A Princess Virgin!

[soaddictive]

Hello cruisers!

 

I have never sailed on a Princess cruise before and had some questions regarding the line in general and then questions about the Ruby!

 

What are the demographics in your opinion? Is it like Celebrity where the median age is 45+?

 

The Sanctuary - is that the only adult sun deck on the ship? Is there another free alternative for those wishing to sun bathe without having tons of kids around? Also, if you want to suntan topless, is that an option with Princess at all?

 

How do the shows compare to the ones offered on Royal's Oasis Class or NCL's Epic? It does not have to be a big name broadway thing, but are they good quality shows and acts on board? How is the nightlife on the ships?

 

Specifically to the Ruby now, how did you like your experience on board? How were the dining options that were complimentary? Did they offer a free adults only deck and did the ship become dead at night or were there people dancing late into the night?

 

The ship looks gorgeous and even prettier is the new ship that is to come. I would love to try this line but just want to make sure it is the right time!

[ZachMo904]

Topless?! O_o

[TracieABD]

Topless?! O_o

 

Only if you are under 3 years old or a dude...:rolleyes:

[chrysalis]

Only if you are under 3 years old or a dude...:rolleyes:

 

I have seen it on the very upper decks on Princess.

[TracieABD]

I have seen it on the very upper decks on Princess.

 

:eek::eek::eek:

 

I would never do to. Might end up as fodder for YouTube and the like.

[Pam in CA]

Yes, the Sanctuary is adults-only. There are loungers in the sun or the shade. You book "your" lounger for the morning, afternoon, full day or the full cruise. Cost is $10/half day, $20/day/pp. On some ships, if you book the full cruise, it's $15/day/pp.

 

Topless is not allowed anywhere on Princess. Some people might decide to do it anyway but it's definitely frowned upon.

 

Average age depends on the length of the cruise, itinerary and time of the year. You'll find many families, for instance, on a 7-day Alaskan or Caribbean cruise, a lot more young adults during school vacation time, and a much older average age on a longer cruise or one of the small ships. There's really no average age for all ships and every cruise.

 

Except for over the holidays, Princess limits the number of children onboard. You don't often hear of unruly or out-of-control kids. Princess has more of a subdued, mature atmosphere than many other lines.

[skynight]

Hello cruisers!

 

I have never sailed on a Princess cruise before and had some questions regarding the line in general and then questions about the Ruby!

 

What are the demographics in your opinion? Is it like Celebrity where the median age is 45+? Normally yes. But, you did not mention where you are going and for how long. Shorter cruises in the Caribbean tend to have lower ages, holiday cruises have more kids, Europe cruises have an older crowd with less night time activity, people too tired touring all day.

 

The Sanctuary - is that the only adult sun deck on the ship? Is there another free alternative for those wishing to sun bathe without having tons of kids around? Also, if you want to suntan topless, is that an option with Princess at all? Have never seen topless, but I guess if you are on a covered balcony there would be no issues. If you are going to the Caribbean some beaches are topless. The Terrace Pool, Riviera Deck 11 aft and the Lotus Spa Pool, Deck 16 forward are Adults only.

 

How do the shows compare to the ones offered on Royal's Oasis Class or NCL's Epic? It does not have to be a big name broadway thing, but are they good quality shows and acts on board? How is the nightlife on the ships? Nice production shows, but they are only approx 1/2 hour long. Guest entertainers, some very good , some not so good. Many times there is more than one show to select from.

 

Specifically to the Ruby now, how did you like your experience on board? How were the dining options that were complimentary? Sabatini's and the Crown Grill have a $25pp surcharge. The Chef's Table and Ultimate Balcony Dining experiences also have a fee. Almost all other foods (except for a few minor items) are included in the fare including dining rooms, buffets, international cafe, grill, soft ice cream, pub lunch, room service. There is a charge for the coffee card and soda sticker. Free coffee & tea is available all day and evening in the Horizon Ct. buffet, but if you wish to have special coffee drinks, such as lattes there is a charge. With the coffee card you get unlimited brewed coffee & tea for the voyage and 15 special coffee drinks. The soda sticker is for unlimited fountain soda. There is a charge for canned soda. There is an ultimate soda card which includes mocktails, juices, milk shakes, etc.

