Ruby Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I did so much research on this site before my cruise, that I absolutely want to contribute.
This was my first cruise on Princess, only second cruise overall. I was surprised that most of the time it did not feel like a sold out ship of 3000 passengers. Unless you wanted to see a show in the theater or use the pool loungers, that is!
Our ship left 12 hours late, in between storms, so no sail away party but we still made it to PV on time. The water was pretty choppy on all 3 sea days, quite chilly the first 2 days leaving LA. When the sun finally came out on Day 2 and the temp rose above 60, there wasn't a poolside lower to be had! It felt good to soak up some sun. Bring Dramamine, just in case. I didn't need it til the last day.
Cabin Review
Interior
No sound from any neighbors, and it only took a night to get used to the creaking and crackling in the ceiling as the ship flexed in the water. The last day and night there was a high pitched whine that was louder near the front door (but still audible from the beds). Had it happened earlier in the cruise we might have called about it, but since was the last day we just ignored it. Beds were comfy, and this location is very convenient to the mid ship elevators. Close enough to dash "downstairs" from poolside to use the bathroom!
Port Reviews
Los Angeles
We flew in and boarded the ship. Took Big Blue shuttle to the airport.
Mazatlan
We wandered on our own in this port. I enjoyed the somewhat strenuous hike to the top of El Faro, in spite of the fact you can smell the sewage treatment plant next door as soon as you step on the trail. The Mercado was alive with sights and sounds, from parrots roosting above the bakery to blocks and blocks of souvenir clothing (and merchants hawking their wares incessantly). We had lunch at Pedro and Lola's in Plazuela Merchado but their fish tacos were not what we expected. I thought we would get chunks of white fish, grilled or fried, with slaw and crema....what came instead looked like cat food (brown chunks in a weird gravy) and tasted very much like the tuna it was. Their chips and salsa were good though, and there is free WiFi
Cabo San Lucas
Not really much time to do an excursion here; by the time you get the tender over to shore you have about 4 hours to explore. We sought out the info booth (you have to wade through the water taxi drivers trying to take you to Los Arcos) and asked where the locals went to enjoy the beach....after circling the naval station (to the L when you get off the tenders) we walked to a Marine Reserve beach that had beautiful sand and was so clean. The water was beautiful and there was a swimming area designated, although it was too cold to swim when we were there. I at least got my feet in!
After relaxing at the beach, we made our way to Senor Frogs and gave in to the tourist trade, with generic chips and salsa, really good sangrias and margaritas, and lots of entertainment by the waitstaff there. Plus there's a bathroom (none on the beach). They claimed their wifi wasn't working, so we spent our last hour awaiting the tender line to go down at Agave, where we had delicious frappucinos and free wifi. Nice, relaxing day.