Alaska on Ruby Princess: Newbies looking for pro-tips

[Nily D]

Hi! My husband and I are well traveled, but will be embarking on our first cruise ever. We really want to go to Antarctica, but want to "practice" on a shorter cruise first. We chose Alaska for the scenery and will be doing the 7-day Inside Passage on the Ruby Princess.

We enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, and have booked an excursion at every port (Juneau, Haines and Ketchikan). I am really looking forward to Glacier Bay as well. We went to Alaska previously for 2 weeks but drove ourselves around on a land tour, and looking forward to seeing the southeast.

 

We have no idea what to expect for the "ship time". We don't go to land-based resorts for vacation either, and are not really lounge around the pool types. Any tips for maximizing our "at sea days"? There is supposed to be an "adult-only" section called The Sanctuary, should we bee-line there? We do enjoy food and wine and got the "plus package", so there is always 15 drinks per day for entertainment :)? How are the shows? I'm sure we will not go to the casino, but perhaps the shows would be fun? Or just some live music to go with a night cap?

 

Some other random questions:

- When do the shows start? Is there just one or 2 per evening? Do we need to time our dinner reservation to be early or late if we want to see a show?
- The ship is so big, where should we hang out for the best views for our Glacier Bay day?
- Is there a "formal night" on Alaska cruises? If so, when is it? Is "business casual" (ie, what we would wear to go to a fine dining restaurant at home) ok?
- I am confused about the buffet meals. Is that only for breakfast and lunch? Because the dinner looks to be coursed out? We would like to avoid buffets as much as possible.

 

Any advice would be appreciated!

[molly1995]

I have the same questions,  thanks for posting. 😀

[jeromep]

On 3/18/2024 at 12:21 PM, Nily D said:

We enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, and have booked an excursion at every port (Juneau, Haines and Ketchikan).

You will be very busy and likley exhausted by the end of your cruise.  That is fine.  And since you have already put in 2 weeks in Alaska on your own, you may be disappointed at the port stops.  the time in port can be very limited and you may be getting back on the ship at the end of the port day thinking, "if I just had one more hour."  That is the biggest complaint I hear about cruising Alaska... or just cruising in general.

 

On 3/18/2024 at 12:21 PM, Nily D said:

We have no idea what to expect for the "ship time". We don't go to land-based resorts for vacation either, and are not really lounge around the pool types. Any tips for maximizing our "at sea days"? There is supposed to be an "adult-only" section called The Sanctuary, should we bee-line there? We do enjoy food and wine and got the "plus package", so there is always 15 drinks per day for entertainment :)? How are the shows? I'm sure we will not go to the casino, but perhaps the shows would be fun? Or just some live music to go with a night cap?

 

We sailed on the Ruby many years ago when she was home ported in Ft. Lauderdale.  It was my favorite of the Grand class ships, although I have a warm spot in my heart for Golden and Star Princess with their shopping cart handle location of the Skywalkers lounge (since transferred to P&O Australia and having water slides grafted onto their top decks).  That said, you do have Skywalkers on board.  It is not up in the shopping cart handle, but down behind the stack.  It is by far the best observation platform on board.  This may be the best place for you to be on Glacier Bay day.  You have nearly 360 degree views and it is all warm and cozy and they are usually running the bar, too.  Some folks really like being up in the Sanctuary for Glacier bay, but bookings for Sanctuary for Glacier bay book up fast on embarkation day.

 

The Sanctuary is semi-open air, so it will not necessarily be very warm, but it is fairly secluded and on the Grand class ships, the location is excellent.  It also has access to the Lotus Spa pool, which is generally a very subdued place nestled down on the first level of the spa.  The

Sanctuary is just a relax and hang out space with some Sanctuary only dining options, snack-like, and they have their own stewards to wait on you.  It has never been a draw for me, but we've done more cooler weather cruising than warm weather cruising, so that impacts how much I want to lay around outside.

 

Live music is all over the ship at night, and in many places during the day.  Check the daily schedule to see where different groups are playing and what their music type is like.  Ruby has a Crooners Lounge, think piano bar.  The piano singers are generally very good.

 

Production shows are also generally very good.  Some folks think they need to be Broadway caliber, however, this is a cruise ship, there are physical limitations on what you can do on a cruise ship stage, and the shows are meant to be glitzy, and sparkly.  Sometimes there is a good story line behind the show, sometimes there is no story line behind the show and it is just a series of song/dance/acrobatic routines.  But they are worth going and seeing, and if you don't like one, well, you didn't pay extra for it.

