LIVE - Inside Passage - Ruby Princess - June 9 - 19, 2022

[RLK33853]

Two things - we also sail on the Ruby in August.

 

The first, did anyone park near the port of San Francisco?  If so where, and was your vehicle safe and sound when you returned?

 

The second - sounds like Princess is doing the same thing with their older ships - we just got off the Emerald and while the staff were great, the ship's exterior condition is less than desirable.  The hull is all rust stained, the pool deck is lifting and peeling, and some of the outside railings need varnish.  Lots of comments from the "new to Princess cruisers" that it would be their first and last cruise with Princess.  We are looking at other lines as well for the future but will also do Princess, albeit only on the newer ships.

 

[DUCHESSRN]

52 minutes ago, Drews_Cruise said:

I know what you mean,  We were beside the Majestic Princess in Ensenada in April, and people getting off the Majestic were saying how bad the Ruby looked as we sailed in.  The flooring around the pool was so cracked and peeling that people were tripping on it, the pipes on the balcony were rusted and broken (leaking crap out of them). The door rattled all night, and the entire ship needs a lot of work as we saw it.  I'm glad some people are enjoying their time on her though because there is lots more to cruising than just the condition of the ship.  As for us, never again.  Their credit for the days in isolation will go unused.  I sent the letter to Princess explaining the many issues we had and they offered us $100.00 on board credit to get us to "Come back" but there isn't a chance.  Not in the next few years anyway.  We're moving to Celebrity or HAL.  We were such champions for Princess but never will we get treated like that again.   We do hope everyone enjoys their time on her if you're not too fussy and  willing to take the risk. 

We are told they could not get the material to fix the dangerous areas around the pool . I understand your move from Princess and look forward to hearing about your new experiences .

 

[zentraveler]

It is a bit dispiriting to hear about the terrible condition of the ship and the number of people who acquired covid on their trip, but we love cruising to Alaska and will hope for smooth waters and good health throughout the trip even if it means not eating in the main dining rooms. It sounds like the  Michelangelo DR has more space between tables but the app will not let me book a table for 2 there; only shared tables. We like to eat on the early side (6:20 or so) - can anyone comment on the likelihood of us being able to either walk in then or arrange our standing reservation there for 2?

[Happiest when cruising]

2 hours ago, DUCHESSRN said:

We are told they could not get the material to fix the dangerous areas around the pool . I understand your move from Princess and look forward to hearing about your new experiences .

 

That makes some sense, it was the same on the Emerald. I think the decking is made of a different material on the newer ships. 

[blubberwon]

2 hours ago, zentraveler said:

It is a bit dispiriting to hear about the terrible condition of the ship and the number of people who acquired covid on their trip, but we love cruising to Alaska and will hope for smooth waters and good health throughout the trip even if it means not eating in the main dining rooms. It sounds like the  Michelangelo DR has more space between tables but the app will not let me book a table for 2 there; only shared tables. We like to eat on the early side (6:20 or so) - can anyone comment on the likelihood of us being able to either walk in then or arrange our standing reservation there for 2?

I don't believe at 6:20pm, you probably will not get your table for 2 unless you make your reservation for table for 2 precruise. Remember the doors open at  5pm, so you have 1 hour and 20 minutes of passengers already eating and occupying space that will be around your table. We always eat early at 5pm and always have space around us and have the same table every night. Good luck!

 

You probably have a better chance for space around in Bottecelli because that restaurant has fewer diners, but remember this MDR is at the aft of the ship and is harder to access and the theater is at the other end of the ship, when you venture there to see the show.

Edited June 21, 2022 by blubberwon

[zentraveler]

51 minutes ago, blubberwon said:

I don't believe at 6:20pm, you probably will not get your table for 2 unless you make your reservation for table for 2 precruise. Remember the doors open at  5pm, so you have 1 hour and 20 minutes of passengers already eating and occupying space that will be around your table. We always eat early at 5pm and always have space around us and have the same table every night. Good luck!

 

You probably have a better chance for space around in Bottecelli because that restaurant has fewer diners, but remember this MDR is at the aft of the ship and is harder to access and the theater is at the other end of the ship, when you venture there to see the show.

