Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets with retro trolleys letting you hop on and off around the city in style and infamous Alcatraz, San Francisco is northern California’s hub for arts, cool cuisine in Chinatown and a myriad of film settings around Fisherman’s Warf. Visitors can marvel at the charming “postcard row” of delightful Victorian houses, and choose from a number of riverside bars to relax in.
Things to do in San Francisco:
Alcatraz
Situated on an island out in the San Francisco bay, Alcatraz was probably the world’s most famous high-security prison. Serving as a high-security jail for the US’s most hardened criminals it was said the facility was impossible to escape from- luckily, today the destination is a fascinating museum.
Golden Gate Bridge
Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate suspension bridge is one of the USA’s most iconic pieces or architecture. Spanning one mile across San Francisco bay out towards the Pacific, around the constructional marvel there is also got a gift shop and tourist facilities to match the stunning views.
Napa and Sonoma Valleys
The most famous international wine growing region in the whole of the USA, these scenic valleys of vineyards are a must for anyone who loves wine-tasting in some of the world’s most beautifully manicured landscapes.
Ketchikan
DAY 4 - 28 Aug 2023
Ketchikan is famous for the totem heritage museum, educating sightseers about the indigenous populations’ history and culture with an unrivalled display of native totems and artefacts. For those wanting to learn about the gold rush a visit to Dolly’s House Museum and downtown Creek Street is a good comparison along with the great Alaskan lumberjack show. Nature lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy dramatic sights at nearby misty fjords national monument.
Things to do in Ketchikan:
Totem Heritage Center
Boasting one of the most extensive collections of original 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned Tingit settlements. Many other original Native American artefacts are displayed here, as well as traditional arts and crafts workshops being held to keep native skills and traditions alive.
Juneau
DAY 5 - 29 Aug 2023
The capital of Alaska, Juneau boasts a plethora of national parks in its surrounding area, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, teaming with iconic wildlife such as salmon, bears, and bald eagles. The city of Juneau is also well worth a stop in itself with such attractions as the Alaska State Museum and iconic cable car ride for breath-taking views. Visitors will love delectable locally-sourced seafood as well as a range of other cuisines in town.
Things to do in Juneau:
Stephens Passage
Stephens Passage is a shortcut through Southeast Alaska, close by to South Juneau, therefore widely used by ships for many different reasons. Not only this, it’s a popular route for humpback whales and sea lions with plenty of opportunities to spot the mammals.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is 13 and a half miles of towering deeply packed ice over thousands of years. Named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an alumnus of Ohio State University, the glacier tours are available by cruise ship, tour bus and even helicopter.
Tongass National Park
At 17 million square acres, Tongass boasts being the largest national park on US soil. Perfect for exploring via hiking trail or the famous mount Roberts aerial tramway, Tongass National Park has it all when it comes to Alaskan landscapes and wildlife.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Located inside the area of the Tongass National Park and Named in honour of Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier of ice across from Stephen’s Passage is a truly breath-taking experience of nature in motion.
Inside Passage
Cruising through the inside passage of Alaska is a simply a must to see dramatic scenery of mountains, fjords and glaciers, and whales playing in the bay right by your ship, as well as stopping off at the towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a real highlight in any tour of Alaska due to its remarkable wall of ice, as well as surrounding wildlife and natural landscapes where you can see bears and eagles among the dramatic scenery.
Sitka
DAY 6 - 30 Aug 2023
Formerly Novo-Arkhangelsk, Sitka has a more a Russian feel than other Alaskan towns with orthodox style buildings and churches. In fact, this was the location where Russia officially sold ‘Russian America’ to the US in 1867 to become what is now the state of Alaska. Sitka also has a deep affinity with the native Tlingit population and preserving culture, nature and history with the Sitka National Historical Park as well as bear and bird sanctuaries.
Things to do in Sitka:
Sitka National Historical Park
Famous for its numerous totem poles scattered among the trees of the scenic woodland, often with your cruise ship visible out in the bay, Sitka National Historical Park is a must for lovers of nature and indigenous history of Alaska alike, complete with woodcarving studio and experts talks.
Alaska Raptor Center
This wildlife sanctuary helps Alaska’s most beautiful birdlife such as owls, golden eagles and the iconic bald eagles as they are rescued and reared back to full rehabilitation. Here, experts give talks and educate visitors all about these impressive animals with flights displays and talks.
Fortress of the Bear
If you had tour heart set on seeing an Alaskan brown bear but didn’t manage to spot one on any tours so far, a trip to this bear sanctuary is a sure way to see some of the state’s most popular wildlife up close and personal.
St Michael's Orthodox Cathedral
The original orthodox cathedral in America, St Michael’s cathedral is a testament to Alaska’s original colonisation by Russia. With classic orthodox architecture typical of the Old Russian Empire, the cathedral displays typical triple crosses, domed roofs and interior artworks.
Endicott Arm
DAY 7 - 31 Aug 2023
Located in New York, the village of Endicott is a small, laid-back place to explore along the Susquehanna River, the 16th-largest river in the United States. In the village itself visitors can find West Endicott Park Carousel, a beautifully preserved attraction built in 1929 which still delights families to this day. As well as this is the Cider Mill Playhouse which has showcased more than 5,000 performances on its stage.
Things to do in Endicott Arm:
West Endicott Park Carousel
A historical park carousel kept inside a pavilion structure. Inside, the grand carousel has 36 figures to ride consisting of a pig and dog and 34 jumping horses along with two chariot places.
Victoria, British Columbia
DAY 9 - 02 Sep 2023
The capital of British Columbia, Victoria sits just below Vancouver looking south and east over the Salish Sea. The city has a number of attractions such as the old carousel, Royal BC Museum Craigdarroch Castle and Chinatown district. However, the highlight of Victoria is its surrounding natural beauty where a tour is a must to Thetic Lake Regional Park. Here, you can explore the wonderful nature by hiking trail and sport wildlife such as eagles.
Things to do in Victoria, British Columbia:
Royal BC Museum
This fascinating natural and human history museum boasts over 7 million exhibits as well as a giant IMAX cinema for out-of-this-world shows. A highlight has to be the exhibitions covering the culture and history of indigenous peoples of North America.
Craigdarroch Castle
Built by Robert Dunsmuir in 1890 with investments in the local coal industry, this Victorian-style mansion is where you can learn all about the family and locals’ fascinating history, while exploring the quirky castle via artefacts displayed in each restored room.
Chinatown District
Originating in 1858, Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. With charming narrow, winding streets, Chinatown offers not only delicious food but an immersive look into the lives of its inhabitant past and present.
Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park offers pleasant walks around the banks of the lake and gorgeous evergreen woodlands, with easy yet beautiful hiking. Here, you get to spot such species as rainbow trout, red squirrels and the odd fellow hiker’s dog.
San Francisco
DAY 11 - 04 Sep 2023
Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets with retro trolleys letting you hop on and off around the city in style and infamous Alcatraz, San Francisco is northern California’s hub for arts, cool cuisine in Chinatown and a myriad of film settings around Fisherman’s Warf. Visitors can marvel at the charming “postcard row” of delightful Victorian houses, and choose from a number of riverside bars to relax in.
Things to do in San Francisco:
Alcatraz
Situated on an island out in the San Francisco bay, Alcatraz was probably the world’s most famous high-security prison. Serving as a high-security jail for the US’s most hardened criminals it was said the facility was impossible to escape from- luckily, today the destination is a fascinating museum.
Golden Gate Bridge
Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate suspension bridge is one of the USA’s most iconic pieces or architecture. Spanning one mile across San Francisco bay out towards the Pacific, around the constructional marvel there is also got a gift shop and tourist facilities to match the stunning views.
Napa and Sonoma Valleys
The most famous international wine growing region in the whole of the USA, these scenic valleys of vineyards are a must for anyone who loves wine-tasting in some of the world’s most beautifully manicured landscapes.
Customer reviews for Ruby Princess
4.6
Based on 18 reviews
Cabin
4.6
Service
4.6
Excursions
4.6
Dining
4.6
Activities
4.6
Value for money
4.6
Entertainment
4.6
Ship good with well sized balcony rooms with plenty of storage space. Food good.
Verified customer
1 cruise
12 Sep 2018
This ship is fantastic we have been on this ship twice and I would definitely recommend it - the cabins, food and shows are Brilliant
Verified customer
1 cruise
30 Sep 2017
Excellent service on board. Food was of a good quality and plentiful. Although a lot of people on board the ship it never felt busy. Some of the decor looking a little tired and out of date now. The Horizon Court a little motorway caféesque with plastic cups etc but plenty of other venues to choose from. Ship very clean but a lot of passengers had coughs which was off putting - perhaps something should have been said/done to prevent the spread especially whilst in confined areas eg coach trips, lifts and also whilst dining.
Verified customer
1 cruise
23 Mar 2015
Great ship with lots of super bars and restaurants. Staff were brilliant and everything was extremely well organised. Only downside was a lack of top class entertainment. Theatre productions were sadly missing on this ship.
*Handcrafted Cruise & Stay Holidays - Flash sale £50p is valid for New bookings Only made by 31st January 2023 with a Minimum Spend £1599pp
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
