Ruby Princess

[mollywest]

Going on first cruise in 6 weeks on Ruby, so don't really know what to expect. Flying on day we sail, so likely to be really tired, arriving mid afternoon in Rome.

What normally happens on the first evening?

Really looking forward to the whole experience. Booked some excursions today.

Thanks

[WeBeGone]

The first evening is pretty low key as most everyone is tired and jet lagged. There will be a "sampler" show in the theater but we never go. The casino will be open as will the shops. If you see something in the shops you like, buy it when you see it because by the end of the cruise the inventory is picked over. We eat dinner, wander around the ship, and go to bed early.

[raydon]

We explore the ship, have dinner, walk about to see the kinds of live music. First night is usually very quiet and laid back.

[rdsqrl]

Going on first cruise in 6 weeks on Ruby, so don't really know what to expect. Flying on day we sail, so likely to be really tired, arriving mid afternoon in Rome.

What normally happens on the first evening?

Really looking forward to the whole experience. Booked some excursions today.

Thanks

Wow, don't let the Debbie Downers on this thread get to you already -- you're only flying from England to Rome, how tired could you be? The first evening on your very first cruise is exciting (assuming you make the ship -- a mid-afternoon arrival and then you still have to get to Civitavecchia -- I would fly in the day before if I were you)!

Explore the ship, have a sailaway cocktail out on deck, enjoy a relaxing dinner in the dining room, go to the Welcome Aboard show that evening -- sure, it's cheesy but it's fun -- and you'll be seeing a lot of the cruise staff for the next 12 days, so you might as well see who they are all. Maybe hit the casino or have a nightcap at Crooners or a dance or two at Skywalkers. It's a vacation -- you can go to bed early anytime when you're at home.

[pris993]

The Ruby is a beautiful ship. We took a 16 day transatlantic from Florida to Barcelona in April. You will probably be overwhelmed by the size of the ship at first. First night can be a fun and exciting time for you, being your first cruise.

 

Do check out the sailing away party on the pool deck and the welcome aboard show. Get involved in what ever his happening every day and night and you will see yourself in the ship video that is made for every cruise. Lots of fun. Enjoy. :)

[caribill]

And go to the roll call section of Cruise Critic and locate your sailing on the Ruby list (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=481)

 

You will make some friends before even boarding the ship.

[mii]

I was reading your post about flying in the same day as your cruise leaves. I hope you allow plenty of time because you need to get from the Rome airport to Civitechicca(sp) and your ship leaves at 6p.m. All passengers should be on board by 5p.m. Frankly I think you are cutting it very close. As another poster mentioned please fly in the day before. There always seem to be delays with airlines lately especially due to mechanical or weather.

 

Marilyn

[saltypeer]

Going on first cruise in 6 weeks on Ruby, so don't really know what to expect. Flying on day we sail, so likely to be really tired, arriving mid afternoon in Rome.

What normally happens on the first evening?

Really looking forward to the whole experience. Booked some excursions today.

Thanks

 

Others have mentioned flying in the day before. In an ideal world, yes. But you are probably booked as a package deal and so you will be under the itinerary of your travel agents arrangements. If that is the case then go with the flow. If fully booked through Princess then they will take care of everything. Even if you are unlucky to have flight delays, they will be under an obligation to ensure you reach the Ruby to enjoy your cruise.

 

There will likely be a 'muster' prior to sailing. At a pre-determined time you will be asked to carry your life jacket to your muster station and listen to the instructions should evacuation be required. Don't worry too much.....everyone goes through it and it becomes a part of the cruise experience. Once that is over it's time to do anything you like.

 

We tend to explore the ship as soon as we board and dump our hand luggage in our cabin. A steady walk around the ship looking in the public areas and trying to get ourselves orientated with where everything is. We also go and check out our allocated dining table in our designated restaurant.

 

Enjoy the sail away party on your first evening and then soak in the whole atmosphere of the cruise.

 

Information will be provided to you in your cabin regarding what is happening the following day so just go with the flow and believe me..........once you have been on your first cruise, you will get home and immediately start to plan for your next.

 

Enjoy your cruise and take care of the Ruby as we sail her next year.

 

Pete.

[grandbanksguy]

Going on first cruise in 6 weeks on Ruby, so don't really know what to expect. Flying on day we sail, so likely to be really tired, arriving mid afternoon in Rome.

What normally happens on the first evening?

Really looking forward to the whole experience. Booked some excursions today.

Thanks

 

This looks like the roll call for your cruise http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=810059

[lel5344]

Relax...

Wander...

Explore...

Ask questions...

Nap...

Eat...

Have a drink...

Smile a lot...

Have a cup of coffee...

Sit by the pool...

Take photos from the bow...

Have a wonderful time!

[mollywest]

We have a package organised by Princess, so feel confident they'll get us there on time. Should arrive in Rome at 2ish so no panic-we hope!! I bet we're not the only ones!!

Many thanks for your replies. So excited.

Couldn't get away the day before due to our business commitments.

[fridaythecat.u.k.]

We have a package organised by Princess, so feel confident they'll get us there on time. Should arrive in Rome at 2ish so no panic-we hope!! I bet we're not the only ones!!

Many thanks for your replies. So excited.

Couldn't get away the day before due to our business commitments.

 

Hi Molly

 

My DH and I are also on the same cruise and it is also our first! We also are on flights leaving the same day from Heathrow. Ours are early, though, leaving LHR at 7.10 am and arriving in Rome at about 10.30 (local time). Also, Lancashire isn't that far from Shropshire (I often go to Preston on business). So we have lots in common :D Hope to see you on board! If you haven't already, do as others have suggested and sign on to the roll call, we are having a meet & greet session on the 8th in Skywalkers, 7pm to 8pm :)