Ruby Princess will be the last new ship to join Princess Cruises’ fleet for at least three years as the cruise line switches investment to enhancing the onboard experience.
The launch of Ruby Princess, the last in a series of three Crown-class ships, marks the end of a new-build programme for Princess that started in the late 1990s. The line now has 17 ships with an average age of 5.6 years old.
Princess Cruises head of brand marketing Pieter van der Schee said the new focus is on rolling out, across the fleet where possible, all the best features that have been introduced on different ships over the years.
They include the adults-only Sanctuary and Movies under the Stars pool-side screen, both of which are being rolled out over the next few years, while Sterling Steakhouse restaurants are being rebranded Crown Grill.
The new English pub lunch that has debuted on Ruby Princess is to be added to sister ships Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, while a grand behind-the-scenes tour will become available across most of the fleet.
Other new features on Ruby Princess include the option of breakfast in Sabatini’s Italian speciality restaurant for passengers booked in suites and more enrichment programmes, including on astronomy and the history of navigation.