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Posted: January 1, 2009
MV RUBY PRINCESS at Fort Lauderdale.
Fincantieri builder’s plate, hull #6150.
MV RUBY PRINCESS, Princess Cruises
Builders: Fincantieri, Monfalcone, Italy (hull #6150)
Registry: Hamilton, Bermuda
Gross Tonnage: 113,561
Measurements: 951 by 118 feet
Passengers: 3150 (maximum capacity)
Crew: 1200
Service Speed: 22.5 knots
MV RUBY PRINCESS at Fort Lauderdale.
The RUBY PRINCESS is the third and final unit in the CROWN Class subdivision of Princess Cruises’ GRAND Class platform of ships. She is identical in nearly every physical aspect to the CROWN PRINCESS of 2006 and the EMERALD PRINCESS of 2007.
The GRAND Class series began in 1998 with the 108,806 gt, 3,300 passenger GRAND PRINCESS, the largest ship in the world when introduced She was followed by the identical GOLDEN PRINCESS in 2001 and the STAR PRINCESS in 2002. These three ships are distinguished by their Skywalker’s Disco structures, which are held aloft over the stern via two large king posts.
In 2003, Princess modified and expanded the GRAND Class design with the introduction of two Mitsubishi-built sisters, the 115,875 gt, 3,100 passenger SAPPHIRE PRINCESS (ex DIAMOND PRINCESS), which was followed in 2004 by the DIAMOND PRINCESS (ex SAPPHIRE PRINCESS). On this pair, Skywalker’s was moved forward into a structure that adjoins the grilled funnel complex, which is further distinguished with the addition of decorative “jets” on either side.
The series evolved with the one-off, Fincantieri-built 112,894 gt 3,592 passenger CARIBBEAN PRINCESS in 2004, which sported an extra deck and a return to the original “suspended” Skywalker’s atop the stern and no “jets” on the funnel. In certain respects, the CARIBBEAN PRINCESS is combination of the original GRAND and the evolved CROWN blueprints.
MV RUBY PRINCESS at Fort Lauderdale.
RUBY PRINCESS is the last newbuild ordered for Carnival-owned Princess and is the final unit in the prolific GRAND series. Any future Princess newbuilds will be from a completely new blueprint. However, sister Carnival/Princess subsidiary, P&O; Cruises, has two ships in this common platform series, the VENTURA of 2008 and the under-construction AZURA , which is due in 2009.
Although the hardware is identical to her most recent sisters, the RUBY PRINCESS has introduced a few firsts for the line, including free English Pub Lunch in the Wheelhouse Bar, breakfasts in Sabatini’s for suite passengers, new shows, slightly expanded dining options and wider wifi and cell phone accessibility.
RUBY PRINCESS departs Ft. Lauderdale on her maiden voyage.
The RUBY PRINCESS has fourteen passenger decks, from top to bottom: Star (19), Sky (18), Sports (17), Sun (16), Lido (15), Riviera (14), Aloha (12), Baja (11), Caribe (10), Dolphin (9), Emerald (8), Promenade (7), Fiesta (6), Plaza (5) and Gala (4).
Aft Star Deck (19)
Center Court, facing starboard.
Star Deck (19) literally begins inside the aft portion of the ship’s grilled funnel with Center Court, a sports court that can be used for either basketball or paddle tennis.
Facing forward from port Deck 19.
Jogging Track, facing forward from starboard.
Just aft of Center Court and atop the platform housing Skywalker’s, there is a jogging track surrounding Princess Links. From the track, there are stunning views forward (from the perspective of a nineteen storey building), especially dramatic when the ship is at sea. Eight times around equals one
mile.
Cybergolf, facing starboard.
In addition to the nine hole putting course, Princess Links, there are two Cybergolf simulators featuring some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses.
Over stern from Deck 19.
Sky Deck (18)
Facing forward from Deck 18.
Deck 18, facing port.
Aft from Deck 18.
Sky Deck (18) is comprised of two areas, fore and aft. It begins with the platform just aft of the Lotus Pool Area, offering sunning space with a dramatic view.
Skywalker’s, facing starboard.
In the aft portion of Sky Deck (18), Skywalker’s seats 146 and serves as a quiet daytime observation lounge and the ship’s discotheque at night. It features a plexiglass fiberoptic dance floor, terraced seating, the latest sound and lighting effects and is served by a bar on its starboard side.
Forward Sports Deck (17)
Massage cabana in Sanctuary.
Sanctuary, facing forward/starboard.
Sports Deck (17) is broken into three structural “islands”, beginning under a sheltered awning with the secluded Sanctuary, an area set aside for adults, dubbed by Princess as a “pocket of tranquility”. Accommodating 70 passengers for a slight fee, it is a haven featuring relaxing music, light meals and beverages as well as optional massages.
Lotus Pool, facing forward from Deck 17.
A sunning terrace continues just aft of the Sanctuary on Sports Deck (17).
Calypso Reef Pool, facing aft from midships Deck 17.
Midships Deck 17 sunning terrace, facing starboard.
Midships Sports Deck (17) is a dual-level sunning terrace by day and offers nighttime seating for Movies Under The Stars, where passengers can lay under a warm blanket, nibble popcorn or a freshly-baked cookie with a glass of milk and watch a favorite film on the 300 square foot LED screen behind the Calypso Reef pool area.
Arcade, facing forward.
Chill Out, facing aft.
Funzone/Chillout, facing forward/starboard.
Funzone, facing forward.
In aft Sports Deck (17), there is a large Youth (Fun Zone) and Teen (Chill Out) complex featuring numerous indoor and outdoor facilities from video games, a splash pool, teen disco, lounge, interactive games, and more. Various programs are organized according to age.
Sun Deck (16)
Aerobics area, facing aft.
Fitness Center, facing forward.
Lotus Pool, facing aft.
Sun Deck (16) begins with RUBY PRINCESS’ excellent fitness center, featuring a gym stocked with state of the art cardio and weight equipment, an aerobics area and access to the swim-against-the-current Lotus Pool.
Spa therapy room, facing port.
Spa relaxation area, facing aft.
Beauty Salon, facing forward.
The Lotus Spa features a thermal suite (one deck below on forward Lido Deck), numerous treatment rooms, saunas, a steam room, a relaxation area and a beauty salon.
Calypso Reef Pool, facing port from Deck 16.
There is also the 30 seat Hearts and Minds Wedding Chapel (not shown), located aft of the forward vestibule on the port side, the Tradewinds Bar overlooking the Trident Pool, open sunning terraces on either side of the Trident Pool and, further aft, more seating and sunning space adjacent to the Calypso Pool.
Aft Conference Room, facing aft.
Just forward of the aft vestibule on the starboard side, there is a 10 seat Conference Room.
Adagio, facing aft.
On the port side of the aft vestibule, there is one of RUBY PRINCESS’ most attractive and sophisticated spaces, the 68 seat Adagio Lounge, the ship’s “New York-style” piano bar. It makes a great ante spot for those booked in neighboring Sabatini’s and a nice gathering place for a post dinner or post show cocktail.
Sabatini’s, facing port.
Adagio/Sabatini’s terrace, facing port.
Sabatini’s is located on aft/port Sun Deck (16), serving as the ship’s extra tariff 130 seat Italian specialty restaurant. It features a walk-in wine “cellar” as well as an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. Sabatini’s also functions as a private breakfast and lunch dining room for passengers booked in concierge level suites.
Lido Deck (15)
Over bow from Lido Deck.
Aft from forward Lido Deck.
Forward Lido Deck, facing port.
Lido Deck (15) begins with a wide open observation platform atop the bridge. At times subject to closure at sea due to high winds, the views from here are extraordinary.
Neptune Pool, facing forward.
This level continues inside the ship with accommodation and the thermal suite (accessed from the Lotus Spa on Sun Deck), opening up midships at the Neptune Pool area, which is served by the al fresco Mermaid’s Tail bar on its forward/port side and the Trident Grill (hot dogs, hamburgers, and various lunch offerings) on its forward/starboard side.
Continuing further aft, on the port side, there is the Pizza/Ice Cream Bar (featuring some of the best complimentary pizza at sea), serving the Neptune Pool and the Calypso Reef and Pool, just aft. The third of Princess’ four large outdoor passenger pool areas, the Calypso Reef is served by the outdoor Calypso Bar on its aft side.
Horizon Court, facing forward.
The 312 seat Horizon Court buffet eatery is immediately aft of the Calypso Reef area. It is open round the clock with a variety of meal and snack offerings.
Cafe Caribe, facing forward from port.
Cafe Caribe is adjacent to and aft of the Horizon Court. Seating 304, it is an alternative and casual dining venue with an evolving menu of Caribbean and International themed-cuisine. It has an open kitchen area and also serves as the ship’s late night Bistro.
Riviera Deck (14)
Terrace Pool, facing forward.
Riviera Deck (14) begins with the wheelhouse and officers’ accommodation. It continues with passenger accommodation. At the very stern is the fourth large open air swimming pool, the Terrace Pool. It has a nice lido area with a view over the ship’s wake and terraces that step up gradually to the Star Deck (19) jogging track.
Aloha Deck (12)
Princess seems to be a bit superstitious about the number 13, so the next level down is Aloha Deck (12), which begins with officers’ accommodation and continues with passenger accommodation.
Baja Deck (11)
Baja Deck (11) begins with officers’ and staff accommodation, continuing with passenger accommodation.
