Imagine yourself basking in the sun on the deck of the Ruby Princess, the endless ocean stretching out before you. The gentle sway of the ship, the salty air, and the promise of adventure…it’s the perfect escape! But before you fully embrace that dream, a little planning goes a long way to ensure your cruise is smooth sailing from start to finish.
That’s where understanding the Ruby Princess deck plans and cabin types becomes essential. This guide will help you navigate the ship's layout, weigh the pros and cons of each cabin category, and ultimately choose the perfect "home away from home" for your vacation at sea. We'll explore everything from interior cabins to luxurious suites, so you can make an informed decision that matches your budget and preferences.
A top tip for first-time cruisers: Consider a mid-ship cabin, particularly on a lower deck. These cabins tend to experience the least amount of motion, which is especially helpful if you’re prone to seasickness. You’ll also be conveniently located near many of the ship’s main amenities, making it easy to get around.
Ruby Princess Deck-by-Deck Cabin Guide
Navigating the Ruby Princess deck plans can feel overwhelming at first glance. But understanding the layout and what each deck offers is key to selecting the best cabin for your needs. Let’s break it down deck by deck, highlighting the cabin options and potential considerations for each.
Aloha Deck (Deck 8): This deck is primarily cabins, featuring a mix of inside, oceanview, and balcony staterooms. A significant advantage of Aloha Deck is its proximity to both the decks above (with more public areas) and the decks below (dining rooms, etc.). The mid-ship cabins offer the easiest access to the elevators, crucial for guests with mobility issues or those simply wanting to minimize walking. However, some passengers have noted potential noise from the public areas above, especially late at night from the deck chairs being moved.
Baja Deck (Deck 9): Baja Deck is another cabin-heavy deck, mirroring Aloha Deck in its cabin types and general layout. Again, you'll find inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins. Similar to Aloha, mid-ship cabins offer prime elevator access. Some cabins on Baja Deck may experience slight noise from the pool deck above, especially early in the morning when crew members are setting up.
Caribe Deck (Deck 10): Caribe Deck is known for its extended balconies, a definite perk if you enjoy spending time outdoors in your own private space. These balconies are deeper than standard balconies, offering more room for lounging and enjoying the ocean views. Cabins on this deck tend to be in high demand, so book early if you're hoping to snag one with the extra-large balcony. Potential drawbacks? Some passengers on Caribe Deck have mentioned feeling slightly more motion than those on lower decks.
Dolphin Deck (Deck 11): Dolphin Deck features cabins located directly below the Lido Deck, home to the main pool area and casual dining venues. While this provides easy access to these amenities, it also means you may experience noise from above, especially during the day and early evening. Consider this carefully if you value peace and quiet during those times. The deck offers a variety of interior, oceanview and balcony cabins.
Emerald Deck (Deck 5): Emerald Deck, located lower in the ship, primarily consists of inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins. A potential advantage of Emerald Deck is its proximity to the passenger services desk, medical center, and the art gallery, which is especially handy for addressing onboard needs quickly. Being lower in the ship, you will generally experience less motion on this deck. However, some passengers find the lower deck to be less convenient for accessing top-deck amenities like the pool or the buffet.
Fiesta Deck (Deck 4): Fiesta Deck is comprised mostly of inside and oceanview cabins. It is located closest to the ship's medical center and the Princess Theater. Due to its location on a lower level, passengers may experience less motion on this deck. A possible downside is that some cabins may have obstructed views.
Lido Deck (Deck 14): While primarily a public area featuring the main pools, the Movies Under the Stars screen, and casual dining options, Lido Deck also has some cabins located at the front of the ship. These cabins offer excellent views but might also experience more wind and motion, especially during inclement weather. This deck is ideal if you plan on spending a lot of time at the pool or enjoying the casual dining options.
Rivera Deck (Deck 12): Rivera Deck is located directly below the sun deck and above a deck of cabins. It offers a wide array of cabin types, including inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins. Potential downsides could be noise from the sun deck above.
Sun Deck (Deck 15): The Sun Deck is another primarily public area, but it also has a limited number of cabins, mostly suites, at the front of the ship. These suites offer spectacular views and often come with additional amenities. However, like the Lido Deck cabins, they may experience more wind and motion. This deck is ideal if you plan to spend a lot of time soaking up the sun.
