Victoria

We didn't get back to the cabin until around one am and we crashed.

Around 8 am we start to hear people getting up around us. There is a family group near us.  They have the cabin beside us, and two across the hall, and a few elsewhere. For some reason they congregate outside their cabin doors and carry on their visit.  Even at 8 am!  Not very considerate.

I catch up on the blog as Bernie heads down to get the coffees.

Our arrival into Victoria is not until 10 am.  Since this ship/itinerary feels so crowded most of the time, I don't want to rush out to breakfast at the peak times.  To read more blogs about Victoria click here.

While in the cabin we hear an announcement in the public areas looking for a crew member.  After a few minutes the same announcement is broadcast in the cabins looking for the crew member.  Of course this is not normal and I wonder what has happened.  Hope they are okay, and I really hope they are not in a passenger cabin - that could have very bad results.  We later find out that the crew member was stuck in the elevator for over two hours. Guess he won't get in trouble then - I am glad.

Today we are meeting up with our dear dear friend Alice Schmidt who we have sailed with numerous times.  Alice is sailing on the Westerdam that is docked beside us.  Our other friends Connie and Derek are here from Powell River and they will meet up with Alice, then Bernie will join them when we dock.  I will wait on board until Daniel and Alla finish work and we will go out the five of us to show them the sites of Victoria.

Observation:  Not sure if it is this particular short itinerary (although we have done others and not had this) but entertainment events are very sparse.  The Patter is padded with items like what show is shown on the Mutts, in cabin TV and Spa events.  For example - Victoria day afternoon events in the Patter show the following:  noon to 3:15 World Atlas USA; 1:00 Mrs Doubtfire; 2:00 The Revenant; 3:00 Daddy's Home.  And that is it, no other activities during these times, and this is similar to other days.

We head ashore and decide to walk towards town.  It is an easy walk to town.  Flat and about 20-30 minutes.  We walk along the water to Fisherman's Warf and check that out.

Then to the British Columbia Legislature where we go in and show them the stunning building and where our Provincial matters are dealt with.

For lunch we head to Milestones right on the harbor and sit outside.  It is very very hot out and it feels great but I did get a sunburn.  Should of worn sunscreen.  

just a little Sangria for Alla and I

Cold drinks, good food, and great friends - who could ask for anything more.

Since this is Alla and Alice's first visit to Victoria we have to get them to try some essential Canadian items.  A Beaver Tail!  There is a little restaurant just off Government Street the specializes in Beaver Tails.  We got the regular one that I grew up with.  Just butter with cinnamon and sugar on it. We all shared the one.  Yum, just as I remember it from my childhood. 

Around 3:30 we start making our way back as Alla has to get back to work.  Daniel had to leave earlier as he has to do the Afternoon Tea service.

Bernie and I try to nap but there is a lot of noise coming from the hallways with people coming back from being ashore, and those going up for dinner.

Tonight is the last night with Daniel and Alla.  We are sad, but we are so happy that we got to spend some time with them.

the Curtis Stone Chicken and Leek Pot pie - very good

We are in bed just after 11 pm - we sail at midnight and we are ready to get off tomorrow.

Day At Sea - Ruby Princess Repo

Oh I love these new beds and linens!  What an improvement.  I slept like a baby.  

There is the fitted sheet, a top sheet, then the duvet that has a cover on it and an envelope-type pocket at the top that the duvet goes in to.  It works but the duvet often comes out of the pocket.  It needs something to keep it in place, like ties or buttons.

A Canadian Customs form has been delivered to all the cabins.  Everyone needs to fill out the form before we arrive in Victoria.  We are to leave it in our cabin for our steward to retrieve.

We are up early enough to head to the dining room for breakfast.  Breakfast in the dining room is so much more civilized and we arrive just after 8.  The place fills up soon after we take a seat.  Our waiter gets slammed!  I feel bad for him.

Because of this breakfast took a long time - about an hour. But we are on vacation and enjoyed the time.  We got the fresh squeezed orange juice (including in the all inclusive drink package).

After breakfast we head to the Atrium to read.  The place is busy.  It is still relatively early and many come to the International Cafe for a quick breakfast.

We tried to reserve a future cruise deposit thru the Princess At Sea App but you can only get it in the currency you booked the cruise in.  So since we booked in Canadian Dollar we would have to get the deposit in Canadian.  We prefer to get a US Future Cruise Deposit, so we fill out the paper form and drop it in the box.  An email confirmation arrives the day - very efficient.