On 3/18/2024 at 12:21 PM, Nily D said:

When do the shows start? Is there just one or 2 per evening? Do we need to time our dinner reservation to be early or late if we want to see a show?

 

Generally 2 per evening.  I don't recall the exact times.  Ideally, you could go to the early show and eat late, or eat early and go to the later show.  Sometimes a show is a comedian or musician or soloist.  You'll want to be looking at the daily schedule for specifics.

 

On 3/18/2024 at 12:21 PM, Nily D said:

The ship is so big, where should we hang out for the best views for our Glacier Bay day?

 

I covered that above, but you could hang on your balcony, I think that is the best possible place.  After that I recommend Skywalkers as it is enclosed and warm.  The top deck will have a lot of people hanging out on the railing, and of course if you pay for time in the Sanctuary, there is good viewing from there.  Some folks will camp out on the railing on the promenade deck.  You will get good views anyplace because in Glacier bay the ship swings around about halfway through the time it is at the the glacier face, before returning to the mouth of the bay and sailing on.  The NPS puts Rangers aboard for the day and they do many presentations and interpretation, so look for their presentations on the schedule.  Also, they will do narration when they are at the glacier face, that will be broadcast on the bridge cam channel on TV.

 

On 3/18/2024 at 12:21 PM, Nily D said:

Is there a "formal night" on Alaska cruises? If so, when is it? Is "business casual" (ie, what we would wear to go to a fine dining restaurant at home) ok?

 

Generally 2 formal nights, usually sea days.  It is supposed to be fancy dress, suit and tie, black tie, but that is relaxed quite a bit over the years.  Princess calls the casual nights Resort Casual, but business casual is an ok interpretation.  You'll find it much more casual than that on most sailings.  What you wear to fine dining at home will be just fine on all nights, to be honest.  If you haven't read more of the boards, you'll find that "dress code" is a hot button issue.

 

On 3/18/2024 at 12:21 PM, Nily D said:

I am confused about the buffet meals. Is that only for breakfast and lunch? Because the dinner looks to be coursed out? We would like to avoid buffets as much as possible.

 

Buffet is open for all meals.  The MDR is open for Breakfast all days and lunch on sea days.  If you happen to be aboard for lunch on port days, you'll be limited to the buffet, along with the grill and pizza on the Lido deck (which is always a good choice), food from the International Cafe (also a good choice).  But you aren't really limited even on port days.  You will never starve on board and you never need to visit the buffet for any meal, even on port days, since there are other options.  If you have Plus or Premier you can also order room service at no extra charge.  I'm not a big buffet fan, however there are times they do put up some things that look good and taste just as good.  You'll find MDR menu selections in the buffet most nights, although the buffet also has theme nights for dinner.  In all our cruises we have only had dinner in the buffet once, and that was after a long port day and we were just exhausted.  We had no desire to get even slightly dressed up for a long dinner in the MDR, so we put on casual stuff, and had a fast meal in the buffet, and then went back to the cabin to chill.

 

All of your questions are very good.  You are going to get a million different opinions... on everything.

[ldubs]

On 3/18/2024 at 12:21 PM, Nily D said:

Hi! My husband and I are well traveled, but will be embarking on our first cruise ever. We really want to go to Antarctica, but want to "practice" on a shorter cruise first. We chose Alaska for the scenery and will be doing the 7-day Inside Passage on the Ruby Princess.

We enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, and have booked an excursion at every port (Juneau, Haines and Ketchikan). I am really looking forward to Glacier Bay as well. We went to Alaska previously for 2 weeks but drove ourselves around on a land tour, and looking forward to seeing the southeast.

 

We have no idea what to expect for the "ship time". We don't go to land-based resorts for vacation either, and are not really lounge around the pool types. Any tips for maximizing our "at sea days"? There is supposed to be an "adult-only" section called The Sanctuary, should we bee-line there? We do enjoy food and wine and got the "plus package", so there is always 15 drinks per day for entertainment :)? How are the shows? I'm sure we will not go to the casino, but perhaps the shows would be fun? Or just some live music to go with a night cap?

