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Ruby Princess Cruise Review to Mexico
4 Night West Coast Getaway With Catalina Island (Los Angeles Roundtrip)
Sail date: September 29, 2015
Ship: Ruby Princess
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: R330
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
The only thing negative to say is that the ship, although I understand they are required to only allow smoking in designated areas - really underserved their smoking travellers on board.
On the 7th floor deck they had us cramped in a forward corner (and I do mean a corner) with only 1 dirty plastic chair - no teak deck chairs - no table, only an ashtray affixed to the railing. We moved a few deck chairs (not recliners) and 2 side tables to the area along with one of the canister ashtrays from inside (which they have 2 outside every elevator which all say NO SMOKING ON THE ASHTRAY??). At least that way we could be comfortable in our little corner and we could converse without bumping into each other in order to get up, walk to rail and to flick ashes every couple of moments. They removed the chair pads and the canister ashtray. At least we had a couple of chairs and side tables now.
Also, their 16th floor smoking area is only on one side of the bar under the roof. However EVERYONE in that bar was there to smoke. Do you not think that we deserve the full bar area rather than to AGAIN BE CRAMPED into one side of the bar with standing room only? Maybe they could include a few chaise lounges that are in the sun? It made us feel like lepurs.
There were at least a couple of hundred smokers on that boat and plenty of room to make us more comfortable as they do for the non smoking passengers.
ALSO, With so much area to cover and discover, I would have welcomed an optional ship tour once on board that also pointed out the designated smoking areas. Unfortunately I didn't discover the Riviera deck until the last day where you could smoke one level above and 1 level below the 2 pools, was "all adult" and had a jacuzzi and bar - and an amazing view at the very aft of the boat.
Other than that, everything was really fantastic!
And yes, I know I need to quit smoking, but really - who wants to be told what to do on their vacation?
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Ship tip
If you are a smoker - (or even if you aren't) don't miss out on the Riviera Deck, It's the gem of the ship.
Ports of call
San Pedro (Los Angeles), California
Traveler Photos
8 Comments
colleenk6339620 9 years ago
rocknretail2001 9 years ago
I didn't see the "bad attitude" and "bad service" thankfully!
Hope you and your mom have a nice trip. My mom and I went on a cruise when she was 75. This time I went on this cruise after her 6 month health crisis and putting her in a board and care and getting her apartment packed up and moved (I left the next day). So enjoy your time with her!
desertlover 9 years ago
Hey rockin,
Thanks for the response and so much for your original post. Also Cruisin Tom pointing at that it is legal and I'd much rather be around smokers than drinkers, but apparently this topic was beaten to death at some time cuz it's near impossible to find out where the "designated" areas are.
Sounds like an extreme reaction to OMG a cigarette!!! (IF true) Maybe the maid gets a cut of that $250 charge. All the better for the cruise line. Glad the cops weren't called. I'll be sure to inspect the trash and floor in case the same could happen to us. Mom carries the butts, or partial cigarettes around in a tissue in her purse, and her eyesight is not so good, so it could easily happen.
And if the crew doesn't have their own smoking area, maybe that's why they appear so grumpy to many other reviewers. Bad attitude and service seem to be the theme.
rocknretail2001 9 years ago
Oh, and btw - when I checked out, I ran back to my room because I thought I'd forgotten something. The steward was in there at the time and he told me that I'd been reported by a maid that had found a cigarette in my trash can! (They charge $250 per smoking incident if "they catch you smoking in your room or balcony"). I explained that i had not smoked in my room but instead changed purses and it was probably a butt or a broken cig. If I was sneaking a cig in my room, I'd have flushed the butt down the toilet! A little creepy that they go to that extreme don't you think?
ANSWER: The crew smokes in the smoking areas, just like the rest of us (except they stand - don't sit). They don't give you a tour! I think they should! Glad I could be helpful :)
desertlover 9 years ago
OMG, THANK YOU so much for your review. It caused me to sign up to this site. You clearly defined some options for me. I have my very first cruise coming up. My Mother ( a smoker at 80 years old and clear lung xrays, xlnt blood work......no comments regarding quitting, please), and I (e-cig user). will be going to Mexico on the Ruby Princess in November. I have been searching for a long time to find the information that you provided. All I could find is the Cigar store, and I'm not interested in having my morning coffee and cigarette in there.
It's too bad this isn't pointed out in the tour they give you. I will prepare my mother to continue being treated like a leper and we'll be crowded in somewhere.
I wonder where the crew smokes........
Appreciate all the other info, too.
Thanks, desertlover
CrusinTim 9 years ago
We were lucky rock. On our sailing on the Caribbean Princess in April, there was an area on the upper Lido deck were there were 5 tables with ashtrays, was covered and was near the bar. It is true, smokers are treated like a disease. The thing people don't understand is it is legal to smoke (in designated areas) as is drinking. I find it funny how more people don't complain about drunkin people, staggering, starting arguments or vomiting in public as much as they complain about smokers. Good review ;)