Ruby Princess E. Caribbean photo and video review

[Bimmer09]

These things...

 

[/url]

 

The door above was closed all week. It is deck 16 forward in the elevator hallway outside the Hearts and Mind chapel and if you could go through it you'd be in the port side of the Tradewinds Bar. So many people tried to use it and had to take a detour to the Starboard side. It is also the closest door to the outdoor Handicapped elevator up to deck 17 where the Sanctuary is.

 

This gate, also deck 16 port and starboard prevents you walking to the front of the ship and looking down on the top of the bridge (which was also closed) so getting shots of the bow of the ship and where we were going were ruled out. It was open in port.

 

 

Now if the ship was in heavy seas, heading into gale force winds I could understand this being "for passenger safety".

 

Here's the thing about wind. Humans can feel it. So if I walk onto a deck and I am at a 45 degree angle trying to walk forward, like a French mime artist, and my cap has already blown off and my hair is in my eyes and I am gulping for breath then maybe that's uncomfortable and I will turn around and skeedaddle.

The wind where this gate lives was a gentle zephyr so let me through and take a chance on being blown aloft over those high railings. Certainly during this cruise with all the food I ate I was heavier than any kite on the market. Smooth sea, no wind-let me enjoy the whole ship.

 

I've enjoyed this little deck as a photo-perch on every ship including the Ruby in the past-but not this trip.

 

 

OK, rant over for now...

[Bimmer09]

Ha...Neville is my buddy. I am having lunch with him in Ft. Lauderdale at Southport Raw Bar next Monday on his turnaround day while the Coral is in port!

 

Cool! He's such a witty fun guy. I've met him on the Coral and the Crown

Have a great time at lunch.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Looking up towards Tradewinds and that tempting Satellite Dome deck above

 

[/url]

 

 

One more appointment on my to-do list: join Carol in the Sanctuary for Afternoon tea at 3.30. As I was so stuffed from my two lunches I just had tea and scones.

 

 

The manager of the Sanctuary came over to introduce himself and ask if everything was to our satisfaction. Tonight was formal night so that explains his dapper appearance.

 

 

[Bimmer09]

Walking through the Piazza area just before noon and there was a cocktail shaking demo being set up for the amusement of those who frequent the area.

 

[/url]

 

 

From the sea day Patter here are some of the things happening in the Piazza today...

 

10.30 Fruit and veg carving

11.15 Guitar melodies with Derek Bomback

12.15 Martini demo

02.45 paper airplane contest

03.15 Afternoon melodies with Sugar Cane (steel drum duo)

05.00 Sugar Cane again

07.15 Champagne Fountain

07.50 Captain Welcome Aboard speech

08.15 Piano melodies with Krzsztof Jankowski (Alex I'd like a vowel please)

09.00 Kirill- amazing balancing act I have video of for later in

the review.

 

Walking past the Excursion desk again...in a photo where the daylight spoils the shot but teaches me a lesson for the future

 



 

I see they have some take-away brochures to whet your appetite for excursions

 

 

Back to our cabin the long "fresh air" way: Promenade Deck 7. You can walk all the way around the ship by going up onto deck 8 (Emerald) but you guessed it- there was a locked gate preventing access.

 

 

As I came off the elevator on Dolphin Deck 9, one of our neighbors had brightened up her door somewhat. I met her later and offered my congratulations on her remarkable anniversary.

 

 

Back in the cabin to charge batteries and take a short nap....bliss.

 

Norris

[Jasperdo]

I totally agree with your minor annoyances. I enjoy wandering the ship on sea days and catching the view from all angles. It's very annoying to see certain viewing areas closed off when the weather is fine. I can see it in rough seas, or howling winds. But on a calm sunny day, there's no reason for it. I love hanging out on the above the bridge deck. Once, on our 14 day Hawaii cruise on the Golden, that deck was closed the entire cruise. Even when we were docked in Honolulu. I wanted to go up there and get some photos of the city skyline, but couldn't.