 

Some other random questions:

- When do the shows start? Is there just one or 2 per evening? Do we need to time our dinner reservation to be early or late if we want to see a show?
- The ship is so big, where should we hang out for the best views for our Glacier Bay day?
- Is there a "formal night" on Alaska cruises? If so, when is it? Is "business casual" (ie, what we would wear to go to a fine dining restaurant at home) ok?
- I am confused about the buffet meals. Is that only for breakfast and lunch? Because the dinner looks to be coursed out? We would like to avoid buffets as much as possible.

 

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

Santuary:  If you don't like lounging around, it may not be for you, IDK.  We have been on many Princess cruises and I have never used the Santuary.  Perhaps others will describe the experience. 

 

Theater Shows:  On our last two or three Princess Cruises the big musical shows have been pretty good. They might also have guest entertainers, magicians, & comedians.   Usually there are two show times each evening.  Dine early, go to the later show.  Dine late, go to the early show. There are also various lounge shows and music happening in the Piazza. Check them out and find entertainers you like.  They will appear throughout the cruise.   Additionally there are game shows happening throughout the day and evening.  

 

Business Casual:  You will fit in perfectly.  

 

As I was typing I see that @jeromep responded with a lot of details in response to your questions.  I'll stop so as not to be repetitive.    

 

 

 

[Coral]

Avoid Sanctuary for Alaska.

 

Best place for glacier days is Deck 7 - Promenade. It is outside (great for pictures) and covered (in case the weather isn't great). You can easily move from side to side. Everyone is on the top deck and it gets crowded. The perspective of the glaciers from a lower deck is actually better, especially for pictures.

 

Go to all the Naturalists talks. Go to the talks of the people they bring onboard such as Libby Riddles (first female to win Iditarod). I think Rex Redington was on last year (winner of last year's Iditarod and grandson of the first guy who started Iditarod). Other speakers are amazing.

 

If your choice is food or scenery - choose scenery. Eat around glacier times.

 

Port days - don't skimp on excursions, they are expensive and many are worth it. 

[sunviking90]

There will also be enrichment lectures in the main theatre on most days. Usually Alaska themed. We really enjoyed the one given by Libby Riddles (first woman to win the Iditarod). 

[WisCruiser2]

One of the things we like about cruising is that you can do as much or as little as you want! With three ports and Glacier Bay you'll only have two sea days. Besides the Enrichment lectures noted there will be trivia and other game-type shows, a number of music options (more so in the evening), hot tubs to soak in, and time to just relax (DH and I like playing cribbage on our balcony - or elsewhere if it was too chilly). And unfortunately, on the last sea day you'll have to spend some time packing up...

[Coral]

On 3/18/2024 at 2:21 PM, Nily D said:

 

 

Some other random questions:

- When do the shows start? Is there just one or 2 per evening? Do we need to time our dinner reservation to be early or late if we want to see a show?
- The ship is so big, where should we hang out for the best views for our Glacier Bay day?
- Is there a "formal night" on Alaska cruises? If so, when is it? Is "business casual" (ie, what we would wear to go to a fine dining restaurant at home) ok?
- I am confused about the buffet meals. Is that only for breakfast and lunch? Because the dinner looks to be coursed out? We would like to avoid buffets as much as possible.

 

Any advice would be appreciated!

Yes there are formal nights. IMO - people dress up less on Alaskan cruises compared to other itineraries. Though I mostly do one way cruises in Alaska - it maybe different out of Seattle. Business casual is fine. I think they just don't want jeans in the dining room.

 

Yes - there are buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the dining room, meals are coursed out - if you don't like that, just tell the dining room waiters you want your food all at once or to arrive quicker. I avoid the buffet as much as possible.

 

Most shows are 2x per night. Most. 

Edited March 30 by Coral

[capriccio]

11 hours ago, Coral said:

Go to all the Naturalists talks. Go to the talks of the people they bring onboard such as Libby Riddles (first female to win Iditarod). I think Rex Redington was on last year (winner of last year's Iditarod and grandson of the first guy who started Iditarod). Other speakers are amazing.

 

To expand on @Coral's mention of the the Naturalists.  Each Princess Alaska cruise has a full time naturalist who gives presentations in the theater and is on-call for narration from the bridge with wildlife sightings.  After 3 Princess Alaska cruises, this is one of the outstanding features. 

