Ruby Princess E. Caribbean photo and video review

[Bimmer09]

I am really enjoying your review. Whenever I stumble across one of your reviews I have to follow. Your pictures and writing makes it seem as if I am right there with you. Right now that is all that I am getting. I would love to book another cruise but right now I am taking care of my elderly mom and can't get away for more than a couple of nights at a time. Thanks for taking me along with you.

 

Thank you for the compliments and I'm glad you get caught up in the reviews I write. I'm writing it for people like you with a long attention span and a thirst for detail and color.

 

Sorry to hear you can't get away for a week's cruise- is it out of the question for your mother to cruise with you?

 

Stay tuned-a few more days of writing to go.

 

Best wishes to you and your mother.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Hi Norris,

 

Thank you for some warmth. I woke up to 3 degrees below zero this morning, and it currently feels like it's about 50 degrees in my office. I can't believe that you have been writing your review for weeks now, and I just started reading it today! Fortunately, as I sit here wearing my coat, I have been whisked away to a beautiful ship and sunny islands that have warmed my spirits if not my fingers.

 

So happy to hear that you and Carol have another European trip planned for September.

 

Thank you for taking us along, once again, on your voyages.

 

Best Regards,

 

Diane

 

Diane, thanks for introducing yourself! Yes I have been on Page 1 of CC now for 3 weeks but should be done soon. I have 6 more reviews in my signature if you want to live vicariously!

 

I am already looking forward to September 26th when we join The Emerald in Rome. It's one thing to join a ship in Fort Lauderdale and another thing entirely to join in Civitavecchia. Then we get to cruise for a week on a Grand Class ship before discovering Barcelona for two days.

 

I forsee a deluge of photos on CC in mid October!

 

Norris, watching it snow in Michigan

[Julia’s Journey’s]

Diane, thanks for introducing yourself! Yes I have been on Page 1 of CC now for 3 weeks but should be done soon. I have 6 more reviews in my signature if you want to live vicariously!

 

 

 

I am already looking forward to September 26th when we join The Emerald in Rome. It's one thing to join a ship in Fort Lauderdale and another thing entirely to join in Civitavecchia. Then we get to cruise for a week on a Grand Class ship before discovering Barcelona for two days.

 

 

 

I forsee a deluge of photos on CC in mid October!

 

 

 

Norris, watching it snow in Michigan

 

 

You will love love love Barcelona, we did a day at Montmartre the one day, we did the train there and awesome place with amazing views even though I am not of that religion it was an amazing place to see.

 

Glad to see I will be back from my trip when you go even though you probably won't post live ;)

[Bimmer09]

Art auctions were held on the Ruby in Explorers Lounge. These photos were taken in the Art Gallery on deck 5

 

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These two suit the current weather we are having in the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard

 

[Bimmer09]

You will love love love Barcelona, we did a day at Montmartre the one day, we did the train there and awesome place with amazing views even though I am not of that religion it was an amazing place to see.

 

Glad to see I will be back from my trip when you go even though you probably won't post live ;)

 

Julia, as I am not a big fan of "Lives" and pretty much spend most of my day out of the cabin away from the laptop, I can't see a Live happening with me. People end up bombarding Live posters-first there's 50 posts saying "goodie you're doing a Live!" Then the author gives a thumbnail sketch of their day followed by 100 questions unrelated-"Did you notice how many cronuts were left in the IC at 9 o'clock?" or "what color are the rat guards on the mooring ropes" etc (they're dark blue)

 

I'll leave Lives to those who enjoy writing them.

 

But- I never say never. I change my mind as often as a Hotel Manager changes his socks (twice a day now that you ask)

 

Montmartre in Barcelona? Sounds like it should be Paris but I will do my research.

 

We are booked in the Hotel Majestic and that's firm. I did a lot of research on TA.

 

Thanks for the tips on Barcelona!

