LIVE from the RUBY PRINCESS - DEC. 22ND - DEC. 26TH. Cr

[Pia1913]

Goin PIA!! Good one!!! :D:D

 

Maybe that one will stick like "Stewart" did.?

 

Oh hush up, K. Trouble maker! :p

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

Thank you to all who wished me a Happy Birthday and I too hope to sail with all of you again. Hope everyone who celebrates had a great Christmas.

 

I don't want to get off the ship but have to early tomorrow morning :( We are meeting Pia and Mike at 7:10 am for our walk off!!!

 

After we lost all our money early in the casino we decided to go to the Broadway show in the theater. Really enjoyed it. One of the lead male singers is fantistic!

 

Time for bed. Even I enjoyed Pia's live, so thanks for everything Pia!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Happy birthday , belated ! Didn't now it was your birthday

 

That lead singed in the Bway show sat next to us in Sabitinis. He ordered the veal like me. LOL

 

His range is great. I saw both shows last night the Beaton ne at 830pm then the Xmas one at 1030 where he and the other singed dancers performed again and the CD sang too and the cd team did a little comedy skit

 

Well nice to meet you all and happy belated bday again

 

Laura

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

Pia whenever we went to the FCC this trip she stayed in her office, any other cruise line I've sailed they always seem like they are trying to sell andush the fc thing.. She seemed disinterested... . She was brief with us but Jose had questions about ports so she brought us in the office, she didn't even seem interested in us bring interested but because of you guys I knew about the $100 thing, otherwise it's not widely advertised.. She didn't bring it up.. We did.

[icat2000]

Pia whenever we went to the FCC this trip she stayed in her office, any other cruise line I've sailed they always seem like they are trying to sell andush the fc thing.. She seemed disinterested... . She was brief with us but Jose had questions about ports so she brought us in the office, she didn't even seem interested in us bring interested but because of you guys I knew about the $100 thing, otherwise it's not widely advertised.. She didn't bring it up.. We did.

 

This women definitely needs to be moved on from this job.

[kruisey]

I did notify you on another site. In case you don't read that one Thank you always entertaining.

I must admit I've encountered a very mixed group when it comes to the future cruise person.One cruise there was one that made very fleeting visits to his deskI heard he had found other interests on board;)

[lindy56]

:mad:

To the Mall: you chose to hilite what I posted and hour after boarding. Yes there are decorations elsewhere, but I never thought of adding to the initial mention of what I had seen. Give me a break, huh?

[Dorset Cruiser]

:mad:

 

Ooh - stand by :eek:

[rbt001]

The Ruby rep had the audacity to say she works 13 hours a day. Doing what? This cruise had 88% first timers, most with little kids. She had nothing to do and never had anybody waiting at her door.

 

Hmmm.... I'm sailing on my first Princess cruise with Ruby on 01/09, so reading the postings about attitudes and poor service are a head's up.

 

BUT....

 

Ship staffing is about efficiency, so I believe it's true when someone posted that she said she works 13 hour days; most likely she wears several hats, having other responsibilities behind the scene. Someone above her decides on the schedule (time allotted) for the desk, and it sounds like they try to get a feel by having some appointment/sign-up sheet. Perhaps "time at the desk" is viewed as time taken away from some other important support activity back of the house.

 

NO EXCUSES

 

By no means do I suggest that there's ANY excuse for poor service or an attitude. I could be misuderstanding, but it seems the purpose is SALES related, aimed at procuring future revenues. To that end, I'd expect a smile to go along with an attitude presented as helpful and knowledgable. When I'm presented with anything less --in a situation where I'm determined to buy-- I confront the individual, politely, with what I perceive as shortcomings in my expectations: it's their chance to either meet my expectations or immediately get someone who can.

 

I hope it doesn't come to that on my cruise, as I do have questions --which I'm trying to find answers to on these forums-- but may need to ask while onboard.

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU to all that have posted-- and not just on this one topic!

 

My first Princess cruise was supposed to be at the beginning of February of 2014, and it was in my "research" here that I learn of the 100% FCC, so decided to book the 01/09 sailing. Without the Cruise Critic Forum, I would have never known. (Princess Eyes, that's for you, and it's true.)

 

Lastly, and back on topic, I suspect/expect that by my sailing in less than two weeks, that this service problem will have been resolved. The backlog of fulfilling the dropbox requests may still be delayed, but hopefully there will be more accurate timelines (10 days stated shouldn't take 22 days, as someone else here experienced,) so that expectations can be matched with reality.

 

Pia, thank you for ALL of your insightful information and taking the time to update us.

[geoherb]

The future cruise consultant left a voicemail on our phone yesterday, acknowledging that she had heard of the passengers' concerns and to assure us that our credits had been posted. I guess she heard my threat.