 

For more information, check out the North to Alaska section of the Princess website: https://origin-www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/north-to-alaska-cruise-activities/

[Coral]

1 minute ago, capriccio said:

 

To expand on @Coral's mention of the the Naturalists.  Each Princess Alaska cruise has a full time naturalist who gives presentations in the theater and is on-call for narration from the bridge with wildlife sightings.  After 3 Princess Alaska cruises, this is one of the outstanding features. 

 

For more information, check out the North to Alaska section of the Princess website: https://origin-www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/north-to-alaska-cruise-activities/

I always try to get to know the naturalists. The one on my last cruise was amazing. I learned so much from them. Sometimes if you are lucky, there are more than one (we had 2).

 

Plus - they bring people onboard in multiple ports to talk. These are all amazing talks.

 

I agree with @capriccio 1000%.

[Cruise Raider]

We have sailed extensively on the Ruby up to Alaska out of San Francisco. I think you will be cruising out of Vancouver, though.  
We love the Ruby and her staff.  We always book a midship (un)obstructed ocean view cabin on deck 8 for Alaska but, if your budget allows for it, a balcony on an Alaskan cruise is the absolute best.  You can oftentimes see whales along with your morning coffee.  We tend to use the promenade deck for the day in Glacier Bay.  That way, we aren’t limited to one side of the ship.  Sometimes, the naturalist will be out there pointing things out while the Glacier Bay Rangers do the announcements over the PA from the bridge.  There won’t be many announcements when at the Glaciers.  If you are up in Skywalkers when the rangers are disembarking from Glacier Bay, it’s fun to watch them jump onto their pilot boat from the ship.  They will most likely give you the bystanders a wave.  
 

The shows are usually at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM.  We usually eat dinner early and catch the 7:30 show.  At 8:30 PM, there is usually a game show in the Explorers lounge and there are usually comedians and bands in that same lounge later or down at Vista Lounge/Club Fusion.  There will likely be music in the piazza and alternates with a set up at Crooners.  There will also be music in the Wheelhouse, alongside the Gastropub.  
 

Onboard, they might bring on a totem pole carver, which is not to be missed if you see it on your schedule, Libby Riddles, the Skagway Puppies in the Piazza and maybe some other local entertainers.  All are so good and so very interesting!  The naturalist talks are also a highlight for us.  There was a lecture about clouds one time and we thought it might be a snooze fest but it was quite good!  
For a great laugh, definitely go to the marriage match game show.  The yes no game show is also entertaining.  If they do it on your cruise, the getting to know the Captain and/or senior officers interview is quite good and the navigational talk is also very interesting.  
They may even have an Alaskan menu with more fish and crab items and at the bars, they may bring on some ‘glacial ice’ for the drinks.  ?  
 

If you like good wine, go to Vines.  If the wine you choose is over the $15 limit, you can simply pay the difference +18%.  They will even pour it for you in a nice glass if you are drinking it there.  
The casual dining options included in your plus package are the Gastropub or a charcuterie board with crudities and chocolate truffles at Vines.  
 

I think all of your other questions have been answered by others.  
 

 

[skynight]

I'm not exactly sure of your itinerary, but it appears that you have 2 sea days, the first and last evening, 2 late port days, and 1 day at Glacier Bay which is an on board day. Thee probably will be 2 production shows one of the first sea day and the other of Glacier Bay day. These shows will most likely be at 7:30 and 9:00 or 9:30. Just off the Ruby and they had 3 shows, Stardust a 30 minute show of very nice singing of old songs, Colors of the World, a show of song and dances from around the world, 45 minutes long and Magic to Do a 45 minute Broadway type musical production with magical illusions throughout. I would think that 2 of those 3 shows would be shown. There probably will be some comedians. There will also be game shows, karaoke, trivia throughout the day and evening. Events are listed each day in the hard copy Event Schedule and also on the app. You can review what you wish to do or see. All shows and events are walk in, no reservations. Arrive around 45 to 30 minutes early for production shows. Yes, you need to time dining to see shows.

There will be lots of opinions regarding Glacier Bay. My choice is to hang out on the upper decks and move around. You may also want to move to the deck 7 promenade and move around there. Others will select a location and park there. Some stay on their balconies. If you remain on the cabin balcony you have to turn the TV to the designated station to hear the narration. It's up to you. You will have time to see the ship and make your plan.

