This was our 1st cruise so we did not know what to expect. Alaska was amazing and we can’t wait to go back. We will probably try another cruise line just to see the differences in the ships. Great way to travel and overall was a wonderful experience.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Very organized and went much more quickly than expected
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Buffet food was as expected. We ate at the trident grill (burgers, hot dogs, REINDEER chilli ,!!) and the pizzaria Dining rooms at buffet were difficult to find tables most of the time for our party of 2 and the beverage service tended to be a little slow.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We bought a thermal spa package and used it almost daily. We also did a couples massage which was amazing! The only downside is that the spa decor was a little outdated and the therapists were recommending items for us to buy and take home to use (commissioned?),which we bought lol
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our steward (Acip) was amazing. He greeted us each day with a smile and went out of his way to ensure we had what we needed. The server at the Internatinal Cafe was also very attentive. As mentioned previously, the staff in the buffet dining area (Horizon Court) were not as attentive. The staff was very concerned about I’ll ess and sanitizing hands but would leave unused cups and juice glasses on the table for the next group of guests. Yuck! This does not seem sanitary.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Ship was clean but decor needs updated ASAP. Worn carpet and draperies.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Bed was very comfortable, plenty of closet space and balcony is a must have. Bathroom was tiny, but we expected that.That being said, shaving legs was quite a feat ( no pun intended).
Ship tip
Unless you drink a lot of soda, pass on the beverage plan. We bough 2 plans and never found the hot chocolate and only had a couple of sodas. As tea drinkers, this was a mistake
on our part. Thermal package was worthwhile, especially after a long day in chilly Alaska. If at all possible get a balcony!! We were on the port side and had a great view of the glacier ( even though the captain rotated the ship so that the starboard passengers had a view) I think we had slightly more time and witnessed the glacier calving.
Pike Place Farmers Market was fun. We got in late and did not get to witness the famous “flying fish”. The Ferris wheel offered great views. Space Needle was closed for renovations.
Whale watching with Harv and Marv’s and cannot recommend enough. Other boats had what looked like hundreds of passengers and we had 6! We saw orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions and bald eagles. Captain Brent was terrific and this was one of our favorite excursions. Try the crab legs at Tracy’s. You wont be disappointed.
Picturesque and good shopping. We did the train into Canada and it was beautiful, if rainy. We also did the gold panning and lunch. Although the lunch was very good the gold mining was very kitschy and we would not recommend it.Just do the train and eat in Skagway.
This is such a pretty little town. Regret we did not get to spend time exploring it as we had a short time there and had an excursion. We did the Adventure karts and it was fun but very wet and cold (it is Alaska, after all). I would choose a different excursion if I could do it over as this seems like something we could do almost anywhere.
Stick with Princess Cruises they are the best. Wish we had, just been on P&O Britannia
shows (ship's own performers) and food not a patch on Princess food and shows.
Great post! That’s the prefect first cruise. Alaska will never disappoint. Do your research on other cruise lines. Weight your likes and dislikes and search those items. Princess will win out every time. Welcome to cruising! Best of times to you two on whatever line you choose. . .
I commend you for completing your first cruise, to Alaska, on the Ruby. Go ahead and try others. We will welcome you back into the Princess family for your third cruise (lol). Seriously, whomever you try next, hope you have a great cruise experience.
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