My husband Ed and I just returned from the Inaugural of Princess Cruises’ newest ship, the Ruby princess, and want to share our impressions and comments with you. For over 20 years we have enjoyed the opportunity of cruising on almost every new Princess ship. They are all beautiful and some we have liked more than others.

The new Ruby Princess is a real gem. It has more to offer for on-board experiences than any other ship in their fleet. This new ship is truly a “WOW” and one that I feel you would really enjoy.

The new “Piazza” design, located on Plaza Deck, is a wonderful new concept that you will love. It’s the heart of the ship where you can sit in a lovely café to enjoy delicious coffee and pastries. Visit the ice cream bar for a taste of sinfully rich flavors; the deli for a snack or sandwich; and an impressive wine bar with wine from all over the world sold by the glass.

The Piazza has live entertainment that changes hourly. You can expect to hear and see some very talented musicians. It’s the greatest place on the ship to people-watch and converse with fellow passengers as well as the friendly crew.

Princess Cruises was the first to offer “Movies under the Stars” on Lido Deck and now movies are also shown throughout the day around one of the four swimming pools. It’s a fun experience.

The adult-only pool area is a perfect retreat if you want a quiet restful place to soak up the sun and read. And wait until you experience the new adult retreat called “The Sanctuary” to really indulge in total relaxation. It’s a beautiful, spacious area with a white canapé overhead and a private area for a couple to relax in the sun and enjoy a massage. Yes, there is a charge for the privilege of spending either a half or full day in this area, and I would tell you that you’re going to want to try it at least once.

Princess does welcome families onboard their ships with a large number of triple and quad staterooms. I checked out the various play areas for children 3 to 17 and was totally impressed. The outdoor area for the little ones was adorable and for older children there were games rooms, computers, appropriate music, and dedicated youth counselors. It lacked nothing.  Fitness lovers were delighted with the amount of space dedicated to working out and the superior quality of all the equipment. Apparently, no expense was spared in designing the Ruby Princess.

Dining – There are three restaurants on board to accommodate both the requests for traditional dining and Personal Choice; they are Botticelli, Michelangelo and Da Vinci. The Lido restaurant is your casual choice for breakfast, lunch and even dinner. You also have the option of dining in one of the specialty restaurants, which offers a choice of Italian fare in the spectacular Sabatini’s or a fabulous steak at the Crown Grill. So many excellent choices! Just remember to make your reservations early for the alternative restaurants.

Princess Cruises has always enjoyed a great reputation for their entertainment and there are many new shows that will absolutely delight you. Passengers have multiple choices deciding how to spend their evenings. There really is something for every taste. I managed to visit every lounge and theater and came away totally impressed with the décor, the entertainers, and the level of service.

Accommodations on board the Ruby Princess are pretty standard in size, depending on whether you choose an Inside, Ocean View, Balcony, Mini-Suite or Suite. I had the pleasure of staying in a Penthouse Suite on Deck 14, mid-ship. It was lovely! The balcony was a generous size with a table and chairs. There was plenty of closet space as well as drawer space too. In the bedroom area, there was a well-lit vanity for ladies, along with a stool, so you could sit to do your hair and make-up. The refrigerator was stocked with soft drinks and bottled water. Fresh fruit, as well as a beautiful floral arrangement, contributed to the ambiance. The commode and single sink are separated by a door from the Jacuzzi tub and spacious separate shower. My advice – if your budget will allow it, book a Mini-Suite or higher. There are a limited number of unobstructed ocean view staterooms on this ship, but the price is very affordable. Most of the ship is the more standard Balcony staterooms. There are nicely appointed, but not large. The Inside staterooms work well for those on a very tight budget, or for families who may want to consider putting the older children in an Inside stateroom across the hall from their Balcony room.

	Four Pools Onboard!
	A Place Great Place for Kids!
	Our Penthouse on Deck 14
	Suites from 461 to 687 sq. feet
	The Sanctuary (For Adults Only)

*Pictures by John Dix and Nancy Kelly