Alaska B2B in Ruby Princess May 7-27 - Semi Live

[cruzin4us]

I can't post the patter from yesterday because it's already in the trash and long gone.   When I wake up in the morning, I'll try to remember to take a picture of the one for tomorrow.

 

I have not tried the NY steak in the MDR, I'm kind of a steak snob and I wasn't impressed with it last 2x I've eaten in Crown Grill.   An 8 oz NY steak just seem like it wouldn't be good to me......could be wrong, and who knows, by day 20, I may order one 🙂

 

Final thoughts from day 1:

 

So, played Buffalo Chief in the casino and the Buffalo's (or lack thereof) were extinct and didn't want to show their furry heads.   Started out playing $1.60 a spin and then dropped it to .80 cents because nothing was hitting.   Accumulated about 1100 pts.    A woman sitting next to me hit $2,700 on a $3.20 bet.   Another woman hit $10k on a .88 cent bet on Fortune 88.   Me, I'm a loser....

 

My luggage arrived after we were pulling out of SF......I started to have that sick feeling in my gut that somehow it never made it on the ship.   I was really, really relieved when it showed up.   I was thinking maybe it got sent to the naughty room for some reason (no, I wasn't smuggling anything bad onboard).

 

I never even read the patter for day one (sorry for those that are interested).   Tomorrow I'll check it out and seen what's happening around the ship.   

 

When I can back to the room today it was bloody hot (or it could have just been a hot flash kicking in).   I thought it was because I was lifting my suitcase and moving around quite a bit.  The thermostat was set as cool as it could go, so I was praying there was nothing wrong with the air conditioner.   When I came back from dinner, it was still stinking hot so I went and shut the drapes thinking that might help.....then I noticed the other thermostat in the room and it was set to heat and the highest setting to boot.   What a dummy I was.   Now, my room is finally cool.

 

With that I'm signing off for the night.....more later!

Edited May 8, 2023 by cruzin4us

[Nee Nee and Biddy]

We are doing this cruise on the Ruby in June! Thank you posting the menus.  I hope you have a wonderful vacation.  

[CruzinNoony]

I am loving your "live from".  Thank you for taking the time to do it!

 

[cruzin4us]

 

Here is a copy of today’s patter, the Breakfast room service tag you can fill out and leave on your door the night before.   
The weather is chilly but nice.  The ship has been rocking a bit but not super bad.  
Just grabbed myself a cup of coffee and I’m heading out to explore.

[DavidsNana]

@cruzin4usNo not a dummy regarding the 2 thermostats in the Mini Suite.  My son and I did the same thing on the Caribbean Princess when we were sharing a mini in March 2022.  It happens to the best of us!!  LOL

[cruzin4us]

Ruby Princess - Alaska

 

My table is in the Michelangelo dining room which is located mid ship on deck 5.  The Botticelli is located on Deck 6 aft and is more of a pain to get to because you need to walk aft on deck 7 and then either take the elevator or walk down to deck 6.   The DaVinci is located on deck 6 midship.  

 

Today is formal night (or dress to impress).  I’d say everyone is dressed in smart casual + to very formal.   Dinner took 1 hour and 20 min

 

I was a hungry today because I slept in pretty late and haven’t eaten.   It was a great night to be hungry because all the food was very good. 

 

Drink:  Sandia en Fuego - watermelon muddled with a jalapeño, Black Sea salt around the rim, some agave syrup and tequila.   Served at the good Spirits Bar only.   They can sneak up on you if you aren’t careful.  Tastes like watermelon with a touch of heat. 

 

There is a few things on the menu that are Alaska inspired.  

 

Tonight I had the Alaskan crab cakes which was delicious

 

Sunchoke Soup - I like to try things that sometimes don’t scream out at me.  This is creamy soup with a bit of a tang.  Not sure what to expect but it was quite tasty 

 

Gnocchi Truffle - I ordered a small portion of pasta because I like gnocchi and I love truffles - there wasn’t any truffle pieces like I thought there’d be.   It was good and very rich, but it wasn’t what quite what I was expecting.    Probably won’t order it again 

 

Medallions of beef tenderloin - ordered medium rare and they came out exactly as I wanted.  Comes with au gratin potatoes topped with some crispy onions. The serving size was much smaller than I  remember on my past few cruises but it was plenty for me.   If you are starving and like a larger portion, you just need to ask. Super good 

 

Dessert - Peach Melba with raspberry sauce & vanilla gelato - ordered this because it didn’t sound too heavy, didn’t need it but it’s formal night after all.   It was nothing to write home about but it wasn’t super rich.   It was just ok.  

Edited May 9, 2023 by cruzin4us

[FrankieJayIII]

wow that dinner looks great!  niiiiice inspiration for us

[SAKay]

We just got off the Ruby on Apr 30 for the 16 day Panama Canal full transit. We disembarked in San Francisco. We did not have the 8 oz strip steak shown  on the Princess Favorites menu. Ever !  Does anyone know if it’s just for Alaska cruises, longer cruises, or what ? Weird we didn’t have it on our cruise ! 

