What about that ship? The, the.......

.....the Ruby Princess.

The Ruby is one of the newest Princess Cruise Line ships. It holds 3,080 passengers and it has a lot of restaurants(everyone! START WORKING OUT!!!). It has 14 decks  and it is built in Italy. There are 11 exquisite food and dining options including Botticelli Dining Room, which is the award winning cuisine, and a Pizza and Ice Cream Bar. The Pizza and Ice Cream Bar is my favorite because it is a poolside pizzeria(Yum, Yum, YUM!).  Now to the activities. There are sports, shops, and the Lotus Spa. My favorite of the sports are the pools. On the ship there is the Calypso Reef and Pool, Neptune's Reef and Pool, and the Oasis Pool. Those three are the whirlpools. There are a couple others but those are the ones that you can go to have fun and swim a lot!! There is also this misting pool thing that gives you a quick refreshing spritz with Evian water. Evian water rehydrates the skin that is overheated and is said to releave you of the pain of sunburns and make them heal quicker. 

Here are some pictures of the ship and things on it:

This is the awesome pool!!! 

But I think it is only for adults. 

This is the Fun Zone for little kids!! 

This looks like soo much fun!!

  

How about that Caribbean Weather? Hot! Hot! Hot!!!

Caribbean Weather:

The Caribbean region benefits from excellent weather conditions all year round, with average temperatures of 80/85° F (27/31°C). Climates on individual islands vary little (max. 5°C between the northern and southern Caribbean).

From May to November the weather is wetter and the air more humid. The rainy season, however, varies slightly from one country to another with the rainfall in short, sharp bursts. High temperatures are usual throughout this period.

Hurricanes:

As in all tropical climates, extreme weather conditions can prevail. Atmospheric pressure generally experienced in the Atlantic can cause tropical depressions, some of which develop into tropical storms each year from June to November.

Only a few of these are classified as hurricanes, with sustained cyclone circulation winds of more than 74mph (64 knots) with tidal waves that may cause damage only if they hit land. Statistically, more than 80% of all tropical storms occur during mid-September and through modern satellite tracking facilities the risk of experiencing a hurricane is greatly reduced. 

But, don't let this scare you away from a cruise or the water!!

Cruise dining options... What are They?

Your cruise dining choices are:

• what clothing?
• what time?
• are there formal nights?
• if so, are there alternatives?




"Male speaking...
Do I have to wear a tux?"

In one word - NO!

With the traditional cruise dining experience, a dark blue or a black suit with a tie or bow tie is absolutely fine. Believe me, you will not be out of place without a tux.

On most seven (7) day cruises, there will be two (2) formal nights. In today's cruise experience, there may not be any.

If you do want to wear a tux you will find many kindred souls in tuxes. No problem.

If you do not own one, you can rent one on board (fairly expensive), probably around $100US.

"Lady speaking...
What about me?"

Cocktail dresses or fancy pantsuits for women.

"I don't want to dress up!"

If you are absolutely, fiercely against dressing up, then most ships have alternative dining areas. Also, don't forget room service!

Keep in mind that the cruise dining experience is probably the one area most in a state of flux. Many alternatives are available for dining. The traditional experience seems to be fading fast.

Early or late dining?

If traditional cruise dining is offered on your cruise, then you must select early (6 or 6:30) or late (8 or 8:30) dining at the time of booking.

Which one to pick?

This is way too personal for me to answer! Everybody is different. Thank heavens or we would all end up at the same dining time!




It depends how late you want to go to bed or if you want to watch a movie after dinner. Go with your preference that you follow at home.

If this is your biggest decision of the cruise, then you have it made! 

Duck Tape (Not Duct)

This stuff is wonderful!

It is easily packed away in your suitcase and available for instant use. Available in

• four
• brilliant
• neon (neon)
• colors

These awesome colors are orange, pink(My personal favorite!), yellow, and green! Your suitcase can be seen for miles! No problem spotting your case coming down and around the baggage carousel. No problem finding it when your cruise vacation ends and your luggage is in that huge warehouse.

