Ruby Princess Review
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My husband always wanted to do an Alaska cruise so this was it, although I would love to go again. This is my second time on the Ruby Princess and I just love this ship. We never felt crowded nor did we ever have to wait for a table at dinner. Food was terrific and the service was excellent - actually customer service was excellent everywhere on this ship. Our room steward, Julie, took really good care of us (room described below). There is a daily newsletter, The Princess Patter, which you receive the night before and you can plan your day's entertainment with that. We never had nothing to do - there are so many things going on around the ship and off the ship that you couldn't possibly be bored. Excursions are plentiful but book in advance because many of the popular ones tend to sell out. I could go on, but just know that Alaska is amazing and easy to navigate no matter what your fitness level is. See you on the next cruise!
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
We had a mini suite, D529, on the starboard side of the ship in the midaft area. There is a lot of space to move around and it's very quiet. Two twin beds pushed together which they call a Queen but is really a King size (you can't feel where they are joined) and very comfortable with 4 pillows provided. Two TV screens; one facing the bed and the other facing the sofa which is a full size sleep sofa if more than two are sharing the cabin; also a table and a chair. Large bathroom with tub and shower combo and lots of counter space with a shelf under the sink and a shelf area built into the wall. Nice soaps and lotions (my husband loved the lotion, as did I) and the shower has built in shower gel container and shampoo/conditioner container. I used both and they were great. Towels are large and lush. There is no plug in the bath except for one that is exclusively for electric razors - nothing else. We requested robes which I loved having but it didn't really fit around my husband. The closet is very large with room for luggage (or under the bed) and an upper shelf (for tall people). There is a cupboard with a full size mirror and several shelves and there is a safe inside. There is a hair dryer provided though it's not the greatest if you need something powerful. Mini fridge was great to have in the room and fresh ice was delivered daily and there is a lot of counter space above with some shelves. Across from that next to the bed (along with two night tables) is a chair and desk/vanity with mirror and another cupboard with two shelves. [You won't be lacking for storage in these rooms.] There are two plugs at the vanity, and there are additional plugs behind both TVs (I couldn't reach them but anyone over 5'5" will have no problem). Beyond the sliding glass door is the balcony which is a perfect size with two chairs, two foot stools and a table. It was not covered but I liked that. There is a lot of lighting so it's not like most hotel rooms now that use really dim bulbs. There are two thermostats to regulate the temperature and we were always comfortable. I love the mini suites - I previously stayed in D414 on the Ruby Princess and it is identical to this one except it is on the port side.
Port Reviews
Glacier Bay
This was an on-board tour of the glaciers with narration by a Park Ranger. Views from all sides of the ship as it does a 360 degree turn at the glacier. Beautiful.
Ketchikan
Our float plane excursion was cancelled due to rain and fog so we look the Lunberjack Show instead. It was fun but not my first choice.