[Bimmer09]

I totally agree with your minor annoyances. I enjoy wandering the ship on sea days and catching the view from all angles. It's very annoying to see certain viewing areas closed off when the weather is fine. I can see it in rough seas, or howling winds. But on a calm sunny day, there's no reason for it. I love hanging out on the above the bridge deck. Once, on our 14 day Hawaii cruise on the Golden, that deck was closed the entire cruise. Even when we were docked in Honolulu. I wanted to go up there and get some photos of the city skyline, but couldn't.

 

So it's not just me who is disappointed. Thanks for the response Jasperdo.

 

When I went to the Tradewinds Bar on that Monday night at 6.30 pm for a drink Jennifer was there behind the bar packing things away. I ordered a beer and she looked worried and told me that the bar was already closed. I did a double-take and said "but you close at 7 pm" and she said indeed but the supervisor told her to close as there were no passengers. I looked around at the 6 other people at tables in the smoking section..."hmm, no passengers- I see". I thanked her and walked off as I didn't want to give her a hard time (only following orders)

 

Tradewinds-get there early!

 



 

There were other places to get a drink on the ship- granted- but that's not the point and I made this known to Princess on the e mail Survey.

 

Close when you say you will close-not on a whim Ruby Princess

 

Norris, disappointed and bemused

[wineforhealth]

Norris

 

Love your report. You can truly see the love of cruising in your photos.

 

BTW how the hot Babe in post 178? I will be on the Ruby in March can't wait.

 

Jim

[smeck]

Loving your review, like you I am a on time machine nothing irks me more than waiting for someone who's late. Conversely if a establishment is suppose to be open at a certain time it should adhere to it's scheduled time. I would of gone to the hotel director with your complaints, mentioning it on the survey doesn't correct the issue while your onboard.

[Bimmer09]

Norris

 

Love your report. You can truly see the love of cruising in your photos.

 

BTW how the hot Babe in post 178? I will be on the Ruby in March can't wait.

 

Jim

 

Jim, I am glad to see you here. Thanks for the compliments on the photos despite the few out of focus clunkers at the dining table now and then. I should really have sent those back to the kitchen and asked the chef to prepare something more in focus.

 

Enjoy the Ruby when she comes back from S. America!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Loving your review, like you I am a on time machine nothing irks me more than waiting for someone who's late. Conversely if a establishment is suppose to be open at a certain time it should adhere to it's scheduled time. I would of gone to the hotel director with your complaints, mentioning it on the survey doesn't correct the issue while your onboard.

 

Smeck, thanks for responding.

 

You are right of course in asking for a supervisor at the time of my issue with the early closing of a bar for a lame reason but I couldn't be bothered with all the fuss then and there. Had it been the only bar on the ship then I would have.

 

Norris

[Susie51]

I totally agree with your minor annoyances. I enjoy wandering the ship on sea days and catching the view from all angles. It's very annoying to see certain viewing areas closed off when the weather is fine. I can see it in rough seas, or howling winds. But on a calm sunny day, there's no reason for it. I love hanging out on the above the bridge deck. Once, on our 14 day Hawaii cruise on the Golden, that deck was closed the entire cruise. Even when we were docked in Honolulu. I wanted to go up there and get some photos of the city skyline, but couldn't.

 

I also agree with you and Norris.

[Bimmer09]

Carol was going to see a show called Broadway Ballroom in the Princess Theater at 7pm prior to our 8.30 Anytime Dining reservation at 8.30.

 

Not being interested in the show due to it's title I intended to record the Captain's first (last) appearance before the passengers.

 

As the Piazza gets crowded during this event on the first Formal Night I went early to get a spot to shoot from-dead center deck 7 looking down on the "Champagne" waterfall directly below. Being early I was able to satisfy my curiosity as to how they get those glasses in the pyramid to be so red. On earlier cruises I thought the glasses themselves were red. The glasses are clear and a bucket of water with red food coloring is used to fill them from a pitcher.