Edited May 9, 2023 by SAKay

[FrankieJayIII]

i've never seen it on a princess favorite menu; EVER!  that's why i'm so curious about it.  loving beef i would be tempted to order dinner and "add a ny"... no sides 

[cruzin4us]

Ruby Princess to Alaska

 

Last night they had picture taking with the Champagne Fountain in the piazza.   

 

Today is another relaxing sea day.   We set our clocks back an hour last night.  

 

Spent most of the evening in the casino.   I have now accumulated approximately 5100 points which was my goal.  Didn’t win on Buffalo Chief and as my last ditch effort I played Pompei on Wonder Four.   Hit $791 which I was grateful for.   Went to the cashier and cashed out.   I have now broken even with the money I brought so I’m done gambling for the cruise.  Had fun but the machines are pretty tight as can be expected.   The host offered me a free dinner at Crown Grill when I reached 5,000 pts.  Went to bed about 2:00 am

 

Princess beds are so comfortable as well as their pillows.   I sleep like a baby with the gentle movement of the ship

 

We have to fill out a customs form before we reach Canada whether we get off the ship or not.    

 

Got a cup of coffee and a warm almond croissant at the IC this morning.  If you haven’t indulged in one, make sure to try one.   Brought the patter with me to figure out what to do today.   Tomorrow’s stop is Juneau and it looks like we won’t be getting any rain.  There are 4 ships in port tomorrow so it’s going to be crowded (Noordam, Brilliance of the Seas, Discovery and Ruby)

 

thus far the WiFi has been working with no issues, but it seems to be getting a tad bit slower the more north we get.  At some juncture It will probably stop if it’s anything like last June, fingers crossed I’m wrong

 

just another observation.  There are very few kiddos on board.  If you want less kids, May is a good time to cruise to Alaska.  

 

[FrankieJayIII]

What did it cost to enter the slot tournament? 

[LuvCruising88]

Following along and loving your writing style!  Thanks for all the info!  Enjoy the rest of your delightfully long cruise!

[wallyj]

1 hour ago, FrankieJayIII said:

What did it cost to enter the slot tournament? 

I have not seen the Princess casino offer a  ‘slot tournament’ since restart. 
 

I also do not see anywhere where author mentioned a slot tournament. 
 

Author has only mentioned they reached ‘casino points’ goal based on play on machines.

[FrankieJayIII]

she posted the schedule and there was a slot tournament today from 3pm-6pm.  she's there for playing and winning.  

[that]

2 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said:

she posted the schedule and there was a slot tournament today from 3pm-6pm.  she's there for playing and winning.  

In Post#35 she states…

 

 Went to the cashier and cashed out.   I have now broken even with the money I brought so I’m done gambling for the cruise.  Had fun but the machines are pretty tight as can be expected.

[FrankieJayIII]

if you have to be right; you're right. 

 

she's doing a blog. she's inquisitive; she finds things out.   if she found out the answer to that, i would like to know. 

 

what is the point of your writings?  what is the intent of being right and accurate and stating things as if you assume i was quoting her.   

 

i was asking a question. 

[that]

3 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said:

if you have to be right; you're right. 

 

she's doing a blog. she's inquisitive; she finds things out.   if she found out the answer to that, i would like to know. 

 

what is the point of your writings?  what is the intent of being right and accurate and stating things as if you assume i was quoting her.   

 

i was asking a question. 

I apologize.  I did not realize my writings were offensive.  I am sorry.

I too am interested in the slot tournament.

 

[SwimCarrie]

I'm enjoying your recaps so much! So exciting following along and living vicariously. Thank you. 

[suekel]

38 minutes ago, wallyj said:

I have not seen the Princess casino offer a  ‘slot tournament’ since restart. 
 

I also do not see anywhere where author mentioned a slot tournament. 
 

Author has only mentioned they reached ‘casino points’ goal based on play on machines.

I've been in 2 slot tournaments since the restart.  My son won $2500 on the Enchanted last October.  

[cruzin4us]

Ruby Princess - Alaska 

 

Dinner:   Food is always subjective and I’m trying to give you my honest opinion, everyone else might have a different opinion.   

 

Hot Smoked Alaskan Steelhead Salmon Cocktail - ok, this was weird.   It says “hot” but it actually was served chilled?   I didn’t see or taste any salmon, it tasted like cold dill potato salad with shrimp on top.  That being said, it was really good and was one of the best appetizers thus far, but the description in no way shape or form matched the actual appetizer - lol

 

Warm Alaskan Shrimp and Spinach Dip - it was really tasty but I wish it was hotter 

 

Penne Alla Vodka - tasted like vodka penne pasta.  Probably would have liked it better without the peas, but that’s a personal preference.  The last 3 nights the pasta has arrived lukewarm.  If this is an issue for you, just ask to make sure your pasta is served hot because it tastes much better that way 

 

Whole Roasted Turkey - I order the turkey (which is supposed to be served with cranberry sauce).  I know that’s a trivial thing, but I sent it back and ordered something else.    The cranberry is what makes the turkey dinner which I always look forward to.   The couple at the table sent theirs back too.  

