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Ruby Princess Alaska Cruises 2024

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure aboard the magnificent Ruby Princess. As a member of the prestigious Princess Cruises fleet, the Ruby Princess stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. With a multitude of decks boasting meticulously designed plans, it accommodates a generous number of guests while ensuring ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The ship's expertly trained staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that every aspect of your journey exceeds expectations. At the heart of the vessel lies its main attraction, a stunning atrium, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and a grand staircase, setting the stage for an unforgettable voyage. Discover the wonders of the Last Frontier as Ruby Princess set sail from Vancouver in style and comfort aboard this remarkable vessel.

Princess Cruises' Alaskan voyages typically span seven to fourteen days, showcasing some of Alaska's most breathtaking destinations. Ports of call include scenic towns such as Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, while cruisers also have the chance to marvel at natural wonders like Glacier Bay and College Fjord. Numerous shore excursions are available, offering experiences such as dog sledding, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours. With Princess Cruises, every day of your Alaskan journey presents a new opportunity for exploration and adventure.

Alaska itinerary on board Ruby Princess from Princess Cruises

Almost every Ruby Princess cruise to Alaska includes a visit to a tidewater glacier, glaciers which flow into the ocean, often with powerful calving. The most popular destinations are Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Strait of Georgia, Tracy Arm. The cruises nearly all call at Ketchikan, Skagway or Juneau, with some rarer alternatives for Haines, Hoonah and Sitka. Find and plan your next 2024 Alaska cruise out of San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; with Ruby Princess.

Ruby Princess Cruise Timetable 2024

7-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Ruby princess, princess cruises.

Date: April 30, 2024

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: May 7, 2024

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: May 14, 2024

Date: May 21, 2024

Date: May 28, 2024

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Icy Strait, Skagway, Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: June 4, 2024

Date: June 11, 2024

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Juneau, Haines, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: June 18, 2024

Date: June 25, 2024

Date: July 2, 2024

Date: July 9, 2024

Date: July 16, 2024

Date: July 23, 2024

Date: July 30, 2024

Date: August 6, 2024

Date: August 13, 2024

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Icy Strait, Haines, Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: August 20, 2024

Date: August 27, 2024

Date: September 3, 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Princess Cruises website.

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First time Alaskan Cruise on Ruby Princess. Any tips? Advice?

By ninka26 , March 29, 2023 in Princess Cruises

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My husband and I will be taking our first ever cruise on Ruby Princess (Inside Passage Glacier Bay) RT San Francisco leaving July 6th. We booked an aft balcony on the Caribe deck. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! I want this to be an extraordinary cruise experience for my hubby!  

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Dress in layers - take/wear shorts 

First ever cruise ever? or just first ever cruise on Ruby?

For specific questions about the Ruby, I would post here.  For questions about Alaska, I would suggest posting your questions on the Alaska board as you will most likely get more answers. 

I do agree with voljeep that you should dress in layers.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.  I hope you have a great cruise.

The Ruby is a nice ship.  My wife and I were on it many years ago for a spectacular Caribbean cruise.  At the time the Ruby was the newest ship in the fleet, not so much anymore, but still a beautiful ship.  I really like the Grand Class ships, I think you'll have a great time.

I highly recommend this YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseTipsTV

It is a really nice family and their video content about cruising is great.  They also have some refreshed videos about packing for Alaska.

You have a lot of sea days ahead of you.  But July is full on summer and if you are lucky the weather on the west coast especially while at sea will be pleasant.  That far north, basically starting at the bay area and going up past Oregon and Washington, well, the Pacific isn't exactly warm, but you should be able to use the pools.  Unfortunately, the Ruby doesn't have any indoor pools, so if the day is cool, you'll find the pools lightly used, but the hot tubs will probably be pretty full.  Plenty of pools and hot tubs on board and most folks spread out quite a bit, so you should be able to find a place to relax easily.

The aft balconies on the Grand Class ships are the best.  I don't like the aft balconies on the newer Royal class ships because they are not well covered by the deck above you.  You'll have overhang from the deck above you, so your balcony will be fully covered all of the time.  Aside from any cold, you'll be very well protected from rain, and likely from wind.  We had a Caribe suite balcony on a cruise a few years ago and thought it was great.  There was a large structural member that took up some of the balcony, but we were still fully covered and protected from most weather.

I'm not sure I can give you anything else that is specific for your cruise, and the video covers packing for Alaska very well.

Oh, don't forget to look up your cruise in the Roll Calls area of Cruise Critic.  That is where you will meet others on your cruise and you might be able to get ideas or plan activities with others.

1 hour ago, voljeep said: Dress in layers - take/wear shorts    First ever cruise ever? or just first ever cruise on Ruby?

First cruise ever! Very excited!

14 minutes ago, jeromep said: Welcome to Cruise Critic.  I hope you have a great cruise.   The Ruby is a nice ship.  My wife and I were on it many years ago for a spectacular Caribbean cruise.  At the time the Ruby was the newest ship in the fleet, not so much anymore, but still a beautiful ship.  I really like the Grand Class ships, I think you'll have a great time.   I highly recommend this YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseTipsTV   It is a really nice family and their video content about cruising is great.  They also have some refreshed videos about packing for Alaska.     You have a lot of sea days ahead of you.  But July is full on summer and if you are lucky the weather on the west coast especially while at sea will be pleasant.  That far north, basically starting at the bay area and going up past Oregon and Washington, well, the Pacific isn't exactly warm, but you should be able to use the pools.  Unfortunately, the Ruby doesn't have any indoor pools, so if the day is cool, you'll find the pools lightly used, but the hot tubs will probably be pretty full.  Plenty of pools and hot tubs on board and most folks spread out quite a bit, so you should be able to find a place to relax easily.   The aft balconies on the Grand Class ships are the best.  I don't like the aft balconies on the newer Royal class ships because they are not well covered by the deck above you.  You'll have overhang from the deck above you, so your balcony will be fully covered all of the time.  Aside from any cold, you'll be very well protected from rain, and likely from wind.  We had a Caribe suite balcony on a cruise a few years ago and thought it was great.  There was a large structural member that took up some of the balcony, but we were still fully covered and protected from most weather.   I'm not sure I can give you anything else that is specific for your cruise, and the video covers packing for Alaska very well.

Thank you! Really looking forward to this cruise. Hoping for many more to come.

FrankieJayIII

3 hours ago, ninka26 said: My husband and I will be taking our first ever cruise on Ruby Princess (Inside Passage Glacier Bay) RT San Francisco leaving July 6th. We booked an aft balcony on the Caribe deck. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! I want this to be an extraordinary cruise experience for my hubby!  

We will be on the Ruby Princess May 27-June 6; stay tuned.    Caribe Deck Aft Balcony.  

STAY TUNED!

snoozecrooze

Hello and welcome! Great choice for your first ever cruise and I hope you have a blast!

Some miscellaneous tips I have for the ship itself:

- Walk all around the ship and explore everything on your first day/night. Take advantage of the fact that others are probably tired or waiting to do it on their first sea day. You'll find your favorite nooks much faster than everyone else.

- Bring motion sickness remedies if you haven't already. The Pacific can be unpredictable and rough as you head straight out from San Francisco and all the way up north.

- You can bring less clothes than you think you will need as there will be a laundromat on every cabin deck ($3/wash load and $3/dry load). You can also hand wash some delicates in the sink/shower and then let it hang dry -- you can buy some magnetic hooks on Amazon to hang dry somewhere specific or just hang it in the large walk-in closet.

- Quiet spots that people don't really seem to discover or at least not really until midway through the cruise: Adagio Bar on the aft of deck 16 and the Skywalkers Nightclub on the aft of deck 18. Fabulous spaces to just relax and unwind during the day when you're out at sea but don't want to be cooped up anywhere else. The whole aft area on Ruby Princess, with the varied outdoor seating, might just be my favorite part of the ship in general.

- You can access the deck that's on top of the bridge by walking all the way to the front of deck 15 and then going through those exit doors. Fantastic panoramic views. If you are eager to be out there during primetime (AKA glacier cruising), then you'll need to plan ahead to beat the crowd.

- You can also find a good spot for scenic viewing from the front of deck 8. You get there by going out to the promenade on deck 7 and then walking to the front of the ship, and then take the stairs towards the ship's bow. If you want to be perched there, though, you'll also need to plan ahead.