Thanks for the advice. We don't mind eating at 5 pm so maybe we will just show up. The app only allows a pre-cruise choice of tables for 2 at Davinci (I believe; I find the Medallion app really annoying for pre-cruise use).  This is a first Princess cruise and am having trouble figuring out if we need pre-cruise reservations or just a good idea, and why I can't request 2 at a table in Michelangelo. 

[Cruise Raider]

13 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

I am sorry you had this experience.  I sailed the Ruby for the 20 days prior to your boarding……..May 20 thru June 9th. After sailing every month on Ruby for 7 to 20 days each since November I noticed a HUGE improvement.  They opened the 3rd dining room May 20 and what a difference that made. I ate 18 out of 20 nights in Michelangelo with Kieron as the restaurant manager.  His professionalism and level of service was on par with the Maitre D’hotel I loved from the before times. I sailed solo but sometimes ate with another CC friend couple. The two tops in Michelangelo were nicely spaced as were all the tables…..MUCH better than when only 2 dining rooms were open. Kieron and his assistant managers Albert & Pablo took care to space guests apart. 
 

The food was absolutely outstanding.  Of course I had a couple of misses but they were quickly replaced with another choice. 

 

 

The Michelangelo is my new favorite on the Ruby.  Kieron, Pablo and Alina were always amazing.  It is so much nicer that they finally opened that third MDR.  Dinner was a great experience and Kieon made sure we got the same table in the corner every night.  If we were to miss dinner in the MDR, we always made sure to tell him.  

 

I was impressed by the condition of the ship.  They've been working on the rust stains but it is a slow process.  I didn't notice anything in disrepair earlier this month.  I think the hull got some paint as well as she looked better than the last time we cruised on her.  We had an oceanview room and everything was in great condition and we could see the workmen plastering over the railings with this grey paste and then painting them white.  What a tedious job!  

 

I must say, I was bothered by the way people treated the furniture ... their bare feet and shoes directly on the couches and chairs in the public areas of the ship.  Really people, it is not your own private living room!  Your feet belong on the floor.  

 

 

[zentraveler]

And location not an issue either. We won't go to the shows; too many people indoors and even with everyone masked - which will clearly not be the case - it would feel riskier than we will want. 

[zentraveler]

1 minute ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

The Michelangelo is my new favorite on the Ruby.  Kieron, Pablo and Alina were always amazing.  It is so much nicer that they finally opened that third MDR.  Dinner was a great experience and Kieon made sure we got the same table in the corner every night.  If we were to miss dinner in the MDR, we always made sure to tell him.  

 

I was impressed by the condition of the ship.  They've been working on the rust stains but it is a slow process.  I didn't notice anything in disrepair earlier this month.  I think the hull got some paint as well as she looked better than the last time we cruised on her.  We had an oceanview room and everything was in great condition and we could see the workmen plastering over the railings with this grey paste and then painting them white.  What a tedious job!  

 

I must say, I was bothered by the way people treated the furniture ... their bare feet and shoes directly on the couches and chairs in the public areas of the ship.  Really people, it is not your own private living room!  Your feet belong on the floor.  

 

 

Thank you Cruise Raider! What would be the best way to get what you got? Show up at embarkation and reserve 5 pm for 2 every day? Send a message (how??) to Kieron? There is no way to do that on the app. They don't seem to open until 5:30. 

 

Glad to hear about the ship. It will be fine; we are going for the Alaska scenery. And I am with you about people and the furniture. 

[Cruise Raider]

4 hours ago, RLK33853 said:

Two things - we also sail on the Ruby in August.

 

The first, did anyone park near the port of San Francisco?  If so where, and was your vehicle safe and sound when you returned?

 

 

 

We parked at Pier 19.5 back in April using Spot Hero.  It is a covered garage with a security guard there and it is locked up at night.  Not sure if it's always safe to park there but the vehicle we arrived in was not damaged when we returned.  It is a bit of a walk to the port, though.  There is a lot right across the street that is between Pier 27 and Pier 35.  I know a lot of others have used that lot and they haven't complained about safety there either.  I believe parking will run you anywhere from $20 to $30 per day anywhere on the Embarcadero.  

