Hit the Road, Jack is taking a few days at sea aboard Princess Cruise Lines newest ship the Ruby Princess. This is the ship’s debut season and only its second voyage to the Caribbean. PD Travel editor Jackie Hutcherson is on board, with more than 3,000 other passengers, and blogging at sea.

Day Two: The pluses and minuses of being a first-time snorkeler at Princess Cays

PLUSES
+ No surprises: Princess Cays, aka Eleuthera, is an island in the Bahamas, and the first shore excursion for the passengers aboard the newbie Ruby Princess. This stop was a pretty controlled environment, as shore excursions go. But it was a great way to get everyone into the hang of what to expect from a shore excursion to a beach. Eating, swimming, snorkeling, hobie sailing, kayaking, chilling and more eating was the order of the day.

+ Patience is a big plus: I haven’t mentioned this one before, but patience is a MUST when you’re on a cruise. There are lines to get off the ship and even longer lines to return. It’s just part of the deal and the sooner you get used to waiting in a line, the better off you’ll be. Actually our lines moved quickly, coming and going, but I know there are many travelers out there who just can’t stand to wait.

+ Mouth breather: This was my first time snorkeling and it won’t be my last. Purple fish, black and white fish and the clear, warm waters of the Caribbean made this shore excursion a no-brainer. The folks on the pier kept the fish high in the water by feeding them bread crumbs. And as shore excursions go, this was a great deal at $34, including fins, mask, snorkel and no time limit.  The waves were strong, so there was no ocean kayaking happening for us in the early afternoon.

MINUSES
- Learning curve: Not a biggie, but navigating your way around a ship takes a few days to master. Another area where patience is a must.

- Language barrier: I have heard passengers having the most passionate conversations in languages that weren’t anything I have ever heard before. What fun it must be to be aboard an ship where most folks speak English and you can say anything you want - I mean anything - and no one’s the wiser?

- BYO hair dryer: This tip might only appeal to a specific audience, but if you love your hair dryer and you’re going on a cruise, pack it. Everything has been spectacular aboard the Ruby Princess - and yes the in-room hair dryers are new - but they don’t have the oommphh that you might require. I’m just sayin…

- Jacques (make that Jackie) Cousteau: I wish I had started snorkeling years ago. And if you see a wave coming your way, keep your mouth shut.

Next on deck: A day at sea. The whole day at sea. What to do, what to do.