 

Norris

[SCFCRUISER]

You are killing me man!! All of these great pics of Ruby bring back awesome memories of our last cruise. The DW has just retired, so we're not sure when we will be able to sail again, gotta watch how we spend the $$ now!
Will be cruising thru all of your pics!!
Keep up the good work!

Steve

[MGnut]

[quote name='Bimmer09']Julia, as I am not a big fan of "Lives" and pretty much spend most of my day out of the cabin away from the laptop, I can't see a Live happening with me. People end up bombarding Live posters-first there's 50 posts saying "goodie you're doing a Live!" Then the author gives a thumbnail sketch of their day followed by 100 questions unrelated-"Did you notice how many cronuts were left in the IC at 9 o'clock?" or "what color are the rat guards on the mooring ropes" etc (they're dark blue)

I'll leave Lives to those who enjoy writing them.

But-[B] I never say never[/B]. I change my mind as often as a Hotel Manager changes his socks (twice a day now that you ask)

Montmartre in Barcelona? Sounds like it should be Paris but I will do my research.

We are booked in the Hotel Majestic and that's firm. I did a lot of research on TA.

Thanks for the tips on Barcelona!

Norris[/QUOTE]


We loved our pre-cruise stay in Barcelona in '09. I think the mountain there is Montserrat - the monastery anyway. A beautiful place - Google it.

[Julia’s Journey’s]

[quote name='Bimmer09']Julia, as I am not a big fan of "Lives" and pretty much spend most of my day out of the cabin away from the laptop, I can't see a Live happening with me. People end up bombarding Live posters-first there's 50 posts saying "goodie you're doing a Live!" Then the author gives a thumbnail sketch of their day followed by 100 questions unrelated-"Did you notice how many cronuts were left in the IC at 9 o'clock?" or "what color are the rat guards on the mooring ropes" etc (they're dark blue)



I'll leave Lives to those who enjoy writing them.



But-[B] I never say never[/B]. I change my mind as often as a Hotel Manager changes his socks (twice a day now that you ask)



Montmartre in Barcelona? Sounds like it should be Paris but I will do my research.



We are booked in the Hotel Majestic and that's firm. I did a lot of research on TA.



Thanks for the tips on Barcelona!



Norris[/QUOTE]


Lol, Montserrat is what I was talking about but obviously have Paris on my mind cause we were there last - sorry for the confusion ;)

Your comments about lives and cronuts made me laugh ;)
Never tried one in all my cruises.

[Jase0581]

Have enjoyed following along with your review and pictures. Thank you for taking the time to post it.
My parents and I are planning on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary for next February, just trying to decide between the Emerald or the Regal.

[perfect match]

[quote name='Bimmer09']Diane, thanks for introducing yourself! Yes I have been on Page 1 of CC now for 3 weeks but should be done soon. I have 6 more reviews in my signature if you want to live vicariously!

I am already looking forward to September 26th when we join The Emerald in Rome. It's one thing to join a ship in Fort Lauderdale and another thing entirely to join in Civitavecchia. Then we get to cruise for a week on a Grand Class ship before discovering Barcelona for two days.

I forsee a deluge of photos on CC in mid October!

Norris, watching it snow in Michigan[/quote]

I will be making a note to myself to be sure to look for anothher Norris review starting sometime in October! :D

[Bimmer09]

[quote name='SCFCRUISER']You are killing me man!! All of these great pics of Ruby bring back awesome memories of our last cruise. The DW has just retired, so we're not sure when we will be able to sail again, gotta watch how we spend the $$ now!
Will be cruising thru all of your pics!!
Keep up the good work!

Steve[/QUOTE]

Steve, I'm glad to see you here following along. Welcome!

I see you sailed on the Song Of Norway in '89. I worked on her in 85 and 86.
Things were more bare-bones back then with regards to amenities and choices but people still had a great time and did their part in making the mega-ships of today a possibility.

