On February 4Th we flew from upstate NY to Ft. Lauderdale, FL and stayed the night at the Ramada Inn which was about 10 minutes from Port Everglades. Our motel provided transportation both to and from our ship at a minimal cost. Being winter we felt getting there a day earlier would lessen the stress of getting there in time in case of a snowstorm. Due to the Norovirus, our boarding the Ruby Princess was delayed as they were thoroughly cleaning the ship. We registered and waited in the convention center which was no big deal. Everything was very organized and boarding went very smoothly.

I want to commend the staff of the Ruby as NO ONE became ill on our voyage from this virus due to their diligent work of keeping everything clean. Each dining area had a hand sanitizer station which was required for anyone entering to use, someone was standing right there to make sure of this. Our food was served to us at the buffet to deter germs also.

The food was delicious! A new menu as well as a standard menu was available every night in our assigned Botticelli dining room. Our wait staff, Edwin & Rainier went above and beyond when it came to making our dining a pleasurable experience. They did this even though we had the late dinner seating of 8:15. We would always stop at the Crooners lounge for a nightcap. Frankie was our favorite waiter there - he remembered you and what you liked to drink and got it ready for you right away. He was very personable also. While there we would listen to piano music with Bert Stratton - he was wonderful plus he kept us laughing with his humor. Read more