Our suite flooded on the Island Princess during a Panama transit in February. Princess initially offered $100 compensation for 2 days loss of the unit. We pointed out it cost us $1,000 for 2 days. Eventually it was upped to $250 but had to be used within a year (Their final offer). So we opted for the 4 day Coastal to get it off our books. Our favourite cruise ship entertainers, "The Pastime Duo" were taken off the Ruby early so that was a disappointment but favourite "Steve Moris" did 2 shows which was great.

Food was a disappointment. Princess food seemed to be going downhill the last few cruises but the Island Princess in February was definitely going the right way, however, the Ruby was way down. Had the "Grilled Salmon" the first night. It seemed to be more poached than grilled. I'm giving it a 4/5 because it's the first time my wife and I cruised by ourselves and we're still talking to each other! LOL! Also, we booked our own private excursions which were exceptional: 6 hour $50/person Ensenada vs $179-$199 for the same shipboard excursions. It was a group of 8 organized through the CC Roll Call. Also booked our own harbour tour in Ensenada which ended up being almost a private tour as only one other couple had signed up that day on the catamaran that takes 41. They even extended the time as bookings were slow that day.

Tip: We took a cab to the hotel in LA from the airport and the driver "accidentally" got lost. Of course I didn't pay him what the meter said and he ran scared as he knew I knew. Desk clerk at the hotel said a lot of LA cabbies are pulling that trick.