Ruby Princess Review
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Additional details
We just got back from Ruby Princess's ten day Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise of the "Mexican Riviera." For locals in Southern California, this itinerary is hard to beat for a quick, inexpensive, relaxing getaway vacation. Stops are: 2-days in Cabo San Lucas; a day each in La Paz, Loreto, and Puerto Vallarta. Add in two at-sea days to get there, an at-sea day to get to P.V., and two more at-sea days to get back, and you have a nice, slightly longer than normal Mexican getaway.
It's one of the best values around, and it offers rain-weary Californians a chance to enjoy some sunshine and interesting scenery without having to spend extra money for destination hotels or cross country airfare. Missing also is the hassle of dealing with rude TSA agents, surly airline employees, or any of the other annoyances that seem to be inexorably connected with the joy of air travel.
This cruise was a last-minute decision, so we had only a limited selection of staterooms available. No suites, mini-suites, or balcony rooms were left; and we were lucky to get the last ocean-view room on the ship. It was far astern on Deck 8;; not a bad location at it turned out. The nearby aft elevator took us up to the Lido deck and dropped us off right in front of the Horizon Cafe buffet. .
Cabin Review
Oceanview
Very compact cabin, only one small chair and a student-sized desk. No couch, no coffee table. Shower only. Cabin was clean, recently refurbished, very large wall mounted flat screen TV with excellent selection of on-demand (free) movies, streaming live TV and news, documentaries and features. Downside: no access to your on-board spending account.
Port Reviews
La Paz
We took the free bus into town and walked around the town, eventually having food and a beverage at one of the local sidewalk cafes. We are familiar with the town and enjoy it.
Puerto Vallarta
This is another port we've visited several times. We have our favorite shops and one or two restaurants we particularly enjoy--Oscar's, for example. We also enjoy the little beer bar next door to the ship berth in the harbor. We usually try to wind up at the bar for chips and beer before we go on board.