Cruising was an entirely novel experience for me, and I approached it with a blend of excitement and curiosity. While I had heard countless stories about the joys of cruising, nothing could have prepared me for the immersive adventure that lay ahead.
Our first glimpse of the Ruby Princess, majestically moored in San Francisco's port, as we crossed the Bay Bridge. A sight that kickstarted our excitement for the adventure ahead.
Setting Sail on My Maiden Voyage
As I boarded the Ruby Princess, I was welcomed by the friendly and professional staff. This was my first taste of the exceptional service that Princess Cruises is renowned for. The ease of embarkation set a positive tone for the journey, and I felt a sense of anticipation building as we set sail from San Francisco and headed toward the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco, was a mesmerizing sight as we sailed beneath it. The ship's immense size seemed almost incongruous with the grandeur of the bridge, yet we passed through gracefully. It was a moment I'll cherish forever, a fusion of natural beauty and human engineering.
The Ruby Princess: A Floating Oasis
The Ruby Princess served as our floating oasis, and the ship's amenities were impressive. Touchscreen displays, accessible via our Medallion, allowed us to effortlessly access information, streamlining our activities and exploration. The ship's modernity was evident, and I appreciated the seamless integration of technology into the cruise experience.
The Medallion on my wrist, not just a fashion statement but the key to the kingdom. It unlocks doors, pays for drinks, and even lets the family track me down—if I let 'em
Throughout our journey, I couldn't help but be impressed by the ship's photography services. Dedicated photographers roamed the ship, capturing candid moments and setting up portrait studios during the evenings. While I initially wondered about the informal style of some photos, I soon realized their value. These images provided passengers, many cruising for the first time, with memorable snapshots that celebrated togetherness.
The ship's photography studio offered guests the opportunity to view and purchase these photos promptly or access them through the official app. This convenience added a layer of enjoyment to the cruise experience.
High Points of the Staff: A Princely Experience
One of the standout features of the cruise was undoubtedly the exceptional staff. From the moment we stepped on board, they went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. Jermaine, our stateroom steward, deserves special mention for his impeccable service. His meticulous care of our stateroom ensured that it was always a welcoming haven after a day of exploration.
In the ship's dining venues, we were treated to exceptional service from dedicated staff like Jennifer, our server, and Jeffrey, the maître d'. Their warmth and attention to detail made our dining experiences genuinely memorable. As we indulged in delectable meals each evening, Jennifer took the time to chat with us and even introduced us to the chef. Hearing about the culinary intricacies and the effort that went into preparing meals for so many passengers was both enlightening and inspiring.
Reflecting on the journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the encounters with friendly locals at each port of call. Whether it was a local garbageman offering directions in Prince Rupert or the warm welcome we received on the streets, the friendliness of the people we met left a lasting impression.
Exploring the Alaskan Wilderness
After 2.5 days at sea, we reached Juneau, Alaska, our first port of call. Rainy skies greeted us, but it only added drama to the vistas. While exploring, we relied more on our iPhones than our dedicated cameras due to the weather. Our only plan was to wander and immerse ourselves in this captivating city.
The next stop was Skagway, Alaska, where we embarked on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. The journey, though shrouded in fog, presented an unforgettable experience. Brunch at the destination might not have been gourmet, but the overall adventure more than made up for it.
A haunting vista from the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, where clouds and fog conspire to turn the landscape into something straight out of a dream.
Returning to the ship, we encountered rain, fog, and a broken windshield wiper on the bus, which delayed us a bit. However, this incident showcased our driver's knowledge and commitment to safety.
When life gives you a broken windshield wiper and a rain delay, make a foggy family portrait. Our impromptu shoot by the 'Welcome to Alaska' sign—nothing but smiles under those clouds.
Our journey led us to Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier, a breathtaking spectacle. Rain and cold didn't deter me from capturing its magnificence. I began my backup workflow in the evening, ensuring my precious images were safe.
Ethan, Drew, and Will, binoculars at the ready, soaking up the jaw-dropping vistas near Endicott Arm Glacier. A moment that proves some views deserve a closer look.
The gateway to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier served up a feast for the eyes, but this view? It was the showstopper. So stunning, it's got a reserved spot on my wall.
A companion piece to my earlier favorite, but this one's captured with the full might of a 70-200mm lens and a 1.5x converter. The perfect frame for an equally perfect landscape.
The cruise continued with a stop in Ketchikan, where we enjoyed the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The town's charm and the amusing lumberjack antics made for an entertaining morning. The rest of the day was spent exploring Creek Street and watching resident seals playfully snatch salmon.
Friendly Encounters: Prince Rupert, Canada
Our final port of call was Prince Rupert, Canada. Unlike the previous stops, it seemed less impacted by the cruise industry. We visited the local museum, walked extensively, and observed the influence of the indigenous population on the town's culture and history. The warmth of the locals was evident in all our interactions, making this stop truly enjoyable.
