Panama Canal on the Ruby Princess 2023 Christmas cruise-photo/ video journal by Bimmer09

[Bimmer09]

The beautiful Explorers Lounge ladies and gentlemen. Make Some Noise!!

 

 

 

 

Stunning decor in this amazing room

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

The only cameras I see for sale are GoPro

The Photographers

 

Deck 7

 

 

 There's a Medallion Desk nearby

 

 

 

[Kauai Kid]

20 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

I hope you read the Christmas 2024 first LOL! Have you sailed HAL?

We haven't and so on that one on the Rotterdam  everything will be new to us. Wrap- around aft suite. Southern Caribbean. Sun.

The 2025 is an adventure on the Nieuw Statendam (small aft suite like a mini suite) which will take us up to Norway but not the usual ports. Places like Tromso and Trondheim, Honningvag, Lofoten Islands-way up North into the Arctic Circle. On the way back to Amsterdam we will stop at the Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Inverness and a late night in Edinburgh. It's in the middle of June so won't be as cold as Chicago is in January . Midnight sun. Mountains, picturesque ports.

The Christmas review will get a link to the Arctic review once I start writing.

The Spain/Portugal/Morocco review will be on X and the Arctic review will give a link.

October 2025, start and finish in Barcelona. Celebrity Equinox, Sunset Verandah.

So follow each of them until replaced by a new one, please.

Thanks as always for reading along!

Norris

Norris, we haven’t sailed on HAL, but members of my family have, and loved them.

We have sailed on, I believe one of your favorites,The Song of Norway, around 1978, before she was expanded.

We have sailed NCL, Sitmar, X, and Princess. On our next Princess cruise we will be Elite for the first time. We have a round trip out of SF, in 2025. Most often we sail out of SF because we can drive to the pier, and Princess does round trips out of there.

2024 sounds like an exciting year for you and Carol.

I’m looking forward to your reviews.

Safe travels,

Mark

[Bimmer09]

CLUB FUSION

They play Bingo here, hold the Captain's cocktail party, host bands and comedians and it's the home of Karaoke. After the Princess Theater this is where we usually wind up.

 

 

 

Each GC ship I've been on has had different art themes around the walls

 

 

 

 

There's a huge wooden dance floor 

 

 

Housekeeping staff folding hand/face towels

 

 

 

People can walk by the windows looking out onto Promenade Deck 7

 

 

Deck 7 now has a few ADA electronic doors installed. Celebrity had those when they built their ships in 2008. The non-electric doors can be a heavy push and a slamming pull when it is windy on deck. The far door on the right opens with the press of a large button.

 

 

[Bimmer09]

2 hours ago, Kauai Kid said:

Norris, we haven’t sailed on HAL, but members of my family have, and loved them.

We have sailed on, I believe one of your favorites,The Song of Norway, around 1978, before she was expanded.

We have sailed NCL, Sitmar, X, and Princess. On our next Princess cruise we will be Elite for the first time. We have a round trip out of SF, in 2025. Most often we sail out of SF because we can drive to the pier, and Princess does round trips out of there.

2024 sounds like an exciting year for you and Carol.

I’m looking forward to your reviews.

Safe travels,

Mark

Mark, yes I was fond of the Song of Norway and sailed on her 44 times as a drummer.

Here we are in Labadee April 1986.

 

 

I got to see some fine ships in Miami. This is SS Norway which was operated by NCL

 

 

Carnival Holiday

 

 

Congrats on becoming Elite on your next sailing! We have only one cruise booked for 2024 because of a trip to Germany which always takes priority. We have 2 in 2025. Hopefully we like HAL enough to keep them in the mix. I have looked at so many lines. Some like MSC we decided Never as we had a long chat with someone who had sailed in the "Owner's suite" (she said) and never again MSC for her.

They didn't deliver on the brochure hyperbole. I am not keen on the ship within a ship concept which is turning us away from X. I have even looked at Seabourn when looking at Med cruises and most recently Regent 7 Seas but I think it is too fussy looking inside- we are not chandelier people and don't need butlers or caviar. Not worth going bankrupt over although the food looks great. We still need to have a ship with plenty going on- the show shouldn't be a guy playing solo trombone to a beatbox rhythm and we don't need a ship so small the cabaret is a guy playing spoons. HAL may be a good fit and we'll see in 11 months from today.