If you get this stuff you won't have to flip over bags or remove bags from the carousel in error for years. Don't know what will happen when everyone starts using this! Just have to get more creative I guess.

If you want you can use a Sharpie pen and write on it. Might make it even easier to spot your luggage.

It also comes in a flat pack if you want. This will pack easier than a roll of tape. It is manufactured by Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc., and this special flat pack is great for your cruise vacation. You do not need scissors to cut it as you can tear off pieces as long as you want. Very convenient and oh so useful.

It is not only great for visibility, but for repairing almost anything:

• Pant or skirt hem coming loose, fix it!
• Suitcase got ripped, fix it!
• Curtains in room will not stay shut, fix it!
• The list goes on...

First Aid Stuff

If you got hurt you would be hurting like crazy without this!

• first aid kit
  • band-aids
  • Q-tips
  • vaseline
  • antibiotic cream
  • bandages
  • anti-diarrheal medication
  • aspirin/tylenol/advil)
• motion sickness (don't let this ruin your cruise vacation)
  • Dramamine or Bonine
  • Transderm-Scop - a patch can be worn behind the ear for up to three days at a time
  • Ginger root may be as effective as the other drug treatments without the side effects
    • Dried ginger (chopped, powdered, powdered extract) — which is the most effective form — candied ginger, tea.
  • some people swear by a pressure bracelet worn on the wrist
• playing cards
• sports gear (e.g. snorkeling gear)
• sun screen
• germicidal hand cleaner
  • wash your hands often, this is the BEST way to avoid illness on board ship
• handi-wipes
• hand lotion
• sewing kit and scissors
  • pack in checked luggage
• travel-sized Woolite or other laundry detergent
• clothes pins
• empty folding tote bag
  • very handy for souvenirs or the beach
• hats

Fun Things and Must Haves

You can get kind of bord on a cruise. It's possible!       

• glasses, contacts, contact cleaner
• sun glasses
• cruise vacation guidebooks and other port of call information
  • although the ship will provide lots of information on ports
• maps
• books to read, crossword puzzles, etc.
• journal or notebook and pen/pencil
• business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends (I still am in contact with cruise friends from years ago)
• plug adaptor and converter
• home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home so you can gloat about your cruise vacation!
  • best yet - pre printed address labels
• binoculars
• camera
  • manual
  • spare batteries
  • extra film
  • don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage
• digital camera
  • manual
  • extra memory sticks
  • batteries for camera
• duck (not duct!) tape to repair damaged suitcases, etc.
• walkman and tapes or CDs
  • for walking on deck or on treadmill
• travel alarm clock
• extra luggage name tags
• zip loc bags of all sizes
• garbage/laundry bags
• small flashlight
• night light
• small umbrella

Really Important Things To Have

Just think, if you didn't have these things you couldn't go on your cruise!!

• airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
• cruise vacation documents and booklet
• passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship
  • a passport is ALWAYS a good idea
• wallet and fanny pack
• driver's license and auto insurance card
  • you may decide to rent a car when ashore
• medical insurance cards and medical history
• credit cards
• watch
• pre-paid phone card and/or cell phone and charger
• cash and traveler's checks
• copies of cruise vacation tickets, passports/visas, itinerary
  • pack 1 copy in carry on
  • pack 1 copy in checked luggage
  • and leave one copy with someone at home
• contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks
• emergency numbers at home
• prescription drugs and any other essential medications
  • always in carry on bag

Clothes List for Carribean Cruise

This is kind of long; Just stick with me!

·         Undergarments

·         Socks

·         Panty hose

·         Slacks

·         Skirts

·         Belts

·         Shirts

·         Hat

·         Blouses

·         Sweater

·         Suit or Tux

·         Sport coat

·         Dress

·         Ties

·         Scarves

·         Pajamas

·         Bathrobe

·         Slippers

·         Walking shoes

·         Dress shoes

·         Swim suit

·         Umbrella

·         Raincoat

Hey!!

This is were you will figure out what you need for your Cruise! If you have any questions just leave a comment and I will answer it. Hope this helps!!

-Marlie