velvetred

ActiveTraveler - on my Ruby Princess cruise November 2008 there were live productions (Once Upon a Dream for one) in the main Princess theater several nights. On the nights there were not live productions in the Princess Theater, other types of entertainment (crew show, ABBA knock-off) were presented in the Princess Theater. Some of the shows and entertainers repeat, that is they may have 2 shows one night and the next night another show to enable everyone a chance to see the show. There were also additional entertainment (comedians, magicians, live bands, etc.) in the Explorer's lounge and Club Fusion. Plus, there was Movies Under the Stars in the evening (also movies on deck during the day). There was entertainment in the Piazza at various times throughout the day and evening. The Ruby had cooking shows, game shows, live music, bingo, trivia, dance lessons, the champagne waterfall, etc. Plus, Princess has multiple fresh water pools, the Sanctuary, the casino, the spa, the gym, specialty restaurants (Sabatini's and Crown Grill), etc. All I can say is that on my Ruby Princess cruise I had no difficulty having fun and being entertained. I recall more about the entertainment on the Ruby in 2008 than the Eurodam which I sailed this past Thanksgiving 2009. The reason is: other than James Cielan (sp?), the magician, it was not memorable for me. YMMV.

It would be helpful if people would try not to think so much about what they like/want in a cruise experience and try to recommend the ship that meets the OP's desires. The 28 year old OP said he is looking for elegant with entertainment and fun. Both ships have pros and cons but the Ruby offers much more in the entertainment and fun department than the Eurodam. I honestly had trouble deciding what to do on the Ruby as there were so many things I was interested in that had conflicting schedules. Never had that problem on the Eurodam - watched dvds in the cabin, played trivia and bingo, and spent time relaxing and lounging around in the library or Crow's Nest in addition to the main evening show. I am in my early 50's and in my experience most of the music on Holland America caters to an earlier generation than mine. My daughter and niece went on HAL last summer to Alaska with me and my sister - they loved the cruise but both commented on the unfamiliar music. Also, I have found that the older one gets the less tolerant one is of crowding. The younger generations tend to take it all in stride. In my experience, there was also crowding on the Eurodam especially at the buffet at peak times, at the indoor movie theater, and on the main pool deck. Again, both ships are very nice so it does boil down to whether the OP wants a more lively experience on the Ruby or a more sedate experience on the Eurodam. I do give the Eurodam the nod for cabin comfort and spaciousness (although the Ruby has a better closet design and refrigerators in all levels of cabins - the newer HAL ships may have fridges in all cabins now as well - I know the older HAL ships do not have refrigerators in all cabin categories) but if one is out and about most of the day the cabin really becomes a place to sleep and shower.

None of the above. If things continue the way they are going, I fear cruising will lose much of its appeal for many.

jab47 - thanks for the info. - so glad do not have to wear formal to shows and casino. If you don't mind, what were the highlights of your Jewel cruise? Thanks.

If you opt out of the formal nights and eat in the Windjammer are you able to still go to the shows and casino in non-formal wear? On non-formal nights, what is the dress in Portofino and Chops? I dress for work and really would prefer to just relax in smart casual wear on my vacation. Also, does anyone know if the Windjammer has an Asian food station. Thanks.

Does anyone know whether or not there are any Asian food stations in the Windjammer on the Jewel?

Does anyone know if the Windjammer Cafe features any Asian food at the stations in the buffet? It doesn't look like the Jade is available on the JOS. Thanks.

Can anyone comment on the types and quality of desserts on the Jewel? I read a couple of recent posts on this board commenting negatively on RCI's desserts so I wondered if anyone could comment specifically about the JOS's desserts. Thanks.

Has anyone else had significant delays with the tendering process on the Jewel? 4 tenders carrying less than 1/4 the passengers could easily create some tension among passengers. I am debating the Jewel of the Seas and the Miracle for a cruise that gets to visit the canal area in November so I would love to know if others have had any problems with the tender process. Thanks.

Do you have to have a reservation each day for My Time Dining or can you just walk up to the restaurant and be seated like on Princess? Which deck of the ship is the My Time Dining on Jewel of the Seas? Also, does anyone know what type of fried foods are served at the Seaview Cafe and are there any desserts available?

Thanks.

Thanks for information about 2 formal nights. Does anyone know which nights of the 10 day cruise are generally formal nights? This would be helpful to know when making reservations for the alternative restaurants.

Does anyone know how many formal nights there will be on the 10 day Jewel Panama Canal Cruise this fall? Thanks.

Do they still have the My Time Dining on the Jewel? Does anyone know anything else about it?

Does anyone know if the Jewel offers cooking classes or demonstrations? Also, is the Beatles Tribute still one of the shows? Thanks.

Does anyone know if there are lounge chairs in the shade on any of the decks especially the pool deck? Thanks.