Launched in 2008 the Ruby Princess is the newest ship of the Princess Fleet. The moment you step onboard you will know that you are on vacation. The central Piazza is the hub of the ship. Here you will find the Internation Cafe with plenty of snacks and specialty coffees. Nearby is Vines a wine bar where you can sample a vintage of your choice. In the upper decks of the Atrium is the fine shops of Princess. Here you will find plenty of duty free shopping right onboard.
Ruby Princess has a wrap around outdoor promenade where three times around equals one mile. Here you will also find steamer lounge chairs. I personally like this area when I want some quite time to read a book or just take in the sea air.
The ship has four pools and the Lotus Pool is adults only. Plus it has a swim against the current machine for a nice workout. Speaking of working out with all the food available from the Main dining rooms, specialty restuarants and the buffet including the first Caribbean specialty buffet at sea, you might want to avail yourself of the gym and the variety of classes that are offered.
From the casino to the show lounges you will find plenty to keep you busy. So stay tuned as I take you on a mini-tour in upcoming blogs.
It is that time again for the art adventure of a lifetime as Lyndelle's "Savor the Moment" art/cruise workshop embarks on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Ruby Princess. We will set sail on January 29, 2012 from Ft.Lauderdale visiting the exotic ports of Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.
Cruise fares begin at only $579pp based on double occupancy and exclude port charges and taxes and always remember that prices are subject to change without notice. You can hold you space for only a 25% deposit that is fully refundable until November 15, 2011.
The art workshop is only $165pp for 3-days of onboard instruction where the focus will be "Capturing Elusive Light". There will also be an optional plein air painting day at Princess Cays. The optional day is and additional $60pp however if you book by the end of September the cost for both will only $200pp. Each session will be between 2.5- 3.0 hours with ample one on one time with Lyndelle.
When asked what is "Capturing Elusive Light"? Lyndelle responds, "Either in the studio or outside, the most exciting element is the light and how it is used. Take your skills to new levels of creativity by 'turning on the light' for powerful paintings that captivate your audience."
Artists will be able indulge in art and relaxation where you can experience the beauty of both land and sea. Relax, eat to your hearts content, paint, create, play and bring along a love one to accompany you.
Even if you are not an artist you are invited to join our group and experience the Eastern Caribbean with us.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at travelsolutions@cox.net. Also check out Lyndelle's website at lyndelle.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Keep checking back as I will be posting information about the ship and the destinations.
Cabo San Lucas is our final port of call. Situated at "Land's End" and dividing the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortex, Cabo is a resort and fisherman's paradise. Over the years the port area has blossomed with shops, restaurants and bars to entertain the "weary" cruise passenger. Cruise guests are greeted by the familar Los Arcos rock formation. Many times I have stood on deck in the early morning to gaze at the formation as the sunlight hits the rocks. It is a very tranquil scene and one that I never tire of. Speeding pass the ship are sport fishing boats on their way to find the right spot for the big catch. I also keep my eyes open for whales. Every time I have visited Cabo I have been able to spot them from the ship.
This is the view of Lover's Beach. It is located on the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Looking through the gap you can view Divorce Beach where the crashing waves of the Pacific beat the beach creating a hazardous undertow. Once you visit their you understand how the beaches got their names.
Downtown Cabo San Lucas has many local shops and bars. It is worth walking around. There are also resorts where you can enjoy their beach amenities. San Jose Del Cabo is about a 30 minute drive north. It is the "quiet and quaint" Mexican Village. It has cobblestone streets and many local artisans. If your ship is in port long enough I would recommend heading there. All vessels anchor in the Sea of Cortez and tender passengers ashore. Just remember to get back to the tender terminal on time or the ship might leave without you.
Cabo has much to offer. You can chose to golf or go on an ATV adventure. Take a whale watching trip or go snorkeling or diving. Hang out at the beach or just lounge on the ship and enjoy the view. What will your Cabo expierence be?
Our second port is Mazatlan. Many people comment that there is not much to see in Mazatlan because they only view the city from the cruise ship. The ships dock in a working industrial port and if you stay on board you miss a city filled with old world charm and 21st century resorts. There are several hidden corners of Mazatlan but lets start with the ones that stand out.
Outside the cruise terminal you will find pulmonias. These are open air cabs that can be hired for about $5 per person. The name pulmonia comes from the belief that riding in the open air can cause pneumonia. The pulmonia can take you on a 5 minute ride to Plaza Republica in the heart of the old town. It is also only a 15 minute walk (I have walked from there back to the ship).
