Ziggy & Stanford's girl Live from the Ruby Princess Nov 4-14, 2009!!

[queenb2850]

Hey Ziggy,

What is taking you so long to get info to us? Hee hee. It's like your having fun cruising or something! I hope you are all having the time of your life. love you guys.

Nancy

[crows nest club]

Hi Ziggy,

 

Glad you are having such a wonderful time. We were on the Ruby in the summer and have a question for you, if you are able to help:-

 

Are they still doing the 'sailaway' parties in the Sanctuary in the early evening. Not the initial sailaway but the sailaways during the cruise. When we were on there they had two of these, starting from about 6 p.m - 7.30 p.m.

 

Many thanks and calm waters.

[sidari]

Karen and Ziggy ..... thanks for your replies ...... :D

 

Ziggy .... looks like the first 3 on your list are the same as last year ...:)

 

No James Lay though! ... is Lisa still the assistant CD ?

[1 HappyCruiser]

Is it possible to find out the cutoff number of days for the Captains lunch or cocktail party.

[Infi]

Thanks so much for the reports, ladies! I've been looking forward to them. Do you know how long the CD will be staying onboard?

Did not expect there would be a time change on this itin, so thanks for sharing that. You learn something new everyday. :)

[queenb2850]

Ziggy and Janice,

Are you going to post any pics at all? Need pics!!!

Nancy

[yoyosma]

Pics would be nice but they take a lot of time to upload and process. It may be nicer if we wait patiently for ziggy and janice to come home, catch up with the world and then post them.

[toberman]

Pics would be nice but they take a lot of time to upload and process. It may be nicer if we wait patiently for ziggy and janice to come home, catch up with the world and then post them.

 

I agree with you Liz. I don't want them spending their cruise keeping us happy! I'm having enough fun with their posts as it is!

 

Janette

[toberman]

Hi Everyone!

 

 

Crew Members?

Captain – Tony Yeomans

Staff Captain - Gavin Pears

Passinger Services Director – Dirk Brand

Cruise Director – James Ibrahim

Executive Housekeeper – Anthony Keay

Executive Chef – Michele Cozzoli

Maitre d’Hotel – Jose Florencio

 

 

Thank you Debbie - this information is much appreciated!

 

Janette

[queenb2850]

Ziggy has time to send me one pic!! Don't ya zig? Hi to Jim. :o)

[OCruisers]

Hi Girls!

 

:confused: How many BOYS are in your group? For sure, Reggie ... and, I know, some of you have your DH along! Are they behaving? :D

 

:cool: Keep having FUN! :cool:

[Ziggy7]

Hi Everyone,

From Janice:

Last night they had a slot tourney in the casino and it is $20 to enter. But if you have a Princess coupon book, they have a buy one get one and you can keep the second for yourself or give it to a friend. I used both of my entrances for myself and it was a lot of fun but I didn’t win.

Also Rita’s (Renorita) hubby Dru entered the karaoke contest for the next Friday nights big show and won!! He sang Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling I Love with You” and brought down the house. Our friends Jackie and her hubby Jim entered also and were very good too but didn’t make the final cut.

The shows last night were Broadway Ballroom which was very good. They did everything from Foxtrot to Cha Cha and the choreographer & costume designer from “Dancing With The Stars” helped put this show together.

There was also a juggler/comedian named Steve Carte and he was very good and funny. If he’s on your sailing, make sure you catch his show.

Both of these shows are being repeated tonight so everyone gets a chance to see them.

The pianist in the Crooners lounge is Barrington “Barty” Brown, who is very good and we highly recommend stopping in at least one night to listen to him.

This morning was our Meet & Greet that Ziggy and I set up for our large roll call on CC and friends. It was really nice to finally put names to faces and we had a good turn out. The surprise that we arranged for everyone was that we invited the Captain & ships staff and almost all of them showed up! Especially the fabulous Captain Tony Yeoman (aka Captain McCharming). We have to say that he totally lives up to that nickname. He is very charming, personable, funny, with a warm and welcoming smile. The staff members below also honored us with their presence! They were all extremely nice and approachable.

