LIVE From the Ruby Princess - Our European Adventure - July 4th to 16th

[mtaylor04]

Thanks so much for doing the live thread, I look forward to following your experience of your first cruise. Have a great time.

[mississauga]

Thank you for doing a "Live". Looking forward to cruising along with you!:)

[Kimmer17]

Day 2 – Sail Away from Venice through the Adriatic

Well, thanks to you all, for the 1,472, 042nd time in my life, I have had to proclaim the words, “You were right, Dear.” If I could just take a quick second to quote a flying nun, “You like me…..you really like me!”

Thank you all for your posts and questions. I am typing this in Word and cutting and pasting onto the Cruise Critic board in an effort to minimize my internet minutes ($175 for 540 minutes…btw), so I will do my best to address any questions from the posts. I need to make sure I save minutes to keep checking on my beloved Blue Jays, as they go through their yearly collapse to mediocrity.

We woke up on our firm, yet ,comfortable mattress early this morning (one question….answered). After a nice breakfast at the buffet, we progressed to find a comfortable seat on the pool deck to watch the lovely Venice as we set sail. Now, we aren’t sappy people (although I have been known to well up during the odd Tim Horton’s commercial, and I was almost in tears when Crosby scored in Vancouver this year, and when Harry dies at the end of Armageddon, with Steve Tyler bellowing out his umpteent hairband ballad, both Kim and I struggle to fight the welling), but we both found the sail away to be a beautiful experience that brought Kim to the verge of tears, and beyond. The operatic arias serenading us through the sound system were the perfect complements to the incredible sight of Venice as we slowly worked our way past this glorious city. The history, the architecture and the uniqueness of the city was much more impressive than I had anticipated. It is certainly a bustling city, full of life and significance. As Kim noted, quite astutely I might add, it is a blend of the old and the new. It’s somewhat like reading a classic book, set in modern times. It is difficult to describe, but I feel I am better for seeing and experiencing this wonderful place. It will be added to my list of places I must visit again.

Today, Kim and I celebrate our 13th Wedding Anniversary. While unlucky in number, we certainly will remember this one with fondness and awe. We awoke to balloons outside our cabin door recognizing this day for us. A nice touch. We were also given a coupon which we presented at dinner for a special cake, signed by our Captain, Tony Draper (2nd question…answered)(The coupon, not the cake). We did the emergency drill, and found our Muster Station about an hour and half after we set sail. Everyone looked very stylish in their life Jackets.

One of our main missions in life…..meet interesting people. From that standpoint, today was a rousing success. Spending the noon hour sitting near the pool, we had a great time meeting, chatting and enjoying some fine adult beverages with a couple we met. Some time at the Casino( not profitable today) while Kim enjoyed some time at the Sanctuary took us to our 4:30 meet and greet with the Cruise Critic ensemble. As a side note, one of the first things we did after getting our room yesterday was book two seats for the week at the Sanctuary. It’s wonderful, although our choice of chairs has proven to be in a very windy spot. I would look for something more on the perimeter if choosing again. I believe all the seats were booked up pretty quickly, as none were available today.

Our time at the meet and greet was great. Although I did not share Kim’s addiction to this website, and the role call postings over the last 6 months, it was a great way to meet some new people. I have decided to give any people we meet blind, stereotypical nicknames to protect the innocent. It was at the meeting where we met the Bible Thumpers and the New Yawkers, both on their honeymoons. (no offence is intended to either of these demographics out there in the CC Cyberspace).

From here we realized we had only really consumed liquid since breakfast, which wasn’t a half-bad way to spend the day, but we were quite ready for Dinner. We have chosen anytime dining, as we are happy to meet new people at meals, and eat whenever we are ready. We decided to eat at Da Vinci’s tonight, and arrived there around 6:30. Our timing was great, as a line started forming soon after that, and grew longer as the night progressed. We had a wonderful meal (I had the fillet mignon, and Kim had the salmon), meeting some more great people. Kim reached back into her linquistic history to chat with a couple who didn’t speak English (French was mutual), who were celebrating their 47th Anniversary this year. Wow.

