Embark on an unforgettable **Gourmet Girlfriends Getaway** aboard the magnificent **Ruby Princess**, where culinary delights and treasured friendships intertwine. This comprehensive **foodie guide to the Ruby Princess** unveils all the exquisite dining options and culinary experiences awaiting you at sea, promising a vacation that truly savors every moment.
Ruby Princess Gourmet Getaway: A Culinary Journey with Friends
While cruises are often envisioned as romantic escapes for couples, I’ve discovered they offer an equally fantastic, if not more vibrant, opportunity to gather friends and forge unforgettable memories. And for those with a deep passion for exceptional food? A cruise that caters to discerning palates, offering a vast array of delectable choices, is simply unparalleled.
When Princess Cruises extended an invitation to a media trip featuring some of my favorite food bloggers, I knew instantly that this was an experience not to be missed. The promise of exploring diverse culinary landscapes at sea with fellow gourmands was too enticing to resist. Admittedly, a slight apprehension lingered about cruising solely with a friend, as my husband couldn’t join this particular adventure. I sometimes find myself needing a bit of personal space after extended periods with others. However, the spacious Ruby Princess quickly dispelled these worries. Its sheer size and the multitude of activities available made it perfect for enjoying shared moments while also allowing for individual exploration and relaxation. The ship offered so many engaging things to do, see, and taste that seven days never felt repetitive or confining, especially when accompanied by my wonderful friend Sandra from A Dash of Sanity, whose company I genuinely never tire of.
While I eagerly anticipate sharing details about the stunning destinations we explored, I want to begin with the absolute highlight of our journey on the Ruby Princess: the incredible food! Princess Cruises truly sets the standard for exceptional dining at sea. Their commitment to culinary excellence is evident in every dish, thanks to a team of highly skilled and esteemed chefs boasting prestigious international pedigrees. This dedication translates into a diverse, unique, and consistently delicious array of meals that we absolutely adored.
The Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Ruby Princess: A Culinary Voyage
The Sanctuary: An Oasis of Tranquility and Light Bites
The Sanctuary, an exclusive adults-only retreat, quickly became our cherished haven for relaxation on the Ruby Princess. Perched at the very front of the ship, it provides breathtaking panoramic views – the perfect backdrop for unwinding and enjoying a sophisticated snack. While not a traditional dining venue, The Sanctuary thoughtfully offers a curated menu of light nibbles, refreshing juices, invigorating smoothies, and various beverages, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely light lunch, a healthy snack, or a refined afternoon tea.
Designed for ultimate comfort, The Sanctuary features plush, padded loungers and an exceptionally attentive staff dedicated to anticipating your every need. On sun-drenched days, they refresh guests with cool misters and iced towels, while on chillier days, they provide cozy fleece blankets. The special spa menu is packed with healthy and delicious options, including an array of dips, fresh wraps, and a variety of juices and smoothies, all contributing to a luxuriously quiet and calm ambiance. There is a nominal daily or afternoon charge to experience The Sanctuary’s exclusive amenities, and given its popularity, making reservations in advance is highly recommended. You can reserve individual seats or even an entire section if you’re traveling with a group. For those seeking a more intimate experience, some loungers are designed as doubles, perfect for snuggling up and enjoying the serene environment with a loved one.
Pool Deck Delights: Pizza, Ice Cream, and Signature Cocktails
Our journey along the sun-kissed Mexican Riviera route meant the pool decks were the heart of activity throughout our trip. Fortunately, when the heat beckoned for casual attire and a relaxed meal, delicious options were just steps away from the water. I absolutely adored the convenience and quality of the poolside pizza and ice cream bar. The pizzas, with their delightfully crunchy, New York-style thin crusts, were incredibly tasty. We often found ourselves gravitating towards the spot, hoping to catch a fresh slice emerging from the oven – and we were rarely disappointed! The lines were always short, typically one or two people deep, making it a fantastic quick dining choice. As for refreshing beverages, we sampled several cocktails and mocktails, all expertly crafted. However, my absolute favorite was the 3 Citrus Margarita. I highly recommend ordering it on the rocks with a salt rim instead of the standard frozen version with sugar. Trust me, this slight customization transforms it into an utterly perfect margarita – so much so that by the end of the trip, I had convinced almost everyone in our group to try it!
The Salty Dog Gastropub: A Culinary Adventure in Small Plates
The Salty Dog Gastropub emerged as one of our most cherished dining experiences aboard the Ruby Princess. Its concept perfectly aligned with our adventurous foodie spirits, encouraging us to sample a wide array of dishes. Our table of four strategically ordered multiple small plates, ensuring we covered as much of the innovative menu as possible. This approach allowed us to savor a diverse palette of flavors and textures in one sitting.