I did look at Cunard for a TA and for some Caribbean sailings around Xmas but the QM2  is a good ocean liner but a poor excuse for a cruise ship, upper deck wise and their dress code is not for me and I'm not a scruffy guy. It's kind of headache inducing as there are still so many choices after I cross off MSC, Costa, Royal, NCL, Virgin and Carnival. So many itineraries, prices and of course you have to consider that some are cutting back  and getting worse while some have woken up to smell the coffee and are trying to get back to an acceptable standard.  

I read so many boards and no line is perfect. Seabourn guests have complained they don't have enough places open for breakfast-a poor way to start one's day. Regent Mariner is out of bananas today a week into a World Cruise. And so on. Celebrity is losing future customers by their cutbacks and price hikes. Most migrating to HAL, Viking and even Seabourn.

Thanks for the comments and for reading along once again. 

See you after we sail the Rotterdam at Christmas.

Norris

[Bimmer09]

It's a smaller World...

This happy smiley face is Fernanda from Guatemala. She was my favorite server up at Tradewinds on the Diamond Christmas cruise December 2022

 

 and this is the same Fernanda I bumped into on her way to a shift in Wheelhouse Bar December 2023

 

So cool to meet up with her again!

[Bimmer09]

It's our last night on Ruby Princess. Just a breakfast and a disembarkation to go. I will remember to show you the last two days of Patters as I am a "completist". Once ashore we have a day at the Marriott and some cruise ships sailing away that yielded some photos I was very happy with, followed by our best meal of the holiday. Followed by a flight to Chicago on New Year's Eve.

You'll see any photos I haven't yet shown you as I do my "clean up on aisle 6".

We weren't compelled to book another Princess cruise while on the Ruby. 2026 is a year we don't have a cruise booked and  we can take our time thinking about how to proceed after we cruise with HAL and X.

 

We will certainly sail the Panama canal again, next time a full transit as we loved the experience. I hope to  see more of Cartagena next time- we saw the trashy side as we went to the amazing aviary but I know there's a very colorful old town. Costa Rica has more to offer than the sloths I'm sure. We'll see Falmouth in December and visit Half Moon Cay, new to us. It will be warmer than Chicago so two thumbs up.

Cruising is still a huge lure for us. We wish we had more time to devote to it but Carol has an expanding business to attend to. 

 

The Ruby service and entertainment was top notch. The food disappointing at dinner. Fish was the way to go. Specialty restaurants good for the price although not super memorable. We've paid more but got better and think that's a fair trade. If you've eaten in Murano or Eden on X you'll know what I mean.

 

I should finish this tomorrow and want to thank you all for following along.

Norris

 

 

[rdsqrl]

On 1/18/2024 at 2:48 PM, partybarbie said:

Did you have a chance to see the piano man in Crooner’s or have a martini there? It might not be your thing, just curious if you ever went there.

I was in Crooner's most nights.  The piano man was Paul Holmes, and he was pretty good.  One thing I enjoyed about him was his repertoire was quite large.  So many of them seem to repeat the same songs every night but for the most part, he didn't.  That said, if I heard Sweet Caroline one more time, I would have jumped overboard and swum for home. 

 

The drinks were very good -- the bartender was excellent.   My go-to is the London Lemonade, which he made perfectly, and the Chairman of the Boards I had were also excellent.  In short, Crooner's was an A+ experience this cruise. 

[partybarbie]

4 hours ago, rdsqrl said:

I was in Crooner's most nights.  The piano man was Paul Holmes, and he was pretty good.  One thing I enjoyed about him was his repertoire was quite large.  So many of them seem to repeat the same songs every night but for the most part, he didn't.  That said, if I heard Sweet Caroline one more time, I would have jumped overboard and swum for home. 

 

The drinks were very good -- the bartender was excellent.   My go-to is the London Lemonade, which he made perfectly, and the Chairman of the Boards I had were also excellent.  In short, Crooner's was an A+ experience this cruise. 

That’s so good to hear. We have enjoyed sailing with Paul on past cruises, so it’s always good to know that others do too.

[ljhershey]

Norris,

 

Our upcoming Princess cruise is our first as Elite.  Did you find the laundry service dependable?  I am hoping to pack  "less" if possible.

 

The laundry service on HAL for $49 per cabin per week is fantastic.  Get a bag to your room steward by 9 am and next day you will find clean clothes hanging in your closet and clean undies folded nicely in a basket on your bed.  We sent out clothes daily.  Well worth it for the peace of mind.  I did write laundry instructions (like warm wash) on the order sheet.