After making another donation to the Three-Card Poker dealer, we headed up to Skywalkers to meet the Bible Thumpers and the New Yawkers. Here we also met the Hillbillies, who are also celebrating their honeymoon. I was quite upset not to be carded, and insisted to the doormen that my future ventures to the club must include a challenging of my age as a courtesy. They were quite kind to oblige. We had a great time at the bar chatting our night away.

I must say that I worked quite hard for the 2 months leading up to our European Adventure to shed some excess pounds. While I’m certainly not in Speedo territory or Borat thong acceptability (is anybody, really?), I was able to lose enough to notice a difference. I say this to point out that I think I managed to put most of it back on today. I am not looking forward to my 7 hours on the treadmill tomorrow to burn off the ‘Dos Equis Effect’ of sail away day. We have found it very convenient that the ship offers $3.00 drinks (select drinks, including the beer mentioned above) after 8:00 PM. Thank God there was no room for the scale in our suitcases. I’m afraid ignorance will have to be bliss for the next week and a half in regards to obsessive weight monitoring.

We look forward to our day of nothingness tomorrow, which in actuality feels like everythingness (not a word, I know). A special day today; memorable in so many ways. Ciao.

[katkatkat3]

I am sooo looking forward to reading about your trip and many ports. We are from Oakville and will be on the Ruby Princess Aug. 9 and ending in Venice. Enjoy the trip and let us all know what is great and what to avoid. Thanks

[danuty]

Thank you for the laughs and sharing your wonderful day with us. Looking forward to your future posts...and hoping tomorrow brings you luck at the tables.

 

Diane

[J&Jtravelcouple]

Kim suggested I post daily updates not only for our family and friends at home in Toronto, who are likely counting the seconds until our next update (note: not actually that likely), but for the masses reading on the habitually enticing Cruise Critic Message Boards. I will personally be surprised if more than two people read this, but Kim insists that there are people out there in cyberspace who will appreciate hearing about our experiences…so….here it goes.

 

We will be on this same trip on July 28, so we will definitely be following your thread -- thanks!

 

One question already - from day 2 report (perhaps someone else can answer to save you the time/work):

 

As a side note, one of the first things we did after getting our room yesterday was book two seats for the week at the Sanctuary.

 

What is the point of reserving seats in the Sanctuary? I had supposed this was dining, but then you ate somewhere else the next night. Thanks from newbies!

 

[ActiveTraveler]

Are you talking about staying in a hotel before the cruise or flying in and going straight to the cruise ship?

 

First need to realize that the Piazzelle Roma is not too far from the pier and there is transportation available from there to the port area.

 

If you are flying in and going straight to the ship, you can

a) Take the Princess transfer

b) Take a cab

c) Take a public bus to Piazzale Roma and cab or skyway. Only on this option would you need to handle luggage much.

 

If you are in a hotel that is at Piazzale Roma, then you can take a cab or the skyway to the pier

 

If you are at a hotel on the mainland, you can take a train to Venice, walk across the new bridge to Piazzale Toma and then take a cab or the skyway.

 

If you are at a hotel in Venice, you can check with the hotel to see if they have a transfer service you can use to get from hotel to ship.

 

I read the transfer service is about $30 per bag. United only charged me $15 for my bag so that looks expensive to me, so I was hoping there is a cheaper way to do it. If I start my cruise in Venice, I will go from hotel to ship. Are hotel transfers cheaper than cruise line transfers in Venice? I don't know if I want to start in Venice yet.

[J&Jtravelcouple]

OK I see that the Sanctuary is not dining, it sounds like a nice area, but why would Princess reserve out seats? and would you plan to be there every day at the same time?? Thx.

[caribill]

I read the transfer service is about $30 per bag.

 

I am surprised that the hotel would charge that much for a bag. What are they saying the charge is to transfer you and your luggage?

[caribill]

OK I see that the Sanctuary is not dining, it sounds like a nice area, but why would Princess reserve out seats? and would you plan to be there every day at the same time?? Thx.

