Selected this itinerary based on the ports. Loved the Ruby – she is huge and it did take a while to take the right elevator to the right floor, but we enjoyed the cruise and all ports except Honfleur. Another deciding factor on this particular ship and cruise was that laundry facilities are available on each deck so we could travel lighter than usual. We were in Europe prior to the cruise so we did not bring as much with us as we normally would if we were home. We purchased Princess transfers and we were on one of the first buses to Southampton. Driver took us through the towns of Winchester and Southampton.

Embarkation was pretty smooth but much different than here in Florida. Hand luggage and passengers were scanned just before we got on the ship so lines were very slow. Princess is very well organized and they seemed to call about 50-100 people at a time so it probably went much faster than it seemed.

We aren't out that far at sea so quite a few passengers were disgruntled that the casino was closed much of the trip. I added casino information on each day below for those who might want to give Princess more money… I only gave them $60 more… my DH came out $100 ahead! Casino was open the first night from 8:30 PM to close. Cruise director's comedy (?) said if this sailing can keep the Skywalkers Lounge open past 12:05 AM it would be a first. Read more