Disappointing

Ruby Princess Cruise Review to Coastal - West Coast

MichaelAter

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 8

Overall rating:

3.3 out of 5

7 Night Classic California Coast (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 10, 2018

Ship: Ruby Princess

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: E412

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We are experienced cruisers. Most looking for a week away from family. Ports are places that we have been before, so no surprises. What was a surprise was the quality of the food. My wife had taken this same cruise on Princess two years ago and the qualify of the food had taken a noticeable decline. A number of people who had traveled on the ship before also commented on the change. Dining room staff was attentive if disorganized. Food quality was about cafeteria level food. Unlike other cruises we had been on, substitutions were not allowed. The pizza was surprisingly bad. I would rate it around the level of Chuck E Cheese for those with kids or just tasteless for those without. The hot dogs and hamburgers at the quick serve were good. The Crown Grill did well on steaks but had difficulty with even their limited number of sides. The coffee bar/sandwich shop (International Cafe) had decent sandwiches, odd salads and hit or miss desserts. The sandwiches are supposed to be panini style, so there are no condiments. You have to travel up 10 floors to get something from the Salty Dog Grill. Disappointing as some of the sandwiches were very good cold but need condiments to bring out their best. Buffets were rotated from one kitchen to another, making it always a minor hunt to find which one was one. Seating was a problem since only one side was ever open at a time. I would recommend the cruise and the ship. Just beware that the level of food quality is disappointing, make the most of restaurants off the ship. Final note: Never tried calling room service the first night of the cruise before and never will again. Waited 45 minutes on hold before giving up. Learn from my mistake :)