I have taken eight Princess Cruises-am a Platinum "member" and until now it has been my preferred cruise line. During prior and this past Alaskan Cruise I bring along friends and family to introduce them to the pleasures of cruising. This Alaskan Cruise on the Ruby Princess was a disappointment and embarrassment. I have noted some cost cutting over the past few years but, until this cruise, did not see buffets running out of food quickly, folks wrapped around the deck trying to get a hamburger, poor quality of food and service (including having hot coffee poured down my back by inexperienced staff). Entertainment predominantly consisted of infomercials on jewelry stores and the like in port. The excursions, run by outside companies, were good; however, the organization of passengers leaving the ship was non-existent. Rather than organized groups leaving for each excursion, it was a mass exodus with a free for all in ports trying to find correct bus and group.

The service desk was poorly staffed; answers were inconsistent regarding final transfers. We ended up waiting over two hours in line for a process that in the past was a simply letter to our room. It would be helpful if more of the staff was proficient in English.

Yes. The views from the balcony are beautiful. Alaska itself is a wonder. But the money would have been better spent on a different cruise line. Our family is looking at alternatives for the future.