- All dining rooms serve the same menu so you don't have to stick to the one you know if a different one is more convenient for you to reach.

- If the buffet seems busy at breakfast, head aft and there will be another nook open. Many people seem to ignore this aft area's food stations and seating.

- All cabins are equipped with motion sensor lights under the nightstands and in the closet. If you don't like them, you can ask your room steward for assistance with the closet light and also just put a rolled beach towel against the sensor on the nightstand.

- Speaking of towels, if you anticipate needing them, grab some on the first day for your convenience and then just stow them in your cabin. You'll never be asked to check them out or be liable for any fines if any go unreturned; it'll just make your life a bit easier.

- Same with blankets; Princess offers red-and-black checkered blankets at night when they show the movies at night on the pool deck. Grab some on the first night and then you'll be guaranteed to have blankets to use early in the mornings when you're on your balcony or out and about on the open decks for scenic cruising.

- Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for assistance and let someone know if you've appreciated their assistance via their comment cards. A little goes a long way to help the crew gain "brownie points" (for a lack of a better term) when it comes to career advancement.

If you have something specific, please ask away. There's probably too many things to actually discuss here lol.

4 hours ago, ninka26 said: My husband and I will be taking our first ever cruise on Ruby Princess (Inside Passage Glacier Bay) RT San Francisco leaving July 6th. We booked an aft balcony on the Caribe deck. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! I want this to be an extraordinary cruise experience for my hubby!  

We will be on this cruise as well!  This will be our 2nd Alaska cruise out of San Francisco, but our very first trip with a balcony.  One of the best things anyone ever told me before our first cruise is the great thing about cruising is you can do as little or as much as you want.  I like to try all the things. Crafts?  Sure!  Exercise class?  Why not!  Fruit carving demonstration, towel folding, bingo, naturalist talk?  Sign me up!  My husband wants to get his coffee, sit with his book and look at the ocean. We're both happy!  

One of the dining rooms will be open on embarkation day and we find having a nice relaxed lunch is a great way to start the trip.  They will try to steer you to the buffet, but you can ask which dining room is open.  Be sure to be out on deck for sail away.  Sailing under the Golden Gate bridge is amazing!  

The walls of your cabin are magnetic, so bring some magnetic clips to hang anything you need.  There aren't alot of outlets in the cabin, so a power strip is handy.  Make sure it does not have a surge protector.  Some people bring some sort of a door decoration to make their cabin door stand out from the hall way.  

On the day we cruised the glaciers in 2018, they had the most amazing pizza slices available.  It was a white pizza and they only served it that day.  We were on the Grand and I'm hoping the Ruby serves it as well!!

Are you planning any excursions?  I hope you have an awesome trip!!

1 hour ago, snoozecrooze said: Hello and welcome! Great choice for your first ever cruise and I hope you have a blast!   Some miscellaneous tips I have for the ship itself: - Walk all around the ship and explore everything on your first day/night. Take advantage of the fact that others are probably tired or waiting to do it on their first sea day. You'll find your favorite nooks much faster than everyone else. - Bring motion sickness remedies if you haven't already. The Pacific can be unpredictable and rough as you head straight out from San Francisco and all the way up north. - You can bring less clothes than you think you will need as there will be a laundromat on every cabin deck ($3/wash load and $3/dry load). You can also hand wash some delicates in the sink/shower and then let it hang dry -- you can buy some magnetic hooks on Amazon to hang dry somewhere specific or just hang it in the large walk-in closet. - Quiet spots that people don't really seem to discover or at least not really until midway through the cruise: Adagio Bar on the aft of deck 16 and the Skywalkers Nightclub on the aft of deck 18. Fabulous spaces to just relax and unwind during the day when you're out at sea but don't want to be cooped up anywhere else. The whole aft area on Ruby Princess, with the varied outdoor seating, might just be my favorite part of the ship in general. - You can access the deck that's on top of the bridge by walking all the way to the front of deck 15 and then going through those exit doors. Fantastic panoramic views. If you are eager to be out there during primetime (AKA glacier cruising), then you'll need to plan ahead to beat the crowd. - You can also find a good spot for scenic viewing from the front of deck 8. You get there by going out to the promenade on deck 7 and then walking to the front of the ship, and then take the stairs towards the ship's bow. If you want to be perched there, though, you'll also need to plan ahead. - All dining rooms serve the same menu so you don't have to stick to the one you know if a different one is more convenient for you to reach. - If the buffet seems busy at breakfast, head aft and there will be another nook open. Many people seem to ignore this aft area's food stations and seating. - All cabins are equipped with motion sensor lights under the nightstands and in the closet. If you don't like them, you can ask your room steward for assistance with the closet light and also just put a rolled beach towel against the sensor on the nightstand. - Speaking of towels, if you anticipate needing them, grab some on the first day for your convenience and then just stow them in your cabin. You'll never be asked to check them out or be liable for any fines if any go unreturned; it'll just make your life a bit easier. - Same with blankets; Princess offers red-and-black checkered blankets at night when they show the movies at night on the pool deck. Grab some on the first night and then you'll be guaranteed to have blankets to use early in the mornings when you're on your balcony or out and about on the open decks for scenic cruising. - Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for assistance and let someone know if you've appreciated their assistance via their comment cards. A little goes a long way to help the crew gain "brownie points" (for a lack of a better term) when it comes to career advancement.   If you have something specific, please ask away. There's probably too many things to actually discuss here lol.  

Thanks for these tips.  This will be our first time on the Ruby.  I never would have thought about getting a couple of blankets to use on the balcony.

SiliconCruiser

5 hours ago, ninka26 said: My husband and I will be taking our first ever cruise on Ruby Princess (Inside Passage Glacier Bay) RT San Francisco leaving July 6th. We booked an aft balcony on the Caribe deck. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! I want this to be an extraordinary cruise experience for my hubby!  

Get to Pier 27, around 10:30 and check-in (don't worry about your check-in time, no one else does.)  You'll be able to board after the ADA and Elite/Platinum and suites groups board.  Take your carry-on to your cabin (which will most likely be ready.)  Then head to the Da Vinci dining room on the 6th floor, for a relaxing lunch (the crew will inevitably try to steer you to the buffet and tell you that the dining rooms are closed; it's a fib.)  Da Vinci is open everyday for breakfast and lunch (albeit only for 1.5-2 hours.)  If you plan on dining at the same time every day, in the same dining room, speak to the restaurant manager or his assistant (they're in the Princess blue blazers,)  they can usually arrange something for you.  You'll probably have the same waiter and assistant waiter, so you're pleased with their efforts don't hesitate to show your appreciation in addition to the daily gratuity charge.

travelin.sisters

so excited for you! you have lots of good advice already & I will try not to repeat:

• if possible, fly in at least the evening before so you don't have problems with delayed flights etc. (you can go to the west coast departures board for recommendations on places to stay etc.)
• bring some extra patience for embarkation, there can be hassles & delays but you will get on the ship & be on vacation soon
• sailaway under the GoldenGate Bridge is gorgeous & might be one time you want to leave your aft balcony view
• SF is rarely warm in the summer (growing up in the area, we could tell tourists because they were freezing in shorts & t's thinking they would be in CA & it would be hot)...even for embarkation layers will be important...they do (or did a few years ago sell nice AK jackets in the ports so if packing is a problem, you could get something & then just pay for extra luggage or ship home)
• don't stress if you can't get all the medallion app pre boarding stuff done it will be ok
• definitely follow the advice to tour the ship the first day...see the different venues get your head around the layout (many ships still have carpet that has different color accents on the port & starboard sides of the cabin hallways, so figure out what color you want to get to your room so you don't end up in a hall on the opposite side searching for your room)
• we take door magnets just to make it easier to spot our rooms in a long row of matching doors
• also try all the different included food venues early in the cruise so you don't discover your favorite on the last day & feel you missed out...main dining rooms (all have the same dinner menus, but only one will be open for breakfast & lunch on sea days), buffet, poolside burger grill, pizza & softserve, international cafe...afternoon tea is fun at least once & pub lunch will probably be offered once...most room service (which can come to you almost everywhere) is included too (use the app to order)...if you want something you don't see, ask if it is available
• the crew on Princess ships are wonderful...your room steward can help with any room issues...ice, ac not working different pillows........
• relax & enjoy, meet people or stay to yourselves, try new activities or just hang on your balcony...one of the great joys of cruising is you can make it what you want it to be
• the enrichment talks by the local experts & naturalists are well worth your time...recently most have been posted on the TV after so you can catch them if you miss the presentation...we even had a totem carver in the Piazza on our Alaska cruise
• binoculars for whales & other wildlife 
• the other day you might (or might not, your choice) want to be away from your balcony is if you are cruising one of the glacier inlets so you can go from side to side
• don't stress about doing/seeing everything, you won't enjoy what you do & maybe plan to return
• the book they sell onboard  (Alaska Companion) is very good..you can order used copies ahead but usually without the map.