A lovely plaza with a gazebo surrounded by vendors and shoe shiners. It is quaint and a very enjoyable place to hang out for awhile. Next to the plaza you will find the Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion. A very beautiful church. Not far way there is the Mercado with merchants selling everything from t-shirts to pigs heads. It is a very interesting place that gives the flavor of the local enviroment.
A 5 minute stroll back towards the cruise ship along Benito Juarez is the Plaza Machado. It is an artist colony surrounded by galleries, cafes and a restored theatre that houses an art insitute. It is a great place to stop for lunch and a cerveza.
After experiencing the old town grab a pulmonia and head out to Zona Dorado (Golden Zone). There you will find resorts, high end shopping and jewelry stores. Also, you will find the infamous Senor Frogs. Worth seeing at least once. We enjoy hanging out at the Las Flores resort directly across the street from the jewelry stores. The beach is lovely with a view of Stone Island. You are also welcome to use their pool and beach chairs. This is an excellent place for lunch and the staff is very friendly and attentive.
Mazatlan is also home to a bird sanctuary and some great nature hikes. Outside the city there are charming villages in the Sierra Madres if one is inclined to take a day trip. Mazatlan is also home of the Pacifico Brewery and a sports fisherman's paradise. Since time is limited a second, third or fourth visit is recommended.
We are fortunate that our first port call is from 8am till 8 pm.This will give everyone a chance to experience a long taste of Puerto Vallarta. From a shore excursion into the Sierra Madres to sipping a margarita or drinking a cervezas at a local restuarant you will enjoy your visit here.
Situated on Bahia de Bandera (bay of Flags) Puerto Vallarta has grown from a sleepy fishing village and secret getway of the Stars (Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) into one of Mexico's shining tourism jewels. The Bay itself is Mexico's largest and one of the largest in the world. In some places the depth of the bay is 3,000ft. There is great contrast here. Across from the cruise terminal is a high end mall called the Galleria with Wal-Mart next door. 3 miles south you arrive at the old town and the Malecon (boardwalk) with cobblestone streets and plenty of restuarants and shops.
The iconic image of Puerto Vallarta is the crown on the bell tower of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. Nearby is the main square with a gazebo and normally artist painting and selling their work. As you walk along the Malecon you will notice unique sculptures as well as sand sculptures along the beach.
Just south of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Rio Cuale. One of my favorite places where you will find local merchants in their shops. This tree covered river area is also home to numerous iguanas. If you look carefully in the trees you will be able to spot them. This is also a great place to step into an upscale restuarant and have a margarita. The charm along the Rio Cuale will stay in your heart for years to come. It is one of the reasons we continue to return to Puerto Vallarta.
Take a moment and get a video taste of Puerto Vallarta.
There are so many things to do in each port of call. A few years ago Lyndelle and I participated in the Zipline Canopy Tour. We had a great time. It was very exhilarating. Take a look at the video for just a small taste. Holland America is unique when it comes to cruising the Mexican Riviera. They have a special Sea of Cortez itinerary that visits La Paz, Loreto and Topolabambo- where you can take a train ride to the famed "Copper Canyon".
What will your Mexican adventure be? Will you visit the quaint Rio Cuale in Puerto Vallarta for its local artisan shops as well as iquanas in the trees? You can settle in one of the restuarants and enjoy a margarita. Maybe a tequilla tour at a hacienda where you can sample some exotic blends. In Mazatlan there is a hidden jewel not far from the famed church in Old Town. About 3 blocks south on Benito Juarez you will find the Plaza Machado. This small plaza is surrounded by street front cafes and aritst galleries. It is truly a small artist enclave. Of course there is always the Zona Dorado (Golden Zone) filled with high end jewelry stores. Right across the street is the Las Flores resort. Here you can have a wonderful lunch and enjoy the beach.
Cruising with a group is so much fun and the fun just got better now that the price for an obstructed ocean view cabin has been reduced. For our 2011 Cruise Workshop aboard the Oosterdam the pricing is now $449pp for an inside stateroom; $499pp for an obstructed oceanview stateroom; $699pp for a verandah stateroom and $949pp for a veranday suite. Fares do not include port charges, taxes and tips.
We are hoping you can join us for this spectacular adventure. Please check the previous post for more information. And do not hesitate to contact us directly at travlesolutions@cox.net.
The ship has four pools and the Lotus Pool is adults only. Plus it has a swim against the current machine for a nice workout. Speaking of working out with all the food available from the Main dining rooms, specialty restuarants and the buffet including the first Caribbean specialty buffet at sea, you might want to avail yourself of the gym and the variety of classes that are offered. 
