Ruby Princess Review
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We've sailed the Ruby several times before and glowingly. This trip which features 4 days at sea from LA to Hilo, then Honolulu, Kauaii, and Maui on successive days and then 4 days back to Ensenada and a final sail up to San Pedro, Port of LA. If you enjoy the solitude and lack of regimen then this is for you. Hawaii as a port of call is top drawer with very much somehthing for everyone----and unlike the Caribbean ports.......an unmatched beauty with a omnipresent feel good vibe. Oh- And Volcanoes too.
The Ruby joined the fleet 7-8 years ago and is looking a little long in the tooth....but clearly Princess/Carnival is aware. New beds went in recently, and they are terrific. Whether ship is rockin' and rollin' (2-3 days of the journey) or on ice like seas (1-2 days) the bed is a comfortable key to the stateroom For those with a balcony, there's no better sleeping potion than opening the balcony doors to a starry night and letting the crashing wave send you into a polynesian sleep.
The stateroom steward was top drawer. Made a speical towel puppet of two swans for our anniversary. Seldom seen, never heard, he was super. The FOOD on the RUBY is decidedly the best we have had on a princess vessel in 10 years. The menus have changed to a wider variety and the preparations, notably FISH and PASTA are up a gigantic notch. The fettucine alfredo on all Princess menus is among the very best in the seven seas. Our waiter and busman combo which took us a couple nights to find, were spot on. They knew our likes and dislikes. Went out of their way to get us samples and/or mini portions so we could try a multiple of offerings........in general a really delightful dining experience. Ditto breakfast in the Da Vinci and lunch therer as well......
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
clean, neat, well kept. spacious with a tub. plenty of room and the almighty balcony.
Port Reviews
Hilo
saw everything we wanted to in the national park plus a tasted of the island with the orchids and macademia nuts, and a special stop at the local fish store to sample poke........thoroughly enjoyable and well paced.
Honolulu
We went all over Oahu and saw everything we wanted to and then some....including the surfers on the Pipeline just as the weather broke on the north end, the entire Pearl Harbor experience, some personal destinations and later downtown to Waikiki. She is an excellent tour operator (alohaprivate tours) for small (ie2-4) people who know pretty much where they are going. Recommend highly
Honolulu
you don't need a tour operator for this National Park/US NAVY memorial.
it is well done and memorable. cost is minimal. get tickets early or on line in advance ($3). you will need transportation from the ship over to Pearl Harbor.
Honolulu
the north end of OAHU is a must if you have time. to see the surf professionals against 30-40 ft. waves is breath taking
Ensenada
ensenada is a typical port of call on the mexican riviera
Los Angeles
we arrived in los angles, san pedro. stayed at the best western san pedro which is the only approved hotel near the pier