We chose this cruise for three reasons. The first was a lifelong desire to see the Panama Canal. The second was how much we enjoyed our Alaska Cruise Tour with Princess before COVID. The third was - COVID was no longer a concern to us!
First of all, don't get me wrong - we LOVED the cruise. The staff and crew were amazing, cheerful and helpful (especially our cabin attendant Czar). The food was ...
This was our 4th Princess cruise and we really wanted to see the Panama Canal. The Ruby was a good choice, not too big. We know that it will always be a struggle to get a pool deck lounge chair or a table on the pool deck. The deck above the pool usually had lounge chairs available. The Panama Canal passengers were mostly over 50, many with walkers or scooters.
This time we chose a mini-suite ...
Great cruise for the most part. Did not care for Columbia as the locals were very pushy and constantly bugging us. Disappointed that we didn’t get to see the Cayman Islands as we had a storm the night before and rough seas. They would not let the ship dock that day. Loved the Panama Canal, very interesting. Entertainment and activities on the ship were great, lots to do at all times of day and ...
We had a good time and got to see and go places that we haven't been to yet. Going through the Panama Canal was the highlight of the trip, but we enjoyed all of the ports.
The ship was nice and the more mature crowd was what we were looking for. The food was good and the selections from the menu were nice. The various specialty restaurants were all nice, as well.
Generally, the service was ...
We booked the Ruby Princess for a partial transit of the Panama Canal. I've did a full transit through the old locks eight or so years ago. For my friend it was a bucket list item. Seeing the new locks appealed to me. We are both in are 70s. We booked a mini suite-Reserve with the Plus option. Our room steward was pleasant and efficient, and the cabin was clean. I miss the evening chocolate on ...
First, the ship. She's a grand dame with elegance and charm, and the Medallion electronics are awesome. Wearing the little coin makes you recognizable to your stateroom door, which unlocks as you approach. It also tells your traveling party as well as servers where on the ship you are, and can even draw a map to find you. There are many more Medallion features which you can look up on your ...
Much needed break for the holiday.
Embarkation at Port Everglades was pretty smooth-20 minutes from Arrival to on the ship.
The Ruby had just been fixed up in dry dock. She looks good for a 2008 Grand girl.
It was really good to be back at sea. We used the Princess Plus package which was a nice option for trying drinks, I normally wouldn't have ordered. The package includes specialty ...
We had sailed on the Ruby the previous October so we were in a position to make some comparisons on changes Princess have made.
First thing to say are that the staff are incredible. Everyone greets you with a beaming smile and treats you as if you are their only customer. Special mention to the two bartenders in Explorer lounge Val and Christian, Derek and the Phillipino trio in Vines, and ...
Background information - This was my first time sailing on Princess. I had just taken a sort of impromptu Carnival cruise a couple of months earlier (probably won't sail them again), and based on what I knew about Princess, I was looking forward to something more relaxed. I've previously sailed on Royal Caribbean, NCL, Holland America, and Carnival.
Travel information - We flew into Fort ...
A delayed review from our third trip on the Ruby Princess in the past year. Since first sailing on the Ruby Princess in December, 2013 and getting engaged on that trip, we now consider her "our" ship, and were disappointed to see her being repositioned to the west coast.
Embarkation:
No doubt about it, this was not pleasant. Apparently there was some sort of issue with clearing the ship, and not ...