Maitre D’Hotel--- Jose Florencio

Casino Manager --- Phil Hollis

1st Purser Administration --- Deidre Doyle

Staff Captain - Gavin Pears

Passenger Services Director – Dirk Brand

Executive Housekeeper – Anthony Keay

Maitre d’Hotel – Jose Florencio

First Purser Food & Beverage – Guenther Kopf

At 3 pm today there is a spectacular wine tasting seminar with the Maitre D’ Jose Florencio. It costs $25 but there is a $5 off coupon for this if you have the book. The wines included are spectacular and include a champagne first, then 2 whites and you finish with 2 reds.

Veuve Clicquot, Brut

Poully-Fuisse

Cuvaison Chardonay

Silverado cabernet Sauvignon

Luce della Vite

Opus 1

Quite a few people in our group are attending it. Once we get the feedback from them, we’ll post it.

Today the dance classes that are scheduled are Tap, Line, Rhumba, Merengue and they are throughout the day.

“On Deck For The Cure” will be held on the second sea day and you can register for it at the Passenger Service Desk on deck 6.

Tonight is formal night and they will have the champagne waterfall from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm in the Piazza.

We have to say that it has only been 2 days on the Ruby and everything and everyone has been wonderful to us. We have yet to personally meet the Cruise Director, but we are not taking it personal just yet LOL. This ship is a very busy ship with lots to do!

Here’s the answers to the latest questions:

1. The name of the Cruise Director is James Ibrahim

2. There was also prime rib (sliced to order) on the seafood buffet.

3. If you have walking issues or have a scooter, you can still use the bungalows. There are sidewalks to the food & restrooms and the only issue you will have is that there is one step to get into your bungalow. They do have beach wheelchairs for use on the island too.

4. There is not a giant chess piece on any deck that we have seen.

5. Lynn, I am a Skyy vodka drinker and can’t stand the taste of gin, so no Sapphire for this girl.

6. Lisa & Peggy, we’re sorry to hear you’re both sick and hopefully it will be gone soon. But until then, we’ll try to keep you entertained.

7. Kathleen & Karen, You two better be behaving yourself or you’ll be in trouble on the Ladies Cruise in April!! From Ziggy & Mr. Zig: Yeah what Janice said!!! We miss you b

th!

8. Matt & Mike, Dad and I miss you and remember to ….. Be smart, be safe, and have fun. If you can’t do all 3, then just do the first 2.

Tomorrow is St. Thomas and so far the weather has been great! While sailing we had a few seconds of rain drops a few times but nothing to actually count yet!

More tomorrow night!

Ziggy & Janice

[houch]

Fun to read your posts, glad to hear all is going well. It's getting me more excited for mine in a week!

[wolfshadow]

Hi guys! Sounds like you're having a blast! I knew you would be. Anyone I know along with you two? How's the weather? Well, enjoy! Talk to you when you get back. Love you guys! 1 of 4 remember! :p

[GKCruisers]

Thanks for all the information. Where did you get the Princess coupon book from?

[pa-annie]

You guys are a riot ... your Ruby postings are really helping me get fired up for our upcoming sail. :D

 

Can you confirm what the deal is with getting cash at the casino? Also, do they have a non-smoking area in the casino?

 

Wishing you blue skies, and calm seas. - Annie

[jp20]

Its so much fun to read your post and remember when- I was on the same itinerary last year on the Emerald. Hopefully on St. Lucia you are taking the best tour ever with Corsol tours. Out of all the years of cruising this was the best tour and our favorite island and I found him through cruise critic. As for my favorite ship- Its the Sapphire and I leave on her in 14 days and can not wait. :D Thank you again for posting and I look forward to reading more. My one regret- I wished I bought more than one bottle of Banana Ketcup as it broke when the cupboard was opened to fast and fell out before we used it.:o Its just a reason to go back, I guess.

[queenb2850]

Hey what happened to my Ziggy?? Hi Janice. Sounds like you are having an awesome time! Very busy bees. Buzz Buzz I know you will all look great tonight. Knock um dead ladies. :o)

[skivoodoo]

Sounds like you are having a great cruise! You deserve a fabulous one! Thanks for keeping us all entertained!:p

[teachergal29]

First let me thank you for taking time out of your cruise to post live from the Ruby. I will be sailing on her for Valentine's Day 2010 (S. Carib.) so I'm following your thread closely.