 

So far the service has been pretty good. I've only gotten upset at one staff member--the girl in the spa who would not let me through to the gym and pool without being on a tour yesterday afternoon. They shouldn't advertise the gym being open if they're going to have her blocking the door and turning people away.

[Pia1913]

The future cruise consultant left a voicemail on our phone yesterday, acknowledging that she had heard of the passengers' concerns and to assure us that our credits had been posted. I guess she heard my threat.

She did, didn't she?

 

So far the service has been pretty good. I've only gotten upset at one staff member--the girl in the spa who would not let me through to the gym and pool without being on a tour yesterday afternoon. They shouldn't advertise the gym being open if they're going to have her blocking the door and turning people away.

 

This has happened before.

 

Dorset: LOL

[FritzG]

Pia whenever we went to the FCC this trip she stayed in her office, any other cruise line I've sailed they always seem like they are trying to sell andush the fc thing.. She seemed disinterested... . She was brief with us but Jose had questions about ports so she brought us in the office, she didn't even seem interested in us bring interested but because of you guys I knew about the $100 thing, otherwise it's not widely advertised.. She didn't bring it up.. We did.

 

What $100thing are you referring to?

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

What $100thing are you referring to?

 

Future cruise deposit

[pablo222]

The Ruby rep had the audacity to say she works 13 hours a day. Doing what? This cruise had 88% first timers, most with little kids. She had nothing to do and never had anybody waiting at her door. Do buy your FCC's on the Emerald.

 

 

I know that on the short cruises on the west coast that the FCC and Captains Circle host were totally overwhelmed --- primarily by people who wanted to verify that they were getting their 'free cruise' credit and/or book something with it. For a month or so, they were bringing extra people on from Santa Clarita to help out.

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

I know that on the short cruises on the west coast that the FCC and Captains Circle host were totally overwhelmed --- primarily by people who wanted to verify that they were getting their 'free cruise' credit and/or book something with it. For a month or so, they were bringing extra people on from Santa Clarita to help out.

 

The lady on our cruise sat in her office. When people wandered into the FCC area she still stayed in her office . They didn't seem to be pushing the deposit at all all cruise, at least not from my vantage point. I was on a carnival Cruise last year where the FCC people was out in the photo area trying to "sell" the deposit to everyone

[Pia1913]

I know that on the short cruises on the west coast that the FCC and Captains Circle host were totally overwhelmed --- primarily by people who wanted to verify that they were getting their 'free cruise' credit and/or book something with it. For a month or so, they were bringing extra people on from Santa Clarita to help out.

 

It was very different on this one Pablo.

[san diego sue]

On our recent Sapphire cruises (three weeks on board in Dec), the Future Cruise consultant had posted hours. When she wasn't seeing people, I am sure she was doing the paperwork for the FCC that people purchased and dropped in her mail slot. There was always a long signup list when she was opened but she seemed to manage. Our FCC were in our account (checked our personalizer), about two hours after we dropped it in the box. She was probably in her office (not during posted hours) working on these. We had the hard copy delivered to our mailbox next day.

When we were on the Oct 28th 100% refundable cruise on the Golden, our credit for that cruise appeared in our personalizer the second day of cruise. So I knew it worked and didn't have to bother anyone.

I know there was lots of confusion on this at the beginning. Most of us weren't sure if it really worked the way it was advertized. Much relief that it did.

[alexspepa]

After my experience a couple of yrs ago i

Never cruise at Xmas. Its for families and zillions of kids

Won't waste my money. I travel when kids are in school.

This is how I feel so don't write me any nasty notes about kids.

 

I was on this same cruise as Pia - unfortunately I did not get to meet her.

 

Regarding the kids on this particular cruise - hats off to all the parents. This was the best behaved group of small kids and teenagers I have ever had the privilege to be around.

 

a few of the adults I met rushing on the elevator before i could exit however...

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

FYI we are sick today. We noticed our son coughing on the way home yesterday and now we all seem to have bronchitis brewing. Hopefully it was just something spread in the remix teens club and that's why we were effected and not something too many more people on cruise got. This likely means someone lied getting on board and was indeed sick. I understand cruises are expensive but this one wasn't and people need to by insurance so they don't get a whole ship sick if they get sick before their cruise. I am glad I held off taking my chemotherapy/ biologic RA med before the cruise or this probably would have turned into a pneumonia for me. I know some older cruises and those with health problems can get really sick. I hope this is limited to just a few of us.

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

I was on this same cruise as Pia - unfortunately I did not get to meet her.

 

Regarding the kids on this particular cruise - hats off to all the parents. This was the best behaved group of small kids and teenagers I have ever had the privilege to be around.

 

a few of the adults I met rushing on the elevator before i could exit however...

 

You probably didn't meet my son who I found out after the fact was playing the unicorn game on lido. (Ice cream cone in hand ask a random adult stranger if they believe in unicorns and if they said no they slam the ice cram come in thier own heads and whinny and prance away like a unicorn ,) I assure you he didn't play after we found out he was and his hair was sticky with ice-cream.

