Quick Getaway

Ruby Princess Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 35

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Ruby Princess

4 Night West Coast Getaway With Catalina Island (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 22, 2016

Ship: Ruby Princess

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: e709

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

My first cruise two years ago on the Regal Princess for 7 days in the Caribbean may have set the bar too high. The Ruby Princess had loads of similarities anywhere from Italian themed décor to deck names and dining options. But this time the crew seemed 'green' and a little less amiable. The (no fee) dining rooms served mediocre fare though the wait staff was pleasant and prompt. Meanwhile the Horizon Café (cafeteria) had better grub. But their organization of stations was inadequate creating long lines for hot items. The standard activities and entertainment were offered. The shows were filled with talented actors though one ventriloquist comic bombed. And the process of heading to shore via tenders on Catalina was mayhem. Still the weather was nice and the trip relaxing. Boarding the ship was well organized and quick. And Ensanada proved to be a simple waterfront town worth a look.  

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Having two dining rooms serve the same menu was disappointing. The entrees seem to lack imagination and heat. Your food in Horizon Court was often better simple because it was served hot and fresh.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Some of your 'TV shows' are great.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Overall your productions are filled with talent. Joe Yannity was an absolute riot. But the ventriloquist didn't know his audience and bombed.

Children's Programs

No kids with us

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Our waiter in the Wheelhouse lounge was bright spot among bland staff.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We missed the extra room of a balcony cabin but it was adequate. We did have to call to have our shower drain unclogged the first day. Does anyone check these things between cruises. The same thing happened when we sailed on the Regal Princess in March 2015. The cabin steward did a good job.

Ship tip

Lower decks like Emerald experience less sway of ocean swells when you're in open waters of the Pacific. Important if you're sensitive to motion.

Ports of call

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

5 out of 5

Catalina Island, California

5 out of 5

Ensenada, Mexico

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 35

3 Comments

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

azcruiser3    8 years ago

I'm surprised to hear carnival was such an amazing cruise. Which ship and itinerary?

wackycruiser    8 years ago

It's tough when your first cruise is an exceptional one. Our first was a Carnival and nothing has exceeded it in our cruise history. Only Celebrity has surpassed in food and service but not in entertainment and activities. We're doing our fist Princess cruise on the Ruby in March of 17. I hope the crew gets their act together by then. Thanks for your review.

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