Just got off the Ruby Princess Alaska Inner Passage

Ship tip

. For months prior to our trip I watched hours of YouTube videos and read posts and recommendations from this page and others. Thanks to all who helped me plan. These are MY recommendations and tips from my experience: The ship hair dryer worked fine for me (I had read many comments saying to bring your own). We ordered a case of water for our room and left 8 bottles unused so I felt it was not needed (take a refillable water bottle or cup). I had the soda package and felt it was well worth it....all the sodas, mocktails, smoothies you could drink, plus you received a Princess insulated cup to reuse and take home. Glacial Bay day was cold and windy until we got into the protected Bay Area and slowed almost to a stop. It was the most beautiful day of the trip...sunny and gorgeous (but still cold). The balcony was a must for us. Our friends were in the cabin next to us and our steward opened the partition between our balconies so we could be together as well as go back and forth between rooms. I would suggest NOT booking the Roberts Tramway in advance. We did and by the time we returned from the Mendenhall Glacier the fog and rain had set in and we couldn’t see anything going up or down or enjoy hiking any trails on top. The tram is located right where the ship docks so you can walk over, buy the tickets and go up and down anytime during the day or evening. There is no need to buy in advance. We felt it was a total waste of time and money only because of the weather. We also did the double decker bus excursion in Victoria BC. I didn’t realize we would be doing this 90 minute tour IN THE DARK....you couldn’t see much of anything and our driver/guide was terrible. He couldn’t remember names, facts, stories, etc. If you do this tour check when the sun sets! It was a nice view of the lights of Victoria in a few places but the 6 of us felt it was a waste of time and money. We were in a balcony room (2 people). I felt there was ample storage, large closet area (we had 26 wooden hangers). I did take the suggested over the door shoe holder and felt it was great to use to put things in for easy assess. I also used the Dollar Tree battery powered tea light for our bathroom night light and magnets on the walls to hang lanyards, caps, etc. I preordered the Alaska Travel Companion book and map from Princess and followed along as we cruised (we put the map on our wall with magnets). The naturalist on board was very interesting also. The comedian was hilarious! We carried on 2 bottles of wine we bought in Seattle. You can request wine glasses from your steward and carry a glass of wine to dinner with you. I preordered a bottle of Crown Royal and the Heineken beer package for the room. This was nice for drinks on the balcony. If you do anytime dining you can make reservations each morning for dinner. This worked great for us since there was 6 in our group. Depending on our excursions or plans for the day we would decide what time we wanted to meet for dinner, make the reservation for the dining room we wanted and avoid waiting in lines. (There are certain hours for anytime dining that varies in the dining rooms). I know this is very long but wanted to pass along a few things. I would be happy to answer any questions as well. Our trip was Aug 31-Sept 7 and the weather was cool all week.