Ruby Princess Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,976 reviews

Great cruise, need a little more communication

Review for Alaska Cruise on Ruby Princess
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katlgallegos
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
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Entertainment
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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2018
Cabin: Interior
Traveled with children

This was the best cruise for our money, destination, and family. We wanted a family-friendly cruise that went through Glacier Bay which the flashier Royal Caribbean did not do. My oldest made a bee-line to the kid's club every chance he got and loved it. My youngest liked it but also enjoyed staying with us and watching for whales or checking out the treats at the International Cafe. We have always believed the food on Princess is the best and were not disappointed. We used the anytime dining and ate in both the Medici and Da Vinci dining rooms. The service was slow but not from the lack of work of the staff. Maybe they need a little more staff if anything. The Cruise Directors, Duke and Natalie and staff were great. We danced and played trivia and had so much fun! The Band, Evolution is amazing and so outgoing as well as talented. And our valet, Marvin was the best.

However, here are my drawbacks. One night when some yahoo was telling the kids to get off the dance floor for the scheduled Family Dance Party, the club's staff did nothing. Only the lead singer of Evolution helped me out. Also, when the gangplank was moved in Juneau and everyone waited in the pouring rain for 1/2 hour, no one explained the problem or apologized for the wait. I know it was for our safety but the lack of communication was disappointing. Also, guest services never sent up the extra blanket we requested. The upselling gets a bit much. And if you don't have a beverage package be prepared to walk up to the buffet for your coffee or ice tea unless you want to pay downstairs. Bring a travel mug.

Alaska is beautiful and a must see! Except for the downpour in Juneau we had exceptional weather. Bring a lightweight rain proof jacket and a baseball cap to keep rain out of your eyes. Glacier Bay is breathtaking!

Cabin Review

Interior

The cabin is small but comfy. We had fold down bunk beds for the kids. The bedding was soft and cushy. Our valet gave us extra hangers for all our clothes. Bring an over the door shoe organizer for extra stuff.

Port Reviews

Juneau

Very rainy. We did an independent excursion up the Mount Roberts tramway and tacked on a shuttle tour to Mendenhall Glacier. Beautiful. Bring good hiking shoes. Don't bring food to Mendenhall because of the the bears.

Skagway

This was our favorite port. However, the week before the boat couldn't dock because of high winds so we were lucky to get her. We did an independent shuttle van tour with gold panning and a trip up White Pass. Beautiful.

Glacier Bay

Stunning! Have your camera ready and be outside. Margery calved 4 times for us. We saw sea otters and a humpback whale.

Victoria

I love Victoria but the stop is way too short considering its a 30 minute walk into downtown so you have to take a cab. Felt rushed and the line to get off the ship was ridiculous. Also, hard to find dining at a pub that catered to our family. Most are 19 and over or super crowded.

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