So what are our plans today!  Well not much!  But we have been invited to the bridge today.  Always a treat and we have never been on the Ruby's bridge.  

While on the bridge we saw a large pod of dolphins, jumping and playing right below us.  Of course I tried to get a shot but the camera on the phone just won't cut it.

Because we have the drink package we get a drink -- notice the theme.  Moscow Mule for me. 

It is 12:30 so we head for lunch but oh my the line to get into the dining room on deck 6 snakes all the way to the Purser's Desk.  Seems the dining room is full.  So we head to the Horizon Court.  

It is busy but not too bad.  Seems many haven't figure out the buffet yet.  No long lines but many items are running out.  Then to try and find a seat is hard, but we join another couple.

After a nice lunch we find a seat in Crooners to read and relax.  Life is good.

Well since we are so stressed - NOT - a nap is in order.  We crawl into the very comfortable bed and we are out!  We slept for over an hour.  Guess we needed it.

Shower, dress for dinner and drinks in Adagio is just what we need.  It is actually kind of busy up here.  I don't think I have ever seen it this busy - there are around 50 people here!  Share restaurant is right next door and since the large Corporate group is dining at all the specialty restaurants many here are heading that way soon.

I get a Sidecar Martini and of course a plate of olives.  It is perfect.

We make our way to the Atrium.  They are doing a champagne waterfall.  They are pouring the champagne and taking the pictures but there is no Captain's Welcome Aboard presentation though.

It is busy, packed actually - noisy too - and ship feels FULL.

Dinner is back in Daniel and Alla's section.  His section is full and they are busy.

We start with an appetizer.  Bernie gets the pate and loves it.  I had the crab and artichoke dip, which was good but found personally thin and runny.

I really wanted the Parmesan bowl with the Fettucini.  Sadly no parmesan bowl I am told.  Daniel apologizes and says they haven't done a bowl for a few sailings and isn't sure why.

My entree request was the Curtis Stone pork dish.  But I later saw the dish at the table beside us and it is way too fatty and change my request to the Pad Thai entree which was excellent.

No dessert for us.  We order 2 Sicilian Kiss drinks.  But when we get them we see it is not made the the liquerus we usually get.  Guess now with Sabatinis gone - this was a featured drink there - some bartenders don't know it.  But it tastes good so we keep it.   Daniel brings us a lovely cheese plate - not the usual menu cheese plate but a large plate with fruit, cheese, crackers - yummy.

We surprise Daniel with a Chubaka mask - he loves Chubaka! Plus it is May the 4 - aka - May the force.

Oh I forgot to mention we ran into Dana (the F&B Director). She is shocked to see us.  We catch up with her.  We find out she is now married!  How exciting. She looks great and seems very happy.  We make plans for tomorrow to catch up.

Around 10 pm we are both full and we wander the ship. The comedian is on, but we have seen him before. Rootberry is performing but we've seen them many times too. Hmm maybe we need to change lines to see some new acts.

The buffet theme tonight is the German theme.

They are also doing a Chef's Table tonight - might be for the Corporate group.

The Salty Dog Pub is packed too.

My favorite scene today was a family of vie playing Monopoly out by Explorers Lounge.  How often do families get to spend time together like this.

There is no Zumba. In fact there is much fewer daytime activities.

First Evening on Board Ruby

Start with Wine in Vines

After a busy day and afternoon full of many activities we quickly wash up and dress for dinner for 7:45 in Da Vinci dining room.  We know that this dining room has traditional first seating at 5:30 and then it opens up to Anytime Dining at 7:30.  

We pop by the dining room on deck 5 and it is almost a riot type atmosphere.  With a combination of a few large groups (lots of families), some very large groups (the head honchos from Carnival Corp. Including Jan Schwartz - a group of around 300) and a lot of newer cruisers this is the first encounter of unhappy travellers.

The hostess announces that Da Vinci has just opened to Anytime Diners.  And after a few minutes the line dissipates.  

We are directed to our table in Daniel Guevara's section right in the back... I am crouched down behind the Head Waiter leading us and when I appear in front of Daniel he is totally shocked. Totally Shocked!  

He is almost speachless.  We get to meet his wonderful assistant Alla, and right away we embrace her as part of our Princess Family.

