Ruby Princess 7/8-15 review

[kdowneymd]

We left from JFK 7/7 in order to be sure there would be no problems or delays for our departure from Seatyevon 7/8. As we pulled away from the gate a tremendous thunderstorm hit and we were delayed 90 minutes, but that is why we flew in a day early. An uneventful flight with truly beautiful views from the plane as we flew across the upper United States/Canada border.

We arrived in Seattle and ten minutes after we landed my phone rang with a call from our driver AJ from SeaTac Town limo service, whom I read about on these boards. We were 100 minutes past our arrival time, and he was there. I was very thankful. Our luggage came quickly, we met with AJ in five months minutes and were off to our hotel, The Inn at the Market. It is right at Pike Market. The traffic wasn't bad and he was great about knowing how to avoid traffic

[kdowneymd]

The location of the hotel was perfect for us, we walked around Pike Place market a bit before going to dinner at Matt's in the Market where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with great wine. I would highly recommend eating there if you love ve great food and wine. AJ of SeaTac Limo suggested we might want to go to the pure about 12:30-1:00 pm. We agreed and made areagemebts for him to pick us up at 12:30, which turned out o be ideal.We woke early and enjoyed breakfast at Bacco cafe around the corner from the hotel.

We then walked to the Seattle Center to see the Chihuly Gardens exhibit. The walk was through one of the sketchier areas on a Saturday morning. I would not be comfortable doing it in the early evening, and not at all in the later evening.

The Chihuly exhibit and gardens are extraordinarily beautiful and I highly recommend taking the time to visit before boarding the ship, it is just magnificent and unless you travel to Venice, Italy, nothing like it.

We then visited the Terra-cotta warriors exhibit at the Science center which was also incredible. I had forgot the last xhobit was there and my husband and I found it incredible.

We Ubered back to the hotel at 11:30 and walked around a bit before meeting AJ exactly on time at 12:30.

By 12:40 we were at Pier 91....and at 1:15 we were in our stateroom. The check-in process was seamless, and we enjoyed a beautiful morning in Seattle and could have eaten in the dining room except we were still fill from breakfast!

So I guess, my takeaway is you don't necessarily need to rush to the port early.

We have a lovely balcony room C738. I only booked this cruise in January of 2017 (probably should have started with that fact) and reading reviews realized it was a great location with the larger balcony. We loved sail away from the front of the ship, stand directly at the bow to avoid the wicked head winds. We then went down to the dining room at 5:33 for our Anytime dining by. The line was Enormous. We then walked up o the Crown Grill, asked if we could be seated and enjoyed a nice dinner. I was pleased to see an additional menu add-on of Alaskan fish, salmon, halibut and oysters. I had the oysters (I was a bit dubious) but they were delicious! Very fresh. I had a veal chop which was great and my husband had lamb chops which were so so.

At the moment, we are in the Straight of Juan de Fuca, the temperature as dropped 15+ Degrees at least and slight chop in the water. The views are gorgeous as they have been from the moment we left the dock.

 

 

Final note. There are many, any families and children on board: an enormous variety of ages. No one cruising in July on Princess should worry it is only older cruisers.

[easyboy]

Families with children may in part be due to school break. Enjoy your cruise!

 

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[SnowDay]

Thanks for the review so far. We will be on the Ruby Princess in 3 weeks. I can't wait!!:)

[kdowneymd]

We have just arrived in Juneau, the scenery is gorgeous coming up the straight. The trip out of Seattle was a little choppy but nothing major. There is noticeable

Vibration in our cabin at the back of the ship but somewhat akin to white noise. Yesterday was a day at sea. We awoke about 6 AM, I got coffee and cappuccino at the International Cafe. About 8 we went to breakfast at the Horizon Cafe which was somewhat mediocre. Powdered eggs for scrambled eggs, very few choices for meat or cheeses. The fruit was plentiful but being at the very beginning of the cruise, not quite ripe. Made to order omelettes were available in Cafe Caribe, delivered to your table.

By mid-day we both experienced major jet-lag and napped. We had dinner at Share which was alright, nothing really wonderful but certainly tasty. I thought it a lot of food. The service was very good. All of the crew on board are very helpful.

Hoping the clouds lift a little as we are booked for a helicopter ride over the glacier and later whale watching.

[kdowneymd]

What a spectacular day in Juneau. The sail up the Stephen's channel was beautiful. We arrived at 10:30 AM and by 11 passengers were disembarking. We had a 12:15 glacier helicopter tour scheduled with Coastal Air. They met us promptly at the dock and drove a group of us out to the Juneau airport. We were each weighed and were then given over boots that went over your shoes for better ice traction. Each helicopter had six passengers and we were given an assigned seat after the safety video. I was luckily assigned a seat in the front next to the pilot, extraordinary viewing! Just amazing, I cannot do just justice with words to the beautiful sights.

There were some low clouds and the pilot flew along the coast rather than straight over the mountain.