 

Because the Sanctuary is a quiet area with no children and no smoking and extra thick cushions on the lounges. With a limited number of lounges available, Princess can charge for this and get more income.

 

Obviously, no passenger is forced to be there.

 

Advantage of booking for the week is a lower per day cost if you plan to use it every day both AM and PM. Otherwise, booking just the half days you want is more cost effective, but you have to book the time you want the morning of each day you want it and hope that space is available when you line up to do this.

 

For voyages in a warm climate with a number of sea days, the Sanctuary may be full most days. In colder climates or on a voyage with many ports, it will be empty much of the time.

[numbersix]

I read the transfer service is about $30 per bag. United only charged me $15 for my bag so that looks expensive to me, so I was hoping there is a cheaper way to do it. If I start my cruise in Venice, I will go from hotel to ship. Are hotel transfers cheaper than cruise line transfers in Venice? I don't know if I want to start in Venice yet.

 

 

I'm not quite sure what is meant by the $30 per bag/$15 per bag references (I guess United is charging $15 per bag, but that is an airline baggage fee; nothing to do with getting you or your bag from the hotel in Venice to the ship.

 

Any hotel in Venice can arrange transport (water taxi), generally from their front door right to the port, for 80-90 Euro (transport in Venice is expensive). From hotels in or near Piazzale Roma, one can either get a taxi or the cruise bus shuttle (if there is one), or take the new 'People Mover' to the cruise terminal.

 

Kimmer: Great job--looks like you're gaining quite a following with all the soon-to-be-Ruby cruisers (we're Aug 9th).

 

Thanks!

 

Kevin

[travelbig]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I can't wait to read about the ports and your adventures! Have a great cruise!

[Anubi]

I was almost in tears when Crosby scored in Vancouver this year,

 

To busy screaming to cry...:p...please keep up the comments...you're hysterical. :D:D:D

[waterski12001]

First of all I wanted to thank you from a fellow Ontarian - Chatham to be precise - Love following your thread. My wife of 2 days and I are eagerly anticipating our Cruise leaving from Barcelona on the 16th!!

 

My question to you is:

 

In Mykonos, is there transportation provided by either the cruise ship or locally by bus from the port where you dock to the town of mykonos if you don't take a "tour" booked by princess ... i.e. doing in on our own?

 

I have heard taxi's are very limited and I am considering renting a car or a scooter for the afternoon to see both the town but more importantly to get to the beaches we want to see without losing a lot of time waiting for the infrequent buses.

 

Thanks again

[Woobstr112G]

Day 2 – Sail Away from Venice through the Adriatic

 

Well, thanks to you all, for the 1,472, 042nd time in my life, I have had to proclaim the words, “You were right, Dear.” If I could just take a quick second to quote a flying nun, “You like me…..you really like me!”

 

Thank you all for your posts and questions. I am typing this in Word and cutting and pasting onto the Cruise Critic board in an effort to minimize my internet minutes ($175 for 540 minutes…btw), so I will do my best to address any questions from the posts. I need to make sure I save minutes to keep checking on my beloved Blue Jays, as they go through their yearly collapse to mediocrity.

 

We woke up on our firm, yet ,comfortable mattress early this morning (one question….answered). After a nice breakfast at the buffet, we progressed to find a comfortable seat on the pool deck to watch the lovely Venice as we set sail. Now, we aren’t sappy people (although I have been known to well up during the odd Tim Horton’s commercial, and I was almost in tears when Crosby scored in Vancouver this year, and when Harry dies at the end of Armageddon, with Steve Tyler bellowing out his umpteent hairband ballad, both Kim and I struggle to fight the welling), but we both found the sail away to be a beautiful experience that brought Kim to the verge of tears, and beyond. The operatic arias serenading us through the sound system were the perfect complements to the incredible sight of Venice as we slowly worked our way past this glorious city. The history, the architecture and the uniqueness of the city was much more impressive than I had anticipated. It is certainly a bustling city, full of life and significance. As Kim noted, quite astutely I might add, it is a blend of the old and the new. It’s somewhat like reading a classic book, set in modern times. It is difficult to describe, but I feel I am better for seeing and experiencing this wonderful place. It will be added to my list of places I must visit again.