 

I have a question about your M&G that you mentioned and how you set it up with Princess. Is there someone specific you contacted to meet at a certain time? I think it is great that so many of the staff showed up. I have only one experience with M&G with Princess and it wasn't good. The Island Princess back in '06 to Hawaii. Did Princess set aside a room for your roll call group and did they set up refreshments of any kind? This is something that you can answer when you return as I know the internet minutes are valuable.

Thank you again and have a fabulous cruise.

Pam:):)

[OCruisers]

Hi Janice! So enjoying these "lives" from you and Zig!

 

There's a thread here on the CC Princess Board by GBeret who heard Princess no longer has Escargot nor Crab Legs on the menu. Is this true? :confused:

 

:cool: Keep having FUN! :D

[Ziggy7]

Hi Everyone,

Wow, St. Thomas was a busy day for us, So not much will be posted tonight as we need to get up very early for out St Kitts excursion!

I am going to try and post a few pictures, Janice & I with Captain McCharming (he really is a wonderful person and is very approachable), the other is the edible fruit bouquet I made Janice LOL

The others are of Me and my parents at formal and my parents doing B.O.S.S. with us today. That is an excursion not to be missed! I’m going to write a review of it when I get home!

Met with the CD James tonight and for those who wanted to know, he will leaving the ship after this cruise, and return to the ship on Jan 25th. I forgot to ask him who will be replacing him but will try and find out. He is also providing some gifts for us for our events on the ship!

Also yes they are doing the “sailaway” parties in the Sanctuary. Tonight was 5:30 – 6:30, everything free including a 10 minute massage during this time.

Tomorrow night is a big party “Black & White” on deck at 9:30pm to celebrate the 1 year birthday of the Inaugural cruise!

We also had our group wine tasting party in Beanie’s (Nancy & Mike’s) suite. A very nice aft corner cabin. I will post pictures when I return.

We have arranged our slot pull with the Casino Manager (Phil Hollis). He will be securing us our own little area and drawing prizes! He is very nice and is very willing to speak with you if want!

Also another big plus we found with Princess is the tour excursion we were on had a minimum of 15 people required to not cancel. We only had 12 and the B.O.S.S. people told us Princess paid for the rest! He said only Princess does that!

James Lay has retired from the CD positions and opened his own business. No Lisa is not the assistance CD, it’s a funny man named Martin.

Oh and I won the question of the day and got a free drink! If the ship were to sail around the world in a complete circle, what part of the ship would travel the farthest ???

More tomorrow! Love to all and especially our families! (including QueenBee) J

Hugs and God Bless!

Janice & Ziggy

P.S. The Captain is reading this thread; he was amazed at all your questions and cleared up a few rumors about Captains but you will need to read my review for more details. His wife will be joining him on the 11/14 cruise so he warned that some of the ports order may be changed due to her wanting to shop in different ports hehehehe (he was just kidding) LOL. Janice & I were very impressed with how he took the time to meet with our roll call and chat with us! Now if only we were invited to the Bridge and allowed to commandeer the Ruby Princess we would have a perfect cruise! LOL (we are not holding our breath on this one LOL)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[edieredmann]

Ziggy and Janice, thanks so much for the posts and pix!! You guys look like you are having a fabulous time, and I have to say you look stunning Ziggy, in your formal picture, and Jim looks so handsome! The picture of your parents is really cute, and exactly..WHAT WAS IN THAT EDIBLE FRUIT THAT YOU GAVE JANICE?! Janice, you look terrific, and have you had an Appletini yet for me?

[MmeKat]

It is so awesome that you guys take the time to do this for us....we are living vicariously through you....and counting down the days till we board RP on Nov. 24...can't wait!!! Have fun and can't wait for more updates!:)

 

Kathy

[wolfshadow]

Wow, Ziggy, I can't wait to hear the review on that B.O.S.S. excursion, it looks amazing!!! And, I love the picture of the both of you with the Captain! And, the one of you and your hubby! Very nice!!!