[blubberwon]

31 minutes ago, zentraveler said:

Thanks for the advice. We don't mind eating at 5 pm so maybe we will just show up. The app only allows a pre-cruise choice of tables for 2 at Davinci (I believe; I find the Medallion app really annoying for pre-cruise use).  This is a first Princess cruise and am having trouble figuring out if we need pre-cruise reservations or just a good idea, and why I can't request 2 at a table in Michelangelo. 

you should be able to make reservations for Michelangelo, as I did for 5pm party of 4 private table. Definitely less crowded at 5pm, Michelangelo is a great choice my favorite because on deck 5, there are seats to sit if you are early for dinner, on deck 6, DaVinci no seating outside. Welcome to Princess and I hope you have a great cruise!  Before you disembark the ship, if you are thinking about another Princess cruise, I suggest that you place a future cruise deposit of $100 per person towards your next cruise and you will be guaranteed onboard credits on your next cruise, the amount depends on the length of cruise and cabin type. You don't have to decide on your future cruise now, and you can find your best deal and use your own TA or Princess to book your cruise. If you decide not to cruise again within 2 years, Princess will refund your deposit.

[blubberwon]

9 minutes ago, zentraveler said:

And location not an issue either. We won't go to the shows; too many people indoors and even with everyone masked - which will clearly not be the case - it would feel riskier than we will want. 

there are places you can sit away from others, the theater is usually not completely filled, like before. Some of the shows are worth seeing like the production shows. Whatever you do, Enjoy!!!!

 

In Prince Rupert, if it's low tide, go toward the Home Run building onto the right hand side of the pier, and look under the Home Run building. We saw about 6 or 7 bald eagles feasting on the seafood, before you get to the pier, look into the trees on your right, there were a few eagles in the trees.

[Cruise Raider]

3 minutes ago, zentraveler said:

Thank you Cruise Raider! What would be the best way to get what you got? Show up at embarkation and reserve 5 pm for 2 every day? Send a message (how??) to Kieron? There is no way to do that on the app. They don't seem to open until 5:30. 

 

Glad to hear about the ship. It will be fine; we are going for the Alaska scenery. And I am with you about people and the furniture. 

 

Well, we met Kieron at the embarkation lunch and just knew we would get along famously from that point on.  A friend of mine met him on the cruises before that and told him we were booked in that dining room.  Even when only two dining rooms were open, the restaurant managers did their best to give us the seating arrangements that we requested.  But, for this last cruise, we were booked for the DaVinci for a table for 5 at 6 PM every night and it was changed to the Michelangelo for 5 for 7 PM every night in the app.  We spoke to Kieron at lunchtime and he just asked us what time we'd like to come for dinner.  We agreed on 6:20 PM so he always had our table available for us.  Now, that may not be so easy for them to do for a table for 2, but you can always ask.  The issue is that they may not have any tables for 2 available as they may already be reserved.  We loved our cruise so much that we are going back again in August.  We had no options to get a private table for 2 so we booked our dinner for the Michelangelo at our desired time anyway.  If we have to share, so be it.  We met some very nice people that way.  I did notice that if you book your reservations one evening at a time, you may be able to get a private table in different dining rooms every night.  Outside of making reservations on the app, I don't think there is a lot you can do at this point in time, though.  

 

[Cruise Raider]

13 minutes ago, blubberwon said:

  Before you disembark the ship, if you are thinking about another Princess cruise, I suggest that you place a future cruise deposit of $100 per person towards your next cruise and you will be guaranteed onboard credits on your next cruise, the amount depends on the length of cruise and cabin type. You don't have to decide on your future cruise now, and you can find your best deal and use your own TA or Princess to book your cruise. If you decide not to cruise again within 2 years, Princess will refund your deposit.

 

I love how you can now just purchase them using the app.  I was all out so was in the piazza having coffee one morning and just bought another one for each my DH and myself.  

[blubberwon]

1 hour ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

I love how you can now just purchase them using the app.  I was all out so was in the piazza having coffee one morning and just bought another one for each my DH and myself.  

We usually have at least 3 on file,  casino deals come so often now. 

[Cruise Raider]

13 minutes ago, blubberwon said:

We usually have at least 3 on file,  casino deals come so often now. 

 

This last cruise was our last casino offer we've received.  It shows that we are still active but we've gotten no discounts or free play on the cruises we've booked lately.  Too bad ... I loved those offers but we really can't be in that smoke for too long.  