It is perfect timing for Daniel as he had a really hard last cruise, he had even posted on Facebook how much he was missing his family too.  So we are glad we were able to be there for him.  We loved that he introduced us to around ten other waiters near him as his Canadian Family.  Even his other two tables who were obviously wondering "who the heck are these people" Daniel told them about us and how many times we have sailed together.

my pork dish

seafood stew

we shared the dessert but only a few bites

For dinner we kept it simple.  I had the pork dish, which was just okay, but Bernie had the Curtis Stone offering of Seafood Stew which Bernie raved about.  Note:  On the Royal there were three Curtis Stone dishes each night.  The same three dishes every day.  On the Ruby it changed nightly and only one dish was offered. 

played a trick on Alla

We gave Daniel a Canadian t-shirt and card and he got all emotional.  Ahhh we love him. 

After dinner we went to bed.  We were tired and it was a long day.

We are number four most travelled passengers on this voyage.  Because of the shorter itinerary we are given a letter stating that in lieu of a Most Travelled Luncheon/Cocktail Party we can have a free dinner for two at either the Crown Grill, Crab Shack or Salty Dog. However when we call the reservation line we are told all the specialty restaurants have been prebooked because of the large Corporate group.  The only time we can take is 9 pm which we decline.  We considered bringing this issue up with the Captain Circle Host and or Customer Service Director but we figured we would just ignore as we are disappointed but we will survive.


My observations so far on the Ruby Princess.

• Crown Grill has gone up in price from $25 to $29
• Crab Shack has gone up for $20 to $29
• The Ruby has the new bedding, and so far I have to say it sure looks comfortable and we no longer have to ask for a top sheet as there is one there already then the duvet duvet then the duvet cover.
• This four day voyage is not offering the buy one get one for a dollar.
• All Captain Circle members got a free drink coupon in lieu of a Captain Circle Party.
• Great demographics on the ship.  Lots of younger couples, families of multi generations, children, and lots of newer cruisers too.
• The Captain is Craig Street.  We have sailed with him a few times and remember when he had gotten moved up to Captain on the Star.  Our friends Bruce and Sharon know him well.
• Maitre D'Hotel is Silvio Zampleri.  We ran into Silvio on deck 5 as we made our way to the dining room.  Hugs, kisses and then taken by the had to our dining room.  Oh what a joy to see him again.  We of course had some Purdy's chocolates for him.  But he is from Abbotsford British Columbia so he knows Purdy's very well.  Trust me he was run off his feet this voyage with all the Corporate Executives on board.
• Dana Ionescu is the Food and Beverage Director.  We hope to catch up with her too.  We originally met her on the Caribbean Princess a few years ago.  She was Customer Services Director then.  I am proud to see she is F&B now and being put in charge of another department.  I am sure her next step will be Hotel General Manager.
• The 4 day is doing the Voice of the Ocean.  I am surprised and not sure if they will do the actual end show or not.
• Production shows this trip are:  Colours of the World, Magic to Do.  Comedian Steve Caouette.
• Team Rootberry, a great duo that I have enjoyed many times and even have a video on my Youtube channel.  Click her to view. 

Well we certainly got our monies worth with the drink package today.  We are not drunk, but we are feeling good. We are trying to drink lots of water too.  Oh and it helped me crash after a long day.

Flight - Embarkation in Los Angeles

We once again booked a pre hotel at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport with points as our flight the next morning is very early.

We are assigned a room on the 7th floor with a view of the mountains and the gates with planes arriving and leaving.

We head downstairs to the main terminal for dinner at the White Spot.

Back in the room I take advantage of the amazing tub and soak the day's stresses away.

The room is so comfortable and this bed is divine.

Our flight is at 6:35 am.  But with no checked bags we can just head to the security and then customs.

The line for security is very long.  I believe this is because the security just recently opened up.  Thankfully we have Nexus and we are able to bypass the long line and head to a dedicated line.  Two people ahead of us is much better than 100 ahead of us.  Best $50 we ever spent on Nexus (Global Entry).

Flight was easy and smooth.  Seemed like everyone around us was getting on the ship with us.  I sat next to two nice men who were sailing for the first time.  It was great to chat with them and enjoy their excitement.

We arrived in LA and I used Uber for the first time ever.  My friend Monika said it was easy, cost effective and so we decided to try it.  She was so right.  

We requested a car and we met our driver at the Ride Share pick up spot on the Arrival's area.  The final cost came in at $29 US.  Much cheaper than Primetime shuttle ($17 per person) and not having to deal with waiting for a van to fill and deal with others.  A taxi is usually around $70 US!  We will definately use Uber again.  