Did they offer a free adults only deck, No adults only deck except the sanctuary area.

and did the ship become dead at night or were there people dancing late into the night? How do you define late. Crooner's Lounge will have a piano player singer until around midnight. The cruise staff might start karaoke at 10:30PM for an hour or so. If you are on a Caribbean Cruise there will be people up later into the evening. Some venues, such as Expolrer's Lounge or Club Fusion may have a live band until maybe 1AM. Skywalker's opens late, around 9:30PM and closes late. Music is by a DJ.

 

The ship looks gorgeous and even prettier is the new ship that is to come. I would love to try this line but just want to make sure it is the right time!Admit I am older, but love many activities, and seldom head to bed before midnight. The current Princess activity model fits most of what we like. This is why we keep going back. Give it a try. However, if you are into water slides, surf-rider, rock climbing and things like that it may not be your thing. Try it.

The new Royal has a different layout so cruise directors may have different ideas for activities on these new ships. Will have to wait and see.

 

See Answers Above:

[soaddictive]

Thanks for all the responses! Topless was not a main concern, just aksed because on NCL ships there is the top deck for that.

 

Regarding late nights, if there is a performance going until at least midnight such as the Piano bar, then that is pretty good. Do the night clubs on a Caribbean cruise get busy? I remember having a few parties either on the pool deck or at the club on NCL that went until 2am. The themed parties that cruises have can be very fun!

 

I was looking to do something different from NCL which is why I looked at Princess. It looks like it has the 'grand' element in terms of design and concept as opposed to the 'vegas' style look that are on NCL and Carnival. I do like the Oasis ships on Royal but not their itineraries so much!!

 

I think I might just give it a go on the new Royal Princess and see how it goes!

[davekathy]

:eek::eek::eek:

 

I would never do to. Might end up as fodder for YouTube and the like.

 

I always suntan topless. My wife doesn't seem to mind that I do.

[soaddictive]

I always suntan topless. My wife doesn't seem to mind that I do.

 

 

LOL! One of the biggest benefits actually on the Epic was the 'freestyle' deck where you had the option of suntanning topless. It was great for evening out those tan lines! But the Balcony is just as good so not the biggest deal!

Royal was the same as Princess in terms of the sunbathing topless rule.

[skynight]

Thanks for all the responses! Topless was not a main concern, just aksed because on NCL ships there is the top deck for that.

 

Regarding late nights, if there is a performance going until at least midnight such as the Piano bar, then that is pretty good. Do the night clubs on a Caribbean cruise get busy? I remember having a few parties either on the pool deck or at the club on NCL that went until 2am. The themed parties that cruises have can be very fun!

 

I was looking to do something different from NCL which is why I looked at Princess. It looks like it has the 'grand' element in terms of design and concept as opposed to the 'vegas' style look that are on NCL and Carnival. I do like the Oasis ships on Royal but not their itineraries so much!!

 

I think I might just give it a go on the new Royal Princess and see how it goes!

On Grand class ships evening activities may include:

Explorer's Lounge: Activities may include comedy acts, game shows such as the newly & not so newly wed game, live band, classical concert, dancing, karaoke.

Club Fusion: live band(s), trivia games, theme parties, karaoke, dancing.

Crooner's is a martini bar with a piano player/singer. Usually crowded but in a quiet way, but can be very lively with certain entertainers. The same person will be there every night.

Wheelhouse Bar, ballroom dancing

 

There will be the "Ultimate Deck Party" one evening. It will start around 9:30 with a live band. There will be cruise staff led line dances probably for an hour starting around 10:15/10:30. The band will continue for some time after the organized activity. Princess had silly games at the party, but I have not seen them for a few years. Most of the crowd thins out once the cruise staff leaves. They go to other venues.

 

As far as the new Royal Princess we will have to see how they operate their activities. They do have an expanded Crooners, so I expect the piano/singer will still be there. They have a special "Island" area on the Lido deck specifically for deck parties. Expect there will be shows in the Vista Lounge which is a show lounge as well as some theme night activities. There is no nightclub like Skywalker's on the Royal, but there is a Club6 next to the casino.

[Seafoam Green]

LOL! One of the biggest benefits actually on the Epic was the 'freestyle' deck where you had the option of suntanning topless. It was great for evening out those tan lines! But the Balcony is just as good so not the biggest deal!

Royal was the same as Princess in terms of the sunbathing topless rule.

 

Yet another perk of a balcony cabin. :D