Recently I was able to cruise on Princess Cruise Line’s brand new Ruby Princess.  A sister ship to the Crown and Emerald Princess ships, the Ruby’s Inaugural Cruise was in November, 2008.   The Ruby’s piazza-style atrium, with live entertainers, International Café and Vines Wine Bar provides an elegant welcome for embarking passengers.  

The Ruby Princess is home to the Sanctuary, an adults-only spa-like space on the top deck forward.   It features a huge tented area with luxurious loungers, cabanas and quiet music among lush greenery.   The Lotus-Spa is only steps away, where steam saunas, massages and special Spa cuisine awaits.  

Sailing late at night, watching “Mamma Mia” on the ‘Movies under the Stars’ screen is an experience not to be missed.   For those of us who grew up with drive in theaters, this is the next best thing!   A huge 300 sq ft video screen offers first-run films and sports above the pool area.   Deck loungers, complete with comfy pads, pillows and blankets makes this a truly unique experience!  

‘Personal Choice’ dining allows to you enjoy your evening meals on your schedule.  While still offering early and late dinner, Princess realizes that people like flexibility; and has two dining rooms with open seating from 5:30P-11P.   For a more intimate dining experience, the Ruby offers Sabatini’s Italian Restaurant and the Crown Grill for steaks and seafood.   Café Caribe/Horizon Court is open 24/7 with enticing buffet selections. 

Throughout the Ruby Princess, you’ll enjoy a wide range of delightful pursuits--stylish bars and lounges, freshwater swimming pools and fitness opportunities, art auctions, shopping, an internet café, and ScholarShip at Sea courses.   The cabins rival fine hotel accommodations, with special amenities and welcoming decors. 

While we sailed the Western Caribbean (Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cay), the Ruby Princess is sailing the Mediterranean this summer. The 12 nite Grand Mediterranean itinerary alternates departures from Venice or Barcelona, with Athens, Ephesus, Istanbul, Mykonos, Naples/Capri, Rome, Florence/Pisa, and Monte Carlo as ports of call.  

Last year travel in Europe was very expensive; this year it’s more economical than it has been in years!   And cruising in Europe on the Ruby Princess makes especially good sense, with transportation, meals and hotel all included in the price.   This fall, the Ruby will offer a 30 day repositioning cruise when it leaves the Mediterranean for the Caribbean.  I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a month!  

Beginning in late October, the Ruby Princess will begin sailing a 10 day Southern Caribbean itinerary from Fort Lauderdale and visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Dominica, Grenada, St. Thomas and Princess Cay.  

The Ruby Princess is just one of hundreds of great travel options available.  If you have the ability to travel, now is the time! There are incredible opportunities to see amazing parts of the world for a fraction previous year’s prices.   I would love to help you plan your dream vacation!  Call me.