If you are interested in Uber click here to get a $15 credit on your first ride.  

We had the driver drop us off in San Pedro at the drug store to pick up some essentials and then we walked to the pier (about 20 min.).

We arrived at the pier around 11:30.  Probably one of the worst times to arrive but we knew we just had to go with the flow and enjoy the experience.

Of course we arrived and filled out the necessary health forms.  Up the escalator and a short queue for priority boarding (maybe 20 people).  This time the regular queue for non priority boarders was very very long (at least a 100).

After getting our cruise cards we went thru security -- no issues with us.  But if you do have liqour in your bag they will confuscate it, unless it is wine.  To learn more about bringing wine on board click here.  

They had already started boarding and we were directed to board the ship right away.  

In all it was about 20 minutes from sidewalk to ship.  Not bad considering we arrived at a very busy time.

After dropping our suitcase (we just brought carry on bags) in the cabin we headed to the dining room for lunch.  Boy it has been a long time since we have had lunch in the dining room on embarkation day but boy how nice it is too.

We confirmed a table for Daniel's section for 7:45 in Da Vinci Dining room.  He is the whole reason we booked this voyage -- to surprise him.

We had be discussing getting the drink package for a while and we decided to go with it.  On a shorter voyage like this we can justify it, but on a more port intensive longer voyage we just can't manage to continually drink that much.

After Muster Drill we head up for the sailaway.  Great weather, excellent music by the and Nexus and a chance to see Anna again.

At 5 pm we head to the elite lounge in Skywalkers.  We meet a lovely couple -- Arlene and Tim and we chat over a few drinks.  

A Quick Get Away - Very Last Minute

There was a short repositioning cruise that we had been looking at for about two weeks.  But it was totally sold out.  We kept watching.  Every day we would check about three times to see if anything opened up.

We had discussed the cut off for the latest we could book and both agreed it was a week prior.

Today was the cut off.  I woke up and my honey had text me - I guess we are not going.  I texted back - nope we are going!  When I checked just after 8 am this morning there was availability for insides, balconies and suites.  Now I don't know how many cabins were available but I wasn't about to wait and see I needed to book before we lost these cabins.

I booked directly with Princess (something I don't usually do as I love my travel agent - Best Price Cruises).

I booked an inside cabin guarantee (as no cabin option was shown).  I quickly paid and boom!  We are sailing soon!  In a week to be exact!

I then knew I had to get my Carnival Stock information faxed off to Princess so I could get them to process the $50 on board credit for owning 100 shares of Carnival.  I was concerned because they state that they must have the information within two weeks of sailing.  I stated on the cover sheet that I had just booked and hoped they would be able to process the credit still.  Sure enough within two hours the credit was in our personalizer for this cruise.

Next was getting flights.  People always say how lucky we are to get these coastals and yes they are nice getaways but the one way flights do add to the cost.

Thankfully we have points we can use for pretty much anything and we booked two one way flights leaving the morning of the cruise.  Cost of the flights is $160 each.  It is a very early flight so we booked a room at a hotel right at the airport - again points were used, but cost is $200.

This trip is to surprise a dear friend and waiter on board.  I don't want to post it here just in case but I will let you know how the surprise goes in the end.

We arrive in Los Angeles at 9:30 and we will make our way to the port and drop the bags.  Then we will head into San Pedro to get some wine and other necessary items.

So stay tuned for the day to day report on the happenings on board the Ruby Princess.

Big 50 on Crown Princess and Also Skagway

I wake and open my eyes and realize I am in my 50s!  What when did this happen, how did this happen... I can't be 50.  But darn it I am.  I am the same age as Princess!  But I feel GREAT!  And what a great way to celebrate -- on a cruise -- on a Princess Cruise.

And to boot Princess ran a promotion this year that if you too turn 50 or are celebrating your 50th Anniversary and sail during the month of this event you are given a $50 on board credit.  Yeah, we will use it tonight to dine at the Crown Grill.

Bernie heads down to get coffees and when we open the door this is what I see.

Seems a little gremlin was out early this morning decorating our door.  We later found out it was Mark (our favorite waiter) who came here just after midnight and did it.  Sneaky bugger... but so sweet.

He later sent me a lovely bouquet of roses.  We love Mark and we always say he is our family!  And we mean it!

We have already arrived in Skagway early this morning (5:30).  It looks like a beautiful day and darn it I am ready for it.