 

Today, Kim and I celebrate our 13th Wedding Anniversary. While unlucky in number, we certainly will remember this one with fondness and awe. We awoke to balloons outside our cabin door recognizing this day for us. A nice touch. We were also given a coupon which we presented at dinner for a special cake, signed by our Captain, Tony Draper (2nd question…answered)(The coupon, not the cake). We did the emergency drill, and found our Muster Station about an hour and half after we set sail. Everyone looked very stylish in their life Jackets.

 

One of our main missions in life…..meet interesting people. From that standpoint, today was a rousing success. Spending the noon hour sitting near the pool, we had a great time meeting, chatting and enjoying some fine adult beverages with a couple we met. Some time at the Casino( not profitable today) while Kim enjoyed some time at the Sanctuary took us to our 4:30 meet and greet with the Cruise Critic ensemble. As a side note, one of the first things we did after getting our room yesterday was book two seats for the week at the Sanctuary. It’s wonderful, although our choice of chairs has proven to be in a very windy spot. I would look for something more on the perimeter if choosing again. I believe all the seats were booked up pretty quickly, as none were available today.

 

Our time at the meet and greet was great. Although I did not share Kim’s addiction to this website, and the role call postings over the last 6 months, it was a great way to meet some new people. I have decided to give any people we meet blind, stereotypical nicknames to protect the innocent. It was at the meeting where we met the Bible Thumpers and the New Yawkers, both on their honeymoons. (no offence is intended to either of these demographics out there in the CC Cyberspace).

 

From here we realized we had only really consumed liquid since breakfast, which wasn’t a half-bad way to spend the day, but we were quite ready for Dinner. We have chosen anytime dining, as we are happy to meet new people at meals, and eat whenever we are ready. We decided to eat at Da Vinci’s tonight, and arrived there around 6:30. Our timing was great, as a line started forming soon after that, and grew longer as the night progressed. We had a wonderful meal (I had the fillet mignon, and Kim had the salmon), meeting some more great people. Kim reached back into her linquistic history to chat with a couple who didn’t speak English (French was mutual), who were celebrating their 47th Anniversary this year. Wow.

 

After making another donation to the Three-Card Poker dealer, we headed up to Skywalkers to meet the Bible Thumpers and the New Yawkers. Here we also met the Hillbillies, who are also celebrating their honeymoon. I was quite upset not to be carded, and insisted to the doormen that my future ventures to the club must include a challenging of my age as a courtesy. They were quite kind to oblige. We had a great time at the bar chatting our night away.

 

I must say that I worked quite hard for the 2 months leading up to our European Adventure to shed some excess pounds. While I’m certainly not in Speedo territory or Borat thong acceptability (is anybody, really?), I was able to lose enough to notice a difference. I say this to point out that I think I managed to put most of it back on today. I am not looking forward to my 7 hours on the treadmill tomorrow to burn off the ‘Dos Equis Effect’ of sail away day. We have found it very convenient that the ship offers $3.00 drinks (select drinks, including the beer mentioned above) after 8:00 PM. Thank God there was no room for the scale in our suitcases. I’m afraid ignorance will have to be bliss for the next week and a half in regards to obsessive weight monitoring.

 

We look forward to our day of nothingness tomorrow, which in actuality feels like everythingness (not a word, I know). A special day today; memorable in so many ways. Ciao.

 

Sounds like a great day, Happy Aniversary.....:):):)

 

Bob

[JWBearsgirl15]

Wow - thanks for this awesome post. My husband is stuck in hot Baltimore traffic, and reading your post to him certainly lightened his mood! We are sailing on the same cruise July 28th - like lots of others reading your post!

 

We were especially excited to read about your adventure in Venice because we are leaving at 7 pm (US East Coast time) on July 27th to get to Venice on July 28 by noon.

 

It was also nice to read about your anniversary surprise, we will be celebrating our 4th anniversary on August 4th, when we are in Turkey.