I will stop for now...have fun planning & cruising & remembering

On 3/29/2023 at 3:16 PM, Italy52 said: For specific questions about the Ruby, I would post here.  For questions about Alaska, I would suggest posting your questions on the Alaska board as you will most likely get more answers.    I do agree with voljeep that you should dress in layers.

Thank you, I'll check out the Alaska board.

I believe that this is the roll call for your cruise.

All the folks in that thread should be sailing with you.  A good place to meet people that will be on board.

On 3/29/2023 at 7:13 PM, sharichka said: We will be on this cruise as well!  This will be our 2nd Alaska cruise out of San Francisco, but our very first trip with a balcony.  One of the best things anyone ever told me before our first cruise is the great thing about cruising is you can do as little or as much as you want.  I like to try all the things. Crafts?  Sure!  Exercise class?  Why not!  Fruit carving demonstration, towel folding, bingo, naturalist talk?  Sign me up!  My husband wants to get his coffee, sit with his book and look at the ocean. We're both happy!     One of the dining rooms will be open on embarkation day and we find having a nice relaxed lunch is a great way to start the trip.  They will try to steer you to the buffet, but you can ask which dining room is open.  Be sure to be out on deck for sail away.  Sailing under the Golden Gate bridge is amazing!     The walls of your cabin are magnetic, so bring some magnetic clips to hang anything you need.  There aren't alot of outlets in the cabin, so a power strip is handy.  Make sure it does not have a surge protector.  Some people bring some sort of a door decoration to make their cabin door stand out from the hall way.     On the day we cruised the glaciers in 2018, they had the most amazing pizza slices available.  It was a white pizza and they only served it that day.  We were on the Grand and I'm hoping the Ruby serves it as well!!   Are you planning any excursions?  I hope you have an awesome trip!!

We have cruised Alaska five times (4 with Princess).

You booked our favorite place... a Caribe Deck Aft Cabin!!! You have an excellent beginning.

And.......... You will have Skywalker's on the Sky deck. Many passengers use this area for a quiet reading/ game area and viewing area. During Glacier days, it is a great place to be because you can go outside for viewing and when too cold, take a quick duck back in to warm up a bit, without sacrificing any views. And of course, your aft cabin will give you fantastic panorama views without getting wet.

Even though there is no loveseat in C752 or C753, we book one of those. The balconies are huge!

Do research on the Alaska Board and join your Roll Call. There may be a Meet & Greet organized which you may want to attend.It is typically on the first sea day.

Pack layers, appropriate shoes, boots, water repellent jackets, hats and a bathing suit. It was 78 degrees one time when we pulled out of Ketchikan, just beautiful!

All of our shore excursions are typically through a private company. Once on a while we will book through Princess, depending on the circumstances.

Room service has worked well for us (2022) and it is mostly delivered in a very timely manner- it is usually two glasses of wine and takes about 10 minutes.

We typically purchase the Princess Plus package because after doing the math, it is worth it and we do not worry about getting a large surprise at the end of the cruise. Crew gratuities, WiFi, morning coffee, later in the day wine, fresh squeezed OJ, etc.

On 3/29/2023 at 8:21 PM, travelin.sisters said: so excited for you! you have lots of good advice already & I will try not to repeat: if possible, fly in at least the evening before so you don't have problems with delayed flights etc. (you can go to the west coast departures board for recommendations on places to stay etc.) bring some extra patience for embarkation, there can be hassles & delays but you will get on the ship & be on vacation soon sailaway under the GoldenGate Bridge is gorgeous & might be one time you want to leave your aft balcony view SF is rarely warm in the summer (growing up in the area, we could tell tourists because they were freezing in shorts & t's thinking they would be in CA & it would be hot)...even for embarkation layers will be important...they do (or did a few years ago sell nice AK jackets in the ports so if packing is a problem, you could get something & then just pay for extra luggage or ship home) don't stress if you can't get all the medallion app pre boarding stuff done it will be ok definitely follow the advice to tour the ship the first day...see the different venues get your head around the layout (many ships still have carpet that has different color accents on the port & starboard sides of the cabin hallways, so figure out what color you want to get to your room so you don't end up in a hall on the opposite side searching for your room) we take door magnets just to make it easier to spot our rooms in a long row of matching doors also try all the different included food venues early in the cruise so you don't discover your favorite on the last day & feel you missed out...main dining rooms (all have the same dinner menus, but only one will be open for breakfast & lunch on sea days), buffet, poolside burger grill, pizza & softserve, international cafe...afternoon tea is fun at least once & pub lunch will probably be offered once...most room service (which can come to you almost everywhere) is included too (use the app to order)...if you want something you don't see, ask if it is available the crew on Princess ships are wonderful...your room steward can help with any room issues...ice, ac not working different pillows........ relax & enjoy, meet people or stay to yourselves, try new activities or just hang on your balcony...one of the great joys of cruising is you can make it what you want it to be the enrichment talks by the local experts & naturalists are well worth your time...recently most have been posted on the TV after so you can catch them if you miss the presentation...we even had a totem carver in the Piazza on our Alaska cruise binoculars for whales & other wildlife  the other day you might (or might not, your choice) want to be away from your balcony is if you are cruising one of the glacier inlets so you can go from side to side don't stress about doing/seeing everything, you won't enjoy what you do & maybe plan to return the book they sell onboard  (Alaska Companion) is very good..you can order used copies ahead but usually without the map.   I will stop for now...have fun planning & cruising & remembering

Wonderful tips...please don't feel the need to stop  😄  I'm such a planner and truly appreciate all the info I can gather!

On 3/29/2023 at 7:15 PM, sharichka said: Thanks for these tips.  This will be our first time on the Ruby.  I never would have thought about getting a couple of blankets to use on the balcony.

ask your room steward for extra blankets - those other blankets are for people watching MUTS

On 3/29/2023 at 1:09 PM, jeromep said: Welcome to Cruise Critic.  I hope you have a great cruise.   The Ruby is a nice ship.  My wife and I were on it many years ago for a spectacular Caribbean cruise.  At the time the Ruby was the newest ship in the fleet, not so much anymore, but still a beautiful ship.  I really like the Grand Class ships, I think you'll have a great time.   I highly recommend this YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseTipsTV   It is a really nice family and their video content about cruising is great.  They also have some refreshed videos about packing for Alaska.     You have a lot of sea days ahead of you.  But July is full on summer and if you are lucky the weather on the west coast especially while at sea will be pleasant.  That far north, basically starting at the bay area and going up past Oregon and Washington, well, the Pacific isn't exactly warm, but you should be able to use the pools.  Unfortunately, the Ruby doesn't have any indoor pools, so if the day is cool, you'll find the pools lightly used, but the hot tubs will probably be pretty full.  Plenty of pools and hot tubs on board and most folks spread out quite a bit, so you should be able to find a place to relax easily.   The aft balconies on the Grand Class ships are the best.  I don't like the aft balconies on the newer Royal class ships because they are not well covered by the deck above you.  You'll have overhang from the deck above you, so your balcony will be fully covered all of the time.  Aside from any cold, you'll be very well protected from rain, and likely from wind.  We had a Caribe suite balcony on a cruise a few years ago and thought it was great.  There was a large structural member that took up some of the balcony, but we were still fully covered and protected from most weather.   I'm not sure I can give you anything else that is specific for your cruise, and the video covers packing for Alaska very well.

The Ruby Princess is a Crown class ship not a Grand class ship.

Embarkation day one of the main dining rooms will be open for lunch. It is usually a really good lunch.

• 5 weeks later...

jack dcruiser

Can you use the steam and showers in the spa area for free?

Just off the Ruby to reposition.  Those areas were available for free (though other, newer ships may have restrictions on them).

So many good tips here already. I wanted to add - we carried small binoculars with us everywhere while on the ship in the daytime. You never know when suddenly there will be something to see!

