We really had a most enjoyable time. Unlike some other cruises I’m not sure I would schedule this one again. But, you never know. I think this is probably a pretty good cruise for anyone who has never done it before. Definitely a wonderful experience for a first time cruiser.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was efficient as I have ever seen. Very well-planned. State rooms were available immediately upon boarding and baggage was at the door before we even left to get some lunch.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We ate most of our meals in the Da Vinci dining room. It was very comfortable and the staff was very attentive. I don’t think the food was all that great. One meal in particular, lobster night, was awful. I the staff was very quick to replace meals that weren’t prepared properly. One night I asked for prime rib rare and frankly it came medium or even more well done. They quickly replaced it but it never should’ve been served. I was disappointed with the dress code enforcement. Even on formal night people were very dressed down. The buffet was another matter it was very badly organized. We have sailed previously on Royal Princess and the ship needs to check with them to see how it should be done. The vines wine bar was also disappointing only one window looking out on the sea. Crooners was much better.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The comedian was absolutely terrific. One of the best we have ever experienced and it was definitely G rated.The rest of the entertainment did not attract us so we did not go.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Every interaction we had with service staff was excellent. They were very attentive.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was very clean but a little tired and in need of an upkeep availability."
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The closet design on Ruby Princess was exactly the same as on royal princess and it is superb. Lots of room. We always bring some extra hangers but really didn’t need them this time. I love the fact that there are no doors so that everything is immediately available yet it’s out of sight around the corner from the main part of the cabin. The bathroom was adequate but the shower was frankly tiny and I don’t like shower curtains.
Ship tip
Make sure that you are especially nice to the dining room staff and they will be especially nice to you.
This is the first time we’ve ever been to Puerto Vallarta. We took a ship tour of the highlights and it was most enjoyable Particularly the lunch At El Set.
We took no tours here but did get off the ship. At least the vendors at the end of the pier were restrained and not as pushy as they were downtown on the two previous stops. I feel certain that this is because of the influence of the cruise line. It’s too bad the cruise line doesn’t have the same influence in all the towns once away from the pier.
Could not have been better. I confess it’s partly because we had one individual in a wheelchair which allowed us to go to the head of the line. Too bad I can’t pack a wheelchair in my luggage to use next time we take a cruise. Even without that extra advantage it was clearly well-managed. The only criticism I have was that it was nearly impossible to hear announcements regarding which group was disembarking next.
We had a balcony. C706 which was very comfortable and very close to the elevators which was an excellent location didn’t hear a peep out of people or the elevators. The storage is excellent you might want to pack a couple extra hangers.
Which kind of stateroom did you have? We are booked into a balcony stateroom on Ruby to Alaska in April. I also like to bring a couple of hangars to hang stuff that I hand wash in the bathroom to dry. We’ve decided not to bother packing formal wear as we found it’s not worth it when so many others don’t bother. It’s neat casual all the way for us from now on!
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