Friday, April 4, 2025

Embarkation Day

Hello from the Ruby Princess!

I see my ship from the bus!

Just like we've experienced so many times before at the cruise port in San Francisco, embarkation took forever. But I made it onboard and that's all that matters.

Finally onboard for a 1:08 lunchtime view. Can’t beat it!

After lunch from the buffet (a taco and triangle of quesadilla) I spent some time soaking up the sun before heading to my cabin. I’m on the Lido deck (yay) in a standard inside cabin. An inside cabin isn't exactly a yay, but I’m on a cruise to Hawaii so yeah, let’s make that a yay.


I then hit a treadmill with a view of Alcatraz. Just 10 minutes worth, but I'll get there! By the look on his face, I’m certain the fitness instructor at the door was confused why a lady on a Scooter zipped by him in the gym. 
Can you spot Alcatraz?

I finished just in time to go to the "Welcome to Princess" presentation. The description stated:
Don't miss this engaging 20-minute presentation with your Activity Team, aimed at maximizing your Princess vacation!” 
Uh, no. The Activities Manager was late and the presentation lasted maybe 8-10 minutes, definitely wasn’t engaging, and didn’t tell me how to maximize my vacation. It was a waste of time but I was mostly there for the thing coming up next, the “It Pays to Plus” AKA the drink package giveaway. While I didn’t win, it was much more engaging. There was also free champagne and appetizers. I didn’t partake but the server insisted serving me anyway. 

From there I went up to deck 16 for sailaway, scoring one of the few remaining loungers there. The weather was wonderful. Be sure to turn up your volume for this video so you can see what makes sailing from San Francisco unique.

I ran into several people working on this ship who I know from other ships. One of them is going above and beyond to make sure I'm well taken care of, so much so I've switched my plan of eating in the buffet to now going to the dining room.
Appetizer of seared garlic prawns

Main of Hawaiian Luau Pork

Dessert of Sugar Free Lemon Cream Pie

A trip back to my room after dinner has made me decide to hang out here the rest of the evening. Write the blog, unpack the luggage, and come up with a plan of how I want to spend the next four days at sea. As the ship is gently rocking I think my eyes may be closing sooner than anticipated.

See you tomorrow.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

San Francisco, California

My original plan for San Francisco was to behave like a tourist and stay down by the pier and Fisherman’s Wharf like we do 99% of the time, but I changed my mind at the last minute.

At half the price I would have paid in the tourist area, I booked an airport hotel where I got a free airport shuttle, free room upgrade, free breakfast, and a discount to the restaurant across the parking lot for the other meals. Cheaper is better these days, right? So after a quick evening flight, quick shuttle ride to the hotel, and a good nights sleep I’m camped out watching trash TV (Catfish this time) like I always do on the first day my solo adventures. 

Room upgrade scored at the Holiday Inn Express, South San Francisco

While the free breakfast was nothing to write home about (except I guess I’m doing that right now), having my lunch/dinner at nearby Max’s restaurant made up for it. A yummy tropical Daiquiri 

On the rocks, not frozen

and a yummy patty melt

Look at those delicious grilled onions

along with some pretty flowers on the way out

with a detour out back of the hotel for some plane spotting. 

All made for a pleasant afternoon 

Now one more good nights sleep and I’ll be ready to join my new home, the Ruby Princess, as we head to Hawaii. See you tomorrow onboard!

Deb's Monthlong Cruise on the Ruby Princess

Here I go again! It’s time for my 2025 solo adventure (read about the 2024 solo cruise here and the 2023 super solo here) and this time the on-my-own cruise starts from this city I took a picture of on my flight in.

Hello, Golden Gate Bridge!

I’m doing three consecutive cruises (called back to backs) with the first one going to…

HAWAII!

Then down the California coast
And then up the coast. 

I’ll add links to the blog posts right here so you can join me as I sail along. Bon voyage!

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Scrap Fabric Sewing Projects with Step-by-Step How-to Video Tutorials

Looking for scrap fabric sewing and crafting projects with step by step written directions, color photos, printable templates, and video tutorials that you can download and print at home? Check out my collection of digital PDF sewing patterns!


Grab your fabric scrap pile and get started on your next project today!