Can't find this ship listed on the cruise review site so hope it is OK to post this review here.
We took a flight down from Vegas to join the Ruby Princess for a seven night cruise in the Caribbean.
The flight was with US Airways, and being an internal flight was very busy. They charged us for our check-in bags which was unexpected . American passengers were taking luggage on that really should have been checked in so getting on the plane and finding a place for your overhead stuff was a nightmare. People were getting stressed but you can't really blame them for trying to avoid luggage charges.
The flight was not comfortable at all and we were glad when we arrived In Fort lauderdale. We stayed at the Comfort Suites, near the port. DO NOT go there !!! Our room was smelly, damp and awful, our agent had booked this at the last minute when our flights were changed. We arrived at 2.00 AM a bit grumpy and couldn't wait to get on the ship.
The next day, we had to wait until 2.00PM to be transferred to the port. Embarkation was the easiest we have ever done. Got straight on to the ship and were in our room within minutes.
The Ruby Princess is beautiful, as you might expect, it is new, this being only the second week of inaurgural cruise. Everything was beautiful, we had a balcony for the first time ever, what a treat !!!
We made the most of sitting out side for breakfast and for a late night drink - gorgeous. The balconies come in various styles, covered, partially covered etc, so I can answer queries if anyone wants to ask about them. eg I don't really tolerate a lot of sunbathing so an uncovered balcony would not have suited us but would have been ideal for sunlovers.
The decor looks Italian, carpets are beautiful and the Piazza has lots of marble. The ship is designed much the same as any other large liner but we felt that there were lots of limitations in getting around and some of it we never really could work out.
We were assigned anytime dining. The first couple of nights this was a huge disappointment. We enjoy the company of others and we were allocated a table where we were the only english speaking couple.
There were lots of brazilians and other south americans on this trip. Would have preferred traditional dining. This was a time when I really wish I had learned to speak languages when I was younger. The other passengers were really impressive, some of them speaking more than five languages !!
For the rest of the week it got better as we were dining with people we could have a converstion with.
The food was the usual cruise fare, quality somewhere between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ( this is just our opinion some people might not agree). During the day the buffet was excellent and the surroundings the best we have had. Good food available all day, no lemonade though, just iced water and iced tea.
The pool areas could get quite crowded and we had the usual problem on sea days where people claim a number of sunbeds and then disappear for half of the day, leaving others with a struggle to find a seat.
We enjoyed the Movies under the Stars, But during the day the sound was quite loud around the pool and some people were annoyed by it. At night though, we really enjoyed the late films. They bring you popcorn and a bar service.
One of the highlights for me was a cooking masterclass on board, the chef was very entertaining and I learned many new things , he gave us a lovely booklet with the recipies in and what a lovely gentleman !!
Ports of call. We have visited all of the ports many times, but still found something to enjoy.
Ochos Rios, what can I say !!! nothing changes here, roads very poor, lots of rubbish lying around, colourful laid back characters everywhere!! It rained really heavy all day. We took a tour up to Fern Gully, the gardens and Dunns River Falls. We always do this with a local tour firm, they never fail to entertain us and much cheaper than the ships tours. Many people did not get off the ship here, it is personal choice but why go right across the world and stay on the ship ?? We found everything quite expensive here this year.
Grand Cayman, this is a tender port and we had to anchor on the opposite side of the island due to swell around the capital. We found a gorgeous beach very near and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. Saw lots of turtles which we didn't disturb. We have done many activities here before, there is lots of horseriding, Stingray City etc , plenty of choice.
Seven mile beach is popular here.
Princess Cays, this is owned by the cruiseline. There is a lovely beach ( although there are no locals here ) Plenty of watersports are available. Cruise staff provide bar service and they also do a buffet lunch. Everything can be charged to your onboard account so there is no need for cash. Crew do a great job in getting us all on an off the ships tender. They work very hard.
Cozumel, Mexico this was my favourite port this time. Last time I visited, it was just after Hurricane Katrina so the port has been completely rebuilt. It had been completely destroyed. We went to the water park and Mayan gardens , very near, cost 10$ per four person in a taxi. There is plenty to do here, beach, swimming with dophins and some of the best snorkelling I have ever done in the world.
There is a gorgeous lagoon where the fish come in from the sea, the water is very clear here - beautiful. Staff are very kind , service is good. The beach area is very clean and there is a childrens swimming pool and play areas.
Around the port there is the usual caribbean shopping, jewellery, watches, pottery, and a few nice places to have lunch or a drink. The locals are friendly without being too 'keen ' to sell you something - a great day.
Entertainment is of the usual cruise ship style, they have a new production called Broadway Ballroom, this will appeal to strictly come dancing fans !! I would have like to have seen more of the ships orchestra, much of the music was not live - a bit disappointing.
There was live music around the ship though, the rock band was good, classical music good, comedians, we only saw once - very good. Lots of sailaway caribbean music , the deck party was cancelled due to rough weather.
Getting off the ship was a breeze, the easiest disembarkation we have ever done. Staff have got this one down to a fine art. A great cruise, not the best weather we have had at this time of year, but enjoyed it all the same. Cannot fault the staff, everyone pleasant, nothing too much trouble. The ship is gorgeous, you will not be disappointed, balconies are more affordable on Princess so go on - treat yourself !!
Many thanks for the review. I have asked for the ship to be added to our reviews site, but this may take several weeks to appear as the Admin who can add is on long term sick leave.
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