This was a last minute Christmas cruise. Embarkation was efficient and effortless. We arrived at 12:30 and were in our cabin by 1PM. Our cabin was a balcony category BB, C201 on the Caribe deck at the front of the ship. Our cabin Steward Ruel was polite, friendly and seemingly always available. The cabin was typical Princess, but with a large balcony. We ate in the DaVinci Dining Room, early seating at 5:30 PM. This worked well for us with one exception. Although we had traditional dining and Anytime dining was not to start until 8PM, this was not the case. Each and every evening after we were seated a steady flow of Anytime diners were placed at tables around us, including at our table. We found this constant activity disconcerting and disturbing. We found our table mates often eating their first course while we might be on our dessert course. Our waiter was ok, not excellent and originally would not serve us until 6PM, waiting for Anytime diners to join us. After two nights of this I made it plain and clear to him that I would not accept this. He understood and we ate on our assigned schedule with the interruptions previously referred to. His forced humor as the cruise wore on did wear on us.

The Christmas week ambience onboard was spectacular with the ship decorated and with carols, decorations, all the Christmas themed activities, highlighted by the wonderful spirited demeanor of all crew members. The Piazza was the best meeting and greeting place of any ship we have been on. The activities , decorations and songs and music were outstanding. The International Cafe was another highlight of the Piazza. We often times spent hours there with the wonderful attentive servers at our beck and call. Santa with presents for all the children onboard exceeded our expectations and the falling snow during the caroling was a memorable highlight as well.

The ports were just that, typical ports that we have been to numerous times in the past. We did not take this cruise for ports, but for a new Christmas experience. Our expectations were exceeded, no doubt. We are hoping to repeat this cruise next Christmas on the Ruby Princess. Well done Princess!!!