Wrapping up on the Ruby....

[Alimariecruisin]

In regards to our California Coastal cruise (Ruby March 10-17) the negatives we experienced did not stop our enjoyment of the cruise overall. The weather was either nice or rainy (very rainy in Monterey), our room steward Richard on Dolphin deck was outstanding, the food in the main dining room for lunch the first day (embarkation) was amazing but after that day just so so and we were seated all the time where wait staff had to almost crawl over my husband to pass him, touching him over and over throughout each meal. Pizza was bad, less offerings in the buffet, less wine in each glass of wine (especially in the Crown Grill), less staff overall to assist passengers. The staff rarely smiled nor seemed happy to assist anyone especially in the Crown Grill (except room steward Richard), the pool area and MUTS had NO music nor movie all day in sunny Ensenada where many of us did not get off ship. We, along with many others requested the entertainment department at least put music on and we all were ignored. We watched bar staff argue with each other in a foreign language off and on for hours...very tense. Room service was great and fast, I won in the casino (YEA!), we had a wonderful meet and great with our cruise critic roll call (sweet and fun people), San Francisco early was beautiful, San Diego was nice too...but Ruby has gone down in many areas compared to our cruises in 2015,2016, 2017. Sadly I just don't know if I'll book another cruise on Princess for a long time...maybe it's time to try another line for us.

[cruiseintoheaven]

In regards to our California Coastal cruise (Ruby March 10-17) the negatives we experienced did not stop our enjoyment of the cruise overall. The weather was either nice or rainy (very rainy in Monterey), our room steward Richard on Dolphin deck was outstanding, the food in the main dining room for lunch the first day (embarkation) was amazing but after that day just so so and we were seated all the time where wait staff had to almost crawl over my husband to pass him, touching him over and over throughout each meal. Pizza was bad, less offerings in the buffet, less wine in each glass of wine (especially in the Crown Grill), less staff overall to assist passengers. The staff rarely smiled nor seemed happy to assist anyone especially in the Crown Grill (except room steward Richard), the pool area and MUTS had NO music nor movie all day in sunny Ensenada where many of us did not get off ship. We, along with many others requested the entertainment department at least put music on and we all were ignored. We watched bar staff argue with each other in a foreign language off and on for hours...very tense. Room service was great and fast, I won in the casino (YEA!), we had a wonderful meet and great with our cruise critic roll call (sweet and fun people), San Francisco early was beautiful, San Diego was nice too...but Ruby has gone down in many areas compared to our cruises in 2015,2016, 2017. Sadly I just don't know if I'll book another cruise on Princess for a long time...maybe it's time to try another line for us.

 

Hi Alice - I have to agree that the food was a big step down compared to recent cruises (exceptions being the Salty Dog and Crown Grille), though I’m speaking of the buffet as we didn’t go to the MDR. (I think I would have requested a different table after the first night of gymnastics:). The breakfast fare in the buffet was fine - standard fare. Dinner was where we really had to search for anything that was appealing. Most of the carving stations had dried out roasts and meats, sides were either bland or just not good. I can’t complain too much as I still managed to gain my normal 5 cruise lbs....which may have more to do with the wine...lol. As I mentioned, we felt service was a bit thin but the crew we encountered was by and large very pleasant, with Donnabelle from Crooners and at times the Wheelhouse very friendly and eager to please. That’s a head scratcher about no entertainment topdeck while in Ensenada. I don’t know how much the post cruise surveys factor into decisions made going forward, but I would definitely mention your concerns. In terms of trying another line, it seems the more I talk to longtime cruisers, the most satisfied ones seem to diversify. If nothing else, if you’ve not yet had a chance I hope you’ll give the Royal class a try sometime. 😊

[pklein9747]

We sailed also on the Ruby last week (our first elite cruise) and were disappointed in the food and the service. Our biggest issue came on the first day as I got out of the shower. I grabbed a towel off the rack, dried my face and then glanced at the towel...YUCK!!! It was covered in brown stains and mold!! I dried off with the other towel, after checking it, quickly dressed and brought the towel down to passenger services. I quietly told them our problem and the passenger services manager came out. He looked at the towel and called the head of housekeeping who came down. They apologized profusely, assuring us they didn't know what had happened and that the room steward would be advised.

