First of all, it’s BS that they ask about the ports of call in this review. Those were great, the ship sucked. But they end up with an average review because of the good reviews of the off-ship experiences that had nothing to do with them. There is no reason they couldn’t be more inclusive of children. If that is really driven by older people who don’t want children near them on vacation, then I wish all the bad things in the world on those people. I have to tolerate walking at .001 mile per hour behind your walker down a narrow hallway (and I don’t mind, because I get that is where you are in life), but you can tolerate my pretty-well-behaved children being children. Regarding the staff and general ship environment, I believe my kids were non-people to them simply because they didn’t have thier own wallets.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Cruise ships really don’t even try to be inclusive of children. This cruise advertises being child-friendly, but what that really means is that the have a day care you can put your child in all day (you’re not even allowed to go in with them). I work long hours and don’t have as much time withmy family as I would like. On vacation, I want to dothings with them. I shouldn’t have to do a Disney cruise just to be able to have family time.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Children's Programs
1 out of 5
As I said above, “children’s activities” really means day care. Don’t expect time with your family on the ship. Most places you go are pretty hostile if you enter with children, even if they are technically allowed.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Some staff were wonderful. Our server in the restaurant (DaVinci Room on the Ruby Princess) was great and there was a guitarist there who was super friendly and went out of his way to charm my kids. Other staff were pretty hostile including, bizarrely, the child care staff. We were going to have one of my children check it out (My 2yo was not welcome) but the nasty attitude of the staff seriously made me concerned to leave him with them. Also, other people in our group would rave about service they were getting while we practically had to beg for anything anywhere. We realized that the staff is genuinely trying to make it hostile to people with kids. Well, you were successful. I will never go on a cruise with you (or probably anyone) again.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The guy who handled our cabin was very nice. The cabin was clean and was turned down effectively. But there was just not enough room for a family of 4 with luggage, etc. I know that’s what cruises are like. This was my first- and definitely my last- cruise
Ship tip
Don’t go if you are a family. You will find yourself quite unwelcome.
Wow you should have done more research on cruises and commenting about older people, wow just wait till you get to be that age...
We don’t want to be dodging kids either. Doesn’t give anyone the right to be rude to kids nor to older adults either.
Do your research and go on a Disney Cruise then.
Older adults have every right to walk slow and take their time. They’re older for Gods sake! All this rudeness stay off my cruise please!
It's true, research could have solved the problem. Four of us in our 50's had a thoroughly great time on the Ruby in July. We picked the Ruby, among other things, because it would have fewer kids. You drop $7,000 for a couple to have the vacation of a lifetime, you don't want to be dodging children all the time. Had we chosen a DCL, we should expect kids everywhere. Our research led us to believe the Ruby was mostly adults.
We can't complain about the kids on our cruise, but now that you mention it they did pretty much dominate the hot tubs and swimming pools. I wasn't too bothered by it six weeks ago, but now, thanks to Joe I'm pissed.
I think most folks have said it all, but to me Princess is a balanced ship, some old, some young. It is NOT the Carnival with Party Hearty or Disney with primarily younger folks. And I have seen the Princess staff treating kids like real people that need extra attention. But to be frank, talking to friends with school age kids, the Oasis class is what I would do if I had young ones and one balcony for the big folks and an inside for the kids across the passageway. But then I have been on more than one cruise and have friends who have also traveled with kids on several cruises to learn that.
Sorry to here you did not have a wonderful time.
Every cruise ship offers different experiences and you did not do your home work to find out with cruise line would suit you best.
Maybe time to change or find a good travel agent or consultant
I actually love this feedback, as I’m one of those horrible people who doesn’t want to be surrounded by children my entire vacation. I suspect I’ll have an amazing time on my October 27 cruise!
Curious as to how much research was done prior to booking. Princess isn't exactly the premier line for kids activities.
Also didn't realize that there is an age limit. Old people need vacations too. Can't stay at the nursing home all year.
Well said bndfromaz and Irabe- no reason to be in a rush on vacation. If you get behind someone using a walker or cane why not take a few minutes to strike up a conversation with someone out there enjoying life! As for children I will be taking my granddaughter on a cruise when she is old enough.
Well said bndfromaz! I absolutely love the Ruby and cruising. Hopefully I won’t slow people down with my own disabilities. The Ruby definitely has narrow hallways but if your behind someone that is using a walker or cane you should politely excuse yourself and walk around them. I use a cane and sometimes a scooter, I stop to allow people to go around me if a line forms. We all have the right to take cruise vacations with our children and our disabilities and we should all be treated fairly!
Wow, it takes all types to make the world go around. As Disneyland caters to kids and Las Vegas to adults, cruise lines do the same. Each will have something for everyone but proportioned to who they are trying to cater to. There are more than enough reviews out there to make a wise decision based on your likes and desires. Sorry to hear Ruby wasn’t your cup of tea but for others she hits the mark. Cruising is great best of luck on your future trips.
This is not Princesses website. First of all you should’ve done more research before taking your cruise. I took my 11 year old Granddaughters to Alaska and they had a great time and behaved very well and were treated fabulous by everyone on the ship and all the staff. There were lots of kids on the cruise but we really only saw them when we were at the pools. Of course they would have had a better time I’m sure if we had taken a cruise that had a rock wall or water slides. However, I wanted them to see Alaska without being distracted. Perhaps you need to go on a cruise that caters to children. JoeSchap and ochenluvr, I certainly hope you never have health issues that may require you to be in a wheelchair or walker. Handicapped people have every right to be on a cruise as you do!! At least Joe has a little more tolerance than you ochenluvr. I’m sorry that some of the elderly people didn’t treat your children well that’s not right but as ocean stated many young people don’t want children near them either and that’s not right.
I’ve cruise DCL, RCL and NCL and never got a sense children weren’t treated well on cruises. My issue are the drunk unruly folks who don’t know how to act and ruin it for everyone else.
Hilarious! I can't stand kids on a cruise or any vacation for that matter! Figure if you leave a review like that I'll leave a comment like this, just so you know people really do despise kids on cruises! 😂 I feel the same about old people if you have a walker stay home! No one wants screaming kids or even quiet kids running around! Kids don't belong on crust ships. If you can't get a sitter maybe you shouldn't take vacations. Kids ruin everything!😂
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