Ruby Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my 16th cruise on Princess. I enjoyed this trip very much but it is hard not to notice how much things continue to decline with quality and service. I realize competition is much greater and forcing these cost cutting measures. Now days even in the traditional dining rooms cruisers are allowed in to eat late and wearing JEANS. Breadsticks are now an 'extra' that is only service on formal night??? Rooms are not cleaned until well up in the day if not after lunch. Remember the days when room stewards were like ghosts. When the waiters and waitresses made it a point to remember your name and your preferences? What about the times in the dining room when the staff would be mortified if you left the slightest hint of food on your plate and were running to the kitchen to get you something else or a double portion of what you liked. Oh well "those were the good ole day".
The cruise was very nice. Boat was rocky the first few days and the waves calmed later in the week. I applaud Princess for limiting the upselling. That had really gotten out of hand the last couple years. I am happy to report I did not feel nickel and dimed to death this cruise. The only hard sale was the new "Share" dining option.
Speaking of dining, I thought the food quality in the Horizon was much better than usual. I enjoyed breakfast and lunch there each day. As an Elite cruiser, it is a pleasure to go to the Skywalkers Lounge each day before dinner. I did take advantage of the International Café twice. However, the seating in the Piazza was so limited I really couldn't enjoy it.
Cabin Review
Oceanview
Cabin was a standard oceanview. Only downside was the window opened to the Promenade Deck. This meant that other passengers were walking outside your window at all times day and night. You couldn't really enjoy the view because you were forced to keep your shades drawn.
Port Reviews
Los Angeles
Embarkment was handled smoothly. As Elite passenger, I was boarded in approx. 20 minuets.
Honolulu
Rented a car in Honolulu and enjoyed all the tourist spots. Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, etc. Enterprise provided transportation both ways.
Kauai
Rented a car in port. Enterprise provided transportation both ways to and from the ship. It was very efficient. Visited Waimea Canyon, Kauai Coffee, Spouting Horn, and Poipu coast. Very nice day but certainly could have used a little more time in this port.
Maui
I just enjoyed walking around the city of Lahaina. It was very crowded but overall nice.
Ensenada
It was raining when we arrived. I know by law the boat had to make port here but what a waste of a day. 8 hrs in this port is really just a sea day. City is filthy. I would not waste any time even walking into town.