Trip to Alaska 08/30/15 to 09/06/15
Ruby Princess Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
Sail date: August 30, 2015
Ship: Ruby Princess
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: B751
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
Taking a trip to Alaska was something my wife and I have wanted to do for some time.
I would recommend this to others, but I will also explain to them what to expect. I believe for the cost being paid up front, there should be a welcome package that includes the picture being taken when you first get on the ship. Any pictures being taken after that is elective and should be chargeable.
I paid $112.70 on an upgrade for something called "unlimited Soda & more" for my wife and I. I expected that I would be able to get a can of coke or a bottle of water at no additional charge.
Because there is a lot of things being offered during the cruise that are at additional charge, you get the feeling of being nickeled and dimed when it comes to things like having to pay for can of coke versus fountain drinks or pay for bottle water versus water in a glass.... even though I already paid $112.70 extra for unlimited non alcoholic drinks. I feel I was taken advantage of.....
Every thing else was what I had expected, so my point here is to make this an excellent experience, cut down on the nickel and dime effect.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
6 Comments
nkincaid 9 years ago
glomarrone 9 years ago
We never purchase the beverage package but we do order wine at dinner. We really don't consume enough beverages to make it worthwhile for us. Sorry that the package did not suit your needs but next time you cruise, at least, you know how it works.
I can understand your disappointment with Victoria but was wondering why you were disappointed in Seattle. We loved the city. We even flew up a couple of days before a cruise to see as much as we could of the city. I want to go back to see what I missed.
noname111 9 years ago
Thank you for posting your review.
We occasionally purchase a fountain drink package and figured out pretty quick that the reason it is referred to as a "fountain" drink package it that it excludes canned beverages. I think the charge issue is due to disposal / recovery of the cans and bottles. There are strict regulations and costs associated with disposal of refuse. There is also a level-of-effort (which equates to cost) associated with recycling. The convenience or preference for having a canned/bottled beverage is going to reflect the additional cost of disposal/recycling.
CrusinTim 9 years ago
Sorry for your disappointment in the Unlimited soda package but this issue is not just related to Princess Cruise Lines. Of the 4 lines I have sailed, it is all done the same way with fountain soda and glasses of water as opposed to cans or bottles with the package. The cruise lines only care that you are paid in full 70 - 90 prior to sail date, paying it upfront has no bearing. The only way to get extra amenities like you explain is to be a past guest (tier system) and with the more cruises you do with a certain line, the more amenities you get. The nickle & diming of extras offered onboard are optional. Although cruises include many free amenities, they are not "All-Inclusive". Cruising is a learning experience as you see. I am glad you enjoyed your cruise to some extreme. You will see with the more cruises you do, that what you have experienced in the past will help to make future cruise planning easier.