You can eat breakfast each day in the DR. This will probably be the deck 6 aft DR, it was in the Caribbean a few weeks ago. DR lunch is served on sea days only. On port days you have to get lunch either in the buffet, which is open from 6am until around 9 or 10 in the evening, at the International Cafe on deck 5 which is open 24 hours, at the Salty Dog Grill by the pool, or at Slice Pizza also by the pools these are open from 11am until 9pm. You can also order food & drink items via the Ocean Now App and they will be delivered to you. 

Live music and drinks can be found in Crooner's, Wheelhouse Bar, Piazza, and sometimes in Explorer's Lounge and Club Fusion. Look at the schedule. Crooner's and the Wheelhouse have nice background music. The Piazza is used for the party band, but also has other musicians. If you sit in Crooner's you can hear any music that is there or in the Piazza.

[Nily D]

Wow, thank you all SO MUCH for the detailed replies!!! I have a much better sense of what the experience will be like and so looking forward to it!. Bookmarking

 

Some more questions:

- Is the "Main Dining Room" different than Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo?

- Is it possible to get a preview of all the talks and shows before sailing? Or is it something you get once onboard?

- Is it necessary to make dinner reservations? I've made them, but maybe will need to adjust if there's a particular show we want to see.

- The naturalist talks sound great. When do they take place? During the day or in the evenings.

- Is it really "no jeans" in the dining room? Even very nice jeans? Will need to let husband know 🙂. We live in San Francisco and he goes to even the nicest places in jeans and nice shirt/jacket.

- I think the "plus" package includes 2 casual dining meals. So does that mean we have to pay for the pizza, international cafe or salty dog after 2 meals?

 

Again, thanks so much for taking the time to write the detailed replies! Really appreciate

Edited March 30 by Nily D

[memoak]

8 minutes ago, Nily D said:

Wow, thank you all SO MUCH for the detailed replies!!! I have a much better sense of what the experience will be like and so looking forward to it!. Bookmarking

 

Some more questions:

- Is the "Main Dining Room" different than Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo?

- Is it possible to get a preview of all the talks and shows before sailing? Or is it something you get once onboard?

- Is it necessary to make dinner reservations? I've made them, but maybe will need to adjust if there's a particular show we want to see.

- The naturalist talks sound great. When do they take place? During the day or in the evenings.

- Is it really "no jeans" in the dining room? Even very nice jeans? Will need to let husband know 🙂. We live in San Francisco and he goes to even the nicest places in jeans and nice shirt/jacket.

- I think the "plus" package includes 2 casual dining meals. So does that mean we have to pay for the pizza, international cafe or salty dog after 2 meals?

 

Again, thanks so much for taking the time to write the detailed replies! Really appreciate

Jeans without holes are fine I wear them all the time. Formal nights I wear slacks but no tie or coat most times. International Cafe is free, pizza by the slice on lido is always free only the sit down venue is casual   All 3 dining rooms are MDR’s and have the same menu

[Nily D]

If we want to avoid the buffet, it sounds like our free options with the Plus package are:

- International cafe for breakfast,

- Pizza, international cafe, or "ocean now delivery" for lunch

- No need to worry about dinner as food is coursed out. Where is the buffet during dinner if all 3 MDRs are serving coursed out meals?

And what is your opinion of Crown Grill and Sabatini? worth the surcharge?

 

Any "must-do" excursions? Currently, I've booked the following:

- Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Explorer

- Haines: Nature/wildlife expedition (goes to Chilkoot river/lake)

- Ketchikan: Ride on a boat from the Deadliest Catch. I was a fan of this show and it sounded like a good experience. But it's expensive. Has anyone done it and is it worth it?

Are there better excursions for our port days? We did the helicopter and dog sledding on the previous trip, and are not really into the super adventuresome stuff like zip-lining or rafting.

 

Edited March 30 by Nily D

[memoak]

14 minutes ago, Nily D said:

If we want to avoid the buffet, it sounds like our free options with the Plus package are:

- International cafe for breakfast,

- Pizza, international cafe, or "ocean now delivery" for lunch

- No need to worry about dinner as food is coursed out. Where is the buffet during dinner if all 3 MDRs are serving coursed out meals?

And what is your opinion of Crown Grill and Sabatini? worth the surcharge?

 

Any "must-do" excursions? Currently, I've booked the following:

- Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Explorer

- Haines: Nature/wildlife expedition (goes to Chilkoot river/lake)

- Ketchikan: Ride on a boat from the Deadliest Catch. I was a fan of this show and it sounded like a good experience. But it's expensive. Has anyone done it and is it worth it?