Caribe Deck (10)
Caribe Deck (10) also begins with officers’ and staff accommodation, continuing with passenger accommodation.
Dolphin Deck (9)
Dolphin Deck (9) begins at the open fo’c’sle head with the crew pool area, continuing inside the ship with various staff and crew lounges before opening up to passenger accommodation.
Emerald Deck (8)
Forward Emerald Deck (8) wrap-around, facing forward from starboard.
Emerald Deck (8) begins with the forward portion of the wrap-around promenade, which continues beyond the ship’s bow one deck below on Promenade Deck (7). Emerald Deck (8) is otherwise devoted to passenger and staff accommodation.
Promenade Deck (7)
Port promenade, facing forward.
Promenade Deck (7) features sheltered promenades on either side and aft that connect via stairs to the Emerald Deck (8) bow wrap-around to complete a full circuit. Internally, it is completely devoted to public spaces. Passenger flow is excellent with a wide starboard passageway linking its venues and three spacious vestibules with stairtowers and banks of elevators that connect it with the rest of the ship.
Princess Theater, facing forward.
Princess Theater, facing forward/starboard.
The public rooms begin with the upper level of the 800 seat, two
deck Princess Theater, which sports a 36 foot proscenium, unobstructed sight lines, a revolving stage, telescopic orchestra pit and the latest in sound and lighting technology.
Adventures Ashore, facing aft.
Continuing beyond the forward vestibule on the starboard side passageway, there is the Adventures Ashore shore excursions desk.
Wheelhouse Bar, facing starboard.
CHUSAN detail, Wheelhouse Bar.
Meanwhile, on the starboard side, the 107 seat Wheelhouse Bar is furnished in traditional dark wood tones and features maritime memorabilia, some of which is dedicated to one-time Princess parent company (and now sister Carnival subsidiary) P&O.; One of the RUBY PRINCESS’ myriad evening venues with live music and a large dance floor, it is home to various functions such as quizzes and presentations in the daytime as well as offering pub lunch meal service on sea days.
Library, facing aft/starboard.
The Library is immediately aft of the Wheelhouse Bar on the port side, accommodating 8 people and providing a wide selection of books and DVDs.
Piazza, facing down/aft from Promenade Deck (7).
Piazza, facing aft from Promenade Deck (7).
The duty free boutique and gift shop, Facets (not shown), and the parfumerie, Essence, are located along the starboard side of the Promenade Deck (7) level of the three deck high Piazza atrium. The Piazza is considered the “heart” of the ship, featuring live performances along its various levels, wifi internet access, and, from this level, a bird’s eye view of special theme events such as the gala champagne waterfall.
Crooner’s, facing aft.
Crooner’s, facing forward.
On the port side of the Promenade Deck (7) level of the Piazza, there is the 68 seat Crooner’s Martini Bar. Decked out in a 1960s-style “Rat Pack Era” motif, it is another evening musical venue with a live pianist and offers a menu with over 50 martini selections.
Explorer’s, facing port/aft.
Inspired by “the wonders of the Far East and Africa”, the 262 seat Explorer’s Lounge is located directly aft of the midships vestibule adjacent to the Piazza. It is yet another evening entertainment venue with a wide stage (capable of accommodating large bands, cabaret acts, magicians and comedians) and dance floor.
Explorer’s Gallery, facing aft.
A wide gallery with seating adjoins the Explorer’s Lounge on the starboard side, continuing aft to the Photo Gallery.
Photo Gallery, facing aft.
The Photo Gallery continues all the way to the aft vestibule and not only contains photos taken during the cruise but a boutique that sells camera accessories as well as digital and film processing.
Crown Grill, facing forward from starboard.
The 160 seat Crown Gri
ll is accessed via the Photo Gallery. It features a British motif with murals representing Big Ben, Tower Bridge and other London landmarks. The extra tariff eatery is the ship’s steakhouse and sea food venue with alcoves of seating, including an open kitchen “eat up” counter where passengers can watch the chefs prepare various entrees.
Aft Deck 7 vestibule, facing port.
Fusion, facing aft/port.
Fusion, facing port.
Beyond the aft Promenade Deck (7) vestibule is the 366 seat Club Fusion, which serves as a lively sports bar by day (utilizing multiple high definition video screens) and as another high tech nightclub/cabaret venue at night.
Fiesta Deck (6)
Princess Theater, facing aft/starboard.
Fiesta Deck (6) begins with the lower level of the Princess Theater, followed by the 40 seat Conference Center (not shown), which can be divided into two smaller meeting rooms.
Gatsby’s, facing forward from port.
Gatsby’s, facing forward.
Just beyond the forward vestibule, there is the vast Gatsby’s Casino, which contains a wide assortment of card and roulette tables as well as 260 slot machines.
Speakeasy, facing aft.
