Princess Cruises, Ruby Princess, Western Caribbean Review

“Like another reviewer, I was disappointed at not being...”

Written on: 20/12/2008 by Brian Fisher (1 review written)

Good Points
New ship where everything works! Our balcony cabin (on deck 10 starboard side) was cleverly appointed, functional and a delight... especially at sunset, relaxing with a G&T after a hectic day of swimming, sunbathing, eating and interviewing. Food up to Paris standards. Staff equal to any before encountered. No grumbles.

Bad Points
A bit of a 'scramble' to find a sun-lounger around any of the pools (towels laid out as 'reservation' despite notices requesting guests NOT to do so).

General Comments
Like another reviewer, I was disappointed at not being able to dock at Grand Cayman (29 November cruise) but although the British Captain was delightful, warm and competent, he never claimed to be God (or Neptune!)
On the Ruby Princess the mix of client nationalities (41) blended well with the ethnic mix of crew (40) and I saw no incidents of fractiousness worth mentioning.
The single most common complaint (and general disappointment) was docking at Ocha Rios, Jamaica. What an awful first impression at the dockside, not helped by the attacking hoards of local guys, hassling and touting. Nearby shops had been specifically designed to 'capture' visitors and were, in the main, tacky and grossly overpriced.
Princess Criuses management would be well advised to consider an alternative point of call?
In all other respects, I found the whole 'Ruby' experience almost 100% satisfactory and in particular, the first rate entertainment each evening, which was diverse enough to satisfy most tastes.
If the 'Ruby' is indicative of the other Princess ships, then all bodes well for cruise enthusiasts.