We landed on Herbert Glacier and got out and walked around. It was truly majestic. There was a beautiful ground level stream that became an underground waterfall. We spent about 20 minutes and returned back to the airfield. It was worth every penny.

We had a nice break and enjoyed some great salmon at Hanger on the Wharf and then met the driver for Harv and Marv whale watching. There were two other couples with us who were so enjoyable and we had a great captain, Liz. We saw both orcas and humpbacks and being out on the water was amazing. The rain held off and we returned to the ship about 8:30 tired but exhilarated from what we had seen today.

[SnowDay]

Sounds just beautiful! I see you mentioned rain. What has the temperature been?

[kdowneymd]

In Juneau, it was low 50s with a few scattered showers that we missed each time they occurred. It was actually warmest on top of the glacier! No wind and not as damp. Not a lot of sunshine. I needed the long sleeve tee shirt, 1/4 zip nylonish pullover I wear for winter sports, light down vest and rain jacket to stay warm. I wore athletic leggings.

[SnowDay]

Wow, that's colder than I expected. I'm prepared for the top layers but packing some leggings, just in case, might be a good idea. Thanks for the updates, only 18 days until we're there!

[ams cruiser]

Thank you for your review! We'll be on the Ruby in 18 days, as well, so I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of your week. We have a Coastal trip planned with a sled dog ride, and are hoping for good weather.

[Nautigal]

Enjoying your live review from Ruby. Appreciate the details about your pre cruise day in Seattle, clothing related to weather and temps. We'll be boarding this ship, same itinerary in a few weeks. Very excited for our first adventure in Alaska.

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review. Looking forward to more! Happy Cruising! :)

[satxdiver]

Appears as though there will be several on this thread joining us on the 29th. This will be our third AK cruise and I have done land trips to AK as well in the summer of course. It will be interesting to hear the OP's comments on the rest of the cruise. Please keep posting your progress.

[kdowneymd]

Yesterday, Tuesday July 11, we arrived in Skagway about 7 AM. It was cold, mid-40's, light rain and foggy. As we exited the ship at 8 AM for our tour with Chilkoot (bus going up/ train down) almost 100 plus passengers were returning to the ship as their excursion had been cancelled. I didn't hear what the excursion was but from the weather I would surmise it involved a flight.

We met our driver promptly at 8:15. She drive us through town (it is small) and began our journey up to Fraser, BC. Despite the fog and drizzle, the scenery was beautiful. Our photo stops were quick as no one wanted to spend a lot of time outside. Alas we had no wildlife sightings going up. We arrived in Fraser about 10 AM and waited for the train to arrive which our driver said was unusual. When it arrived about 15 minutes later, we were told that the train had needed to make an emergency stop in Glacier for a helicopter to medavac a train passenger out! Skagway has no hospital and anyone who becomes ill is transported by air to Juneau. We quickly boarded the train and thoroughly enjoyed the ride down. It remained damp and chilly.

We arrived in Skagway about 12:15 and walked into and around town. Did not go into the Red Dog saloon which was mobbed. We walked to the end of the pier and ate lunch at the Skagway Fish House and enjoyed delicious fresh oysters and incredibly fresh halibut. We walked back to the ship and were both cold and damp. We had on rain jackets, hoodies, long sleeve tees and athletic pants. We both felt we could have used another layer.

I decided to wash and dry our damp clothes: the laundromat was empty and the process painless. The ship was not scheduled to leave until 8 PM but we were both tired and just rested. We did not leave port until after 9:30 as we waited for a Coast Guard helicopter to evacuate a sick passenger! I felt extremely lucky we are both healthy and hope these passengers do well.

We were full from lunch and only had a slice of pizza later while watching as we left port. One additional note. We had room service for breakfast that was very good. I wrote in a request for two eggs over and ham which were cooked perfectly.

[kdowneymd]

I should add that the train ride provided excellent commentary about the Goldrush. The train follows the trail and one cannot help but be amazed at the fortitude of those who attempted to cross the incredible landscape. Viewing the waterfalls, the steep cliffs, and thick mountainous growth was beautiful. I imagine on sunny day even more spectacular.

Edited July 12, 2017 by kdowneymd

[kdowneymd]

We awoke at 7AM today to find ourselves in Glacier Bay! After a few minutes out on our balcony we decided to go up to deck 16 where we could easily see both sides and easily listen to the Park Ranger. The trip up to Marjerie Glacier is breathtaking and we were able to witness and hear the glacier calving. While we were there one of the park rangers was on deck speaking to passengers and answering questions which was great! It is hard to appreciate how massive the glacier is without her sharing relative sizes. As we headed back down the bay after going past Lamplugh and seeing the John Hopkins Glacier we decided to eat lunch in Horizon Court. They had delicious crab legs, crayfish, small lobster tails and cold shrimp which were enjoyed.

We then headed backwards to our balcony and were rewarded with two different whale sightings! Temperature is in the mid-50s and comfortable. This morning I needed a vest, hoodie and long sleeve athletic pullover and tee. My husband wore his rain jacket, sweatshirt and a hoodie. Both of us wore the hood up for the morning as the wind was brisk! I saw some people in sandals and light jackets, they didn't stay long.

