will be our first cruise too.

 

Warning! Cruise addition soon to follow for you! :) You will love cruising AND Alaska!

[New York Nana]

Reading your review has gotten me even more excited for our cruise than I already was! Husband and i are in the Ruby for the June 19th sailing. It will be our first cruise too.

 

CAUTION! If Alaska is your 1st cruise - I'm afraid you'll be unable to resist temptation to take another - and another - and another!

 

We NEVER thought we'd enjoy cruising as much as we do - and I know it was from what we experienced on the Island Princess and the landtour that convinced us THIS was the only way to travel! haha!

 

Perhaps we'll look into another cruiseline in the future - but for now, we really enjoy the product that Princess offers. It just 'fits' us.

 

 

I second that! However, we don't sail until Christmas time:(. Although this is not our first cruise it will be our first cruise with Princess.

The 'waiting' can be torture! :(

 

 

 

I do encourage you to purchase Future Cruise Deposits while you're on board (we didn't catch on to this offer till a couple cruises in!). They are only $100 each and they not only give you a reduced deposit on a future cruise booked within 2 years, but you automatically get OBC for using it! You can only purchase them while you're on board. If you don't ever use them, they refund it back to you.

[LHARTWICK]

Oh, dear! I hope the ice floes around Tracy Arm Fjord aren't bad for us. We have the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer excursion booked, and we are really looking forward to it. I'd hate to see it cancelled. Only Princess does this particular excursion. Fingers crossed!

[SubbyWife]

CAUTION! If Alaska is your 1st cruise - I'm afraid you'll be unable to resist temptation to take another - and another - and another!

 

 

 

We NEVER thought we'd enjoy cruising as much as we do - and I know it was from what we experienced on the Island Princess and the landtour that convinced us THIS was the only way to travel! haha!

 

 

 

Perhaps we'll look into another cruiseline in the future - but for now, we really enjoy the product that Princess offers. It just 'fits' us.

 

 

 

 

 

The 'waiting' can be torture! :(

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a feeling it will become our favorite way to vacation. Unfortunately, husband's military service prevents us from vacationing on any kind of consistent basis. This is our first vacation since we've been together. For a decade now. No honeymoon, nothing lol. So who knows when we'll get to cruise again. But I already had to promise the kids they'd be invited next time haha.

[Coveguy4]

I was also on this cruise and everything about it was fantastic! I love Alaska and when I booked it, I checked the ports info and knew we would be the only ship docked. Last cruise was in June and ports were packed with too many people. This cruise, I decided to book when weather May not be as favorable, but wow....did we luck out! I too was looking forward to Magic to do and wish it was performed as well! Food was very good and crew was exceptional!!!!!

[New York Nana]

Oh, dear! I hope the ice floes around Tracy Arm Fjord aren't bad for us. We have the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer excursion booked, and we are really looking forward to it. I'd hate to see it cancelled. Only Princess does this particular excursion. Fingers crossed!

 

 

 

I hope it clears up for you too! I have read that Tracy Arm is prone to heavy ice early in the season, but maybe it will get itself cleared up for your trip. I watched the bridge cam today and it looked like the Ruby may have made it there today - so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

[New York Nana]

I have a feeling it will become our favorite way to vacation. Unfortunately, husband's military service prevents us from vacationing on any kind of consistent basis. This is our first vacation since we've been together. For a decade now. No honeymoon, nothing lol. So who knows when we'll get to cruise again. But I already had to promise the kids they'd be invited next time haha.

 

 

 

Well, you've picked the PERFECT ''vacation/honeymoon" trip - something for BOTH of you to really appreciate and enjoy. I've been where you are now - both DH and I are retired military and getting schedules coordinated through the years was nearly impossible!

 

I hope you've been made aware of the military OBC! That $100 is great way to start your cruise with!!

 

I wish you and "SubbyHusband" a wonderful, relaxing, memorable trip - and bring back lots of treats for the kids - that will keep them happy for a bit! Haha!

