Ruby Princess Review

Great Ship for lots of variety

Review for Alaska Cruise on Ruby Princess
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harpcat
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jun 2017
Cabin: Balcony

We decided on Princess based on friend's experience and then a travel agent suggested the Ruby because it went to Glacier Bay which she suggested over Tracy Arm. The ship was beautiful but of course it offers so many places to go to for either relaxation, eating, shopping or entertainment that it takes a while to get the hang of where it all is.

We chose anytime dining which worked out fine except we didn't realize reservations helped if you needed a specific time so you could see a show performance etc. Also make reservations for specialty restaurants way ahead of time or you will not get to eat until very late.Food was above average in main dining rooms but not great. Crown Grill was exceptional and worth the extra spent. The international cafe is great for quick bites and their pastries are dynamite. We ordered room service every morning so we could eat without crowds and not eat too much. Also, my husband would go down to the International Cafe early, as we are early risers and need our coffee. He'd bring back two coffees and a pastry and we would sit on our balcony.

I did feel like the shopping hawking is overdone, especially as it pertained to jewelry, but that is not my thing and not why I came on a cruise. So I can't say much for shopping.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BF

Loved: balcony was covered so perfect if raining. Tons of storage even in the bathroom. The mattress and pillows were very comfortable and we both slept very well during the trip. There is enough room in my opinion and no need for a suite.

Cons: Shower is tiny tiny but I expected that so not really complaining. Just know that if you are huge...it will be tight. I didn't bother bringing my own shampoo or body wash and used what they offered. The hair dryer is the type I hate so I brought my own.

It was never explained about getting clean towels so we kept using the same ones until finally I had it....I put them on the floor and hoped they would give us new ones. They did! But there should have been a sign the way hotels do. I never saw it explained in the book either. We both thought it a great little cabin and a good location for upper level activities., like spa, fitness center, buffet, pool, hot tub. Plus you can walk the stairs down the the Princess theatre and you are right there!

Port Reviews

Seattle

Our hotel was the Mayflower Park Hotel which was a perfect location and great boutique hotel. Highly recommend. Great restaurant and bar as well.

Glacier Bay

Get up early, bundle up, take your binoculars and camera and get out on the ships decks. I stayed on deck 7 and 8 mostly to avoid crowds. But did go to the top of the ship once. It is beautiful, so quiet and serene. We saw eagle, seals, otters, and some saw moose and bear. The glacier is the star but so is the beauty of the bay. Be sure to attend the seminar given by the naturalist on board before and after this tour as he shares wonderful history and insights. Makes it more enjoyable.

Victoria

We did not disembark as we had both been to Victoria before. Plus you arrive at 7:30 and have to be back on ship by 11:30. That is not convenient and too short. Very disappointed in that aspect. So we ate dinner in the Crown Grill and almost had it to ourselves...which was fine after a week of a zillion people.

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