Ruby Princess Cruises Reviews

what is the music played over the tanoy system, when leaving venice

Reference Photo prices. Sorry to say that it is not the Ruby charging more than the Grand. The prices on all their ships was increased sometime between May and July. I paid about US$45 for the two disc cruise DVD on the Ruby in May, But by the time I travelled on the Crown in July the price had been hiked to US$45 for EACH disc. Needless to say their take from me was greatly reduced, to NIL. However I would say that it is always worth going along at the very last moment and "doing a deal". I have done this on several occasions and managed to get some of the photographs at "rock bottom " prices, well about US$5 anyhow. I think that they, at that stage of the cruise, feel that any money is better than none!

Mr/Mrs McQueen, My family and I were on the exact cruise as you. I would agree with some of your review, but a great deal of it I disagree with. The Ruby Princess had 3600 passengers during that cruise, and the ship was completely booked. The fact that it took 3 hours to have your luggage delivered to your room shouldn't have been a surprise. Although you saw your luggage out of probably more than 8,000-10,000 peices of luggage, all cruise ship companies have a way to deal with it and cannot let a passenger retrieve the luggage. it's a systematic approach and must be handled that way to ensure everyone receives their luggage properly. Gathering your own luggage would have been a liability for Princess, and that is unacceptable for the cruise line. Three hours to wait for your luggage isn't too much to ask. For this particular cruise, we booked late and ended up with a normal stateroom. The room didn't feel any smaller than other ships. Unless you have a mini-suite or better, all bathrooms seem the same size (exception would be a handicap room). The shower in the mini-suite is actually a full size tub. I agree with you regarding the food. Sometimes the food is good, other times the food is average. The Horizon court is usually the place where the food can be hit or miss. Can't help you regarding the warm plates. Perhaps taking a plate to your table and letting it cool off before putting your salad material on it would have worked. I can understand your feeling about the bus that was chartered, but I doubt it was the cruise lines fault. The driver was most likely trying to save fuel or some crazy idea like that. Also, Europe is awefully hot this time of year. Once you exit the bus or walk around the cities, you are feeling totally exhausted. It's the weather; I guess you just have to deal with it. As far as Athen, Greece goes, I feel your pain. The wind wasn't the captains fault. You should have mentioned in your review that the captain idled in the water for several hours hoping that the winds would die down. They did their part-- Mother nature didn't cooperate. Entertainment: I've noticed for the last couple of years that the entertainment has progressively become worse. Entertainers cost a great deal of money, and I understand that Princess cruises needs to save money when times are tough. It doesn't help when Princess is already giving people a heck of a deal just to get on the ship. Some of the entertainment was lackluster, but some of it was extremely good. The Operal singer was incredible. By chance do you know her name? I'd appreciate that information. The Princess dancers were also great. The last show entitled something like "I had a dream" was exceptional. The way they made the background come to life is something totally new. In my opinion, it was the best show I've ever seen on a cruise ship. Shows were played multiple times because there were 3600 passengers on board. All the people cannot see the same show on the same night. Three nights for a repeated show would have been a bad thing. Two nights is acceptable. Also, don't forget that there are other equally talented shows (usually) playing at the same time. If you've seen a show on one night, just goto the other show on the next night. Problem solved. Coffee card? Hmm... I didn't know about that either Disembarkation can always be a mess. I don't think it was Princess' fault. I think it was the airport and the countries fault. My family and I were also distraught with that airport. We made it home. That's what mattered. We also flew Iberia, so I know how you felt about the airline. Photographs: Yes, they are expensive. Photographs on cruise ships are like Vegas and Slot machines. It's upto each individual to decide if it's worth it or not. I would rate (in stars) as follows: Quality of food ---> 4 stars Entertainment ----> 3 stars (Billy Vader and a few others should have stayed home) Shore excursions > 4 stars ( We spent $2,000 U.S..) You get what you pay for. Staff ----------------> 4 stars (The Maitre'D is the most friendliest guy I've ever met-- Generosa Masoni Childrens Faci. ----> N/a Cabins -------------> 4 stars (Get a mini-suite and life will be great). Overall rating -----> 4 stars. J. McDowell-- Texas

Interested to read your review on your cruise - we are doing the same trip in September and funnily enough our last cruise was on the Grand in the Med so will naturally be comparing ships. Noted your comments re the food and entertainment but concerned re the excursion to Rome - we are doing the 'Rome on our Own' and hopefully this does not include that dreadful train journey. Would certainly will be interested in the Coffee Card so thanks for that advice and I am sure we will be paying a visit to the International Cafe. Glad you enjoyed your cruise despite the odd problems which hopefully will be sorted out by September!! Liz.