 

We are really looking forward to your future posts, as we have not cemented all of our plans yet, and your opinion will help us out.

 

Anyways - let us all know where you dock in Italy - I think it is Sorrento - but who knows!!

 

THANKS AGAIN!!! Go Orioles - 'cause we always suck WAY worse than the Jays.

[tigragirl]

thanks for taking the time to do a "live from the Ruby" and shouldering the cost - it costs a pretty penny. I think you will find plenty of people appreciate it.

 

We join Ruby on 28th July and we are celebrating our 7th Wedding anniversary on the day we leave to come home 9th July.

 

We have been checking the webcam everyday now we can have a great build up to our holiday by reading your reports

 

We have sailed from Venice before and just reading your post of your sail away brought it all back, its awsome!

 

have a great holiday, we are all following you

[Kimmer17]

Day 3 – Sea Day

What a wonderful day on the Ruby Princess. Nothingness can be so fulfilling sometimes, after the hustle and bustle of life back home. What did we do today? Plenty…and yet…well…nothing, really.

After spending the better part of our first two days surviving on little to no sleep, we spent our morning unaware of the time….asleep…in bed. After spending part of our night previously discussing where we wanted to eat our breakfast, our 11:30 arousal from bed made the discussion moot. We are directly below the pool deck, and thus far we haven’t heard any noise from above. Even if we did, it wouldn’t really bother us. We’re pretty easy to please.

After finally getting going, we decided to just grab a quick burger and fries at the poolside restaurant. They were pretty good…the fries are great. We were up too late to find anything remotely close to a good seat by the pool, so we decided to check out the boat a little more. It baffles me a little bit why people will drop a towel or a book on a chair, and expect it held for all eternity. A pretty selfish way to go about things, in my humble opinion. The chairs around the pool were, at best, half being used, but completely taken or reserved. We have decided to plan our Sanctuary use, and have went ahead and told them to rent out seats there today, as we weren’t going to use them. I don’t mean to vent(actually…it seems I do), and this is certainly a difficult thing for the crew to monitor. Some new friends of ours actually waited around the pool watching for chairs to open up. After about half an hour, they noticed two chairs that had towels on them, that had been vacant for the whole time. As soon as they went to move the towels to the side and sit for a while, a person came from another chair they had on the other side of the pool, and told them to leave, as the seats were accounted for. Later that afternoon, they noticed that same person in the chair, also noticing the sun had now moved to the other side of the pool. Not cool, in my opinion. Anyways, enough of that.

Wandering tends to lead to interesting things sometimes. Our journey took us up to the Sports deck, where there was a demonstration of the golf simulators. They look like a lot of fun. They had a little closest to the pin competition going there (Second place….btw…please hold the applause). We have enjoyed the spontaneity of the ship…finding things going on by chance. We then proceeded to the Casino for a little more Poker….we did better today…enough to play for a couple hours on house money.

We decided to wander around a bit more, and found a trivia game going on at the Wheelhouse Bar. We joined up with a nice father and son from Nor Cal. Alas, although we made the finals, I blew it for the team in the playoff. We had a good time, and, again, met some great people. I would say our ‘new friend’ count is up to about 15. We intend on knowing at least 100 by the time we get off the boat.

We went back to the room to get ourselves all gussed up for Formal night. Kim looked beautiful as always. We had 8:30 reservations at Da Vinci with the New Yawkers and the Hillbillies. We had a great meal and had more than a few laughs. After getting a couple pictures done, we got changed and headed up to watch the end of the Soccer game. The pool area was absolutely packed, so we worked our way up the levels, and had to sit on some stairs. There was no room even to stand. Of course, some gentleman who was sitting comfortably in a chair got up and came over to tell us he didn’t like that we were sitting on the edge of the stairs, even though we had been careful to leave room for people to go up and down. It’s amazing how territorial people get with common spaces.

After the game, we headed back up to Skywalkers for a last drink before bed. Again, lots of interesting people up there to chat with. We decided to get back to the room early (is 12:30 early?) to get some sleep for Athens tomorrow. We are doing a tour with Princess tomorrow(Acropolis/Plaka/Temple of Poseidon). I hope to have more great stories and information for all my loyal followers tomorrow. Although I know a little French, and a tad of Italian, I can’t say I know a single work of Greek (does Souvlaki count?). Ciao from the Sea of Crete.