 

The artwork on HAL is exceptional.  If you like to experiment, one lunchtime in MDR, try the "stropfwaffel" (I have stumped the spellchecker on that word).

 

So any other Princess elite tips we should know?  I will be swapping the refrigerator contents, likely for pop/soda.  Getting afternoon tea worthwhile?

 

Thanks so much for sharing your experience.  I will look forward to hearing about your next adventure.

 

Looking forward to my upcoming Orange Souffle!

[Bimmer09]

1 hour ago, ljhershey said:

Norris,

 

Our upcoming Princess cruise is our first as Elite.  Did you find the laundry service dependable?  I am hoping to pack  "less" if possible.

 

The laundry service on HAL for $49 per cabin per week is fantastic.  Get a bag to your room steward by 9 am and next day you will find clean clothes hanging in your closet and clean undies folded nicely in a basket on your bed.  We sent out clothes daily.  Well worth it for the peace of mind.  I did write laundry instructions (like warm wash) on the order sheet.

 

The artwork on HAL is exceptional.  If you like to experiment, one lunchtime in MDR, try the "stropfwaffel" (I have stumped the spellchecker on that word).

 

So any other Princess elite tips we should know?  I will be swapping the refrigerator contents, likely for pop/soda.  Getting afternoon tea worthwhile?

 

Thanks so much for sharing your experience.  I will look forward to hearing about your next adventure.

 

Looking forward to my upcoming Orange Souffle!

Leslie, I only sent out one load of laundry. I requested same day even though not in a hurry. Gave to steward before 9 a.m and it was back by turndown same day.

Thanks for the tips on HAL laundry.

I included a page with the Elite perks a page or two ago. I would try all of them, starting with afternoon tea in your stateroom. It's a lot of food. There will be a food coma and you'll want to eat a later dinner.

You should check out the 5-7pm Elite/Suite cocktail event in Skywalkers. Ditto the Captain's Cocktail Party. Try it all if you have time. You've earned it.

Your room steward can take care of the mini bar swap out.

I've seen the artwork on Pinnacle class mainly. Rotterdam is a standout.

I intend to spend some time each day in the Grand Dutch Cafe! 

We have Club  Orange as we are in a Neptune Suite but I will have at least one MDR meal to take pictures. I'll be having a stroopwaffel for sure!

Thanks for your many comments and for reading along!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Cleanup on Aisle Six

 

 

 

[nini]

@Bimmer09 / Norris:

Thank you so much for taking us along with you on this adventure. I also appreciate your comments regarding other cruise lines as well as your search for a new cruise line experience.

What are your thoughts on Viking Ocean? We have considered it, but are not too crazy about paying the total upfront a year ahead. We love Virgin Atlantic, but do not think the Virgin cruise line is a good match for us.

Safe travels!

Edited January 21 by nini
correction

[Bimmer09]

We had packed our luggage for pick-up before we went to dinner last night in Da Vinci.. A first for me.

da Vinci

 

Said Goodbye to our fun service team

 

and were up early for the sail into Port Everglades

 

 

Sabatini's would open at 6.30 so we had time for breakfast before quitting our room at 8.a.m

 

 

[Bimmer09]

43 minutes ago, nini said:

@Bimmer09 / Norris:

Thank you so much for taking us along with you on this adventure. I also appreciate your comments regarding other cruise lines as well as your search for a new cruise line experience.

What are your thoughts on Viking Ocean? We have considered it, but are not too crazy about paying the total upfront a year ahead. We love Virgin Atlantic, but do not think the Virgin cruise line is a good match for us.

Safe travels!

Hi Nini, I avoid Viking Ocean (and River) for the payment business and for the Scandinavian furniture.  I like big padded chairs, leather especially. No romantic novel has ever began "She sank onto his  warm Scandinavian sofa" as far as I know.

Adults only means Christmas Cruises, nothing special without kids. If I was Santa I wouldn't even bother to show up. No casino? I don't gamble but a casino draws adults away from places I might be and gives the ship a lively buzz at night.

I flew Virgin Atlantic Business Class (free upgrade) while I was working for RCI in the 1980s. Loved that but will never sail on one of their gimmicky cruise ships. I'm not their demographic.Good food I hear and that goes for Cunard too and Regent/Silversea. Not high on our priority list.

We'll try HAL-seems a good fit on paper/video.

Thanks for your comments!

See you next December I hope!

Norris

 

[Bimmer09]

 

Carol had a series of foods that had been photographed before so everything that follows was mine

 

Meat!