[New York Nana]

I was also on this cruise and everything about it was fantastic! I love Alaska and when I booked it, I checked the ports info and knew we would be the only ship docked. Last cruise was in June and ports were packed with too many people. This cruise, I decided to book when weather May not be as favorable, but wow....did we luck out! I too was looking forward to Magic to do and wish it was performed as well! Food was very good and crew was exceptional!!!!!

 

 

 

I agree 100%!!!

[New York Nana]

I'm back! Now, we're in Skagway - Thursday - 6:30-4:30

 

Another early arrival.

 

For those taking the White Pass train, it literally pulls up right next to the ship!

 

 

I actually saw 3 different trains arrive and pick up pax - I am assuming they were different tour packages.

 

We've never done the train ride (DH is not into it), but we HAVE done Dyea Dave's tour to Emerald Lake twice. It follows the road (the ONLY road) up to the Yukon and Carcross. This route follows fairly close to the same route as the train, but from across the canyon.

 

I'll cheat and throw in a photo or 2 from our last year's trip:

 

 

Yeah - we were THAT close to this guy!

 

This is a view looking at the train:

 

 

OK, so THIS year, (keeping with our theme of staying 'close to home') we did a tour with the Skagway Street Car Tours. It lasted about 90 minutes and we heard more stories about the town and saw a couple places we hadn't seen before. Our guide, Nikki, was very funny! We had a lot of laughs with her!

 

 

The infamous Soapy Smith's final resting place:

 

 

Beautiful downtown Skagway (complete with all the necessary Diamond International and like jewelry stores!)

 

 

 

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[SubbyWife]

Well, you've picked the PERFECT ''vacation/honeymoon" trip - something for BOTH of you to really appreciate and enjoy. I've been where you are now - both DH and I are retired military and getting schedules coordinated through the years was nearly impossible!

 

I hope you've been made aware of the military OBC! That $100 is great way to start your cruise with!!

 

I wish you and "SubbyHusband" a wonderful, relaxing, memorable trip - and bring back lots of treats for the kids - that will keep them happy for a bit! Haha!

 

Yep, he's got the OBC. It's one of the first things I took care of once we booked the cruise. And thank you! I'm sure we'll have a great time. Kiddos will be plenty happy splitting their time between both sets of grandparents while we're gone. Talk about getting spoiled! Lol.

[New York Nana]

Apparently I am limited to the number of photos I'm permitted to include in a post! Hrumpff!

 

OK, so we enjoyed the tour, then we did our own walk around town (last chance gift shopping!). And, of course, the trip had to end with something to drink at the Red ONION Saloon (not to be confused with the Red DOG! Ha!).

 

The Red Onion has a 'colorful' back story - I'll let you Google it!

 

 

In case you're inclined to rent a car and drive yourself (easy enough to do) - here's some mileage info:

 

 

Some Skagway port activities from the Patter:

 

North to Alaska activities

 

PUPPIES IN THE PIAZZA!!

 

Happy Hour 3-4 & 9-10

 

Alaskan Fish BBQ by the pool 4pm-6pm

 

Crab Shack. - 6-9:30

 

Michael Minor show in Explorer's lounge

 

Musical comedian Tony Pace in Princess Theater

 

Moose racing in the Piazza

 

MUTS-Star Wars the Force Awakens

 

A Night at the Klondike with Nexus in the Piazza

 

Stargazing with Discovery @ Sea

 

On Deck for a Cure

 

Next up - last day at sea and Victoria, BC

 

 

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[Planning is Half the Fun]

 

Moose racing in the Piazza

 

 

I can not wait to hear someone tell me what that is. I can hold a puppy any day. But a moose race, that's unique!

[nooptere]

Your generous review gift keeps growing.

Thank you for the wonderful pictures.

[XBGuy]

When I was last in Skagway (on a, surprise, cruise) the busiest, most crowded store in town was the, get this, Harley dealership. In all honesty I really can't believe they sell that many motorcycles, there, but you would have a hard time convincing me that there is another Harley store anywhere that sells more t-shirts.

 

:D

[HI-C-Dubs]

NYN your review is a answered prayer! Just 11 days till we board our first cruise ever!! Woo hoo!!!

 

 

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