The Salty Dog specializes in gourmet small plates, designed for mixing, matching, and sharing. This unique format allows guests to curate their ideal meal, discovering an abundance of inventive and intriguing dishes that embody a sophisticated pub aesthetic. The attentive staff further elevates the experience, always ready to recommend the perfect mocktail, craft beer, fine wine, or cocktail to complement your chosen dishes. Their expertise added another layer of enjoyment to an already exceptional meal.
Must-Order Delights: Be sure to try the delicate Asparagus and Halloumi, the flavorful Ernesto Burger, the rich Cheese Fondue, the comforting Beef Short Rib Poutine, and for dessert, the innovative Coffee and Doughnuts, and the zesty Lemon Posset. Each dish is a testament to the gastropub’s creative culinary vision.
Traditional Tea Time: An Elegant Daily Ritual at Sea
Every day at 3:30 PM, Princess Cruises beautifully upholds the timeless tradition of Tea Time, transforming it into a delightful ritual at sea. Whether you choose the tranquil setting of The Sanctuary (complimentary with Sanctuary access) or one of the elegant Dining Rooms (available with a $10 surcharge, or $20 with champagne for an elevated experience), impeccable trays laden with delicate tea sandwiches and exquisite desserts are gracefully presented. Alongside, perfectly brewed cups of tea are poured, creating a moment of refined indulgence. This lovely and utterly delicious tradition offers a perfect midday pause, allowing guests to relax and savor a taste of classic elegance amidst their cruise adventure.
Must-Try: The freshly baked scones, especially when served with clotted cream and jam, are an absolute must. Also, don’t miss the delicate fruit tarts, mini tiramisu, and the classic ham and prosciutto sandwiches.
Main Dining Rooms: DaVinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo
The Ruby Princess’s main dining rooms—DaVinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo—offer a flexible and welcoming atmosphere for every diner. Guests can choose from a variety of seating options, ranging from large communal tables perfect for groups or shared dinners to intimate smaller tables ideal for a romantic evening. These elegant dining venues feature rotating menus, showcasing a global array of favorite culinary choices. Beyond the daily selections, themed nights, such as the vibrant Italian night where the staff donned charming special uniforms, add an extra layer of fun and immersion to the dining experience.
With an abundance of choices available for each course, guests are never left wanting. The attentive waitstaff ensures that if you desire more after a particular course, your request is met with grace. The presentation of every dish in these dining rooms is consistently spectacular, delivering a truly four-star dinner experience without any additional surcharge. This commitment to quality and elegance makes dining in the main rooms a highlight of the Princess cruise experience.
Must-Try Dishes: Indulge in the classic Surf and Turf, succulent Lobster, flavorful Roasted Pheasant, the delightful Pistachio Dome Dessert, and the iconic Chocolate Love Boat Dessert.
Share by Curtis Stone: A Sophisticated & Collaborative Dining Experience
On our inaugural night aboard the Ruby Princess, we had the distinct pleasure of dining at Share by Curtis Stone, a signature restaurant by the acclaimed celebrity chef. This space on board captivated me instantly with its sleek, rustic, yet modern aesthetic—it felt incredibly cozy and inviting. Beyond its beautiful design, the culinary offerings were nothing short of incredibly delicious! The concept of “sharing” dishes was truly embraced, fostering a convivial atmosphere where we delighted in sampling each other’s selections. Our dinner was a fantastic start to the cruise, highlighting the innovative and refined approach to cuisine.
I genuinely wished we had more time to explore every facet of Share’s menu. Its delicious offerings and the restaurant’s wonderfully cozy ambiance made it an ideal setting—whether for a romantic evening or a memorable gathering with friends, creating a sense of homey comfort even at sea. My meal was a testament to the chef’s expertise, featuring an abundance of perfectly prepared lobster. The Lobster Tagliatelle and the Butter Poached Lobster were both exquisitely prepared, providing a truly memorable and luxurious start to our week-long culinary cruise adventure.
Must-Order: Don’t miss the rich Lobster Tagliatelle, the decadent Butter Poached Lobster, the unique Melted Leeks with Confit Egg Yolk, and for a sweet finish, the indulgent Dark Chocolate Cremeaux.