It was a few years ago for us - but there was amazing scenery to observe one morning (glaciers, mountains nearby with bear, eagles, etc) and we got up at the crack of dawn to go out on the deck. I'm not a morning person but it was SO worth it! Very few people bothered getting up that early and it felt like we had it mostly to ourselves. But bundle UP - it's very, very cold.

Make sure you get a picture going under the Golden Gate Bridge.   It's usually windy and cold and in what seems like a flash you are under it and then you aren't.   Have your camera ready, I took this with my iPhone.....seriously, an "aim and shoot" picture.

13 hours ago, Napagirl said: So many good tips here already. I wanted to add - we carried small binoculars with us everywhere while on the ship in the daytime. You never know when suddenly there will be something to see!   It was a few years ago for us - but there was amazing scenery to observe one morning (glaciers, mountains nearby with bear, eagles, etc) and we got up at the crack of dawn to go out on the deck. I'm not a morning person but it was SO worth it! Very few people bothered getting up that early and it felt like we had it mostly to ourselves. But bundle UP - it's very, very cold.

Thank you! 

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• Princess Cruises

Ruby Princess

Cruise line Princess Cruises

• San Francisco (California)
• Vancouver (BC Canada)
• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)

Ruby Princess current position

Ruby Princess current location is at North Pacific Ocean (coordinates 36.17929 N / -143.35316 W) cruising at speed of 18.3 kn (34 km/h | 21 mph) en route to Vancouver. The AIS position was reported 8 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess current cruise is 16 days, round-trip Hawaiian Islands . Prices start from USD 1399 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 14 Apr, 2024 and ends on 30 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Ruby Princess

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Ruby Princess Itineraries

Ruby princess review, review of ruby princess.

The 2008-built Ruby Princess cruise ship is the 9th and last Grand-class Princess Cruises liner, with sisterships Caribbean ,  Diamond ,  Golden (now Pacific Adventure) ,  Grand ,  Crown , Emerald ,  Star (now Pacific Encounter)  and  Sapphire .

The vessel (IMO number 9378462) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310567000) and registered in Hamilton .

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills CA. A former subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (1977-founded), in 2003, the company merged with Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruise Lines Ltd's assets is the Caribbean private island resort Princess Cays (on Bahamas Eleuthera Island's southern end), located approx 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau .

The 3100-passenger ship Ruby Princess follows the highly evolutionary Crown Princess and Emerald Princess cruise ships. The vessels are virtually the same in layout and design, so if travellers have sailed on Crown, they will not have any trouble finding their way around Emerald or Ruby. But for those who have not travelled on Princess' Grand-class vessels, or for cruisers for whom a Ruby Princess sailing is their first cruise with the line, the ship is going to surprise, and in most cases, delight them with far higher levels of kitchen, service and facilities than passengers would expect on a stylish, mega-vessel catering to over 3,000 guests.  For the most part, Ruby Princess isn't an innovator. The cruise liner has all the most popular Princess facilities - like the 3-deck Piazza with its own bakery, as well as many of those found on older vessels, including the Sanctuary (adults sundeck) and speciality restaurants Sabatini's and Crown Grill.

Although there are not too many surprises on this newest Grand-class vessel, there are some gentle improvements and enhancements. On the Ruby cruise ship, Princess has expanded the appeal of the Wheelhouse Bar (pub) to include English-inspired lunches. Suite guests have the option to enjoy intimate breakfasts at Sabatini's. The new Ultimate Ship Tour allows guests to explore normally never seen onboard spaces, such as the engine room, funnel, photo lab, Navigation Bridge. Among the expanded enrichment projects are Mixology@Sea (bartending skills) and Navigation@Sea (cruise ship navigation lessons).

Decks and Cabins

Most Ruby Princess staterooms (1530 total, in 33 grades) are 170-ft2 balcony cabins (680). Almost 80% of the ship's outside staterooms have private step-out balconies. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 31. The largest accommodations are the Balcony Suites (410 ft2 / 38 m2, with terrace sized 180 ft2 / 17 m2).

The boat has 18 decks , of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Ruby Princess features three dining rooms, all offering a tasteful, Caribbean-themed menu. Botticelli is for fixed-seating dining, while Michaelangelo and Da Vinci are for passengers who have chosen "Anytime Dining". Reservations are available but are not required. Da Vinci also welcomes guests for waiter-service breakfast and lunch. Rotating menu options include soups, appetizers, mains and desserts. There are also signature pasta and choices like Caesar salad and salmon. The healthy Lotus Spa selections are low in sodium and fat. Cafe Caribe and Horizon Court look identical and are open all day long. The Horizon section serves as a lido buffet restaurant and features breakfast buffets. Lunch choices may include unusual dishes like peanut butter sandwiches and fried banana. There is also the Italian-styled piazza, around which are located the International Cafe (with its wonderful coffees and scrumptious pastries, quiche and chocolate fondue); across the way is Vines, ship's wine and sushi bar (it's got the only really good wine list onboard Ruby). 

In January 2016 Celebrity chef Curtis Stone teamed up with  Princess Cruises for his first-at-sea specialty restaurant serving high-quality, inventive food. During Ruby Princess' dry dock, Share replaced the signature Italian Sabatini's and introduced new bedding, dining options, entertainment and more. Share is only open for dinner and applies a $39 cover charge. Its menu features five areas from which to select multiple dishes and a charcuterie platter. It's hard to order only one of each, as there are enticing recipes like a twice-cooked duck with fennel, parmesan crumb and bacon jus; or shrimp salad with turnip, citrus salt, brioche and lemon gel. 

Share is only found on board  Emerald Princess  and Ruby Princess, for now. "Crafted by Curtis" dishes are on the MDR menus fleetwide. If you wonder why to pay extra at Share, here are the cool things about the brand new Curtis Stone restaurant which make it worth the splurge. Food like this cannot be found anywhere else on the ship. Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess are simple when it comes to dining venues. Before Share, both ships had three main dining rooms, a steakhouse and a buffet, all of which average in terms of overall experience and quality. From its celebrity chef to its natural ingredients and perfectly sized portions, you won't find food like Share's anywhere else on the ship.

Perfect for couples and large groups. This space is open, airy and large, with long tables and more intimate seating arrangements. Large groups have enough room to engage and share dishes. Couples can enjoy more peace and quiet. The ambience is upscale, yet not stuffy. Share's family-style dining and chic decor allow guests to dress their best and still feel relaxed. Passengers will feel more like they're in someone's home, talking and passing plates across the table.

Service at Share is second to none. The wait staff is knowledgeable about the menu and all ingredients handpicked by the celebrity chef's team. According to Stone: "The enthusiasm in that kitchen right now is unparalleled to anything I've ever done; they're so energetic and so up for it."

Guests will have room for dessert. Appetizers, entrees and dessert options, complementing a cheese plate, are conservative in size. Passengers will not only expand their palate by picking at multiple dishes but will also be able to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Follows the complete list of Ruby Princess restaurants and food bars.

• Michaelangelo Restaurant (ship's aft Dining Room; dinner only - offers “Anytime Dining” between 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.)
• Crown Grill (160-seat steakhouse/seafood restaurant, reservations recommended; on select days serves British Pub Lunch, complimentary)
• Da Vinci Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room for Breakfast 7-9 a.m., Lunch 12-1:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30 p.m.; features “Anytime Dining” for Dinner between 5:30-8 p.m. or 8-10 p.m.)
• Botticelli Restaurant (dinner only aft Dining Room; with 2 fixed seatings at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m.)
• Share (ex-Sabatini’s Italian specialty restaurant; reservations recommended)
• Trident Grill & Prego Pizzeria (self-service, complimentary fast food bar)
• Horizon Court (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary)
• Cafe Caribe (aft self-service buffet restaurant)
• Pizza & Ice Cream Bar (complimentary)

In April 2024 Princess Cruises announced that starting September 14th (2024) fleetwide would be introduced 3 distinct main dining/dinner table service options – Traditional, Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime. By the new program (introduced with Sun Princess) on each ship are allocated 3 separate dining rooms - one for Traditional dining (offering early and late dinner seating), one with Reservable times, and one for Walk-in Anytime (open-seating). The new options are integrated with the OceanNow service, allowing anything to be ordered anytime, and delivered anywhere onboard.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Princess Ruby Theater is the main venue on Ruby Princess for comedy acts and production shows with a variety of music and selections appealing to a broad mix of ages. Each of the ship's venues has a different offering. Crooners feature music trivia contests and a pianist. Explorer's Lounge hosts events for everything from Wii sports tournaments to art auctions, plus comedy shows and magicians. The Piazza offers various demonstrations, circus-lite acts and musical performances throughout the day. Club Fusion is a part game show, part nightclub venue. Skywalker Nightclub, Princess' trademark, hosts the 70's-, the 80's- and the 90s-inspired nights and a few nights with a variety of modern music. For low-key dancing, head to the Wheelhouse Bar, which hosts combos playing standards and soft rock.