[zentraveler]

2 hours ago, blubberwon said:

you should be able to make reservations for Michelangelo, as I did for 5pm party of 4 private table. Definitely less crowded at 5pm, Michelangelo is a great choice my favorite because on deck 5, there are seats to sit if you are early for dinner, on deck 6, DaVinci no seating outside. Welcome to Princess and I hope you have a great cruise!  Before you disembark the ship, if you are thinking about another Princess cruise, I suggest that you place a future cruise deposit of $100 per person towards your next cruise and you will be guaranteed onboard credits on your next cruise, the amount depends on the length of cruise and cabin type. You don't have to decide on your future cruise now, and you can find your best deal and use your own TA or Princess to book your cruise. If you decide not to cruise again within 2 years, Princess will refund your deposit.

Thank you ! We have used FCC on other cruise lines and $100/pp refundable is definitely a good idea. The fact that Princess sails from SF is a complete plus for us. We live in the middle of the city, 5 miles from the port and will take a ride share to the terminal. Not having to fly makes the whole thing work really well. 

 

[blubberwon]

3 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

This last cruise was our last casino offer we've received.  It shows that we are still active but we've gotten no discounts or free play on the cruises we've booked lately.  Too bad ... I loved those offers but we really can't be in that smoke for too long.  

I understand what you mean that's why I wear a mask. I'm allergic to the smoke. 

[symui]

I usually wear a KN95 mask while on board but walked through the casino one night when I was wearing a N95.   Wow, what a difference!!  It really reduces the amount of smoke so now I always wear a N95 when in the casino, theater and crowded public areas onboard where the viral load is most likely higher.

[blubberwon]

16 minutes ago, symui said:

I usually wear a KN95 mask while on board but walked through the casino one night when I was wearing a N95.   Wow, what a difference!!  It really reduces the amount of smoke so now I always wear a N95 when in the casino, theater and crowded public areas onboard where the viral load is most likely higher.

Yes, it makes a big difference. I'm in the casino most days/nights and I can tell the difference, but the clothes have no filters, lol.

 

[cruzin4us]

OMG, I bet ya all thought I'd never come back and finish my Live thread...LOL

 

I gave up trying to post stuff online while I was on the ship.   I only had my cell phone and I'd type out a LONG post and "POOF" it would be gone.   So, I gave up.   I appreciate all that added to this thread so others could follow along.

 

I'm now sitting here in reflection mode and decided to get on my laptop and write a review of sorts.   I will do the commentary now and add pictures later since I can do that from my phone.  Some of this may be a repeat from my previous posts, but it's easier to just start without having to check back on what I wrote before:

 

We are from San Diego and we flew in the night before on Southwest.   We made a good reasonable hotel choice in the Columbus Motor Inn.   The price was $213 including taxes/fees.   It was located about 6 blocks from pier 27.    We took an Uber from the airport which was approx $38 and and Uber to the pier which was $27.   The hotel was clean and they had a no fee cancellation policy if you cancelled before 24 hours of arrival.   We ate at Pat's Cafe for Breakfast which was walking distance from the hotel.   

 

Embarkation:   We arrived at the pier about 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11:35.   San Francisco was absolutely gorgeous and warm.   We had all our ducks in a row and ArriveCan stuff done as well.   I tried to help a couple that were next to us in line as they had no idea about the ArriveCan.   I was a little annoyed when we checked in because they didn't even ask or want to see proof that we had completed the ArriveCan. (Until we got on the ship and our room steward asked to see it)......then I was happy 🙂   Masks were required in the terminal.

 

Rust Bucket?:  I have to be honest I was expecting a rust bottom boat after reading many of the posts.    True, there is some rust but I found the interior of the ship to be in much better shape.  The carpets were clean, and it felt cozy to me.   Our sofa in our mini suite is probably on it's last leg, but I never sat on it anyway.  Maybe it was because it's a sofa bed?    They are however slowly working on chipping away the rust and painting the outside.  They worked on deck 7 starboard aft the entire cruise.   It is a slow process as they have to chip away all the rust and then prime it, then paint it.   Most of this work has to be done while in port.   No where on the inside of the ship did I find myself thinking "this ship is old".   It has a lot of wood on the inside and feels cozy......I loved it.    Have I been on fancier ships?  Yes.  Have I been on cozier ships?  No

