The ship overall is lovely, with almost too many different venues to keep track of, and it is a bit disorienting because of the ship's size and layout. What was great - the room service - very prompt and cheerfully delivered, and, in general the wait staff at the restaurants. Anytime dining is a huge plus, and they do enforce the dress code, to the chagrin of some who showed up in shorts. The cruise director, Lisa, could turn down the volume a bit, as what was at first charming, started to wear thin after a few days. The entertainment was earnest, with two female vocalists, one quite good for the stage, the other just passable. Both of the male singers were really quite good. A "special" new production of a "dream" that was hyped, was like a high school production that you have to be a parent to appreciate. Broadway dance evening was the best.

Water on board must be purchased, except in the dining room - there are no courtesy bottles provided in staterooms - a trick someone suggested was to ask for ice, letting it melt for water. Why at least one bottle of water a day could not be provided alludes me. If you go on the Ruby Princess, also beware that you had best have absolutely everything you need for grooming and over-the-counter meds. You can't buy hairclips, hairspray, gel, and things that would not take much floor space but would be much appreciated. You will however, feel you are onboard the HSN (Home Shopping Network) for all the hawking of merchandise in the various shops over the ship's public address system, and if you want ice cream by the pool, or an espresso, be prepared to pay for it.

The spa locker room was bare bones. No hairdryers, no plastic combs, hairsprays, gels, etc., and no robe hooks by the showers or sauna. Little things that you would expect. The thermal spa, available for an extra fee is a great little corner of the ship, but at times even with "limited" membership was too crowded. Read more