The Ruby Princess, a popular cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, has undergone several refurbishments since its maiden voyage in 2008. Understanding the timeline of these updates can help passengers appreciate the enhancements made to their cruising experience.
One of the most significant refurbishments of the Ruby Princess occurred in 2015, which included the addition of several new dining venues and an expanded buffet area. However, the most recent refurbishment took place in 2019, which brought a host of new features and upgrades to the ship.
2019 Refurbishment: A Comprehensive Update
The 2019 refurbishment of the Ruby Princess was a comprehensive update that touched nearly every aspect of the ship. The goal was to enhance the overall guest experience, from dining and entertainment to accommodations and public spaces.
This extensive makeover was part of Princess Cruises' "Come Back New Promise" initiative, which aimed to refresh and reimagine the line's ships to offer guests an even more memorable vacation experience.
New Dining Venues and Enhancements
One of the standout features of the 2019 refurbishment was the addition of several new dining venues. The ship welcomed the popular specialty restaurant, Sabatini's, offering Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Additionally, the World Fresh Marketplace, an expanded buffet area, was introduced, providing a wider variety of international dishes for guests to enjoy.
Other dining enhancements included the transformation of the former Sterling Steakhouse into the Crown Grill, a classic steakhouse with a new design and updated menu. The ship's main dining rooms also received a refresh, with new decor and updated menus that showcased a wider range of culinary options.
Entertainment and Public Spaces
The 2019 refurbishment also brought significant updates to the Ruby Princess' entertainment offerings and public spaces. The ship's main theater, the Princess Theater, was updated with new seating and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems to enhance the guest experience during production shows and other performances.
Other public spaces, such as the Atrium and the Piazza, were also refreshed with new furniture, decor, and artwork. The ship's retail shops were updated with a wider selection of merchandise, and the photo gallery received a makeover to showcase the latest photo technology and services.
Additional Refurbishment Highlights
Beyond the 2019 refurbishment, the Ruby Princess has undergone several other updates and enhancements over the years. In 2012, the ship received a significant makeover that included the addition of the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen and the addition of several new stateroom categories, including mini-suites and obstructed oceanview staterooms.
In 2015, the ship underwent another refurbishment that focused on enhancing the guest experience in the ship's public spaces and dining venues. This update included the addition of the popular SeaView Bar, an outdoor gathering spot with stunning ocean views, and the transformation of the former Wheelhouse Bar into the Bellini's Bar, an Italian-inspired cocktail lounge.
As the Ruby Princess continues to cruise the world's oceans, passengers can look forward to even more enhancements and updates in the years to come. With each refurbishment, the ship's owners and operators strive to create an even more memorable and enjoyable vacation experience for all who sail aboard.