Ruby Princess Review

Recently I sailed on the Ruby Princess.  You won't find a rope course, rock climbing walls, or water slides on this ship.  But what you will find are features that none of the large new cruise ships can match.
 
Broadway Style Shows:
Princess produces some of the best Broadway style shows at sea.  They have a dedicated training process that the performers go through to prepare for the shows, and the result is very talented singers and dancers.  While some of the newer ships have great shows, the Ruby offers passengers something that they can't.  The ability to go and see a show at anytime without needing a reservation.  The new ships have too many passengers to allow that kind of freedom.  So on a new ship you may have to make reservations ahead of time for the shows.  The Ruby Princess offers plenty of seating with clear views and each chair offers a pop up table for your drinks.  The theater bar staff now takes your drink orders electronically and the bar receives that order directly, meaning  your drink comes much faster. 
 
Five pools:
Unlike some other ships, there is no shortage of pool space on this ship.  The main pool area offers a large pool and two hot tubs.  It also offers plenty of space for loungers and something that you can't find on many of the newer ships - some quiet space.  There is no loud movie screen, only occasionally a live band that plays music you can relax to.  A nearby family size pool hosts the large movie screen from which you can enjoy blockbuster movies in the evening.  On the aft of the ship is a adult only pool that offers stunning views.   On the Sports deck the teens even have their own pool and hot tubs.
 
Still want more quiet?  Then try the sanctuary pool.  This walk in pool is open to all passengers, but because of its remote location it is seldom busy.  On our cruise, there were quite a few times I had this pool all to myself.  Tired of chair hogs?  For $20 a day you can rent a chair in the Sanctuary.  These chairs have thick comfortable cushions.  Plus the Sanctuary staff will deliver water and cater to your needs throughout the day.
 
Piazza
The Piazza is the three story atrium in the middle of the ship.  It is nicely laid out and frequently will have entertainment events.  On each level of the Piazza you will find bars, shops, seating areas, and an internet cafe.  And only on Princess you will find The International Cafe.  Here you will find many made to order specialty coffees, fresh pastries, and even a hot egg, ham and cheese muffin for breakfast, yummy!  Through out the day enjoy light sandwiches, cookies and other food items.
 

Lounge with views at top of ship:
On top the ship is a Sky Lounge that acts as a dance club at night.  During the day it offers stunning views and a quiet place to sit and read.  On rainy days it also offers a great place to relax or to just enjoy the views.   This is the perfect lounge for an Alaska cruise.

Large Cabin Balconies:
While the new ships are shrinking the cabin sizes and designing balconies that are very narrow and small, the Ruby Princess cabins are spacious.  Ruby Princess offers some of the best balconies spaces at sea.  Our cabin balcony on the Caribe deck was huge with space for two chairs plus two lounge chairs.  It became a favorite spot to relax.

Specialty Restaurants:
The ship has several well designed specialty restaurants.  These restaurants are very roomy with plenty of tables.  Near the top of the ship is Sabatini's, an Italian restaurant.  On the Promenade deck is Crown Grill, a steakhouse.  

For the best options in dining times be sure to book these restaurants as soon as you board the ship.  These restaurants add to the three main dining rooms and the buffet.  But Princess also offers the Chef's Table and Ultimate Balcony Dining.  There is no shortage of dining options. 

A wrap around promenade deck:
The promenade deck on the Ruby isn't crowded with outdoor dining areas or hot tubs.  Instead it provides a nice place to get away from the crowds, to read a book, or to stroll around the ship.  You can even walk all the way up to the front bow of the ship and enjoy spectacular views off the front of the ship.  You can't do that on the newer ships.
 
The Ruby Princess and her sister ships offer many things to cruisers that you won't find on newer ships. If you are looking for a one of a kind cruising experience be sure to check out Princess Cruise Lines today.

Steve Millay, ACC