 

Room E731:   We had the last aft cabin on the starboard side on deck 8 (Emerald).   It has a HUGE deck and I would book this room again in a heartbeat.   It was a mini suite and had lots of storage.  It had a full bath with a grab bar that liked to stick you in the ribs when you rinse your hair.   One rough sea day I was glad it was there however.   Our room steward was Lorenzo and he was fabulous.   We asked for turn down service and he happily assured us he would take care of this.     On our anniversary, he made 2 small swans out of towels sitting on a sprinkling of rose petals.....along with a note, a box of chocolates and a model of Ruby Princess.   Very nice touch and we were grateful.   We used the app and preordered robes which were in our room on arrival.   I asked they were giving out the Princess Bags and he said no.   There was also no chocolates.   Lorenzo did a great job keeping our room tidy and was lightening fast.

 

Casino Comp:   We booked using a casino offer which included a mini suite, Princess Plus and some free play.   This was a last minute decision cruise so we had no excursions planned but when someone says "free cruise", I jump.   I just wanted to eat halibut fish & chips and to walk along Creek Street.    Normally, we do spend quite a bit of time in the casino (thus a free offer), but this cruise we didn't go as much.   

 

Dining:    Normally we eat in the Specialty Dining Venues.    Mostly because it's quieter and it's just easier for us to make a reservation and not fight the masses.    This time however, I booked my reservations and then come to find out that only one of the Specialty Dining venues would be open each night......great.     Really, not so great because of course the app doesn't tell you which is closed/open so it's pretty much a crap shoot.   A few of reservations worked, but about 1/2 were booked on nights the restaurant was closed.   So, they'd book me at the other restaurant leaving me with 2 reservations on any given night.     Anyway, long story short, I had to go to guest services and get a few of my reservations cancelled/credited.   Not a big deal, just a hassle.      

 

Think I'll stop now and continue on with some pics and then some additional dining info:

 

 

 

 

[cruzin4us]

[cruzin4us]

Dining Continued:    Well, I have a little to say about each of the following venues.....so hold onto your hats dear foodies

 

Crown Grill:   $29/pp  We ate here 3 nights and what I ordered was very good.   I chose the King Salmon ($15 additional) but it was sooooo good.   Surprisingly good......not just good, but very, very good.   My DH ordered NY Steak (fair), Porterhouse (very good), King salmon (very good).     I also ordered mashed potatoes, Black & Blue Onion Soup (very good), Scallop appetizer (good), Crab Cake (good).   They bring out a roll stuffed with cheese at the beginning, but I'd have gladly just taken the bread they serve in the main dining room.   The roll was hard, and the cheese cold.     I ordered the Creme Brule cheesecake and it was ok.   Maybe I was just too stuffed by that course.

 

Service - SLOW.     I usually like to enjoy a long dinner, but this was painfully slow.    I had to ask for the specialty salts on all 3 occasions.   I will say, all meals came hot which I was worried about because of how long it took.

 

Overall:   B+

 

Sabatini's:   $25/pp  The service was exceptional and I enjoyed the location as well as the atmosphere.    Be sure to check out the Adagio Bar which is next to Sabatini's.   It's a little quiet bar and most people don't know it's even there.   Try the Tiramisu Martini.....so, yummy

 

Some of the things we ordered:   Calamari (good), Pasta Trio (good), Parchment Wrapped Mixed fish entree (very good), Chicken Marsala (very good), Proscuitto wrapped pork tenderloin (bad.....horribly dry).

 

Overall:  B

 

International Cafe:  Specialty Coffees $ - Food Free   We ate here a lot for breakfast/lunch.   Had ZERO luck ordering any specialty coffee with the App.....totally opposite experience as my prior cruise on the Majestic in October.    Not once did I ever get a coffee even though the app shows "Preparing" and "Delivered".     I guess it was a way to get my steps in every morning.    The breakfast items range from pastries/donuts/fruit/yogurt/smoothies/breakfast burritos & egg sandwiches, egg bites.

 

Lunches:  Sandwiches which they heated and the best meat pies (chicken/beef/vegetarian and quiches).   Soups and salads.    I love the Fennel and Shrimp salad.   Desserts & cookies (choc chip were yuck).