 

Our room steward apologized the next day and we did receive some chocolates (which we don't eat) and robes in our room (which we don't wear) , as well as an opportunity to order canapés (which we don't eat either). We appreciate they tried to make up for the problem.

 

Our room steward, from the time we met him, seemed disinterested. He didn't tell us his name or ask if we needed anything special. Service throughout the ship was spotty. On the first sea day, we decided to order room service for lunch. I was on hold for 21 minutes waiting for the line to be answered. Our food came quicker. One evening in Club Fusion, it took a server more than 20 minutes to acknowledge us and ask if we wanted a drink. We did meet several bartenders in Crooners and the Outrigger bar who were very personable and accommodating and served some great drinks. Found that sitting at the bar guaranteed good service. Also, the servers in Horizon were working very hard and turned tables over quickly and we rarely had to wait to get something to drink whether it was for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

 

On the plus side, it was nice that Princess distributed umbrellas as we waited for the return tenders in the rain in Monterey. We loved the new mattress, but not the pillows.

 

We, too, are spoiled by the buffets on the Royal and Regal. The lunch and dinner buffet were uninspired. The food was bland, boring and beyond redemption. We ate in the dining room several nights and other than the long lines for anytime dining, we enjoyed our dinners. We met some wonderful people as we opted to share a table. We also missed Alfredos.

 

Wish the weather had been a bit warmer...and drier in Monterey...but we made the most of all of our stops as it was our first time in California and we had a lot to see. Can't remember the last time we walked so much!!! We thoroughly enjoyed all the ports!!

 

Not feeling the love for any of the old ships anymore. We are truly spoiled by the Royal and Regal. For the first time we are seriously considering trying another line. I know there are problems on all cruise ships, but we think it is time for a different, hopefully better, experience.

[SmedonSeas]

Well, tomorrow is the last day on our California Coastal, which means the suitcases come out (booooooo:). Thought I’d confirm a few common questions asked lately along with some general observations.

 

Happy hour is indeed gone.

 

Blue tote bags are back.

 

No life jacket at Muster, which has been shortened and redone.

 

Salty dog cover fee down to $12 pp.

 

A glass of wine at Vines now gets you one tapas instead of two and there’s no choice - it’s whatever they have for that day.

 

Daytime activities seem to be more varied since our last cruise.

 

Coffee cards seem to be accepted regardless of their vintage.

 

The captains reception is just drinks - no passed apps anymore.

 

Overall service has been good, with a few outstanding folks that really go the extra mile.

 

Quite a bit of maintenance going on around the ship as usual. The Sanctuary pool has been empty and this closed all week - it looks as though it was just painted.

 

Food has been okay, not great. Less variety in the buffet, but we haven’t been on a grand class ship in almost two years so I could just be unfairly comparing it to the Regal.

 

We haven’t set foot in the MDR. Ate at the Salty Dog one night which seems to be better than the last time, and busier. Crown Grill last night - pretty good, but I’ve never been a huge fan so I’m a bit biased. We may try Share tonight. I miss Alfredo’s!!

 

The difference in size and Pax count is really felt in the piazza - very difficult to get a seat which is frustrating when you’re trying to grab a bite in the IC. I do like the use of the Explorers Lounge for nightly entertainment much more than Princess Live!

 

Overall a good cruise, despite colder than expected temps and some drizzle.

 

Off to Crooners!

 

 

 

 

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Do you know if the coffee cards now have expiration dates on them?

[cruiseintoheaven]

Do you know if the coffee cards now have expiration dates on them?

 

I’m really not sure how the new ones are issued - I’ve heard here on the boards that they do now have an expiration date. We didn’t purchase one. My husband had an unused blank one from a prior cruise that was accepted without question. I had a few old tattered and punched ones that were also accepted for brewed coffee, sometimes with a punch and sometimes not. 😊

[pklein9747]

Do you know if the coffee cards now have expiration dates on them?

 

We traded our mini bar for two coffee cards and both were blank. Didn't use them, however, because we had the drink package on this cruise.