Follows the complete list of Ruby Princess lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Piazza Atrium (3-deck open floor area; features live performances entertainment and lobby Bar Piazza)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Platinum Studio
• International Cafe (24-hour specialty coffee bar and patisserie); Escapes Travel Cafe (computer room)
• Vines Bar (wine/seafood/sushi bar)
• Library (with Internet stations); Internet Cafe (24-hour)
• Princess Ruby Theatre (2-level musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• Speakeasy Lounge & Bar (smoking lounge and sports bar)
• Calypso Cove Shop; Essence Shop; Meridian Bay Shop; Facets Shop
• Gatsby’s Casino
• Crooners Lounge & Bar (live music; also used for seminars); Adagio Lounge & Bar
• Explorers Lounge & Bar (disco/show lounge; hosts karaoke, comedy, game shows and art auctions)
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Club Fusion Lounge (hosts dance classes and quizzes, after 7:30 p.m. becomes Disco & Nightclub)
• Outrigger Bar (poolside bar); Tradewinds Bar
• Ruby’s Lotus Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with Aerobics Studio)
• Hearts & Minds (Wedding Chapel)
• Movies Under the Stars (LED screen outdoor cinema)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playing areas
• The Sanctuary (adult-only open-air area)
• Calypso Reef & Pool area; Neptune’s Reef & Pool area
• Jogging Track; Center Court (volleyball, basketball, European football); Shuffleboard; Princess Links mini-golf course
• Skywalkers Disco Nightclub.

Itineraries

Ruby Princess itinerary program is based on 10-day Caribbean with Panama Canal cruises departing out of Fort Lauderdale Florida USA (during winter), 7-day Alaskan voyages (roundtrip from Vancouver BC Canada , during summer), and Hawaii-Mexico and Mexican Riviera roundtrips from San Francisco, California USA .

Ruby Princess - user reviews and comments

Photos of ruby princess.

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Other Princess Cruises cruise ships

• Caribbean Princess
• Coral Princess
• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Enchanted Princess
• Grand Princess
• Island Princess
• Majestic Princess
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Sky Princess
• Star Princess
• Sun Princess

Ruby Princess Wiki

Princess Cruises Ruby ship is the fleet's last Grand-class liner ( Fincantieri Monfalcone -built), with (same-designed) sisterships Crown and Emerald . The other (similarly-designed) fleetmates in this class are Caribbean , Diamond , Golden (now Pacific Adventure) , Grand , Sapphire , Star (now Pacific Encounter) .

The liner was christened on November 6, 2008, at  Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Florida . Its godparents (Trista and Ryan Sutter) met at ABC's dating show "The Bachelorette", then fell in love and got married. The inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) started on November 8, out of Fort Lauderdale.

Skywalkers Night Club (ship's disco) is located aft of the funnel. It's not hanging over the stern, like on the sisterships from the modified Grand-Class (Emerald and Crown) and also unlike Diamond and Sapphire. Fun fact is that Ruby Princess was the first ship to offer "The Ultimate Ship Tour". This program allows passengers to have a look at the shipboard organization process.

In December 2018, Ruby became the world's first cruise liner allowing Chinese passengers to make onboard shopping payments via both Alipay and WeChat Pay - China's top-two popular digital payment platforms. Alipay's in-store payment service covers 40+ countries, and as of 2018 is used by over 900 million people worldwide. WeChat Pay (as of 2018) has around 800 million monthly users worldwide. In 2017, its total volume was around USD 6.5 trillion. Alipay digital payment was introduced on Majestic Princess during ship's 2017 summer homeporting in Shanghai .

Ruby Princess refurbishments review

The ship's drydock refurbishment in 2015 (done in  Vancouver BC Canada /December 3-14) was mainly for general maintenance and resulted in the following deckplan changes:

Two new premium dining venues were added. “SHARE by Curtis Stone” is a family-style restaurant by Curtis Stone (an Australian celebrity chef). Its menu features charcuterie (premium quality meat products), composed salads, homemade pasta, gourmet desserts. The new “Salty Dog Gastropub” cuisine experience (by chef Ernesto Uchimura) is provided by a classic pub menu offered nightly in the Wheelhouse Bar (on Promenade Dec 7) with craft beers and pub favorites served in small plates.

In 2015, aft on Sun Deck 16, “SHARE” replaced "Sabatini’s” – the Italian restaurant, featured on the Princess ships Caribbean, Coral, Emerald and Sun. “SHARE” restaurant debuted on Emerald Princess (in 2015 December). The “Salty Dog Gastropub” debuted on Crown Princess (in 2015 October).

All cruise cabins were upgraded with the new "Princess Luxury Bed".

Club Class Mini-Suite services and amenities were introduced.

The ship’s gym was upgraded with new sports equipment and free weights.

During drydock 2018 (October/USD 8,2 million project) the ship received 3 new dining venues - Slice Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Grill and SHARE (by Curtis Stone).

Ruby Princess' last drydock refurbishment was in 2023 (September 24 through October 22) conducted at Vigor Shipyard in Portland Oregon USA . The 1-month drydocking was mainly for regularly scheduled maintenance and classification works, including a technical overhaul.

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7 Night Alaska Cruise

Best known for the Pacific Princess on the Love Boat, Princess Cruises has been a leading name in cruising and visits a wide range of destinations.

Choose an Alaska cruise, where you can explore the tundra or view the natural beauty, take a dog sled ride or kick back in some hot springs!

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

• Ruby Princess - Passenger Capacity: 3,080 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2008 Last Refurbished: 2018

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Vancouver, British Columbia , Juneau, Alaska , Skagway, Alaska , Ketchikan, Alaska

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7 Night Alaska Cruise sailing on the Ruby Princess

Departure dates: apr 2024 - sep 2024, stateroom prices for apr. 30, 2024.

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Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Alaska: Ultimate Alaska Solstice with Glacier Bay Cruise

22-night ruby princess cruise.

From $2,598 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $502

Princess Cruises

Enjoy a 22-day round-trip sailing from San Francisco that coincides with the Summer Solstice on Ruby Princess®. Enjoy an overnight stay in Juneau and visit other ports of call including Wrangell, Valdez, and Homer. Take in stunning glacial views as you travel through Glacier Bay, Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord.

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Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

San Francisco

San Francisco is a golden dream come true, a place where heart, mind and soul embrace, lost in the simplicity of delightful deliverance. Fog and sun mingle playfully above America's favorite city; the cool, cloudy comfort of early morning slowly dissolving into the peaceful warmth of a gentle afternoon glow. Touch it....it is real. Feel it.....it is the essence of escape. Savor it.....it is one of a kind. Little wonder why San Francisco has been named the world's top city twice by readers of Condé Nast Traveler; the top U.S. city seven times since 1988. San Francisco's neighborhoods comprise its inner beauty, enhancing daydreams, opening doors to new and exciting visions. The City is a cultural wonderland, an ethnic treasure chest where custom, tradition and history are preserved, celebrated, shared. So take your time and explore The City. You'll find that the Gold Rush days have never really ended here; there's still plenty of gold to be found. The restless spirit of The City's Barbary Coast past lives on, fueled by a desire to be different, nurtured by infinite viewpoints, personalities, styles. Magical moments abound. The echo of cable car bells from atop great hills. The rejuvenation of the soul upon crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The splendor and elegance of a boat cruise on San Francisco Bay. The soft touching of wine glasses over a gourmet meal. The views. The people. The sights. The sounds. The City. So come and share the wealth. Let your heart, mind and soul wander. Stay as long as you like. San Francisco encourages lingering. It was designed with adventure, romance and pleasure in mind. It is one of life's great indulgences, so indulge. It is one of the world's most gratifying escapes, so escape. It is where the world comes to unwind. It is America's preeminent playground.

