This was our 20th cruise with Princess. We have had mostly GOOD things to say about all of them. This time we anticipated a relaxing voyage with many good experiences. The seas were calm, the staff were for the most part terrific....upbeat...and great fun. The table mates at open dining were delightful and interesting. The food was good...but not outstanding like in the "old days" prior to Carnival's buyout. Appreciated so much the "quiet" space for reading up in the Skywalkers Lounge...all day until early evening. The evening entertainment was a mixed bag. The production shows were great....the solo acts such as solo vocalists, comedians etc. were so-so. We had the BEST cabin steward-ess we have EVER had ! She was a wonderful caring "mommie". She worked hard at making our bed more comfortable for our arthritic hips and backs. The shore excursions were also a mixed bag. We booked all of the ones we took through Princess ...mostly 1/2 day tours due to some mobility problems that limit our stamina. Princess needs to do a better job of adequately describing their excursions....how much walking....how many steps...etc. One flight of stairs might be "do-able"....but 6 flights???? NO WAY Jose !! We were stressed beyond our endurance on several of the excursions and our arthritic joints paid a dear price. NOW comes the REALLY SOUR part of our saga!

After spending several stressful hours during the day...we REALLY looked forward to a good nights' sleep in order to "recoup"!! NOT SO !!!!! Please be WARNED !!!! DO NOT BOOK A 629 on the Ruby !!!! It is an inside with a galley directly overhead! The first night I thought we were having a bad thunderstorm ! The 2nd night I thought...wow that's weird.. ANOTHER thunderstorm ?? The 3rd day I went upstairs to the Riviera deck to see what on earth was making all that racket ! Discovered there was a galley right over our heads that worked ALL NIGHT ! For 14 nights we endured this racket...why they put cabins underneath galleys is beyond imagination. What happened to rubber matting on the floors on which to roll heavy racks and equipment? What happened to adequate insulation between floors ? What happened to the front desk being sensitive to our problem and offering to move us? Don't have the answers !!!! We came home disappointed in Princess for their lack of consideration and loyalty to their Elite passengers....I personally think loyalty goes both ways! We came home exhausted from lack of sleep.....but guess what? We just booked another Princess cruise for next Feb. to Hawaii !!! WE checked REAL good to make SURE our cabin didn't have any galleys anywhere near us! HA! Bottom line is.....we LOVE to cruise....most all have been wonderful experiences...this little bump in the road has made us more aware when we book to see what those blank spaces on the deck plans are ! Word to the wise!