Are there better excursions for our port days? We did the helicopter and dog sledding on the previous trip, and are not really into the super adventuresome stuff like zip-lining or rafting.

 

MDR is open for lunch on sea days and breakfast everyday. You can have as many or as few as you want. The buffet is on lido deck and is an alternative to MDR

[skynight]

 Is the "Main Dining Room" different than Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo?

All three are MDRs and have the same menus. Botticelli is on deck 6 aft. To get there you have to walk on deck 7 or above to the aft elevators/stairs and go down to deck 6. The other DRs are located mid ship on deck 6 and 5. In the Caribbean Botticelli was the DR open for breakfast and lunch on sea days as well as lunch on boarding day.

- Is it possible to get a preview of all the talks and shows before sailing? Or is it something you get once onboard?

You have to wait until on board. They will be scheduled during the day on sea days, usually in the morning in the theater. There will also be narration while in Glacier Bay over the ship's PA system.

 Is it necessary to make dinner reservations? I've made them, but maybe will need to adjust if there's a particular show we want to see.

Leave them in place. You can always change, not show, or show up at a different time and wait to be seated.

 Is it really "no jeans" in the dining room?

He will be fine as you indicated. But he might want to bring another pair of pants along.

 I think the "plus" package includes 2 casual dining meals. So does that mean we have to pay for the pizza, international cafe or salty dog after 2 meals?

No. These are not considered casual dining meals. There is no charge for food at the buffet, Salty Dog Grill by the pool, pizza at Slices by the pool, soft ice cream adjacent to slices, International Cafe. Also most food items ordered using Ocean Now are no additional charge.

Casual dining on the Ruby includes the Salty Dog Gastropub located inside the Wheelhouse Bar and a raw veggie and deli meat platter at Vines. You might want to try the Gastropub one evening. It's just walk in no reservations. I didn't think Vines looked very good. Looked like something I could put together myself at the buffet.

You can get specialty coffees at the International Cafe, Coffee & Cones next to slices and I believe, not sure, at the Calypso Bar by the Calypso Pool. Good brewed coffee is available at the International Cafe. Since you have the plus fare these are no charge and unlimited.

 Where is the buffet during dinner if all 3 MDRs are serving coursed out meals?

The Horizon Ct. Buffet is on deck 15. It is open from 6am until 9 or 10pm. Never closes. Don't underestimate what is available at the buffet. You can get various kinds of fruits, cheeses, pre-made or make your own sandwiches, all kinds of desserts, soups, make your own salads, yogurt, cereal, made to order omelets at breakfast, hot foods at dinner, themed selections such as chocolate dessert day, Italian night and much more.

And what is your opinion of Crown Grill and Sabatini? worth the surcharge?

Both the Crown Grill and Sabatini's are very nice. The Crown Grill will cost you $45 and Sabatini's $42. The prices quoted by Princess $39 & $35 have an 18% service charge added to them. The Crown Grill will be booked pretty solid. If you wish to dine there make reservations on line, payable when made. Sabatini's will be less crowded. You may be able to wait until you are on board. Sabatini's is a 6 course meal. I could not finish it. No doggie bags on board. But on a 7 night cruise you don't have very much flexibility to do it all. If you are on board during the late port nights that may be a good evening the Crown Grill or Sabatini's. You can find sample menus on line.

I suggest you study the deck plans on Princess.com, onboard our ships, deck plans, to get a good idea of where things are located. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 30 by skynight

[WisCruiser2]

@Nily D "no jeans" is requested on formal nights, other nights they are fine. Also, on pirt days you may want to eat lunch in port, but depending on the timing of your excursions you can always go back onboard and eat, and then go out again if you want.

Edited March 30 by WisCruiser2

[memoak]

2 hours ago, skynight said:

 Is the "Main Dining Room" different than Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo?

All three are MDRs and have the same menus. Botticelli is on deck 6 aft. To get there you have to walk on deck 7 or above to the aft elevators/stairs and go down to deck 6. The other DRs are located mid ship on deck 6 and 5. In the Caribbean Botticelli was the DR open for breakfast and lunch on sea days as well as lunch on boarding day.

- Is it possible to get a preview of all the talks and shows before sailing? Or is it something you get once onboard?

You have to wait until on board. They will be scheduled during the day on sea days, usually in the morning in the theater. There will also be narration while in Glacier Bay over the ship's PA system.