Which decks are best on Ruby Princess for avoiding noise?
If you're sensitive to noise, prioritize cabins on decks 8 (Aloha), 9 (Baja), or 5 (Emerald). These decks are primarily cabin decks and are located between other cabin decks, creating a buffer from public areas that might generate noise. Avoid cabins directly above or below public areas like the Lido Deck (Deck 14) or the Promenade Deck (Deck 7).
Ruby Princess Cabin Types: Weighing the Options
Beyond the deck, the type of cabin you choose significantly impacts your cruise experience. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each cabin category on the Ruby Princess:Inside Cabins: These are the most budget-friendly option and are located on various decks throughout the ship.
Pros: Affordable, a good choice if you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the ship's amenities. Cons: No natural light or outside view. Can feel claustrophobic for some.
Oceanview Cabins: These cabins feature a window (often a porthole) that offers a view of the ocean.
Pros: More natural light than inside cabins, providing a connection to the outside world without the cost of a balcony. Cons: The window doesn't open, and the view might be obstructed depending on the cabin's location.
Balcony Cabins: These cabins feature a private balcony where you can relax, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the stunning ocean views.
Pros: Private outdoor space, beautiful views, increased natural light, and fresh air. Cons: More expensive than inside or oceanview cabins. Balconies offer little privacy from neighboring balconies.
Mini-Suites: Mini-Suites offer more space than standard balcony cabins, often including a separate seating area and a larger balcony.
Pros: More space, enhanced amenities, larger balconies, and a more luxurious feel. Cons: More expensive than standard balcony cabins but less expensive than full suites.
Suites: Suites are the most luxurious accommodations on the Ruby Princess, offering the most space, premium amenities, and often dedicated butler service.
Pros: Spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, larger balconies (sometimes with hot tubs), priority embarkation and disembarkation, and personalized service. Cons: The most expensive option.
Are there cabins to avoid on Ruby Princess?
While personal preferences vary, some cabins consistently receive more complaints than others. Cabins located near elevators, stairwells, or public areas like the theater or casino may experience noise. Similarly, cabins directly above or below the galley or engine room might also be noisy. Read reviews and check the deck plans carefully to identify potentially problematic locations. Consider cabins at the very front or back of the ship if you are prone to motion sickness.
Cruise Tips for Choosing the Best Cabin
Now that you have a better understanding of the Ruby Princess deck plans and cabin types, let’s dive into some actionable cruise tips to help you choose the best cabin for your needs.
1.Consider Your Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on your cabin. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on cabin categories that fit your budget. Inside cabins are the most affordable, while suites are the most expensive.
2.Think About Your Priorities: What's most important to you in a cabin? Is it space, a private balcony, a quiet location, or easy access to amenities? Make a list of your priorities to help guide your decision.
3.Study the Deck Plans: Use the deck plans to identify cabins that meet your needs and avoid those with potential drawbacks (e.g., near noisy areas or with obstructed views). Pay attention to the location of elevators, stairwells, and public areas.
4.Read Reviews: Look for online reviews of specific cabins or cabin categories on the Ruby Princess. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the actual experience of staying in those cabins.
5.Book Early: The best cabins tend to book up quickly, especially during peak season. To secure your preferred cabin, book your cruise as early as possible.
6.Consider a Guarantee Cabin (With Caution): While tempting for the cost savings, booking a "guarantee" cabin means you're guaranteed a cabin within that category, but you don't get to choose the specific location. This can be a good option if you're flexible and price-sensitive, but be aware that you could end up with a less desirable location.
7.Talk to a Cruise Specialist: A knowledgeable cruise specialist can provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and preferences. They can also help you navigate the deck plans and identify cabins that are a good fit for you.
How can I find a cabin with an unobstructed view?
Carefully examine the deck plans. Look for cabins marked with symbols indicating potential obstructions. Pay close attention to cabins on lower decks, as they are more likely to have obstructed views due to lifeboats or other structures. Reading reviews from previous passengers can also provide valuable insights into the views from specific cabins. Finally, contact a cruise specialist for personalized assistance.
With a little research and planning, you can confidently select the perfect cabin and deck location, setting the stage for an unforgettable cruise experience. Embrace the excitement of planning your trip, and remember that the memories you create onboard will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!