 

The champagne bottles they use are brought to a table uncorked. Real Champagne is served chilled and the bottles get condensation on them when brought into a warmer environment so they have to be wiped down. There was a member of the cruise staff on hand to make a big show of doing this but her cloth (a dinner napkin) never got wet....hmmm. Bottle after bottle is poured in a show of largesse and luxury.

 

The top glass of the pyramid contains cubes which cause the water in the champagne bottles to foam briefly.( as an Alka Seltzer would) As the show goes on these lose their efficacy and the bubbles diminish.

 

It's a harmless tradition on Princess and people line up to hold the bottle of fake champagne to keep the fountain flowing while having their photo taken with Nicola Furlan the MD who's making sure it pours into that top glass first.

 

A crowd gathers on each of the 3 Piazza decks and my railing is now shoulder to shoulder people. I manage to flag down a waiter caring a tray of champagne to quench my thirst which was denied at Tradewinds earlier.

 

I am in place for the moment when Billy Highgate the CD returns from his duties at Broadway Ballroom to begin the introduction of the Ship's Officers.

 

 

Next up-more food porn

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

We always choose Anytime Dining and always make reservation early in the morning via the Dine Line on our phone.

 

On arrival at the dining room-in this case Michaelangelo we go to the line on the right. The left line is for walk-ups. We never have to wait for a table for two.

 

Just the two of us this evening for a quiet relaxed dinner and we asked for and received our favorite quiet table here- # 311 (which is 511 in da Vinci for breakfast)

 

The menu was a special one, celebrating Princess' 50 year Anniversary and as you will see offers dishes from across that great span of time.

 

[/url]

 

As well as this commemorative menu we could choose from the "Always Available" selections of Princess tried and true classic dishes. You'll notice the dessert selection listed is by Norman Love the master chocolatier from Florida so that would be a no-brainer! We buy his chocolates at a winery in Michigan. Heavenly-is that a word?

 

We both have high praises for MDR food. We do eat out frequently and at some very good restaurants and appreciate well-prepared food. We were happy on the Ruby where it was included in our fare.

 

Let's see what we had to eat that evening....

 

Veal agnelotti for me. My bottle of white wine was brought to the table.

 



 

Ceasar salad from the always available menu

 

 



 

Across the table Carol enjoys a "panache of greens" (huh?) following her shrimp cocktail where the shrimp are too small for a photo session.

 



 

 

The Intermezzo- the Blueberry Mohito Sorbet was a refreshing hit.

 



 

Tournados of Malabar peppered beef for both of us. Plates licked clean.

 

 

Belly-bustin' dinner but we had to make room for dessert!

[Bimmer09]

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse with Vanilla Creme Brûlée and Crunchy Shortbread

 

Pretty on the Plate....

 

[/url]

 

Cutaway view

 

 

If I had to sum this dessert up in one word it would be YIKES!

 

After such a dazzling meal we made our way to Explorers Lounge for some Karaoke- Princess Pop Star heats where there were a few brave souls willing to get up and sing for our entertainment. It was hosted by a bubbly Brazilian member of the cruise staff you'll see in a video much later.

 

A guy called Joe was the favorite after the voting for his rendition of "My Way".

Some chose to holler obscure country songs that are obscure for a reason.

 

Bed by 11.30? Sounds good to me!

 

St Maarten in the morning and we reach the half-way point in our cruise: day 4.

 

Norris-noticing how "time flies" on a cruise ship.

[Saruman]

Yikes!:eek: I think I've gained three pounds just looking at your photos….

 

Will be on the Ruby this summer and checking out your daily entries is a lot of anticipatory fun!!! Thanks for doing this!!!:D

[jlf1]

Tournados of Malabar peppered beef for both of us. Plates licked clean.

 

[/center]

 

Norris,

 

The beef looks amazing. I understand why you licked the plates clean. Is that new allowable MDR manners?

 

Question for you - upper left of the picture under the onions what I think are potatoes, if so how where the potatoes cooked?

 

Thanks again for this amazing review and all your pictures.