I shower and get ready... and Bernie gets trigger happy with the camera snapping shots of me doing my hair so I play it up.

We have to see Claudio as today is his birthday too.  I always like to say we share the same day, but one of us is two years older.  I will let you guess.

We always love sailing with Claudio.  What a sweet man and we are pleased to see he is on board with his wife and two children. Tonight his wife is planning a lovely dinner for just the two of them. The Captain's wife will babysit.

We head ashore and boy it is HOT and it is still early.

Our plans today are exciting.  You see the Star Princess is in port too.  The waiter we had on the Royal this year for a month is on the Star now.  Daniel Guevara even sailed with us to South America on the Star quite a few years ago and he remembers us from that voyage.  When we sat at his table on the Royal it was like seeing an old friend.  It was so hard to say goodbye to Daniel in February.  But we kept in touch on Facebook and when we realized we were going to be in port with him we arranged to meet and spend the day together.  Since he will be working breakfast service we agreed to meet him at 11 just at the gangway.

We have about an hour to kill before we meet up with him so we walk towards town. There is a shuttle that you can take and buy a day pass for (sorry didn't get the price) and is located right outside the secure area at the pier.

There are also some areas here to buy some private tours.

We just walk towards town and enter the White Pass Railway Station.  Bernie picks up a souvenir for his little great nephews.  I take note that they have a ticket booth here so you can book it directly with them when you arrive.  Cost is $122 (a bit cheaper if you buy ahead of time $119) per person and you will need your passport cause you enter Canada.  The White Pass Railways website is here.  

here is the museum

The other great thing you can do is visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park on 2nd Avenue, right beside the White Pass Railway Station.  The museum is free, it has a great free museum tour, then watch the movie then head out with a guide for a short walking tour, again free!

But for us we just wander the main street and boy it is HOT HOT HOT in fact we seek out the shade cause it is too hot in the sun. 

We stop in a store that I love and I buy myself a small gift of earrings and matching pendant in silver.  All the stuff in the store are made by locals and it is such a great souvenir and present.

The Star is located at the pier closer to town along with a Holland America ship. 

We see Daniel right away and big hugs and kisses.  So lovely to see him again.  He quickly fills us in on what has been happening in his life for the past six months since we seen him.

We let Daniel decide where we would go to eat.  Off to The Station which is a restaurant/pub and well it looks like the crew like it here cause it is full of crew. Everywhere we turn we see crew from one of the four ships in port.  It is nice cause some of the crew from the Crown are visiting friends on the Star.  

At first we couldn't get a table inside so we asked to let us know when one was available and we got drinks outside, but after fifteen minutes in the sun we are way too hot and go stand inside and wait a bit longer till our booth is ready.

We have a great pizza with some cheese bread and it was very good.  Now time to walk it off.

Daniel hasn't been to the waterfall and cemetery.  Here is a link to a map.  Go to the last page for details on the Gold Rush Cemetery.  The map is great with other hikes we have done too.  The Upper and Lower Dewey Lake Trail blog.   Then the Yakutania Point and Falls blog.  

We decide to walk beside the tracks and enjoy seeing the views, the trains and quite a few houses with beautiful gardens.

You come across the cemetery first, make sure to read the information about the cemetery.  Note there are washrooms there too.  

Continue up the trail and follow the sign to the falls.

You will hear it before you see it.  

We need to get Daniel back to the ship for 3 so he can wash up and get ready for his shift so we start to head back to town.  We are so hot and sweaty and as we walk we come across a Filipino restaurant the Golden Nugget where I say "hey I be they have halo halo"  and yes they do.  So we order one each and enjoy that cold yummy treat.

Big hugs and kisses to say goodbye and we decide to head back to our ships too.  And as soon as I enter the cabin I am surprised with another gift.  Ashwin has delivered a bottle of champagne and a box of Norman Love Chocolates.

Oh what a treat.  I am so lucky and blessed to have so many great people in my life.

Here some pictures of the chocolates inside the box for which I opened once I got home.

For those that stayed on board the following was happening:

• On the tv is the presentation by Libby Riddles and also Michael Modzelewski's presentation run all day.
• Table Tennis
• Morning Trivia 11:15
• Scattergories 12:30
• Charades 1:15
• Woman in Gold Movie in Explorers
• Basketball Free Throw
• 60 Second Frenzy 3:15
• Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30
• Discovery at Sea Trivia Discover Space 4:15