 

. I can tell you at least one if not two security guards were posted outside the teen club at all times but teens could come and go without parental release. My son got in later then all of us even nights we went to disco.

 

There was no ship wide curfew for children or teens like I've seen on other lines but I don't think this was a major issue this cruise, all the shipmates my son mate seem really nice, looked lie kids with good parents, and good in math and school etc, much better class of children then when we were on carnival where they ran amok

[alexspepa]

You probably didn't meet my son who I found out after the fact was playing the unicorn game on lido. (Ice cream cone in hand ask a random adult stranger if they believe in unicorns and if they said no they slam the ice cram come in thier own heads and whinny and prance away like a unicorn ,) I assure you he didn't play after we found out he was and his hair was sticky with ice-cream.

 

 

oh...wondered why he looked disappointed when i said yes...

[LollyMoz]

Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet you Pia...we were at Crown Grill on Christmas eve from 5:30 till around 9:00... lengthy indeed, but fabulous! My talked to the Chef de Cuisine who was interacting with the guests and got a chef's hat as a gift. Too cute..

 

I'll write up my notes and add photos soon. Really enjoyed the cruise. Did put in my FCCs - just in the box as it seemed there were such short hours and never encountered the individual in question...thankfully!

[Pia1913]

Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet you Pia...we were at Crown Grill on Christmas eve from 5:30 till around 9:00... lengthy indeed, but fabulous! My talked to the Chef de Cuisine who was interacting with the guests and got a chef's hat as a gift. Too cute..

 

I'll write up my notes and add photos soon. Really enjoyed the cruise. Did put in my FCCs - just in the box as it seemed there were such short hours and never encountered the individual in question...thankfully!

 

The four of us were seated in a booth by the window from 6:00 to almost 9:00 PM. Christmas Eve. I'm one who hates lengthy dining, but this one I agree, was wonderful. I had requested a specific recommended waiter and he definitely turned out to be superb. Over and above. For those who want to know, his name is Foderick; from the Philippines.

[Pia1913]

I was on this same cruise as Pia - unfortunately I did not get to meet her.

 

Regarding the kids on this particular cruise - hats off to all the parents. This was the best behaved group of small kids and teenagers I have ever had the privilege to be around.

 

a few of the adults I met rushing on the elevator before i could exit however...

 

I agree. There were 700 kids on board and lots of counselors. I remarked to one of them while waiting for Santa (whom you now know I never did get to see), that these were the best behaved children I have ever encountered. She was very happy to hear that.

[AmberTeka]

I "cruised" with Pia on one of her Latin America cruises.

 

She hooked me. Greg with his shirts from every port. Her kindle. New to me at that time. The Falklands stand out......

 

I have been away from Princess for a while.,.on another line.,.but we are back in November on the Ruby. For a seven day.

 

I love Princess. Nothing else to say.

 

It sounds so snooty and ugly and other awful stereotypes but I wondered if the "Wild Ones" that cruised Carnival when I was young, and who bothered me less then.....would also come party hearty on the short cruises on The Ruby. I have not read the posts yet...I just discovered it was Pia writing. The Fascination is the only five day I have been on. it is local. Most of the people are from Tennesse, Georgia, Alabama, S. Carolina & N. Florida. The atmosphere was very southern and very laid. Lots of college students were on the ship with families ( Graduation. Last of May) and also some High School Graduates.

And.............they were perfect. Just Nice, nice kids. All sizes, genders, &races . Opening doors. Saying "saying yes mam' and no mam' Two played trivia with us. they were never drunk. No one flashed anyone. Knocked my socks off. If they are typical................We are lucky. Hope the same type were on the Ruby.

Edited December 27, 2013 by AmberTeka

[karena1]

I was aboard the Golden at the end of October. This cruise was one of the first with the 100% cruise fare back FCC. I dropped my form in the box the second afternoon of the cruise. I was seeing no evidence that my request had been worked so the next to last night I went to the Future Cruise sales person, a male, I did not get his name, to inquire. He was completely overwhelmed with peoples questions about the 100% FCC there was no time for him to do his normal routine. I was witness to it, I saw his line and was told the back up of people to book a cruise was for the next morning. I called Princes when I returned home. They were aware that the normal Future Cruise Deposits had not been worked and told me that it should be cleared in about a week. Sure enough about a week later the Future Cruise Deposit appeared in my account. The Future cruises consultant did not get angry at me for asking, he seemed stressed, yes, but did not display inappropriate behavior as Pia had experienced. Perhaps this is just not the right job for the future consultant aboard the Ruby.

 

Exactly how does this promo work? When I talked to Princess, they said I would get my FCC in the mail after we took our cruise. Is this right? I want to make sure we don't lose the FCC for the promo cruise we are taking on Ruby the end of January