 

 

Kelloggs Frosties-they're GRRRRREAT!!

 

a favorite fruit

 

[nini]

6 minutes ago, Bimmer09 said:

Hi Nini, I avoid Viking Ocean (and River) for the payment business and for the Scandinavian furniture.  I like big padded chairs, leather especially. No romantic novel has ever began "She sank onto his  warm Scandinavian sofa" as far as I know.

Adults only means Christmas Cruises, nothing special without kids. If I was Santa I wouldn't even bother to show up. No casino? I don't gamble but a casino draws adults away from places I might be and gives the ship a lively buzz at night.

I flew Virgin Atlantic Business Class (free upgrade) while I was working for RCI in the 1980s. Loved that but will never sail on one of their gimmicky cruise ships. I'm not their demographic.Good food I hear and that goes for Cunard too and Regent/Silversea. Not high on our priority list.

We'll try HAL-seems a good fit on paper/video.

Thanks for your comments!

See you next December I hope!

Norris

 

 

Thank you for your fun response! We also prefer a more traditional look and feel, that of which we enjoy on Princess.

[Bimmer09]

We returned to our stateroom to get our carry-ons and the cameras.

 

We had the last-off luggage tags and Suites were to muster in Wheelhouse Bar before leaving at 9.30

Carol preferred to sit outside on Promenade Deck

Sky Princess

 

 

Symphony of the Seas

[Bimmer09]

 

We had backed into our berth. Nieuw Amsterdam was bow first nearby.

 

Celebrity Apex behind Nieuw Amsterdam

 

 

We've never berthed at this dock before. Doesn't look crazy yet.

 

Edited January 21 by Bimmer09
cut dupe pic

[jwattle]

On 1/17/2024 at 4:29 PM, Bimmer09 said:

Bed by 10.30 with full tummies. Tomorrow is our last day on the Ruby.  We don't look at 7 day cruises anymore. They were over  and done much too soon. Getting to an embarkation port is always done with at least one day in situ or at least two if in Europe, so our 12 Day to Iceland last summer included 4 days in Amsterdam. We have one day to unwind in Ft Lauderdale when we get there. We like 10 day to 14 day sailings now.

 

We find out this morning at Sabatini's that they will also serve us breakfast when we dock in Port Everglades. Hooray! We've always had to go to the MDR before disembarking.

 

followed by an ominous cloud formation

 

Sabatini's Manager Felix and Joyce, Hostess

 

Dennis was a memorable waiter. All the staff were noteworthy.

 

We always got a seat overlooking the fountains on deck 16

 

 

Tasty treats and fresh OJ and Mimosas and coffee and macchiatos -all offered no need to ask. Service with a smile and a soft ease-into-the-morning voice. Best suite perk there is. Quiet. Calm. Want steak and eggs tomorrow? Tell them today and  it shall be done.

 

Norris loves his cold cuts for breakfast when he goes to Germany. And in Sabatini's.

 

I had one of these every morning to start my day. Granola parfait.

 

 

 

 

Loved, as always, the GSJ!

One of our favorite Suite perks is the breakfast. On the Majestic, after day 1, they brought my "Happy Juice" and "Naughty Latte" each morning (Mimosa and Latte with Bailey's). I loved that they used code words for day drinking 😂🥰, and to those who judge, well, piffle! We're on holiday, time for fun and shenanigans 😄

 

[Bimmer09]

WHEELHOUSE BAR

 

There were only 10 people waiting here

 

Snacks and drinks provided

 

No Scandinavian furniture

 

 

 

Across the hallway is the Tour Desk, Deck 7 Fwd

[PurpleTraveller]

Thank you for yet another wonderful review with fantastic photos and so informative! I have enjoyed every moment and look forward to your next installment. Thanks again. 🛳️

Allison

[pretty princess]

Thank you ( and Carol) I always enjoy your wonderful and informative reviews. Love the added touch of humor and your wonderful photos. Hope you both are feeling better everyday

[MacMadame]

14 hours ago, ljhershey said:

The artwork on HAL is exceptional.  If you like to experiment, one lunchtime in MDR, try the "stropfwaffel" (I have stumped the spellchecker on that word).

stroopwafel. 😄 (Cyclists eat them all the time so I've learned to spell it.)

[ljhershey]

5 hours ago, MacMadame said:

stroopwafel. 😄 (Cyclists eat them all the time so I've learned to spell it.)

So yummy!  Thank you, now I can spell it too.