 Is it necessary to make dinner reservations? I've made them, but maybe will need to adjust if there's a particular show we want to see.

Leave them in place. You can always change, not show, or show up at a different time and wait to be seated.

 Is it really "no jeans" in the dining room?

He will be fine as you indicated. But he might want to bring another pair of pants along.

 I think the "plus" package includes 2 casual dining meals. So does that mean we have to pay for the pizza, international cafe or salty dog after 2 meals?

No. These are not considered casual dining meals. There is no charge for food at the buffet, Salty Dog Grill by the pool, pizza at Slices by the pool, soft ice cream adjacent to slices, International Cafe. Also most food items ordered using Ocean Now are no additional charge.

Casual dining on the Ruby includes the Salty Dog Gastropub located inside the Wheelhouse Bar and a raw veggie and deli meat platter at Vines. You might want to try the Gastropub one evening. It's just walk in no reservations. I didn't think Vines looked very good. Looked like something I could put together myself at the buffet.

You can get specialty coffees at the International Cafe, Coffee & Cones next to slices and I believe, not sure, at the Calypso Bar by the Calypso Pool. Good brewed coffee is available at the International Cafe. Since you have the plus fare these are no charge and unlimited.

 Where is the buffet during dinner if all 3 MDRs are serving coursed out meals?

The Horizon Ct. Buffet is on deck 15. It is open from 6am until 9 or 10pm. Never closes. Don't underestimate what is available at the buffet. You can get various kinds of fruits, cheeses, pre-made or make your own sandwiches, all kinds of desserts, soups, make your own salads, yogurt, cereal, made to order omelets at breakfast, hot foods at dinner, themed selections such as chocolate dessert day, Italian night and much more.

And what is your opinion of Crown Grill and Sabatini? worth the surcharge?

Both the Crown Grill and Sabatini's are very nice. The Crown Grill will cost you $45 and Sabatini's $42. The prices quoted by Princess $39 & $35 have an 18% service charge added to them. The Crown Grill will be booked pretty solid. If you wish to dine there make reservations on line, payable when made. Sabatini's will be less crowded. You may be able to wait until you are on board. Sabatini's is a 6 course meal. I could not finish it. No doggie bags on board. But on a 7 night cruise you don't have very much flexibility to do it all. If you are on board during the late port nights that may be a good evening the Crown Grill or Sabatini's. You can find sample menus on line.

I suggest you study the deck plans on Princess.com, onboard our ships, deck plans, to get a good idea of where things are located. 

 

 

 

 

 

We eat at Sabatini’s every cruise app, pasta and desert is my usual order

[remydiva]

On 3/29/2024 at 5:20 PM, jeromep said:

You will be very busy and likley exhausted by the end of your cruise.  That is fine.  And since you have already put in 2 weeks in Alaska on your own, you may be disappointed at the port stops.  the time in port can be very limited and you may be getting back on the ship at the end of the port day thinking, "if I just had one more hour."  That is the biggest complaint I hear about cruising Alaska... or just cruising in general.

 

 

We sailed on the Ruby many years ago when she was home ported in Ft. Lauderdale.  It was my favorite of the Grand class ships, although I have a warm spot in my heart for Golden and Star Princess with their shopping cart handle location of the Skywalkers lounge (since transferred to P&O Australia and having water slides grafted onto their top decks).  That said, you do have Skywalkers on board.  It is not up in the shopping cart handle, but down behind the stack.  It is by far the best observation platform on board.  This may be the best place for you to be on Glacier Bay day.  You have nearly 360 degree views and it is all warm and cozy and they are usually running the bar, too.  Some folks really like being up in the Sanctuary for Glacier bay, but bookings for Sanctuary for Glacier bay book up fast on embarkation day.

 

The Sanctuary is semi-open air, so it will not necessarily be very warm, but it is fairly secluded and on the Grand class ships, the location is excellent.  It also has access to the Lotus Spa pool, which is generally a very subdued place nestled down on the first level of the spa.  The

Sanctuary is just a relax and hang out space with some Sanctuary only dining options, snack-like, and they have their own stewards to wait on you.  It has never been a draw for me, but we've done more cooler weather cruising than warm weather cruising, so that impacts how much I want to lay around outside.

