Lots of Ruby Questions - No Search Feature

[taliho621]

All:

 

I apologize in advance for this post. Usually, I research a ship using the search feature here in the forum, and get most of my questions answered without having to bother anyone. However, as I cannot search, and we are heading on to the Ruby this week (first time on Princess as well), I have no choice but to throw a whole bunch of basic questions out there and hope not to get too badly flamed.

 

So here goes:

 

(1) First and foremost are tips and tricks. One thing I love getting off of the boards before I get on a ship are all the little secrets (best place to find a table at the buffet, small out-of-the way sandwich place, best place to take a photo, etc.). These tips always make me look good when I use them with my cruisemates. So if anyone has some insider tips for Ruby, I would be most appreciative.

 

(2) MUTS - I understand it can be hard to get seats. What is the best time to get a seat (without having to be in place by 1 p.m.)?

 

(3) Drinks - I have given up on soda cards when I am on a ship that has free lemonade/iced tea at the buffet (other than maybe one soda at dinner, I can get my sugar fix for free). Are these drinks available on Ruby as well?

 

(4) Sea Days - What is there to do? I am old-school. I like trivia contests, classes, tours, bingo, etc. Are the days filled, or am I stuck at the pool and/or casino all day? Can anyone point me to where I could find recent daily schedules?

 

(5) Casino - does anyone know what are the allowed odds at craps? Vegas is typically 3/4/5, but my most recent cruise on RCCL was 1x odds. Really increases the house advantage. Oops, I just realized - I should first ask if they even have craps?

 

(6) Scavenger hunt - I had read a reference to a scavenger hunt in a review. Is this an organized event? Is it a self-directed hunt, where you can get the sheet from the ship and try to get everything in your own? Or is it something these people just did on their own?

 

(6) Dismbarking - Is early disembarkation available? We typically (on RCCL and Celebrity) keep our bags so we can get off the ship by 7:30-8. Is this available on the Ruby?

 

Thank you in advance for any answers/advice you can provide. I'm sure I will think of more later.

[riclop]

All:

 

I apologize in advance for this post. Usually, I research a ship using the search feature here in the forum, and get most of my questions answered without having to bother anyone. However, as I cannot search, and we are heading on to the Ruby this week (first time on Princess as well), I have no choice but to throw a whole bunch of basic questions out there and hope not to get too badly flamed.

 

So here goes:

 

(1) First and foremost are tips and tricks. One thing I love getting off of the boards before I get on a ship are all the little secrets (best place to find a table at the buffet, small out-of-the way sandwich place, best place to take a photo, etc.). These tips always make me look good when I use them with my cruisemates. So if anyone has some insider tips for Ruby, I would be most appreciative.

 

(2) MUTS - I understand it can be hard to get seats. What is the best time to get a seat (without having to be in place by 1 p.m.)?

 

(3) Drinks - I have given up on soda cards when I am on a ship that has free lemonade/iced tea at the buffet (other than maybe one soda at dinner, I can get my sugar fix for free). Are these drinks available on Ruby as well?

 

(4) Sea Days - What is there to do? I am old-school. I like trivia contests, classes, tours, bingo, etc. Are the days filled, or am I stuck at the pool and/or casino all day? Can anyone point me to where I could find recent daily schedules?

 

(5) Casino - does anyone know what are the allowed odds at craps? Vegas is typically 3/4/5, but my most recent cruise on RCCL was 1x odds. Really increases the house advantage. Oops, I just realized - I should first ask if they even have craps?

 

(6) Scavenger hunt - I had read a reference to a scavenger hunt in a review. Is this an organized event? Is it a self-directed hunt, where you can get the sheet from the ship and try to get everything in your own? Or is it something these people just did on their own?

 

(6) Dismbarking - Is early disembarkation available? We typically (on RCCL and Celebrity) keep our bags so we can get off the ship by 7:30-8. Is this available on the Ruby?

 

Thank you in advance for any answers/advice you can provide. I'm sure I will think of more later.

Go and be surpised at the good and not so good.

[rdsqrl]

Here are some answers:

 

1) On this class of ship, I adore sitting out on the aft on deck 16, just outside Sabatini's/Adagio. If you look at the deck plan, you'll see there's a little outdoor space there. It has nice patio furniture tables and chairs and a little fountain, with gorgeous views of the aft pool and the wake. A great place for late-afternoon relaxing with a drink.