[Jeniceves]

This post was LOL funny! Happy anniversary, you wippersnappers...we've been married 33 years! Looking forward to hearing about the ports. A sports note...we're from Pittsburgh and also cheered Syd on during the Olympics! And, don't complain too much about the Jays...we have the Pirates! 10 more days and we're on the Ruby!!!

[Colo Cruiser]

Sounds like a great day.

[TracieABD]

Thank you for taking us along on your vacation!:)

[dancing lady]

Your live thread makes for wonderful reading. My DH and I were on this cruise a few years back and remember it fondly. Continue to have a great time!

Dancing Lady

[rdsqrl]

This post was LOL funny! Happy anniversary, you wippersnappers...we've been married 33 years! Looking forward to hearing about the ports. A sports note...we're from Pittsburgh and also cheered Syd on during the Olympics! And, don't complain too much about the Jays...we have the Pirates! 10 more days and we're on the Ruby!!!

And we have the Nationals! Quite a bit of competition here for whose team is the sorriest!!

Kimmer, wonderful posts. I'm really enjoying your vacation. Thanks again for taking the time, and the money, to bring us all along with you.

[J&Jtravelcouple]

Because the Sanctuary is a quiet area with no children and no smoking and extra thick cushions on the lounges. With a limited number of lounges available, Princess can charge for this and get more income.

 

Obviously, no passenger is forced to be there.

 

 

Thank you, caribill. That all makes perfect sense.

 

 

And THANK YOU Kimmer for the continued great stories and information. Agree pool/beach chair hogs are a pain wherever you go, including on land. It ought to be acceptable to set materials on unused chairs aside and if/when those people ever show up again, they can wait a while for an open chair just like you did. Heavens, if someone is using a chair on one side and holding one on the other side for later in the day, that's really rude. If they come from another side to ask you to leave the chair alone, feel free to say "OK, fine, you use this chair and I'll use the one you were sitting in over there!" (We'll all cheer you on from this distance...)

[Victorious8]

 

 

And THANK YOU Kimmer for the continued great stories and information. Agree pool/beach chair hogs are a pain wherever you go, including on land. It ought to be acceptable to set materials on unused chairs aside and if/when those people ever show up again, they can wait a while for an open chair just like you did. Heavens, if someone is using a chair on one side and holding one on the other side for later in the day, that's really rude. If they come from another side to ask you to leave the chair alone, feel free to say "OK, fine, you use this chair and I'll use the one you were sitting in over there!" (We'll all cheer you on from this distance...)

 

I recently ran into this problem at a waterpark. The park had very few chairs but at the end of the day me and my 3 girlfriends (all 21) wanted to lay out together before driving home. We found 4 chairs next to each other that were no occupied. When we sat in them an elderly lady turned around to tell us that was her daughters chair. We told her that saving chairs is not allowed or fair. Luckily the girl she was arguing with has a lot of class and did not say rude words back to the lady after she told us to have respect yet than called my friend a b****. She than proceeded to speak this same way when her family came back for a minute. It was awkward and luckily it wasn't me who the woman cussed at because I am not so great at holding my tongue. :D. (I almost got into a physical fight with a 34 yr old woman at the Eclipse (Twilight premiere, I have never actually been in a fight I just hate rude people). I will be on this cruise starting the 16th and I am warning you all now: Move your feet, lose your seat. I will be sitting in fake occupied seats whenever I feel the need. If the person comes back to the seat and ask for it back there is a great likely hood that I will give the seat back, it just really bothers me when they are not being occupied at all but are being taken up. I guess if I get a lot of enemies at least I have 20 family members on the cruise with me. We will be a big group with ages ranging from 13-70. I'll be one of the only 21 yr olds from what I've read but I am still very excited. :).

Haha this post is quite longer than I expected I've been reading stuff on here for a while and never expected to post.