I mentioned in my first post, lots of families on board and children of varying ages. They are all extremely well behaved. They do use the pools, few adults do. It is very nice to see family groups playing cards and board games and enjoying each other's company!

My husband and I agreed that seeing the glaciers and mountains was just spectacular.

[SnowDay]

Thanks for the updates! Even though the weather doesn't sound very nice, to me, everything else sounds great. This trip is all about the scenery and I am getting very excited. Can you tell this is our first trip to Alaska?? lol! Looking forward to your next post.

[ams cruiser]

Love reading your posts. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride!

[idex]

I'm taking the next boat up so this is great to know what the weather is like.

[Bibble]

Not to bother you while you're sailing, but could you tell roughly how much AJ from SeaTac Town Limo cost?

We are going in two weeks,and just planned to uber down (up? I don't even know) to our hotel. But I"m wondering if a planned ride might be about the same cost.

Thank you for your review!!!

[kdowneymd]

We ate dinner last night at Share because again the anytime dining line was long and we were impatient. The food was very good with the exception of the pasta course which had been a problem when we ate there the first time. The pasta itself (cavatelli) was doughy. The sauce was good but the dish ruined because of it. We did mention to the manager as the other courses were very good and she came back to tell us that she had immediately shared our feelings with the chef who was at that moment speaking to the pasta chef. So hopefully, that course will improve. Each time we went, there were a number of other diners, not packed but not empty either.

 

Today we are in Ketchikan and we woke at 6:30 AM to get ready for our Float plane trip to Misty Fjords with Michelle of Island Wings. The ship was parked literally directly across from her business and they called me at 7:15 to recommend we just walk directly there rather than to the arranged meeting spot. Very easy. The weather was nice! No rain or wind, lightly overcast. Michelle said one of the best days in weeks. There was a short safety talk, (yes there are life jackets as well as satellite radios for each passenger in case of emergency). We were off. Again such gorgeous scenery, Fjords, waterfalls, forests, ! ,Michelle announced there was a bear sighting on one of the shorelines and gave us the option of landing nearby or going to another landing spot for photo ops with the plane. The six passengers unanimously voted for bear watching! Smooth, smooth landing and we glided near shore where for about 20 minutes we watched a brown bear foraging for grass. The salmon have not started running here yet and the bears are eating grass until then, she explained to us. The entire excursion was about 2 hours and again was a great outing.

Only needed my rain jacket today with long sleeved tee!

 

We walked up to Creek Street, looked around had a light lunch at Dungee Cafe, great clam chowder and grilled cheese with Dungess crab and returned to the ship about 12:00 before the long lines ensued. We will be eating in the Crown Grill tonight courtesy of our on-line TA. Oh yes, last night I hit a mega jackpot on a slot machine so I will not be returning to the casino.

 

Looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning as we head to Victoria but trying to figure out when we can return.

 

An aside, on the Misty Fjords excursion, Michelle asked if we had seen whales and one person said, they had not done a whale watching expedition because she was told she would see many from the shipand was disappointed because she had yet to see one. Michelle laughed and said " Bad advice and make sure you take one in a small boat when you return to Alaska because you will return!"

[kdowneymd]

Bibble, AJ was $45 flat fee from airport to our downtown hotel and $25 to the port from the hotel. I liked him so much and he is so easy and timely, I am using him to take us from the ship to the airport. He clearly has been doing this for a while and knows the ins and out. We were going to Uber as well, but changed my mine. He has a suburban with lots of room.

Edited July 13, 2017 by kdowneymd

[mapleleaves]

Not to bother you while you're sailing, but could you tell roughly how much AJ from SeaTac Town Limo cost?

We are going in two weeks,and just planned to uber down (up? I don't even know) to our hotel. But I"m wondering if a planned ride might be about the same cost.

Thank you for your review!!!

 

 

downtown seattle is about a 30 minute drive from SeaTac.

Stila has the airport contract for towncar service .... last yr it was $45. That will give you an idea of the cost.

 

The flatrate taxi service is about $30. www.eastsideforhire.com

 

http://www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac/Parking-and-Transportation/Ground-Transportation/Pages/Taxis-and-Limos.aspx

[SnowDay]

So glad to hear that the weather has improved (at least for today) and congrats on hitting a jackpot!! Sounds smart to quit while your ahead. I am really enjoying your updates. Thank you so much!!

[lovely13]

Quick question for you. I have heard that on port days that leave late after 8 pm, they open up all the dining rooms for anytime dining and don't do traditional dining on those late port days. Is this true on the Ruby in Alaska?

[kdowneymd]

Yes that is true, although there still seem to be lines, not sure why!

We enjoyed our dinner in Crown Grill tonight. Dress was variable but in Crown Grill minimum was collared shirt and tie or sports jacket, no jeans in the restaurant. A few tuxes seen in the lounges