Thanks for the compliments, Steve

Norris

[Bimmer09]

[quote name='Jase0581']Have enjoyed following along with your review and pictures. Thank you for taking the time to post it.
My parents and I are planning on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary for next February, just trying to decide between the Emerald or the Regal.[/QUOTE]

Jase, the Emerald is the sister ship to the Ruby so will be very similar indeed.
The MDRs will likely have different names and the artwork will vary around the ship.
The Regal is a great looking ship, outside and in, with more bells and whistles.
I'm surprised it isn't your immediate choice. Is there a reason why?

You'll definitely enjoy the itinerary which probably mirrors the one I am writing about.

Thanks for introducing yourself-and Welcome!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

[quote name='Julia’s Journey’s']Lol, Montserrat is what I was talking about but obviously have Paris on my mind cause we were there last - sorry for the confusion ;)

Your comments about lives and cronuts made me laugh ;)
Never tried one in all my cruises.[/QUOTE]

Julia, I meant to try a cronut on the Ruby but it slipped my mind. Alice had one every day and described it to me, glowingly. I'll get one on the Emerald.

I, somewhat of a Francophile-wearing a blue and white hooped tee shirt, with a beret and a string of onions around my neck, pedaling une bicyclette as I write, have [B]NEVER[/B] been to [B]PARIS[/B]!!

I can't believe it either!

Norris

[Jase0581]

[quote name='Bimmer09']Jase, the Emerald is the sister ship to the Ruby so will be very similar indeed.
The MDRs will likely have different names and the artwork will vary around the ship.
The Regal is a great looking ship, outside and in, with more bells and whistles.
I'm surprised it isn't your immediate choice. Is there a reason why?

You'll definitely enjoy the itinerary which probably mirrors the one I am writing about.

Thanks for introducing yourself-and Welcome!

Norris[/QUOTE]

I am definitely leaning towards Regal, however the Emerald's itinerary includes Grand Turk while the Regal's doesn't. The Regal is also more expensive.
I sailed the Emerald in January on a Western Caribbean (Costa Maya, Belize and Cozumel) out of Houston and loved the ship. That is also making this a hard decision.

[Bimmer09]

[quote name='Jase0581']I am definitely leaning towards Regal, however the Emerald's itinerary includes Grand Turk while the Regal's doesn't. The Regal is also more expensive.
I sailed the Emerald in January on a Western Caribbean (Costa Maya, Belize and Cozumel) out of Houston and loved the ship. That is also making this a hard decision.[/QUOTE]

Yes I see the REGAL is taking two sea days after St Maarten. Grand Turk isn't a special destination for me but everyone's different and it could be a good beach day.

I did the W Caribb on the CB but had Roatan instead of C Maya. Had a great day in Roatan.

Norris

[Susie51]

I have sailed with seven different cruise lines, but your review has me yearning for another Princess cruise. Your details and humor along with the fantastic pictures quenches my thirst while waiting for my next cruise.

Thank you for continuing to post.

[Bimmer09]

Here are some photos of rooms/locations that didn't play a part in my cruise.

[B][SIZE="4"]Calypso Bar[/SIZE][/B]

[CENTER]Nestled under the MUTS screen.

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[B][SIZE="4"]Hearts and Minds Chapel[/SIZE][/B]

[CENTER]Deck 16 near the Lotus Spa[/CENTER]

I know there was a wedding here on the Sunday (P Cays day) as I spoke to one of the bridesmaids at sail away. How romantic! A wedding at sea and then a cruise honeymoon.

When I was on the Song Of Norway we played at a number of wedding receptions, held in the nightclub at the stern of the ship. There was no chapel on board so I think the weddings were held there too.

Religious services were held here on the Ruby.

[CENTER][url=https://flic.kr/p/qMS524][img]https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8564/16271573869_b59b542e06_c.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/qMS524][/url][/CENTER]


[B][SIZE="4"]Conference Center[/SIZE][/B]

[CENTER]Deck 6 Forward next to the lower level of the Princess Theater

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[toberman]

Friends of ours got married on the Ruby and the ceremony was held overlooking the Terrace pool outside of Adagios. Beautiful location.

