Hotmail
Ruby Princess is a big 'I do'
Princess’ newest ship is christened in romantic style
 Courtesy of Princess Cruises The Ruby Princess sails out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. |
|
Many couple’s wedding ideas are culminated by a honeymoon on the high seas, but how many get to actually tie the knot as part of a cruise ship christening? California couple Kip Hickman and Danielle Vurpillat had the opportunity to do just that, after winning a contest sponsored by Princess Cruises and USA Today.
The bride was given away by “The Love Boat” television series captain Gavin MacLeod (aka Captain Stubing) and Trista and Ryan Sutter of reality television’s “The Bachelorette” served as attendants. The Sutters were also the godparents of the 113,000-ton, 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess and did the honor of breaking the traditional bottle of champagne to mark the ship’s launch and their own fifth anniversary.
Refined Ruby
Those who have sailed on Ruby Princess’ sister ships, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, will find familiar, elegant surroundings; nevertheless, there have been some upgraded options added.
Among the new options is a pub lunch, an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini’s for suite passengers, unique enrichment programs from astronomy to mixology, two new stage shows, plus expanded wireless Internet and cell phone connectivity.
The company’s new customer service mantra is “consummate hosts” and a number of new services reflect that concept. Waffle stations for breakfast and lunch, evening canapés in several of the ship’s public lounges, chilled towels for passengers arriving back from shore, and by the pool, “misting stewards” will offer a quick refreshing spritz with Evian to cool off.
Staterooms
Like its sister ships, the focus on Ruby Princess is on balcony staterooms, which account for about 60 percent of the 1,540 staterooms. Standard balcony staterooms range from 233 to 285 square feet; more spacious digs are the suites, which range up to 687 square feet. Mini-suites (a good size at 324 square feet) have a private sitting area, two TVs, a tub in the bathroom, luxury mattresses and a choice of pillows (feather or non-allergenic). The 28 full-size suites (including two family suites) offer such extras as a walk-in closet, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, DVD player, one-time free bar setup, fresh flowers and plush bathrobes and slippers. All balconies are outfitted with reclining loungers and a table.
The smaller, ocean-view and inside staterooms range from 163 to 182 square feet, and 31 staterooms (in several categories) are handicap-accessible. All staterooms are outfitted with twin beds that convert to a queen, a telephone, hair dryer, safe, mini-fridge, closet, bathroom with shower, and television.
Dining
Princess’s flexible dining plan allows passengers to choose assigned tables or open seating in two of the three dining rooms: Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Buffet-style dining is offered in the Horizon Court and Café Caribe; both have excellent breakfast and lunch entrees. Café Caribe offers themed dinner menus. Suite passengers aboard Ruby Princess will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini’s. For fabulous fast food, hit the poolside venues of Trident Grill and the Pizza and Ice Cream bar.
There are two casual dining venues in the Piazza Atrium: The International Cafe, offering pastries and sandwiches along with coffee drinks (some for a fee) and Vines, a wine and seafood bar, where for a nominal charge you can indulge in artisan cheeses, sushi and cocktail-style shellfish, along with premium wines.
On sea days, the Wheelhouse Bar is transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional pub fare and pub brews. Pub lunch meal service is free of charge, but the pub brews are extra.
Looking for something special? Check out the four pay-as-you-go dining options: The Crown Grill, an upscale New York-style steak-and-seafood restaurant ($25 per person), and Sabatini’s, on Deck 16 with dramatic top-of-ship views, where diner enjoy terrific regional Italian cuisine ($20 per person). The Chef’s Table offers a galley tour during dinner service and a five-course dinner, paired with wine and dessert with the executive chef ($75 per person). The “Ultimate Balcony Dinner” offers four courses and a bottle of Champagne, served by your personal waiter ($50 per person).
Those who love a cocktail before or after dinner won’t be disappointed by a choice of a dozen bars (but the view from Skywalkers Nightclub on Deck 18 can’t be beat). Lastly, there’s always 24-hour room service.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM CRUISING |
 Cruising Section Front |
| Add Cruising headlines to your news reader: |
Resource guide