A city of southeast Alaska on an island in the Alexander Archipelago. A supply point for miners during the gold rush of the 1890s, it is now a major port and tourist center on the Inside Passage. Population: 7,450.

Wrangell -- the only Alaska town to fly the Russian, British and American flags -- sits at the northern tip of Wrangell Island. It's near the mouth of the Stikine River, a longtime trade route into the Canadian interior. The Wrangell area may have first been lived in by humans 8,000 years ago, according to scientists who have studied a collection of petroglyphs found in Wrangell and neighboring places. What is now Wrangell was settled in 1811 by Russians, who traded for furs with the Tlingit Indians and named the island after Ferdinand von Wrangel, the manager of the Russian-American Co. In 1834, the Russians built a fort, Redoubt Saint Dionysius, which 10 years later they leased to the British Hudson's Bay Co., whose officials named it Fort Stikine, according to the Alaska Department of Community Development. The Tlingits who lived south of the fort and the British competed for trade routes on the swift Stikine, but the Tlingits suffered two epidemics of smallpox and lost half their population by 1840. The fort was abandoned in 1849 when the furs were depleted, but it remained under the British flag until Alaska was bought by the United States in 1867. The United States established Fort Wrangell in 1868. The community grew as raucous gold prospectors came in 1861, 1874-77 and 1987. Thousands of miners traveled up the Stikine to the Cassiar District of British Columbia in the 1870s and to the Klondike in 1897. Between gold rushes, a cannery opened up in 1889, followed by a sawmill that provided packing boxes and construction lumber. By 1916, fishing and forest products from the Tongass National Forest had become the primary industries; four canneries and a cold storage plant were constructed by the late 1920s. The Alaska Pulp Corp. sawmill, Wrangell's largest employer, closed in late 1994. It reopened several years later as Silver Bay Logging. Wrangell, population 2,300, is also developing a dive fishery. Several dozen divers harvest sea urchins, sea cucmbers and geoducks, a large, burrowing clam. The town also supports the mining industry along the Stikine. Visitors -- whose transportation to Wrangell is by cruise line, state ferry and airplane -- should dress for cool summers. The winters are mild, and the annual preciptation averages 82 inches, including the meltwater from 64 inches of snow. The average summer temperatures range from 42 to 64, and the winter temperatures run from 21 to 44.

Endicott Arm

Amid a forest of trees and a pristine mountain expanse you'll find a steep waterway otherwise known as Endicott Arm. The "arm" pierces 30 miles into the Coast Mountain Range offering up some spectacular sights for cruise passengers. Floating with you in Endicott Arm are 3-story pieces of ice that have "calved" (split) from the glaciers that line the waterway. Some of those chunks of ice are as long as a city block; some are as small as an ice cube. A visit to Endicott Arm proves that the best way to see and appreciate the wildlife and glaciers of Alaska is from the window or railing of your cruise ship. Keep those binoculars handy. As you move slowly and silently through the arm look for black and brown bears, mountain goats, wolverines, Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, sea lions and harbor seals. Spectacular wildlife framed by glistening glaciers and blue, blue waters. Just another day in Alaska!

At the northern end of America's longest fjord, Haines shares a border with 20 million acres of protected wilderness. The heart of Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park is less than 25 miles by air from downtown Haines, and Canada's Kluane National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park are just up the road. As you can imagine, opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless. And this is just part of what makes Haines the Alaska of your dreams! Haines' friendly people can take you rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or jetboating; flying over Glacier Bay (you can even land on a glacier!); riding around town in a horse-drawn carriage, or by bus or van to all of Haines' attractions; hiking the area's beautiful trails or to the summit of spectacular peaks. See birds, wildlife, and meadows full of flowers in our lush forests, on our ocean shores, or along the banks of our rivers. Fish for halibut, salmon and trout. In winter our wilderness becomes a vast playground for skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling. Whatever you do, bring your camera, because Haines is a photographer's paradise. While you're in Haines, explore our cultural heritage at Sheldon Museum, and at Alaska Indian Arts in historic Fort Seward, or learn about the area's natural history through taxidermy at the American Bald Eagle Foundation. Browse Haines' galleries for exquisite artistry of the Chilkoot and Chilkat Tlingits and other resident artists. Haines has a busy, year-round calendar of events, so come for a festival, a bicycle race, or for the Southeast Alaska State Fair in August. Most evenings during summer you can feast at a salmon bake and enjoy a fascinating performance by native dancers. In winter you'll be among birdwatchers and photographers from around the world as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve hosts the planet's largest gathering of American bald eagles -- thousands of them at a time feasting on a banquet of spawning salmon! As daylight fades, the Northern Lights may put on a show, and you'll always find a warm place to snuggle up -- or a hot spot to dine & dance! -- after a day of playing in the snow. Perhaps best of all, Haines' scenic streets are never over-crowded, yet they offer everything you'll need while you're on the road: lodging, RV parks and private campgrounds, restaurants and bars, supermarkets and hardware stores, gas stations and garages, bookstores, galleries and gift shops, clothing stores and outdoor outfitters, as well as excellent medical and dental services. Haines even has a public swimming pool, a small airport, a tennis court, and a visiting veterinarian! For these and many other reasons, the guest register at the Haines Visitor Center is filled with "Favorite place on our entire trip!" comments from both highway travelers and cruise ship passengers. Come spend some time with us! Find out why people are discovering Haines to be the Alaska of their dreams.

Humpback whales feed in Icy Strait above North Chichagof Island, an important travel corridor for many marine mammals, including federally threatened Steller's sea lions. The area's coastal marshes and mudflats are important as resting areas for shorebirds and waterfowl, and provide spring feeding areas for brown bears. Marbled murrelets feed in large numbers within the waters of Icy Strait and nest in the island's coastal old growth forest.

Hubbard Glacier

Stretching over 90 miles long and covering over 1,350 square miles in area, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It is also one of the most impressive, a 300-foot wall of ice rising sheer and jagged from the ocean. You may hear the rumble and see the monumental splash as the glacier severs into great ice chunks, known as "calves."

College Fjord

College Fjord, which branches off of Prince William Sound, plunges into the heart of the Chugach Mountains. As the name suggests, the glaciers along the fjord are generally named after East Coast Ivy League colleges. Baltimore Glacier flows from the northwest into Harvard Glacier, at the end of the fjord. Note how the medial at the center of Baltimore Glacier is picked up by Harvard Glacier and carried to the sea. Dominating the terminus of College Fjord is Harvard Glacier, a tidewater glacier noted for its very active calving. While more than 90 percent of all glaciers in Alaska are retreating, Harvard Glacier is slowly advancing. Notice the harbor seals resting on the ice. Glaciers calve with a sharp boom that sounds similar to a massive detonation of high explosives, followed by a roar as thousands of tons of ice plunge into the sea.

Valdez is nestled at the foot of the Chugach Mountains on the shores of Prince William Sound. It has been called the Switzerland of Alaska and boasts harsh mountain peaks and glaciers. Valdez averages 300 inches of snow a year and is home to the World Extreme Skiing Championships. Valdez is a diligent seaport, shipping oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to the west coast of the United States, and now to the Orient. The Port of Valdez was named in 1790 by Senor Fidalgo for the celebrated Spanish naval officer Antonio Valdez y Basan. due to its exceptional ice-free port, a town developed in 1898 as a debarkation point for men seeking a route to the Klondike gold fields. Valdez soon became the supply center of its own gold mining region, and incorporated as a City in 1901. Tsunamis generated by the 1964 earthquake destroyed the original City, killing several residents. The society was rebuilt in a more sheltered location nearby. During the 1970's, construction of the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline terminal and other cargo transportation facilities brought rapid development to Valdez. Seeing the famous TransAlaska Pipeline Terminal is high on many visitors' lists of things to do in Valdez. Guided tours of this facility are conducted daily through the summer. Day-long or extended tours of Prince William Sound will take you to be best vantage points of glaciers, sea life, and shorebirds. Excursion vessels, rental boats, charters, and sail boats depart from the Small Boat Harbor. Flight seeing trips over some of the most impressive mountains anywhere are regularly made throughout the summer in helicopters and fixed-wing craft. Outdoor enthusiasts can get pleasure from both inland and ocean options in Valdez. Guided raft trips will take you through Keystone Canyon and past towering waterfalls. Wilderness river journeys will bring you camping or to remote lodges in the Copper Basin. Kayak rentals for the skilled paddler are available along with guided nature tours in Port Valdez and Robe Lake. Ground sightseeing tours will take you up close for photo stops in Keystone Canyon and Thompson Pass. One can take a walking trail right to the edge of Worthington Glacier.

Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Upon your arrival you will discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, and more. Seward is also a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. Wherever you go in Seward, you’ll find friendly hospitality and a sense of pride among our residents. We invite you to visit our community anytime of year and experience the real Alaska!

One look at lovely Sitka and you'll know why Alexander Baranof, governor of the Russian American Company, decided to build his "castle" here. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water's edge, Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town. Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history. Our historic and scenic community is situated on Baranof Island, nestled between forested mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, on the outer waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Sitka offers a combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness which will provide a diverse and unequaled experience. Wildlife adds to Sitka's natural beauty. Our mild climate, rich habitat and relatively low human population make Sitka one of the best places to view wildlife. Nearby waters are a popular feeding ground for humpback whales in the late fall and early spring. Summertime provides a wonderful opportunity to view tufted puffins and other sea birds at St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. While out on the ocean, you may also spot sea otters, sea lions and other marine wildlife. Sitka lies at the heart of the largest temperate rain forest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy the fresh outdoors on well-marked mountain trails. Take to the water for a picturesque boat trip or kayaking adventure among nearby islands or charter a boat to nearby fishing grounds to fish for world-class salmon and halibut.

Considered the "gem" of Southeast Alaska, the city is nestled against the ocean, tucked tight against the mountains and back-dropped by the lush green of the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass. Visitors will find that Juneau is not only the state's capital, but it's also a melting pot of history, unique topography and jaw-dropping scenery that is found nowhere else on the planet. Whether it's wildlife viewing, glacier trekking, ziplining or just shopping for locally created artwork, visitors to this remote yet extraordinary region will certainly find a bit of "Alaska" to take home.

Skagway, with a population of 862, is located in the Upper Lynn Canal at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, 100 air miles north of Juneau and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The City of Skagway is geographically the largest city in Alaska with 455 square land miles. Skagway's history and spectacular natural setting combine to create unparalleled sightseeing and recreation opportunities. Poke around on your own, or select from a variety of commercial tours. Either way, you will be amply rewarded with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.

Glacier Bay

It grinds, cracks and moans as massive pieces of ice split off and crash down. This is not your automatic icemaker on the blink. This is Glacier Bay doing what it's been doing for two centuries. The bay, once covered by sheets of glacial ice, is now a bay revealed. As the glaciers continue to recede, the bay enlarges. Back in 1879, naturalist John Muir was the first to note the glacial movement. Comparing charts from European explorers made 85 years earlier, he determined that the glacial ice had receded by more than 30 miles. Designated a National Park in 1910, today Glacier Bay is a 3.3 million-acre expanse that was buried under a mile-wide wall of ice only 200 years ago. Its natural environment includes five major land ecosystems including wet tundra, coastal western hemlock and spruce forest, alpine tundra, glaciers and icefields, and post-glacial meadows. Each week, dozens of ships traveling the Inside Passage spend the day cruising the 65-mile long bay. As each ship arrives, a National Park Service ranger boards the cruise vessel to provide a running commentary of the treeless mountains, icy fjords, hidden inlets and glacial landscapes as the ship passes by. Glacier Bay isn't just about ice. The ranger will also point out the killer and gray whales, sea otters, porpoises, moose, coyotes, wolves and bears visible in the sea or on the land. Leave your ice pick at home. But don't forget your binoculars.

Victoria/Canada

Victoria, capital of British Columbia, sits on the craggy southern end of Vancouver Island. With abundant parkland, it’s known for outdoor activities. The city's British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture, including stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion. Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of vivid floral displays, plus statuary, water features and a carousel, is one of many formal gardens in the city.

Onboard the Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2008
• Year Refurbished: 2018

Double Occupancy Capacity: 3080

Ruby Princess® made her debut in 2008 and includes a piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and performing street entertainers. Enjoy an array of dining venues, including The Salty Dog Gastropub and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary. Additional amenities include Movies Under the Stars®, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining, Lotus Spa® with fitness center, a kids' and teens' center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Movies Under the Stars®
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Adults Only
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Pool - Indoor
• Sports Facilities
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Educational Classes
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Business Center
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Religious Services
• Self-Service Laundromat
• Wedding/Vow Renewal

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

The Lotus Spa

• Full-Service Spa
• Spa Services/Massage
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Educational Programs
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service

Dining Room

Main Dining

Botticelli Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Da Vinci Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Crown Grill℠

Specialty Dining

Crown Grill℠:  Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

SHARE℠ by Curtis Stone:  Chef Curtis Stone's first restaurant at sea, SHARE℠, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine. Perfect for a special celebration or simply reveling in time spent together, Chef Stone has made an art out of reconnecting with loved ones over a six-course fine-dining experience. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Salty Dog Gastropub:  A warm, inviting gastropub experience developed with Ernesto Uchimura, a founding chef of the original Umami Burger. Try innovative gourmet creations inspired by pub favorites or devour “The Ernesto” a savory rib eye burger. Offering a unique variety of beer, whiskey and cocktail selections, plus live music, there’s something for everyone at this hip, friendly twist on traditional pub fare. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Crab Shack:  Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this full crab shack experience. An intriguing bistro option housed within the Horizon Court buffet, Crab Shack diners can savor Bayou-style boiled crawfish and spicy sausage, popcorn shrimp, steaming clam chowder and a tantalizing mixed steamer pot filled with snow crab, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chef’s Table Experience:  Taking dining to a new level, the Chef’s Table Experience includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley for you and a limited number of fellow guests. After your executive chef describes the specially designed menu for the night, participants are escorted to an intimate table for the main course, including pairing suggestions. This restaurant is available for an additional cost. Limited capacity, reservations required.

Vines:  Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, like Opus One, Super Tuscans, fine sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass.

International Café

Casual Dining

Horizon Court:  Horizon Court offers a buffet selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favorite beverages and customizable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches.

International Café:  Open 24 hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.

The Salty Dog Grill:  Treat yourself to 100% handmade Gourmet Burgers, including the Princess Burger or Triple Smoked Burger. The Salty Dog Grill also offers new Street Tacos—a Princess first—featuring a choice of grilled chipotle-lime chicken or roasted sweet potato-green chile. And don’t miss the Classic Hot Dogs, plus loaded fries in tempting varieties including chili cheese, and bacon and cheese.

Slice Pizzeria:  This top-deck pizzeria features a bold new look that sets the stage for tempting offerings that include specialties inspired by local favorites from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Try a Deep Dish Focaccia or a slice of signature Neapolitan-style classics. Savor some California Artisanal Toast with Cali-Avocado or Caprese toppings. Or go for a Sliced Stromboli, and enjoy an East Coast take on a classic Italian calzone that’s stuffed with delicious Italian deli meats and cheeses.

Coffee & Cones:  Complimentary ice cream cones await you at the transformed top-deck creamery. Treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich or a specialty New Grounds Crafted Coffee.

Afternoon Tea:  Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, cookies, music and white-glove service.

Room Service:  Call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow®.

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Staterooms feature a refrigerator, spacious closet and bathroom with shower.

Interior (Category: IA)

Category: IA Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IB)

Category: IB Approximately 162 to 182 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IC)

Category: IC Approximately 162 to 182 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: ID)

Category: ID Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IE)

Category: IE Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IF)

Category: IF Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Nicely-appointed staterooms feature a picture window and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (Category: OB)

Category: OB Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OC)

Category: OC Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OE)

Category: OE Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OF)

Category: OF Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OV)

Category: OV Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OW)

Category: OW Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OY)

Category: OY Approximately 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OZ)

Category: OZ Approximately 158 to 179 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Staterooms feature a private balcony, spacious walk-in closet, desk and bathroom with shower.

Premium Balcony (Category: B1)

Category: B1 Approximately 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Premium Balcony (Category: B2)

Category: B2 Approximately 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Premium Balcony (Category: B4)

Category: B4 Approximately 231 to 298 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides dramatic wake views from a rear-facing private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BA)

Category: BA Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BB)

Category: BB Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BC)

Category: BC Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BD)

Category: BD Approximately 231 to 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BE)

Category: BE Approximately 231 to 271 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BF)

Category: BF Approximately 231 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Features separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, refrigerator, wet bar, tub with shower and balcony or window.