 

Live music is all over the ship at night, and in many places during the day.  Check the daily schedule to see where different groups are playing and what their music type is like.  Ruby has a Crooners Lounge, think piano bar.  The piano singers are generally very good.

 

Production shows are also generally very good.  Some folks think they need to be Broadway caliber, however, this is a cruise ship, there are physical limitations on what you can do on a cruise ship stage, and the shows are meant to be glitzy, and sparkly.  Sometimes there is a good story line behind the show, sometimes there is no story line behind the show and it is just a series of song/dance/acrobatic routines.  But they are worth going and seeing, and if you don't like one, well, you didn't pay extra for it.

 

Generally 2 per evening.  I don't recall the exact times.  Ideally, you could go to the early show and eat late, or eat early and go to the later show.  Sometimes a show is a comedian or musician or soloist.  You'll want to be looking at the daily schedule for specifics.

 

 

I covered that above, but you could hang on your balcony, I think that is the best possible place.  After that I recommend Skywalkers as it is enclosed and warm.  The top deck will have a lot of people hanging out on the railing, and of course if you pay for time in the Sanctuary, there is good viewing from there.  Some folks will camp out on the railing on the promenade deck.  You will get good views anyplace because in Glacier bay the ship swings around about halfway through the time it is at the the glacier face, before returning to the mouth of the bay and sailing on.  The NPS puts Rangers aboard for the day and they do many presentations and interpretation, so look for their presentations on the schedule.  Also, they will do narration when they are at the glacier face, that will be broadcast on the bridge cam channel on TV.

 

 

Generally 2 formal nights, usually sea days.  It is supposed to be fancy dress, suit and tie, black tie, but that is relaxed quite a bit over the years.  Princess calls the casual nights Resort Casual, but business casual is an ok interpretation.  You'll find it much more casual than that on most sailings.  What you wear to fine dining at home will be just fine on all nights, to be honest.  If you haven't read more of the boards, you'll find that "dress code" is a hot button issue.

 

 

Buffet is open for all meals.  The MDR is open for Breakfast all days and lunch on sea days.  If you happen to be aboard for lunch on port days, you'll be limited to the buffet, along with the grill and pizza on the Lido deck (which is always a good choice), food from the International Cafe (also a good choice).  But you aren't really limited even on port days.  You will never starve on board and you never need to visit the buffet for any meal, even on port days, since there are other options.  If you have Plus or Premier you can also order room service at no extra charge.  I'm not a big buffet fan, however there are times they do put up some things that look good and taste just as good.  You'll find MDR menu selections in the buffet most nights, although the buffet also has theme nights for dinner.  In all our cruises we have only had dinner in the buffet once, and that was after a long port day and we were just exhausted.  We had no desire to get even slightly dressed up for a long dinner in the MDR, so we put on casual stuff, and had a fast meal in the buffet, and then went back to the cabin to chill.

 

All of your questions are very good.  You are going to get a million different opinions... on everything.

Wait what?! You have to pay for room service now if standard fare? Since when? Including breakfast? 

[memoak]

31 minutes ago, remydiva said:

Wait what?! You have to pay for room service now if standard fare? Since when? Including breakfast? 

Breakfast door hanger service is still free. Phoning room service is a charge unless you have a package. Where have you been ?  This is not that new 

[sfaaa]

Use your Princess app. Princess posts the daily ship activities on its app around 30 days before sailing. This should give you ample time to do your daily planning and dinner reservation based on what you see prior to your cruise.

[remydiva]

2 hours ago, memoak said:

Breakfast door hanger service is still free. Phoning room service is a charge unless you have a package. Where have you been ?  This is not that new 

Well my last cruise was a TA April 2023 and didn’t get charged then on a standard fare. 

[redtop101]

3 hours ago, remydiva said:

Wait what?! You have to pay for room service now if standard fare? Since when? Including breakfast? 

Not sure exactly when it changed, but it has. Breakfast is still free by hanging the standard order form on your door handle. If you have the Plus or Premium package then there is no charge for room service or ordering for delivery anywhere on the ship. Otherwise there is a one time $14.99 charge that would then include unlimited room service delivery or anywhere on the ship, which would also include a limited selection of  lunch and dinner items. 

[wolfie11]

I believe it changed late last summer. Princess raised prices and started to charge for everything unless you fork out the extra ($60 per day?) for the plus package.  I’m still holding firm on not buying extra packages but have pretty much been relegated to steerage because I don’t.