It was great being back on the Ruby, as we had sailed on her fifth cruise last year to the Western Caribbean. During this recent cruise a first birthday party was held one night with an enormous cake; Tony Yeomans was still the captain.
ARRIVAL/BOARDING:
On November 3 we flew from home on the West Coast to Ft. Lauderdale. We stayed the night at the Extended Stay on the 17th Street Causeway. Cost after two earlier reservations at higher prices at this hotel was $72 including tax. It does not have a shuttle to or from the airport or cruise ship terminal. It does have a kitchen but no shampoo in the bathroom; some reviews have not been favorable, but we thought it was kept up well and quiet, plus it is in a great location. Cab fare from the airport was $16 including tip.
C254 - Nice location (near stairs and elevators, but not right by them). Caribe deck has larger balconies than other decks, so had four chairs and a table (two more chairs than other balconies). But could hear conversations from neighboring cabins.