Ruby Princess Review

30th Anniversary trip, loved it!

Review for Alaska Cruise on Ruby Princess
User Avatar
GABirder
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2015
Cabin: Mini-Suite with Balcony

Overall we had a great experience. There were a few minor issues but nothing that would put me off from cruising Princess again. This is our second time cruising, the first was almost 10 years ago on a shorter Carnival cruise of the Bahamas.

We traveled with a group of five of us, and arrived a day early to explore Seattle a little. We ate dinner at the Space Needle (awesome views!) and toured Pikes Market Place. We loved Seattle and wished we had more time. On Sunday we took a charter van (only $35 for all five of us, so pretty cheap considering how much Princess wants to charge you per person to get you to the ship) to the port and since we arrived early (around noon I think) the whole process was smooth, quick and without incident. Honestly, we couldn't have had a smoother check-in process. I think the key is get there early!

The Princess ship was clean and the staff was for the most part friendly. We never experienced any rude people, however since the staff is pretty much all foreigners, it could be that where some thought the staff was unfriendly, it could just be their natural demeanor. I could also see where working on a ship day in and day out for several months out of the year could make some staffers tired and a little less energetic. But as I said, we never encountered anyone being rude.

Cabin Review

Mini-Suite with Balcony

Cabin MA

Since it was our 30th Anniversary, we splurged on a mini-suite with balcony. We were not disappointed! We chose mid-ship and were close to the elevators. Our room as spacious and we loved having our own balcony to view the mountains and fjord. We even saw some whales a few times (just spouts or tails, but still exciting!). Our room steward was great and we always had what we needed. The one thing that was odd was that we didn't have a top sheet but I never asked about it. After we got home, I read elsewhere that you have to ask if you want one so that's good to know for future cruises.

My one complaint about the balcony is that you aren't allowed to smoke. Not a problem for me as I don't smoke, but my husband smokes cigars and so his allowed places were limited. But that's not the issue. The issue is someone, somewhere above us smoked on their balcony and twice their butts wound up on our deck. I was quick to tell our room steward so that she knew it wasn't my husband. I'm sure they were aiming for the ocean (still not good) but we didn't want to be charged the $250 fine.

Since the daylight is so long, you can certainly enjoy this cruise without a balcony, since you will probably be up on the top deck much of the time, but if you have the ability to splurge a little, I say go for it!

Port Reviews

Seattle

Loved it, want to go back for a longer visit someday.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Ruby Princess Cruise from $143

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.