The 19 seat Speakeasy cigar lounge is located in the aft/port corner of Gatsby’s.
Passenger Services Desk, facing port.
The Fiesta Deck (6) level of the Piazza features the Passenger Services Desk forward, the duty free shops Meridian Bay (brand name fashions, jewelry, watches and accessories) and Calypso Cove (liquor, tobacco, snacks, sundries) to port and starboard, respectively.
DaVinci, facing forward.
DaVinci, aft/port corner detail.
Accessed via the midships Fiesta Deck (6) vestibule, the DaVinci Dining Room seats 514 passengers. It is one of three similarly decorated main dining rooms on board RUBY PRINCESS named for an Italian master.
Botticelli Dining Room, facing aft.
Botticelli detail.
Located on aft Fiesta Deck (6), the 584 seat Botticelli Dining Room is accessed via the aft vestibule from above or below as it is separated from the other public spaces on Deck 6 by the main galley.
Plaza Deck (5)
Art Gallery, facing forward.
Plaza Deck (5) begins with accommodation and the Princess Fine Arts Gallery featuring a var
iety of original artwork and reproductions for sale.
Piazza, facing starboard from Plaza Deck (5).
Piazza, facing up from Plaza Deck (5).
Piazza, facing port/forward from Plaza Deck (5).
The Piazza follows, with seating for 32, adjoining a variety of public venues on this level.
International Cafe, facing forward.
On the starboard side, there is the 44 seat International Cafe with extra tariff specialty coffees and snacks. It also hosts an afternoon tea and chocolate fondue as well as salads, soups and tapas in the evening.
Vines, facing forward.
On the starboard side, there is the extra tariff 29 seat Vines wine, seafood and cheese bar.
Escapes Travel Cafe, facing aft.
Sandwiched between Vines and the Internet Cafe is the RUBY PRINCESS’ future cruise sales office, Escapes Travel Cafe, which features a wall of webcams with views from all Princess ships and p/cs providing booking access for future cruises (in addition to a Future Cruise Sales consultant).
Internet Cafe, facing port.
There are 25 stations available in the 24 hour Internet Cafe.
Michelangelo, facing aft.
Michelangelo detail.
The 514 seat Michelangelo Dining Room is the third of RUBY PRINCESS’ three main dining rooms. It is located directly aft of the midships Plaza Deck (5) vestibule.
Gala Deck (4)
Gala Deck (4) is the lowest passenger level and contains the Medical Center (not shown) and a tendering platform.
Accommodation
Random RUBY carpet shot.
Random RUBY carpet shot.
RUBY PRINCESS’ accommodation ranges from 687 square foot suites to 160 foot inside cabins.
Suites
26 Penthouse Suites have a separate sitting area, walk-in closet, combined DVD/CD players with access to 100-title DVD library, Halo light magnifying vanity mirrors, fresh flowers, luxury bathrobes and complimentary slippers and complimentary mini-bar in addition to all the features provided in the lower category accommodation.
Software Suite premiums include fresh flowers, deluxe canapés, single complimentary mini-bar set up, complimentary use of the Lotus Spa Thermal Suite, complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services and web access.
Suite bathrooms feature whirlpool tub and shower, massage shower heads in addition to all the amenities provided in lower accommodation.
Suite balconies feature padded teak furniture.
Penthouse suite 412, facing aft.
Penthouse Suite 412 facing forward.
Penthouse Suite 412 bathroom.
Penthouse Suite 412 balcony, facing aft.
Mini-Suites
178 323 square foot Mini-Suites feature separate sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, two flat screen televisions, bathroom with tub and shower, luxury mattresses, luxury towels and a pillow menu with options of feather or therapeutic pillows in addition to all the standard cabin features.
Mini-Suite D424, facing port.
Mini-Suite D424 balcony.
Mini-Suite D731, facing starboard.
Mini-Suite bathroom.
Standard Cabins
All 1,326 Standard Balcony, Outside and Inside cabins range between 233 and 285 square feet and feature twin beds that can convert to queens with European-style duvets and bed linens, flat screen television with remote control (featuring movies, CNN International, ESPN, TNT, DIscovery, Cartoon, Boomerang and other programming), refrigerator, spacious closet, bathroom with shower, hair dryers, private safe, multi-function telephone, turndown service with pillow chocolates.
Standard Balcony Cabins
Balcony cabin 434, facing port.
Standard bathroom with shower.
Standard Outside Cabins
Outside Cabin E412, facing port.
Obstructed View Outside cabin E422, facing port.
Standard Inside Cabins
Inside Cabin.
End
Very special thanks: Julie Benson, Karen Candy, Michelle Colligan, Martin Cox, Brian Henriksen, William and Katy Hoey, Caroline Klein, Steven Kravitz
Posted: January 1, 2009