 

Also, Adagio is a wonderful bar that's never crowded, because it's off the beaten track. Usually a nice pianist or duo playing. And the Citrus Bellini is a delicious drink that is only available in this one bar. Definitely worth the long elevator ride up to 16!

 

3) Drinks: Yes, lemonade and iced tea are both available at the buffet (called Horizon Court/Cafe Caribe -- 2 different buffets, the latter is slightly smaller but still has drink stations). Warning: the iced tea is made from a concentrate and is very strong. I dilute it with water at a 1:1 ratio. There are also tea bags of various flavours out, so if you have the inclination, you can make your own "fresh brewed" iced tea. Princess cuts up lemons into tiny half-wheels, useless for squeezing. However, if you look sharply on the buffet, there should be real lemon wedges out, maybe near the salad bar, maybe near the stir-fry station. (That lemon wedge hint could also be in answer your question #1, re secrets/tips)

 

4) Princess has all the "old school" stuff you're referring to. Usually all kinds of activities going on, including twice-daily trivia, bingo, pool games. On a Caribbean itinerary, there may or may not be actual lectures, as opposed to the lame shopping talks.

 

6) The only scavenger hunt I'm aware of is on embarkation day. They give you a card and you go around to various parts of the ship (the spa, the casino, etc.) and get a stamp, then throw it into a hat for a drawing at the sailaway party (must be present to win). It's a way to introduce you to the services onboard.

 

7) Yes, they offer early disembarkation, called walk-off, with you schlepping your own bags. The disembarkation info delivered to your cabin mid-cruise will contain details. Be sure to fill it in and return it timely to make sure you get your first choice.

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

[suzyed]

The best place to get sandwiches/soups/salads/pastries/cookies is at the International Cafe!! They have a fantastic selection...you will surely find something you will like there and it's FREE! They only charge for the gelato, but that is not all that much and it's yummy!

If you get a coffee card, you can get lattes and specialty coffees there and get your card punched. You will also be able to get free fresh brewed coffee with the card, but there is no punch for that....again, free!

 

Trivia is so much fun....it's played in groups of 5-6 and I believe it's twice a day.

We never had a problem getting a spot at the MUTS....there were plenty of lounge chairs and cute plaid blankets and even popcorn! Again if you have a coffee card, you can get a latte or whatever while you watch the flick!

 

Oh! And around the pool in the late afternoon, they come around with fresh baked cookies and cute little glasses of milk!! Just enough before dinner without ruining your appetite!

 

The piano bar up on deck 16 (forgot the name) is great because it is quiet, but has some mellow piano music and great drinks! The martinis and the bloody marys are yummy!

There are also board games, played in groups up there during the day....trivial pursuit type games, yatzee, pictionary!

 

They do have craps, but I don't play so i don't have any info on that!

 

Look into the "Chef's Table" and the "Behind the scenes tour". If they are of interest to you, get on the list as soon as you get on the ship! It's a lottery or first come, first served....no sure how it's determined who gets to do it, but both are wonderful and worth doing.

 

The Ruby is beautiful....have fun and bon voyage!

Edited February 17, 2014 by suzyed

[taliho621]

Thanks. I will definitely try Adagio. But not while I am getting my poolside cookies.

 

Another question - we like good food, but do not eat meat on the ships. If I want seafood (fish that swims, not shellfish), are the menus creative, or am I stuck with grilled salmon every night?

 

Also, can anyone point me to any online daily schedules or menus?

 

Thanks.

[FritzG]

Thanks. I will definitely try Adagio. But not while I am getting my poolside cookies.

 

Another question - we like good food, but do not eat meat on the ships. If I want seafood (fish that swims, not shellfish), are the menus creative, or am I stuck with grilled salmon every night?

 

Also, can anyone point me to any online daily schedules or menus?

 

Thanks.

 

There's usually seafood entree each night, and you can also talk to the maitre d' the night before, and he'll work with you. You can also mix and match. I've had a piece of salmon put on top of the fettucini alfredo which is delicious.

DH has ordered two shrimp cocktails without cocktail sauce or another seafood appetizer and put them over pasta or over a salad.

[FawnRiver]

We did the chef's table the last time we were on the Ruby and we totally lucked out, Chef Alfredo (head chef of all of Princess) was onboard and prepared our meal. YUM!!!!:D:D:D You also get photos taken with the chef and an autographed copy of the Princess cookbook.