Premium Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: M1)

Category: M1 Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MB)

Category: MB Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MD)

Category: MD Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: ME)

Category: ME Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Owner's Suite with Balcony (Category: S2)

Category: S2 Approximately 687 to 777 sq. ft. including balcony, the Owner's Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S3)

Category: S3 Approximately 524 to 531 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S4)

Category: S4 Approximately 533 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Premium Suite with Balcony (Category: S5)

Category: S5 Approximately 568 sq. ft. including balcony, the Premium Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Vista Suite with Balcony (Category: S6)

Category: S6 Approximately 460 to 495 sq. ft. including balcony, the Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Two-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony (Category: S8)

Category: S8 Approximately 606 sq. ft. including balcony, the Two Bedroom Family Suite features 2 bedrooms to accommodate up to 8 passengers. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

• Ship Name: Ruby Princess
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2008
• Ship Class: Crown
• Maximum Capacity: 3,082
• Number of Passenger Decks: 19
• Number of Crew: 1,200
• Officers' Nationality: British/Italian
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 218
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 682
• Total Inside Staterooms: 436
• Tonnage (GRT): 113,561
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 3,080
• Country of Registry: Bermuda
• Total Staterooms: 1,542
• Suites with Balcony: 204
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 06/06/2025.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: © Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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Ruby Princess Deck Plans & Reviews

Ruby Princess

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes *
• Beauty Salon *
• Center Court
• Skywalkers Nightclub
• Dancing Classes
• Deck Parties
• Disco and Dancing
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Whirlpools (7)
• Internet Cafe *
• Jogging Track
• Lotus Spa *
• Thermal Suite *
• The Library
• Princess Links
• Solo Travelers Get Togethers
• Ultimate Ship Tour *
• Wine Tasting *
• The Sanctuary *
• The Beach House Teen Lounge
• Camp Discovery Youth Center
• Gatsbys Casino *
• Conference Center Starboard
• The Shops of Princess *
• Fine Arts Gallery *
• Photo Gallery *
• Guest Services
• Shore Excursions Desk *
• Captains Circle Loyalty
• Future Cruise Planning *
• OceanMedallion
• Wedding Chapel
• Concierge Lounge
• Speakeasy Cigar Lounge *
• Self_Service Laundry *
• Medical Center
• Comedy Shows
• Explorers Lounge
• Movies Under the Stars
• Outdoor Movies
• Princess Theater
• Club Fusion
• Botticelli Dining Room - Main
• Da Vinci Dining Room - Main
• Michelangelo Dining Room - Main
• Cafe Caribe - Casual
• Horizon Court - Buffet
• Horizon Terrace - Casual
• Adagio - Cocktail Bar *
• The Mix - Pool Bar *
• Coffee and Cones - Coffee & Ice Cream *
• International Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• The Salty Dog Grill - Pool Grill
• Sabatinis Italian Trattoria - Italian *
• Good Spirits at Sea - Craft Cocktails *
• Crooners Bar - Martini Bar *
• Slice - Pizza
• Calypso Bar - Pool Bar *
• Outriggers Bar - Pool Bar *
• Crown Grill - Steakhouse *
• Vines Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Tradewinds Bar - Deck Bar *
• Casino Bar - Casino Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 51
• Very Good 34
• Terrible 21
• All languages ( 143 )
• English ( 143 )

Upcoming itineraries

Alaska Cruise Excursions

Experience true adventure in alaska.

Feel like a local with our unique land and shore excursions that give you a taste of true Alaska life. From the historical fortunes of the Klondike Gold Rush to the glacial treasures of the Inside Passage, get up close to the Great Land’s famous riches and best kept secrets.

Find Shore Excursions

Discovery & Animal Planet Excursions

Unlock a world of adventure with Discovery at SEA™, our exclusive partnership with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™. Immerse yourself in Alaska and see the best the region has to offer with "Recommended" tours or choose "Exclusive" Alaska cruise excursions that you can only experience with Princess – like fishing for king salmon, dogsledding through beautiful terrains and canoeing past Mendenhall Glacier.

Alaska is teeming with wildlife. See the Great Land’s most famous animals — like humpback whales — on our Alaska shore excursions. Marvel at bald eagles in their natural habitats while in Ketchikan. See humpbacks play alongside sea lions in Juneau. Or keep a lookout for Denali National Park’s Big Five — including moose, caribou, grizzly bears, wolves and Dall sheep — while on a bus tour in the park.

Learn more about Alaska wildlife

The Great Land was built on a strong culture. On our Alaska shore excursions, step back in time to learn how these traditions came to fruition and how they're practiced today. Attend a lumberjack axe-throwing competition, watch a Native dance performance and excite your taste buds at a salmon bake with locals. Or watch a craftsmen thoughtfully carve totem poles at a Native Alaskan village.

Gold Rush History

Strike it rich on any of our cruise excursions in Alaska where you can pan for gold like the many treasure hunters before you. Tour mining camps and meet experienced miners. Visit a restored saloon to craft cocktails from age-old recipes. Or board a gold rush-era train that takes you through Yukon territory and brings you up close to some of Alaska's most historical sites.

With waters as prosperous as the treasures on land, discover what lies below the surface on our Alaska cruise excursions that take you out to sea. Hear thrilling tales from members of the award-winning TV series Deadliest Catch . Or learn to fly fish from an expert guide. As a part of our unique culinary experience, Cook My Catch, bring your fresh-caught fish on board and have our chefs prepare it for your dinner.

Glaciers are the epitome of Alaska. Sailing past them is a sensory experience that inspires both the mind and heart. Watch as Hubbard Glacier calves into the water and listen for the rumble of “white thunder” that it leaves in its path. Land by helicopter on top of Mendenhall Glacier, and feel its strong roots beneath you. Or navigate its rugged terrain by way of flightseeing or dogsled with our Alaska shore excursions.

Learn more about glaciers

Sightseeing

There’s a world of sights to be seen in the Great Land and our Alaska cruise excursions give you a front-row seat to it all. Bring history books to life when you tour Skagway, the former gateway to the gold rush, and visit Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks to learn even more about mining. Travel along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, or aboard a riverboat sternwheeler for sweeping views of Alaska’s greatest treasures.

Outdoor Adventures

There’s a reason it’s called the Great Land — including its great outdoors. Get up close to renowned glaciers on a flightseeing tour, zipline through Tongass National Forest and hike along the mountainside of Ketchikan’s Deer Mountain Trail which takes you 3,000 feet above sea level. Whether you prefer to traverse by land, sea or air, our cruise excursions in Alaska will bring you on a wild ride.

Denali National Park Tours

Home to the highest mountain in North America, Denali National Park is brimming with magnificence. Search for the Big Five — grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou and moose — while on a bus tour in the park. Most Princess Alaska cruisetours include a tour into Denali National Park.

Learn more about Denali National Park

Why Book Excursions with Princess?

Award Winning Excursions: Discover age-old traditions, relive mining history and make local connections with the people lucky enough to call the Great Land home. Experience the very best of Alaska with Princess.

Exceptional Value: Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

Guaranteed Return to Ship: Take full advantage of your Alaska cruise activities when you book a shore excursion through Princess. Rest assured that we won’t leave without you, so you can focus more on the moment and less on the clock.

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise articles and videos.

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

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Explore ideas, tips guide and info ara valerye, ruby princess alaska cruise 2024.

Ruby Princess Alaska Cruise 2024 . 7 night alaska with princess cruises on ruby princess starting tuesday 14 may 2024 until tuesday 21 may 2024. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of april 24th, 2024.

Top 10 ruby princess cruises. Sail under the golden gate bridge and into a world of.

Experience Wildlife, Wilderness, And Native Culture On This Alaska Cruise With Princess Cruises.

Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world.

Visit Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan,.

Cruise critic is not responsible for content on external web sites.

Lowest Pricing Is Based On Our 3Rd Party Pricing Supplier And Valid As Of April 18Th, 2024.

Images references :, ruby princess leaving vancouver, british columbia, for 7 days from 4 june, 2024..

Good times with family, loved the big screen tv to watch sports and movies while in the pool or hot tub.

Top 10 Ruby Princess Cruises.

Food and shows were excellent.

Almost Every Ruby Princess Cruise To Alaska Includes.

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.