[Bimmer09]

I've always known where the [B][SIZE="4"]GYM[/SIZE][/B] is on the Ruby but alas have never used it as on a cruise I am in a somewhat [B]LAZY[/B] mode. I do know from gym experiences in the past that it does feel great [B]WHEN YOU STOP and have a nice shower or a lie-down.[/B]

The gym is located forward, just below The Sanctuary and has windows looking out to sea.

[CENTER][url=https://flic.kr/p/r5kyLV][img]https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8580/16458002565_b683a9928f_c.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/r5kyLV][/url]

I don't know what most of things things are called- to me they are "exercise machines", but the one above I can tell is a treadmill.

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When I worked on the [B]Song of Norway[/B] in the 80's I used to work-out with one of the dancers, a girl from Canada and the gym then was the size of a person's home gym. She used to make me sweat to a [B]Jane Fonda[/B] tape and I recall Jane urging me to [B]"Make it burn"[/B] even though she and I had never met. Burn it did and I loved it when my friend said "ok-that's enough for today!" THANK YOU!!

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[Bimmer09]

I was very impressed by the Gym and how much E for EFFORT Princess had put into setting it up. What I hope you'll see if you are new to Princess or the Ruby is that they don't do things half-assed or run out of inspiration when it comes to outfitting the ship. Interiors (IMO) are classy and not overdone or ridiculous like the Joe Farcus Carnival designs where a modern, drunken version of Rococco ornamentation runs amok.

I do like the boutique hotel look of[B] Oceania i[/B]nteriors before anyone thinks I just beat a drum for Princess.

[CENTER]On with the gym....

[url=https://flic.kr/p/qMUKzB][img]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/16272097177_79ec5d24c8_c.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/qMUKzB][/url]

The Aerobic areas in the gym are huge!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/r5kz5k][img]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/16458003575_66f92846f3_c.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/r5kz5k][/url]

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[Bimmer09]

Next to the Gym is the mighty[B][SIZE="4"] Lotus Spa[/SIZE][/B] and again Princess spares no expense. I believe it is run by a franchise but who cares?

We have never used any of their facilities but they are there if you want to be pampered, scrubbed clean, massaged to a consistency of warm goo and generally [B]FEEL GOOD!![/B] Many of the staff appear to be young , pretty British girls with nice smiles and a desire to please and pamper.

By the way you can get private massages when you are up in the Sanctuary as they have two massage tents up there. Hot stones? Oh Yea!!

Everything will cost you- approximately 1 arm and 1 leg at current exchange rates-but you are on holiday so flash the cash (cruise card) and enjoy. You may have to coax the girls to sell you some products -don't take NO for an answer!

[CENTER][url=https://flic.kr/p/qMLY2u][img]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/16270578150_f943948517_c.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/qMLY2u][/url]

Please take a seat...

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[B][CENTER]Look how long this place is!!![/CENTER][/B]

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Elegant waiting room

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[bumie30]

Loved your review! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to be on the Ruby in September :-)

[Bimmer09]

[quote name='bumie30']Loved your review! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to be on the Ruby in September :-)[/QUOTE]

Thanks and welcome bumie!

Norris

[gnatz007]

Norris, fantastic photo's! Thank you so much for sharing. You may have covered this and I just plain missed it... Hand Held? or Tripod?

[Bimmer09]

[quote name='gnatz007']Norris, fantastic photo's! Thank you so much for sharing. You may have covered this and I just plain missed it... Hand Held? or Tripod?[/QUOTE]

You didn't miss it-and thanks for asking. Thanks for the compliments too.
Welcome!

All the camera stills are hand held. The only time I used a tripod was for the long video sequence on the Sony camcorder as we left Ft. Lauderdale. That freed my hands up for the photos on the Canon.

A couple of night shots of the ship didn't make the cut for the review as I was in manual and had a shutter speed of 1.3 seconds and just the act of pressing the button caused some blur. Over 98% of the photos I took are in the review. Some discarded ones were duplicates as I shot some continuous captures.

More photos to follow Thursday.

Norris