Only drawback, I'll never be able to make risotto at home again, it can never measure up to his. :(

We did the Ship's tour on the Emerald (Ruby's sister) and had a great time. Only warning, leave extra room in your bags, those bathrobes (the good heavy spa ones) and VERY heavy and bulky. You also get a chef's jacket, photos from the tour and personalized stationary. We had a heck of a time packing ours bathrobes and jackets and just made it under the weight allowance for our flight home. Both of these are extra charges, so just be advised. That being said, both experiences (and the extras) were worth every penny.

The MDR usually has a fish option every night, aside from the salmon. Sabatini's also has a nice fish main course (whole sea bass cooked in salt crust for two). If you have any issues, just talk to the maitre'd or the head waiter and they'll help you out. The staff onboard is great.

[ggprincess2004]

Thanks. I will definitely try Adagio. But not while I am getting my poolside cookies.

 

Another question - we like good food, but do not eat meat on the ships. If I want seafood (fish that swims, not shellfish), are the menus creative, or am I stuck with grilled salmon every night?

 

Also, can anyone point me to any online daily schedules or menus?

 

Thanks.

 

Some dinner menus and luncheon menus contain a fish entrée, some feature a shellfish entrée. You can find the dinner menu for the evening posted by morning outside the mid-ship dining room on deck 5, and see if it's salmon or, if they have an additional fish entrée. In Sabatini's you will find a fish entrée for two - branzino in a salt crust - which is quite nice. You might want to give that a try when there is nothing interesting on the dining room menu. Also. Crown Grill features a Chilean Sea Bass entrée. I find that good but not exceptional. Frequently on the buffet in Horizon Court there will be some sort of fish filet offered.

 

As far as being stuck with salmon, you can get lox at breakfast, on the buffet (if you don't see it ask), if you write it in at breakfast on the room service form you probably will get it (be detailed, list everything you would like with it!) , and it is the entrée of "last resort" for us in the evening on the dinner menu.

 

Every evening the Princess Patter will be delivered to your stateroom. It contains the events schedule for the following day, along with lots of additional info and ads. Some cruisers recommend taking along a highlighter so you can mark the activities that interest you. We have never resorted to that, instead I use a small piece of note paper, note the event, time and location. It is easier than carrying around the Patter all day.

[Pam in CA]

Unlike RCCL, when you first embark the ship, you can go directly to your cabin. No waiting around on Lido deck until mid-afternoon. Boarding usually starts between 11:30-Noon.

 

Even if you get your food in the Horizon Court, you can walk back to the Cafe Caribe and find a table. There is also outdoor seating where you can sit and watch the wake.

 

The buffet is set up in stations and you can go back and forth to them. It's a bit like controlled chaos until you get used to it. It works as there usually isn't a line for anything.

 

The buffets also have tableside beverage service and the tables are set with napkins and utensils. No running around to get silverware or balance a tea cup with your plate of food. Within minutes of sitting down, someone will be there to take your juice, coffee or tea request at breakfast, coffee, tea, iced tea or lemonade at lunch.

 

As for a fish entree for dinner, let your waiter know you'd like to see the next night's menus. If you don't see something you want, you can pre-order something else with the Head Waiter. Princess is very flexible and accommodating.

[serene56]

Would we be able to get a shrimp cocktail at the buffet for dinner? Or this only served in the dining room.

[geoherb]

When we were on the Ruby in December, they had shrimp cocktail just one night in the buffet. It's available every night in the dining rooms.

 

For disembarkation, at least on the 4-night cruises, they were encouraging people to carry their own bags off the ship. You can request the time you want. They were running behind schedule the day we disembarked, so we had to wait about 15 minutes in one of the dining rooms before they started letting passengers off again. Apparently the holdup was with Customs/Immigration. (They still had the traditional method of passengers leaving their large suitcases outside their doors the last night for the few people who wanted to use that service. But probably 90 percent of the passengers walked off with all their luggage.)

[IECalCruiser]

Thanks. I will definitely try Adagio. But not while I am getting my poolside cookies.

 

Another question - we like good food, but do not eat meat on the ships. If I want seafood (fish that swims, not shellfish), are the menus creative, or am I stuck with grilled salmon every night?

 

Also, can anyone point me to any online daily schedules or menus?

 

Thanks.

In addition to the always available Grilled Salmon with Herb & Lemon Compound Butter, there are two rotating seafood dishs, typically one fish and one shellfish. I have attached a link to photos of menus from a 10 day cruise from January of 2013. There appear to have been some tweaks for this year but it will give you an example of what should be available.

 

Revised New Menus - January 2013