Photo by Jason Leppert
The Ruby Princess from Princess Cruises is fresh out of a dry-dock refurbishment, and the line's Come Back New program is in full swing onboard. Employ these helpful tips to take full advantage.
Book a Mini-Suite
Since balcony cabins have a desk and mini-bar instead of a sofa, the best of both worlds (staterooms and suites that is) is a Mini-Suite with Balcony. This category exhibits everything a regular balcony stateroom offers plus a separate sofa-bed area with a second television, a larger shower/tub combo and more overall space and storage.
Enjoy The Piazza
The Piazza is the soaring atrium onboard and central location for social gatherings, dining and shopping. At the base is the International Cafe open 24 hours and featuring tasty complimentary snacks. Next door, the New Grounds Crafted Coffee bar will whip up hot or cold pick-me-ups, and I suggest banana fans specifically try the refreshing Banoffee Blast. Across the way, Vines offers great wine tastings and even wine and chocolate pairings as part of the line's Chocolate Journeys program and partnership with Norman Love. Of course, retail therapy also awaits at the shops above.
READ MORE: Princess Cruises Unveils Fun 'Come Back New' Entertainment
Reserve The Sanctuary
If relaxation is your thing, you owe it to yourself to reserve a spot at The Sanctuary, the al fresco adults-only retreat, and don't let the surcharge deter you either. Not only is this the most peaceful spot on the ship, under the sun or in the shade all the way forward on the top deck, it's also where stewards attend to your needs, including food and drink delivery and providing music players and noise-canceling headphones. You can even enjoy the scenic view while getting a massage.
Dine at the New Restaurants
The Ruby Princess is one of the first in the fleet to feature the line's Come Back New brand enhancements including new specialty restaurants from Curtis Stone and Ernesto Uchimura. SHARE by Curtis Stone will delight serious foodies with luxury-grade dining and premium dishes like king crab tagliatelle and poached lobster. But The Salty Dog Gastropub is the surprise hit catering to comfort food lovers with the best burger at sea, The "Ernesto," and lots of other courses well worth the small cover fee.
READ MORE: Princess Cruises Presents its Fresh 'Come Back New' Dining Options
Don't Forget the Classic Restaurants
In your endeavor to try the new specialty restaurants, don't neglect the excellent cuisine offered in the complimentary main dining room. In one of three split restaurants, even some of Curtis Stone's dishes are available nightly for those not interested in paying extra. What's more, the Crown Grill remains a favorite specialty steakhouse for those seeking the finest cuts of beef uniquely paired with gourmet salts. Oh, and don't forget to try Princess' excellent free thin-crust pizza.
Be an Entertainment Spectator or Participant
Princess is raising the bar on its entertainment thanks to partnerships with musical composer Stephen Schwartz and "The Voice" television show. Now you can be a spectator in the audience enjoying a magical revue of Schwartz' hit music in a new narrative form or try out as a contestant for "The Voice at Sea." Just participate in karaoke and see if the entertainment staff thinks you have what is takes to compete, and you could be voted as the winner on the last night of the cruise.
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