 

Panko Cod - well, this was a complete fail and don’t recommend.  It was really heavily breaded, cold, rubbery and way overcooked.   The worst thing by far they served 

 

Try #3 - beef stroganoff- this arrived hot, but the meat was very tough & gristly, extremely salty and I’m not sure why there are beets in it?  I did eat it because it was better than the other 2 items, but it wasn’t something to write home about.   It left a lingering bad aftertaste in my mouth.   

 

Lyche, Raspberry & Rose Mousse - even the dessert was meh.   The mousse had little flavor (or maybe I just couldn’t get rid of the beef stroganoff taste).    The cake was super dry.  The Lychee was good that was buried inside the mousse 

 

Tonight’s dinner was not my favorite by any means (except for the warm salmon appetizer).  I will not be going to this dinner on the next cruise, I think I’ll go to the Gastropub and get a burger.   It is always is disappointing when the meal isn’t up to par and tonight was one of those nights.    This would be a good night to do Specialty dining.  It really does pain me to write about this meal.  If this was my first Princess meal I wouldn’t be happy.   

 

Did what I said I wouldn’t do today, I met some new friends in the casino and we played Buffalo Chief.   Won $1000, and played all day and had fun.   Now, I’m officially ahead, but not by much.   Sitting down now for dinner and then I’m going to bed ‘cuz I’ve been up way too late every night.   

The casino host also switched my Crown Grill dinner out for a Swedish Massage.   Currently I’m at 7,100 pts for those that are curious.

[wallyj]

51 minutes ago, that said:

I apologize.  I did not realize my writings were offensive.  I am sorry.

I too am interested in the slot tournament.

 

Hi @FrankieJayIII, sorry, I did not read the ‘patter’ so was not aware Princess casino has restarted doing ‘slot’ tournaments. @that, this has been my experience with ‘slot’ tournaments on Princess.
 

My experience with past Princess casino slot tournaments was an entry fee of $20 or $25 . They had ‘qualifying’ rounds and the top ‘leaders’ made the final round. You could re enter the tournament till qualifying rounds are over if you wanted to try and make the finals, each re entry would entail paying entry fee. In the past the ‘prize’ was $500.

 

You are assigned a machine from a group that has been set to tournament mode and depending on the game, usually you just hit the ‘spin’ button, some games give ‘bonus’ points if you tap certain ‘icons’ that may appear on screen.

 

The casino also has VIP cruises and tournaments for those ‘VIP’s’ only. 
 

 

[cruzin4us]

34 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said:

she posted the schedule and there was a slot tournament today from 3pm-6pm.  she's there for playing and winning.  

the slot tournament was for players that had earned 100 pts in the casino.  It was a bit of a cluster and the made announcements all day long.   The top prize was $200.   I didn’t bother doing it cuz I wouldn’t get back on my machine I was playing.   I believe next cruise is a slot tournament cruise, but I booked it so long ago I don’t remember the details.  I’ll post more info next week if there is one 

[memoak]

2 hours ago, wallyj said:

I have not seen the Princess casino offer a  ‘slot tournament’ since restart. 
 

I also do not see anywhere where author mentioned a slot tournament. 
 

Author has only mentioned they reached ‘casino points’ goal based on play on machines.

There are usually slot tournaments on every VIP casino cruise 

[FrankieJayIII]

47 minutes ago, cruzin4us said:

 

Hot Smoked Alaskan Steelhead Salmon Cocktail - ok, this was weird.   It says “hot” but it actually was served chilled? 

 

Hi!   I wanted to explain that when it comes to salmon; it can be smoked hot or cold... meaning the temperature of the smoking method... not how the dish is served; and it does make a difference in how the salmon tastes.   Hope this helps. 

[cruzin4us]

There were a couple of beautiful women playing a violin and a cello in the piazza last night.  They were so good an I enjoyed watching them. 
 

Got back to my room last night to some chocolate strawberries which was a gift as part of the VIP casino promotion that I’m booked under.  

 

Today I woke up and opened the curtains to the beautiful scenery of Alaska.  Went on the balcony and went “wow” it’s cold!   Went back inside and grabbed a jacket!  After snapping a few photos, I took a shower then headed to get a much needed cup of coffee and a donut from the IC.  Tummy full and coffee cup in hand I headed to deck 15 to look around.  Some people saw a pod of whales but I missed them unfortunately.  

Weather in Juneau is supposed to be a high of 53 but no rain.  I’m glad we are here today and not tomorrow!
Our ship gets to port at 2:30, but in the meantime we are slowly cruising in beautiful Alaska.