 

Buffet:   DH ate there a couple of times for a quick breakfast.   He usually just grabbed a couple of items and that was it.......so, I really don't have a lot of info here.

 

Salty Dog Gastro Pub:  $18/pp     We cancelled one night at Sabatini's and decided to try the Gastro Pub.    Truthfully, I wasn't expecting much but was happily surprised.   My hamburger was amazing although a bit challenging to eat.   Also the calamari was thick strips and super good.    They open at 6:00 pm and they do not take reservations.

 

Overall:  A

 

Slice - Pizza:   Free if eating by the slice and ordering at the counter - Room Service has a $3 charge, but you get a whole pizza (6 slices).    The cut off for room service is 11:00 pm and they don't budge by 1 minute on this either.......ok, we are guilty of ordering pizza every night and pigging out while watching a movie.   While it's definitely not Alfredo's Pizza, it's still pretty darn good with a thin crust and cheese that tastes like real cheese.     

 

Room Service:   

Be prepared to wait up to an hour for room service.  We usually ordered about 10:30 pm and got it by 11:30.    We always ordered using the App and had no problems (as long as we used my DH phone).   We also ordered:  Quesadilla (very good but basic), club sandwich (ok), Egg/Bacon Sandwich (Egg McMuffin)......(hard as a hockey puck).....we laughed ourselves silly trying to eat it.    Be prepared to wait, service is slow.   Twice we called the front desk to see if they could check on our order.   We received an immediate return phone call from room service and delivery was prompt after the phone call.

 

Overall - Pizza B+, Quesadilla B, Egg McMuffin F

 

Michelangelo Dining Room:    We usually don't eat in the main dining room, but we gave it a go for 3 nights this cruise.   We sat at a table for 2 and yes, they are crammed together without a lot of social distancing.   They try to get you to sit with other people but we politely declined.   We always went around 5:40 and there was never a line.   At 5:00 there was always a line.

 

Some of the Very Good:   Guinea Hen, the Rolls, Beef Wellington, Goat Cheese Souffle, tomato bisque soup, Pork Dumplings, Empanadas, Pasta Cabonara,

 

Some of the Good:  Fettuccini Alfredo w/chicken breast, escargot

Some of the very, very bad:  Duck Breast (Gala Night).....seriously, I couldn't even chew it it was so tough.   They brought me Beef Wellington and is was Excellent.    Sockeye Salmon....very fishy tasting.

 

Overall:  B

 

The main dining room still isn't my favorite place to eat just because I don't like all the clanking and hustle & bustle (I must have sensory issues....LOL).    However, I was pleasantly surprised at the food.   I was expecting very small portions, but they were good size portions and the waiter is always happy to bring you more.   Bar service is slow and desert is pretty basic but I'm usually full by that point anyway.

 

Pics to follow.

[cruzin4us]

Food pics.  Sorry they aren’t in chronological order 😆

 

 

 

Edited June 22, 2022 by cruzin4us

[cruzin4us]

Well, I might as well deal with the elephant in the room before I go any further:

 

MASKS

 

I'm not a mask wearer unless I am "mandated/required/enforced".   My DH is the mask wearer.    

 

We went to shows, we went to the casino, we played trivia, we did crafts, we played Corn Hole, we went into restaurants off the ship, we walked around Ketchikan and San Francisco.    I socialized and went in knowing it could be my turn to catch it.    I psyched myself up knowing I might get my butt quarantined and would make the best of it.    I wore a mask 3 times (embarkation/debarkation/airline flight).  Other than that my mask stayed off.   My DH wore a mask most of the time.

 

I was really conscious when I was out and about......I listened for that cough/sneeze as a precursor to the whole ship becoming one coughing floating vessel.     I can honestly say, in 10 days I never heard the coughing/sneezing like so many have talked about.

 

We have been home 2 days and both feel fine.   Maybe we were lucky?     I overheard a woman telling another person "she heard, that a woman's husband is quarantined".    I have no proof, and maybe my hearing is off.....ya know there are a lot of bells & whistles in the casino.

 

I understand the concerns of those that want to wear masks and I understand those that don't want to.  Heck my DH and I can't agree.    

 

My best guess is about 20% of the people wore masks......except when they were eating or drinking of course, but that's 80% of the time you are on a cruise ship.