First Cruise - Review - Ruby Nov 4 -14

[nekhabet]

Well I've been home now for about ten days and the post cruise depression is starting to subside!! Time to write the review.

 

I hope to give people who will be cruising for the first time a taste of what they can expect.

 

Embarkation

Very smooth with no hassles and relatively quick. As this was my first cruise I was in awe when I stepped into the Piazza for the first time.

 

Stateroom - Riviera 618

This is a balcony stateroom. I spent a great deal of time enjoying the sights sound and smells of the ocean. I had a bird's eyeview of every island we passed. For me it was worth the extra expense.

 

The room itself is ergonomic and well planned out. My partner and I were very comfortable.

 

I would probabaly book a stateroom on the deck below this one next time. Sometimes there was noise from the horizon court above. Mostly the sounds of carts with wobbly wheels.:rolleyes:

 

Food

Never have I seen so much food in one place. Needless to say getting something to eat is never a problem. Quality was good - but not fantastic. The buffets were probably better than most land buffets. The main dining room was good too. I found Crown Grill a bit disappointing - I have had better steaks on land many times. Howeve, the service was good and the ambiance pleasant.

I really enjoyed the pizza on the pool deck and the burger were pretty good too.

 

My partner purchased an unlimited soda sticker but didn't feel she really got her moneys worth and says she probably won't bother next time. I opted for the coffee card and really enjoyed the specialty coffees at the International Cafe. Try the white and milk chocolate coffee - to die for.

 

Entertainment

There is always something going on. Comedians, jugglers, shows, trivia etc. etc.

My only small complaint is that most things (eg Country Night) only happen an hour at a time. The cruise director staff seems to be constantly rushing to get through trivia and then line dancing and then the next thing and the next thing etc. Therefore people seem to be just getting into something and then it ends.

Still there is lots for everyone to do and the CD staff really seem to want everyone to enjoy themselves.

 

All in all this cruise was a fantastic experience an I would definately do it again and again.

 

A few pieces of advice:

 

- its true - you really don't need so many clothes

- casino bar makes the best drinks

- Bushwacker (alcoholic beverage) in St. Thomas is amazing

- being polite in the islands (or anywhere for that matter) goes a very long way toward bridging cultural and economic differences

 

Happy cruising!!:D

[Toto2Kansas]

It sounds like you really enjoyed your first cruise. Thanks for taking the time to write a review! :)

[Pam in CA]

Congratulations on your first cruise... and review. Well done!

[Shifra]

Your cruise sounds great and I felt your excitement. Sounds like there will be many more cruises in your future.:D I still get excited every time I board a ship!

 

Thanks for sharing :)

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review.

[Caribensun]

I appreciate you taking time to write your review and glad you want to go again. Thanks for the tips. Happy you had a good cruise, I am sure it is hard to be back.

[Infi]

Thanks for the review - I always enjoy reading a first time cruiser's take. Glad to see you had such a nice time!

[Palmist]

Thanks for your review. We board in 8 days and your review will help us out. Can't wait to be on VACATION!

Myrna

[Coolmama_1]

Great review. Sounds like you had a fabulous time.

[Clutterlady]

Thank you for the review and glad you enjoyed your first cruise! Now your hooked.....:)

[Caribbean Sunsets]

Thanks for the review. Try the Caribe Deck on your next cruise. You'll love the larger balcony!

[nanfromatlanta]

Thanks for the great review. We board on December 20th!!

[Tak8]

Thanks for the review. You did it right starting with a 10 day cruise. I'll be on the Christmas saiing of the Ruby.

[bubbadog]

That was a good review,Glad you and your spouse had a great time,and sounds like you did well in your travels and meeting and interacting with the locals in the ports,now you have to figure out your next cruise,so that you dont suffer from PCD= post cruise depression lol:));):p

[Cruise Rookey]

We are about to embark on our first cruise during the Christmas season. Can you tell us a little about the islands you visited and whether you took the ship excursions or not.

 

We are wondering also if there will be a lot of children on the Christmas Cruise (Ruby):cool: