New Ruby Princess Sails Caribbean despite Uncertain Economic Waters

While the economy’s got that sinking feeling, maybe taking a trip on something that still floats isn’t such a bad idea.

Going on a cruise has always been viewed as kind of an all-inclusive on water. Meals, your room and entertainment are included in the price. And Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and sales for Princess Cruises, said the cost for a 12-day European cruise next summer was 40 percent less than a similar land-based vacation.

The Ruby Princess, the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, is sailing the Caribbean through April, then it journeys to the Mediterranean. My husband and I took a cruise on the Ruby’s second trip around the Western Caribbean in November.

This is the hardest ticket to get on the ship. For $150, just a dozen passengers get to take a three-hour tour during each cruise to see the inner workings of the Ruby Princess. Get a look behind the scenes at “Once Upon a Dream” in the Princess Theater, visit the pastry shop, print shop, photo lab, medical center, the bridge and watch a most amazing machine called the Omega crossfolder do just that: fold thousands of bed linens.

For an extra $25 per person, shake up your dinner plans one night and try this steak and seafood restaurant. Crown Grill has room for only 160 people, so reservations are required. Trust me, it’s worth making plans for the filet mignon.

The crew brings out the cushions for the deck chairs for passengers to watch “Mamma Mia!” on the 300-square-foot movie screen overlooking the Calypso Pool. Some of the other movies included “Get Smart,” “Baby Mama,” “Swing Vote” and “Hancock.” Yes, the popcorn is free.

At the very front of the ship lies the Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat. I got a taste of it after a visit at Lotus Spa. Here, the palm trees and private cabanas shield you from the sun. Passengers chill in lounge chairs with cheery, soothing yellow-and-white striped cushions.

They listen to iPods (provided) and sip water with cucumber slices or strawberries. Sanctuary makes a great case for skipping a few shore excursions. Who wants to stand in line to get a cab to George Town, Grand Cayman, when you can do this? Again, this is first-come, first-served. The fee is $10 for morning or afternoon sessions, or $20 for all day.