I was just on to relax and finish a couple of books. This was 5th straight time on the Ruby. Next cruise is on the Star. But I do like the Ruby. The staff I’ve encountered (with the exception of the cruise right before dry dock) has been excellent. I think there will be a sixth cruise on the Ruby before too long, although I did hear that Royal Princess is taking it's place in LA.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Didn’t have to sit and wait to board. I got to the terminal at 12:20. Checked in at the counter. After the security checkpoint went to board the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I don’t cruise for the food. This week the free food ranged from good to awful. Buffet was hit and miss. MDR was just okay. Didn’t do any specialty restaurants this time but in the past it was very good. The Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Pizza are still good.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I used the fitness center often. It’s a good one. Also I did the ship tour again. This time we got to see the medical center, last time we didn’t. I enjoyed doing the tour again.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Lot more upbeat than the cruise I did the week before drydock. Great staff!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The main differences after dry dock are big info screens all over the place. Remodeled Burger, Pizza, and Ice Cream stand. There are extra items that have a charge at the Burger and Pizza stand. The free items are also still available. I just got the free items.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This room was just fine for me on this trip. No problems. The air conditioning on the Ruby still isn’t so good but my room got cooler than the last cruise.
I did the Carmel Mission and the Monterey Aquarium Excursion. Worth it! Last time I was at that aquarium was back in the late ‘80’s. It’s so much better now.
I love this city. So much to do here. I visit there often. Having said that I did nothing this time except sit at the end of one of the piers with my camera. I read my book, took pics/videos, and just enjoyed the scenery for two hours. Went back onboard to eat then did the same thing up in Skywalkers. I was a very boring traveler and that’s exactly what I wanted. I got two books done and took lots of pictures/videos to post online eventually.
Ruby has many features that the Royal is lacking. A Promenade Deck is basically non existent on the Royal. Ruby has one that would remind you of the ships of old. The life boats tucked in up high not blocking your walk around view. Ruby has a Terrace Pool that The Royal does not. I think Princess realized the mistake by installing one on the next ship The Regal. The balconies on Ruby Caribe deck are endless.
Now to be fair, The Royal has many things Ruby does not. Sky Walk, 50% bigger Piazza, Princess Live, Celebrations, etc etc.
I very much understand how someone could have an affection towards one ship but not another. Ruby is a Grand Ship and I for one am going to miss her.
She will be heading down under to serve in Australia.
The Royal will leave Florida Feb 2, 2019 on a 49 day around The Horn journey to San Pedro. Arriving LA March 23rd.
I will then be traveling on The Royal the following week starting March 30th.
Of coarse I will be posting anything learned or anything helpful. As much as I know I will miss Ruby, I am looking forward to seeing what The Royal is all about.
Signed, President of The Ruby Fan Club. LOL but kind of true.
Princess is Great, Enjoy them all.
@littlebeh21... have you cruised Royal yet? Just curious why you aren’t thrilled? I just looked and the Royal was built in 2013, seems like it would be much more updated, no?
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