 

Judy

Edited February 10, 2015 by jlf1

[Bimmer09]

Something I have remarked upon in every Princess evaluation is the tendency for dirty plates and glasses to be left out on the deck overnight.

 

This is the sort of thing an early riser finds on deck on all their ships...

 

[/url]

 

We were up early at 7 a.m (or earlyish) and land was indeed AHOY!

 



 

 

 

Breakfast had been enjoyed in Da Vinci

 

Service and food always impeccable at breakfast time. So good to start the day off being waited on and served piping hot food. As we always asked for table 511 we were assured the same great team led by Frances from Peru.

 

The Pilot boat came out and dropped off the Pilot before heading back to port where there were already ships docked.

 

 

Passengers were out on deck-particularly the Promenade, looking forward to coming ashore on this mountainous and culturally diverse island-half French, half Dutch.

 

Mountains are much more appealing than the flat islands like Grand Cayman. We are from a flat city in the Midwest and some hills and sweeping vistas are welcome. We have an excursion planned but others are at the excursion desk making a last-minute booking, maybe because the weather looks very promising.

 

The ship will be in port from 10 a.m to 7 p.m.

[Bimmer09]

Tournados of Malabar peppered beef for both of us. Plates licked clean.

 

[/center]

 

Norris,

 

The beef looks amazing. I understand why you licked the plates clean. Is that new allowable MDR manners?

 

Question for you - upper left of the picture under the onions what I think are potatoes, if so how where the potatoes cooked?

 

Thanks again for this amazing review and all your pictures.

 

Judy

 

Judy that cake was an onion tart. Deeee-lishus!!

 

I think the waitstaff would rather see me with my head and tongue buried in the plate rather than see me push the plate aside and snap my fingers at them.

Plate licking is allowed and encouraged by the team who have to wash the dishes.

 

The description for the dish is

 

Malabar peppered Beef Tournedos, roasted onion tart, horseradish jus

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Yikes!:eek: I think I've gained three pounds just looking at your photos….

 

Will be on the Ruby this summer and checking out your daily entries is a lot of anticipatory fun!!! Thanks for doing this!!!:D

 

Saruman the Wise, thank-you for reading this. You will enjoy the Ruby particularly if this chef is still on board.

 

Memorable meals in all of the restaurants with only one clunker on the last night.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

[/url]

 

 

MSC Divina is already here. Not a line I am likely to sail on (read the reviews) but a handsome piece of shipbuilding which I always admire.

 

 

 



 

I move to a high deck as the lower ones have too many passengers in the way of getting clear shots. I am up on deck 19 at this point, where the running track is.

 



 

Norwegian Getaway, a ship I had not seen before, would be berthed next to us today.

 

[Bimmer09]

NORWEGIAN GETAWAY

 

[/url]

 

ALMOST THERE

 

 



 

 

NCL is another line I am not eagerly waiting to try but I salute them for having open air dining on a second promenade deck and hope it works for them.

[ar1950]

..............

The menu was a special one, celebrating Princess' 50 year Anniversary and as you will see offers dishes from across that great span of time..........

 

Tournados of Malabar peppered beef for both of us. Plates licked clean.

 

 

For some reason that dish looks different than what we had on the Regal in December. Same menu, BTW. No matter, we loved it.

 

.............We both have high praises for MDR food. We do eat out frequently and at some very good restaurants and appreciate well-prepared food. We were happy on the Ruby where it was included in our fare...........

 

I always like reading your food entries on your reviews. We have mostly found the food to be like you guys do. Very good with only a few mis-steps. Yumbo! for sure. Thanks for including these comments and photos.

 

Keep it coming......!! :cool:

[Jasperdo]

Enjoying your photos of the other ships at St. Maarten. I always like checking out the other ships when we're docked in a busy port.

[chuck517]

Watching football on MUTS was great

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Woobstr112G]

Norris;

 

Loved the rec nt pictures you posted. I got a kick out of your term "food porn".....:):):)

 

Bob