An honest, in-depth Ruby Princess Alaska cruise review. Discover if this classic Princess ship is the right choice for your Alaskan adventure in 2025 or 2026.
As a Grand-class ship, the Ruby Princess embodies the classic Princess Cruises experience that has made the line a leader in Alaska for decades. Launched in 2008, it delivers a comfortable, destination-focused voyage that appeals to travelers who value enrichment and scenery over high-adrenaline onboard thrills. It’s a workhorse of the Alaska fleet, blending traditional cruise elements with modern technological conveniences.
For cruisers who want a deep dive into the culture and nature of the 49th state, supplemented by quality dining and service, the Ruby Princess remains one of the most reliable and rewarding options.
For the upcoming seasons, the Ruby Princess will primarily sail longer, 10- and 11-day Inside Passage itineraries roundtrip from San Francisco. This is a significant advantage for West Coast travelers looking to avoid a flight to a northern embarkation port.
A typical 10-day itinerary from San Francisco includes:
This schedule allows for a relaxed pace with ample time to enjoy the ship’s amenities while traveling to and from Alaska.
The Ruby Princess is well-equipped for an Alaskan journey, with specific features that enhance the experience.
Choosing the right cabin is crucial for maximizing your Alaska viewing experience. Nearly 80% of the outside cabins on Ruby Princess have a private balcony, which is highly recommended.
The dining experience on Ruby Princess is solid and traditional, with a few standout options.
Onboard life on the Ruby Princess is geared toward a more traditional cruise experience. Evenings are filled with Broadway-style production shows in the Princess Theater, live music in venues like the Wheelhouse Bar and Crooners, and dancing in the Skywalkers Nightclub.
During sea days, the schedule is packed with trivia, lectures from the naturalist team, and activities related to the “Discovery at Sea” program. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and social, appealing to couples and mature travelers more than families seeking high-energy activities like water slides or rock-climbing walls.
Yes, Ruby Princess is a very strong choice for Alaska. It's a Grand-class ship, offering a classic Princess experience that balances size with a focus on the destination. Its access to Glacier Bay, combined with Princess's excellent 'Discovery at Sea' enrichment programs and onboard naturalists, makes it ideal for travelers who prioritize learning and scenery.
For Alaska's scenic cruising, a private balcony is highly recommended. For one-way northbound itineraries (e.g., Vancouver to Anchorage/Seward), a starboard (right-side) balcony is best. For southbound itineraries, choose a port (left-side) balcony. Mid-ship cabins on higher decks like Caribe or Dolphin offer a great balance of view and stability.
Yes, Ruby Princess has itineraries that include Glacier Bay National Park. Princess Cruises has long-standing permits, ensuring many of its ships, including the Ruby, can offer this highly sought-after scenic cruising day.
For the 2025/2026 seasons, Ruby Princess primarily sails 10- and 11-day Inside Passage itineraries roundtrip from San Francisco. These typically include stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and a day of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm/Tracy Arm Fjord. Some itineraries also visit Sitka or Prince Rupert, BC.
With a capacity of 3,080 passengers, Ruby Princess is a large ship. In popular ports like Juneau or Skagway, you will feel its size, as multiple large ships often dock on the same day. However, it's smaller than many Royal Caribbean or Norwegian mega-ships, so the effect is less pronounced. The MedallionClass technology helps streamline embarkation and disembarkation, which can ease some of the congestion.
Key features for an Alaska cruise on Ruby Princess include the 'Discovery at Sea' program with onboard naturalists, Movies Under the Stars (with blankets for cool evenings), and numerous lounges with large windows for scenic viewing. The wraparound Promenade Deck is excellent for wildlife spotting. The OceanNow delivery service, part of the MedallionClass experience, is also great for getting a coffee or snack delivered to your balcony while you watch the scenery.
Compared to Holland America, Ruby Princess is larger and has a slightly more lively atmosphere. Versus Royal Caribbean or Norwegian, it offers a more traditional cruising experience with a much stronger focus on Alaskan culture and nature through its onboard programming. Princess's key differentiators are its deep roots in Alaska, guaranteed Glacier Bay access on many sailings, and the seamless MedallionClass technology.