First let me say I spent a good deal of time inspecting the new Ruby Princess and interviewing its senior staff and Captain for an article I am writing for a national historical journal. As a former merchant marine officer and coast guard marine inspector, I spent much of that time observing the ships safety systems and procedures as well as experiencing the fine dining and entertainment available in abundance onboard.

This is truly a FIRST CLASS ship. Nearly new from the builders, placed in service in November 2008, M/V Ruby Princess exemplifies the finest in marine construction and advanced technology. She is truly a beautiful ship in the classical context of that term with many of her public rooms similar in classical and art deco grandeur and opulence to the famous liners of the 1930's and 40's. The builders and owners did not spare any expense in the interior fittings, furnishings and art work that adorns Ruby Princess. the newest of 17 ships in the P&O Princess Cruises fleet. At 113,581 registered gross tons she ranks as one of the largest passenger ships in the world exceeding PANMAX dimensions, she is unable to transit the Panama Canal due to her size (948 feet in length overall, 118 feet in beam). Her Captain, Tony Draper is an exceptionally qualified officer, a graduate of the UK's well respected Maritime College near South Hampton, and for may years an officer and ship's master of Royal Navy Auxiliary vessels before joining the passenger ship industry. Captain Draper runs a tight ship and is assisted by Staff Captain Pears another highly qualified officer also holding a Masters Certificate. Boat drills were held in a highly organized and professional manner taken quite seriously. Captain Draper also exercises the ships two emergency squads in fire and emergency drills twice weekly and manages a crew of over 1,200 persons.

Mr Generosso Mazzoni the ship's masterful Maitre D' oversees all the ship's dining venues including two ala carte, POSH restaurants and two large and elegant formal dining rooms as well as several other specialty dining venues. A friendly and affable man with vast knowledge and experience, Mr. Mazonne also runs a tight ship in the food services department. He has the ability to make every passenger feel like the most important person aboard and the ability to be everywhere at once overseeing the spotless dining rooms and flawless service that has marked his career at sea for over 25 years. Read more