In Prince Rupert, I couldn't help but notice how the cruise ship, a colossal floating city, contrasted with the town's quaintness. The juxtaposition emphasized the unique experience of cruising in Alaska, where the grandeur of nature meets the warmth of human hospitality.
The Ruby Princess docked in Prince Rupert, a behemoth against the backdrop of pristine wilderness. The dark clouds only amplify the striking contrast. It's nature meets machine, each making the other more compelling.
Photography: Capturing Alaska's Splendor
As a photographer, this cruise provided an ideal platform to capture the majestic beauty of Alaska.
I meticulously selected my gear for the journey. At the core was my Nikon Z9, a mirrorless powerhouse with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. These versatile tools let me immortalize everything from expansive landscapes to intimate portraits with unmatched clarity. I included a 1.5x teleconverter to extend my telephoto reach, facilitating shots of distant wildlife and intricate glacier details.
My trusty arsenal for the trip: Camera gear and an iPad for on-the-go editing, all carefully curated for capturing Alaska's grandeur. Charging stations and cables didn't make the cut for the pic, but trust me, they were just as essential.
In addition to the Nikon, the Fuji GFX II celebrated for its medium format sensor delivering exceptional image quality, was a valuable companion. Equipped with a 50mm f/3.5 lens and a versatile 32-64mm f/4 zoom, the Fuji added its unique touch to my photography, especially in capturing expansive vistas and rich details.
Polarizing filters, essential for enhancing colors and minimizing reflections in Alaska's diverse landscapes, were indispensable accessories that significantly improved the final images.
Managing the multitude of photos anticipated during this journey demanded a robust solution. The iPad Pro 12.9 inch was my mobile editing and curation hub, facilitating on-the-go review and organization of images.
Multitasking at its finest: me, kicking back in the Explorer lounge, while my iPad does the heavy lifting of downloading the day's captures. Work and play blending seamlessly, just the way I like it.
I carried the SABRENT 2TB External Aluminum SSD and the SanDisk Professional 2TB G-DRIVE SSD for backup and peace of mind. These rugged, high-speed drives ensured my precious photos remained safe and easily accessible throughout the voyage.
Same chill spot, but now the whole squad's in the frame. Camera bag on the floor, stuffed with gear, and the iPad still grinding away on the table. It's my mobile command center, lounge edition.
I relied on the Anker USB-C Hub to streamline connectivity and data transfer. This versatile tool simplified importing photos and videos to my devices. Its 7-in-1 design provided the essential ports I needed.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max, a pocket-sized marvel, seamlessly integrated into my photographic workflow. Its computational photography capabilities and convenience ensured I never missed a moment on this unforgettable cruise.
Traveling with Family: A Grand Adventure
What made this cruise truly special was the presence of family. 30 family members joined this nautical escapade, making it a grand adventure. Traveling with such a large group offered a unique blend of flexibility and camaraderie.
We had options to explore in smaller groups or as a whole entourage, and there was always the freedom to embark on solo adventures without worrying about offending anyone. These dynamics added an extra layer of richness to the experience.
Group photos were a highlight, capturing the essence of togetherness and shared memories. We organized a group photo session, expertly arranged by the ship's photographers, and these images became cherished keepsakes of our voyage. The ability to quickly access and share these photos through the ship's app only enhanced their value.
The ultimate laid-back crew, all in our robes. Captured this the second to last day to immortalize how chill the trip was for all of us. I'm photoshopped in because, well, someone had to take the pic, right?
Photography: Capturing Moments
One of the most rewarding aspects of cruising was the constant availability of photographic opportunities. The changing weather and light conditions painted a dynamic canvas. I often roamed the ship with my iPhone, capturing spontaneous moments that could be transformed into unexpected art.
Caught this moment of Ethan lost in the epic light show nature was putting on. The still waters and that incredible sky—couldn't have staged it better if we tried.
I couldn't help but think there were ample chances for passengers to delve into mobile photography. I even suggested the idea of a mobile photography walk to one of the cruise directors. This concept would let guests explore the ship, understand their smartphones as cameras, and create images they could cherish.
Cruising through Alaska, I was struck by the effortless blend of natural beauty and human hospitality. It was an adventure filled with photographic opportunities, family togetherness, and the warmth of new friendships. With its outstanding staff and seamless service, Princess Cruises played a pivotal role in ensuring this voyage was nothing short of extraordinary. As I disembarked from the Ruby Princess, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this maiden cruise, a journey that exceeded all my expectations and left me with memories to last a lifetime.
Special shoutout to Glenn Rodgers at Vacations To Go for making our cruise booking a breeze. Glenn's a Group Specialist, Master Cruise Counselor, and Luxury Specialist with 6 years under his belt. Always on point with answers to our endless questions. Highly recommend. Want the same smooth experience? Reach him at grodgers@vacationstogo.com, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm US Central Time. In the US or Canada? Dial 1-800-514-9986 ext. 7075.
Here's a curated set of some of my standout shots from the journey. It's just a taste—there's plenty more where these came from, but didn't wanna bury you in pixels. Enjoy these snippets of our Alaskan adventure.
