First Princess cruise

[Cpamomma]

We will be on the Ruby Princess in Mexico in mid-December.  This will be our first Princess cruise.  We are Elite status with Celebrity so we have been on a number of cruises, just not Princess.  We know that we can each bring one bottle of wine with no charge and additional bottles for $15 corkage fee.  We also know that "formal" night means different things to different people.  We are looking for additional tips and things to do so we can maximize what Princess has to offer.  All tips and ideas are very much appreciated.  Thank you!

[Colo Cruiser]

12 minutes ago, Cpamomma said:

We will be on the Ruby Princess in Mexico in mid-December.  This will be our first Princess cruise.  We are Elite status with Celebrity so we have been on a number of cruises, just not Princess.  We know that we can each bring one bottle of wine with no charge and additional bottles for $15 corkage fee.  We also know that "formal" night means different things to different people.  We are looking for additional tips and things to do so we can maximize what Princess has to offer.  All tips and ideas are very much appreciated.  Thank you!

Check out Adagio lounge deck 16 aft next to Share.

Great place to get a drink and relax listening to some music.

Ask for the stuffed olives.

 

Check out the Pub lunch on sea days featuring fish and chips and other British pub food.

[Qcruise]

Formal night is relative on Princess too......dress up as much or little as you like.  Minimum would be buisness casual.  The adult aft pool is a great space as is the upper deck sunning area behind the sancuary up front.  Enjoy your cruise.....we're aboard her in February.

[mcrcruiser]

Enjoy your cruise . Imo as a Elite + with Celebrity ,Princess does a equal or better job in entertainment 

[Cruise Raider]

10 minutes ago, Cpamomma said:

We will be on the Ruby Princess in Mexico in mid-December.  This will be our first Princess cruise.  We are Elite status with Celebrity so we have been on a number of cruises, just not Princess.  We know that we can each bring one bottle of wine with no charge and additional bottles for $15 corkage fee.  We also know that "formal" night means different things to different people.  We are looking for additional tips and things to do so we can maximize what Princess has to offer.  All tips and ideas are very much appreciated.  Thank you!

 

We are also Elite with Celebrity and also with Princess.  While Celebrity is my favorite, the itineraries on Princess meet our needs much better ....namely, they have cruises from San Francisco.  

 

Ok, I've never sailed on the Ruby but don't think she has an indoor pool area, which I like.  But, I think she has Skywalkers, which is a nice bar / lounge at the very top of the aft section of the ship.  This is usually reserved for Platinum, Elite and Suite passengers during happy hour, but it should be open to all during all other times except when they have a special event in there.  

 

What is nice about Princess is the unlimited number of bottles of wine you can bring on and just pay the corkage.  I know they just came out with a new wine menu so make sure this is worth your while as they have some really nice wines on their new wine list and the markup doesn't seem unreasonable.  However, if you choose to bring your own wine, there is a table set up by security and they will check your bottles, charge the corkage and stamp the ones you would like to consume outside your stateroom (or inside your room for any bottles exceeding your one per person limit. Once stamped, you are able to take your wine throughout the ship and even to the dining rooms or a lounge.  Your room steward will provide you with glasses but it might be best if you bring your own wine opener if you choose to just take a glass out to dinner.  

 

Formal nights are pretty much what you see for elegant chic on Celebrity.  While Princess still refers to them as formal nights, it is really just a step up from smart casual.  In Mexico, you will probably find that only half (if even that many) dress to the nines.  There will be some tuxes and ball gowns but you will also see men without a jacket or tie, but at least a collared shirt.  

 

The buffet tends to have a lot less variety than you will find on Celebrity but one great thing about Princess is that they will take your order for an omelet for breakfast and find where you are sitting and deliver it to you at your table.  Their breakfasts are usually really good in the buffet area.  

 

The big difference between Celebrity and Princess is that Princess still allows smoking inside the casino (except on formal nights) and Snookers (on the way to the theater).

 

Another difference is the specialty dinners are less expensive on Princess but no packages available.  The Crown Grill is my favorite but cannot touch Murano ... but you get what you pay for.  All specialty restaurants have no formal wear requirements but still no shorts / flip flops, etc allowed.  

 

Crooners is the Piano Bar that oftentimes (not always, though) draws a crowd after dinner.  

Oh, and double check your dining time if you booked traditional dining ... they have recently made some swooping changes to the dining times and many are up in arms.  It has kind of created some chaos for the anytime diners.  Hopefully, they will get that straightened out before you go.  

 

Be sure to look for the pub lunch while onboard.  It is usually really good.  There is no charge for this.  And, in the evenings, the Trident Grill up by the pool usually has offerings other than the normal hamburger / hot dog menu.  

 

Princess goes back and forth with having pool towels available ... hopefully, you will be on one of the sailings where they aren't so picky about having these available.  

There is usually at least one pool that is for adults only ... I think one is up by the sanctuary.  

 

Any other specific questions ... just ask away.   If you happen to be in club class or a suite, there are many other benefits you can take advantage of.  

[skynight]

43 minutes ago, Cpamomma said:

We will be on the Ruby Princess in Mexico in mid-December.  This will be our first Princess cruise.  We are Elite status with Celebrity so we have been on a number of cruises, just not Princess.  We know that we can each bring one bottle of wine with no charge and additional bottles for $15 corkage fee.  We also know that "formal" night means different things to different people.  We are looking for additional tips and things to do so we can maximize what Princess has to offer.  All tips and ideas are very much appreciated.  Thank you!

Read the Princess Patter each day for activities. Be aware of those 'activities' that are really sales talks, mostly spa and store related talks.

Lots and lots of choices for evening entertainment. Live music in all the lounges. Ballroom dancing probably in Wheelhouse Bar.

International Cafe is open 24/7. No charge for food. Nice place for cont. breakfast, lunch and food anytime of day.

Like wine? Try Vines.

Skywalker's Lounge has nice views and is a nice location for quiet reading. Opens mid evening with a DJ.

For theater shows arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for seating. Later evening shows are not as crowded.

Events in Explorer's Lounge can be crowded.

Crown Grill and SHARE are nice specialty restaurants, $29/pp. You can pre-reserve on line or reserve on board. If on board go the first day. There will probably be the Crab Shack, shell fish, one or two evenings in the Horizon Ct. area. Sign up on board. Dining experiences like the Chef's Table, Ultimate Balcony Dining are nice, sign up on boarding day.

 

[neverbeenhere]

additional:

 

If you don't know where to hang out, hang out in the Piazza. (This is were any activities happen)

[Nonnie1975]

On sea days go to the main dining room for breakfast.  It's not on the menu but ask for French Toast.  It is about 3 inches thick and coated in corn flakes crumbs and fried.  It is awesome!  I get it every time.  If you want something light to eat for lunch go to the International Cafe, great quiches and salads.  For breakfast the almond croissants are to die for.  Also go to the afternoon tea in the afternoon  in the MDR  and get the  scones with the cream and jam.  Yum!

[OCruisers]

5 hours ago, Cpamomma said:

 

  

Whatever you have worn on Celebrity "formal nights" will be absolutely fine on Princess.

Enjoy your cruise!  

[Cpamomma]

Thanks for the great suggestions!