The Chef’s Table: An Exclusive Culinary Immersion
The Chef’s Table on the Ruby Princess is less a standalone restaurant and more an immersive culinary experience within the main dining room, offering a distinct function and a bespoke menu (and does entail a surcharge). This exceptional evening commenced with an exclusive galley tour, guiding us through the immense and immaculate main kitchens of the Ruby Princess. This behind-the-scenes glimpse was nothing short of exceptional, revealing the incredible precision and dedication that goes into preparing meals for thousands at sea.
The galley itself was absolutely spotless. Every member of the kitchen crew—from dishwashers and chefs to waiters—demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sanitation. We were asked to wash our hands repeatedly and use antimicrobial wash as we toured, highlighting their rigorous hygiene standards. The kitchen was so impeccably clean, one could metaphorically eat off the counters and floors—it truly left me wishing they could come clean my house! During the tour, we were presented with one-of-a-kind appetizers, each uniquely delicious, and had the privilege of meeting the Executive Chef and Maitre D’ onboard. They were genuinely delightful, engaging us in a thoughtful conversation about the profound importance of slowing down to truly savor a meal, appreciating food’s textures, and relishing every flavor note.
This poignant message about mindful eating resonated deeply with me; in our fast-paced lives, taking more time to connect with our food and friends is invaluable. Hearing these insights directly from the Chef was a truly enriching experience. The menu for the Chef’s Table is a dynamic creation, changing with each offering, so I cannot guarantee specific dishes will be available during your visit. However, I can certainly share some of my unforgettable favorites from our evening!
The Margarita Sorbet, served as a palate cleanser mid-menu, was absolutely sensational. It delivered a rich burst of tequila flavor while remaining incredibly light and bright—the perfect interlude to reset our taste buds for the courses ahead. I honestly could have devoured buckets of it, it was that good! And then there were the desserts… simply unreal. A dazzling array of elegant and inventive creations, each a miniature work of art, made it difficult to resist trying every single one. The petit fours, in particular, were stunning masterpieces, showcasing the world-class talent of their chocolatier.
Vines Wine Bar: A Sophisticated Sip and Savour Experience
Vines Wine Bar is an exquisite destination on the Ruby Princess, offering a superb selection of wines (with a surcharge) complemented by an array of complimentary tapas and fresh sushi when you order a glass. Conveniently nestled in a corner off the Grand Piazza, Vines offers the perfect vantage point for people-watching and enjoying the ship’s vibrant “Colors of the World Entertainment” programs. During our cruise, these included engaging dancing lessons, a lively Oktoberfest celebration, a colorful Día De Los Muertos event, and much more—all providing delightful entertainment while we relaxed.
The tapas and sushi menu at Vines evolves throughout the journey, so while I can’t pinpoint a specific “must-order” item, I was particularly impressed by the sushi. The fish, though cut a little leaner than what you might find at most land-based sushi establishments, was exceptionally fresh and delicious. If you’re seeking the perfect wine recommendation, don’t hesitate to engage with the knowledgeable staff. We quickly developed a fondness for the wine bar waiter (yes, we were frequent visitors!), who consistently introduced us to interesting and delicious wines, always sharing his informed opinions. We never encountered a recommendation we didn’t thoroughly enjoy, making each visit a delightful discovery.
International Cafe: Your All-Day Gourmet Hub
The International Cafe is a true gem on the Ruby Princess, serving as an ideal all-day stop for quick, high-quality refreshments and snacks. It offers a fabulous selection of coffee, tea, and chai, all expertly prepared and reasonably priced around $2-3. What truly sets it apart are the complimentary baked goodies and chilled desserts available throughout the day, providing a delightful treat whenever a craving strikes. Additionally, guests can enjoy fresh salads, savory sandwiches, and exquisite gelato for a small surcharge of under $2. This convenient and inviting spot ensures that delicious options are always within reach, whether you’re starting your day with a rich coffee or seeking a sweet indulgence in the afternoon.
Must-Order: Indulge in their perfectly crafted lattes, the flaky almond and chocolate croissants, refreshing gelato, classic tiramisu, the light watermelon caprese salad, and the satisfying ham and cheese croissant.
With such an abundance of incredible dining options onboard the Ruby Princess, it was simply impossible to try them all during our gourmet girlfriends’ getaway. This only means one thing: I absolutely need a longer cruise next time to savor every single dish! I’m already envisioning a return trip with my husband on a Princess ship soon, eager to re-experience these culinary delights all over again. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to figure out how to work off some of this “extra baggage” I enthusiastically brought home – let’s just say zipping up my jeans comfortably has become a bit of a challenge! Perhaps the gym will see a lot more of me on the next cruise!
