We had made flight arrangements through Princess with their EZ flight program, out of Denver. This was the first concern. We tried to ascertain our seats but couldn't because this was not the policy. We had to check in with Delta 24 hours ahead of schedule to pay for our checked luggage ($25). We got our seat assignments at the gate. The flight to Seattle we had "exit seats" which was nice. We stayed at the Crown Plaza downtown and kudos to Charlotte, the Concierge who made arrangements at a total of around $100 for the transportation to the hotel in a luxury sedan, to Pier 91 on Sunday in a van, and pickup at the cruise terminal the following Sunday for trip to airport in a van. The hotel was great. We had booked in via IHG and we had a room on the 30th floor, next to an elevator. We did not have any problems with noise. Great view. We toured Fish Market, and did some walking and were amazed at how steep the hills were in Seattle, until we found that the best way was to take streets that had less of an incline. We did on Saturday the Underground Experience and would recommend this to anyone. Fun time. It is located in Pioneer Park downtown, a wonderful section of the city.

We boarded Ruby on Sunday at 1 pm, with no problems. Our room was D607 and ready. My wife and I had to do some additional cleaning. I had ordered and paid in advance for bottles of water and the welcome gift of vegetables. Neither there when we arrived. The vegetables came at 4:30 pm or so, but I had to call for the water.

Our room was a mini-suite which meant that we got a special bedding. Yea, really! It consisted of an extra quilted filled mattress pad. Certainly not the best. The mattress was older, and I think this was made to keep them in use. Our steward was Kristian from Poland who had worked for 17 years with Princess. His family is in Poland. He was most courteous and helpful, and was always ready to remind us which direction to go for the meals, left and up for the buffet, and right and down for the dinner. We never could remember which way. Signage was poor on the ship. Read more