Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is Princess Cruise Line’s love letter to California and to those living in San Francisco. Want to go on a romantic getaway or a family trip and you live near the Golden Gate Bridge? Then this ship is for you. It’s dated in some areas, sure, but it offers amazing itineraries, excellent service, and reasonable prices. If you’re planning to visit Mexico, Alaska, or Hawaii, you should definitely pay close attention to this review.

What we like about Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is entirely focused on the West Coast of the United States, sailing exclusively from San Francisco. It offers itineraries that take you to other California cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, where you can even stop to visit Universal or Disneyland. The most interesting itineraries, however, are the 16-day Hawaiian Islands cruise and the 10-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise, both starting at $1,300. The Hawaii itinerary is particularly impressive, as it allows you to explore every island in detail for a fair price and even includes a stop in Mexico before returning to San Francisco.

This is an old-style cruise that doesn’t feel overcrowded, perfect for families looking for a fun getaway or older guests seeking a special, romantic experience. I mean, is there anything more romantic than sailing through Hawaii or exploring the giant glaciers of Alaska? The ship accommodates about 3,000 guests but still feels cozy and family-friendly. It truly captures the classic era of cruising, offering activities like mini-golf, sports courts, jogging tracks,  casino (that is 50% smoking) and the standard resort pools. Don’t expect waterparks or over-the-top features like go-kart tracks or carousels onboard.

Service is top-notch, as you’d expect from Princess Cruises. If you’re looking for a relaxing family cruise or a romantic vacation, attentive crew is key, and I’m happy to say that the staff on Ruby Princess goes above and beyond to make sure you’re well taken care of. Crew members might even bring kids board games or playing cards if they notice they’re bored, and there’s always a genuine smile ready to answer your questions.

The food onboard Ruby Princess is also solid. It may not quite match what you’d find on Holland America, but the pizza is some of the best you’ll find at sea, and the Salty Dog Gastropub serves really tasty burgers, all included in your base fare. The pizza, by the way, is conveniently located by the pool, and the flavors change daily, making it the perfect choice for an afternoon snack… or breakfast… or lunch… well, you get the idea.

What we don’t like about Ruby Princess

There are, however, a few dated aspects on Ruby Princess, which is understandable considering the ship was built in 2008. Some are minor and might even be overlooked, like the fact that there are five pools, but none of them are indoors. That’s definitely a letdown, especially since this ship sails to Alaska, where the weather can be cold and rainy.

The rooms were refurbished recently, but they still look a bit dated. The TVs and carpets were completely replaced not long ago, but much of the rest feels original. For example, standard balcony cabins don’t have a couch or seating area, which might feel a bit odd to some. Some balcony cabins are also located directly under the pool deck, so keep that in mind when booking, or be prepared to wake up at 5am to the sound of chairs and loungers being moved right above your head.

Conclusion

Ruby Princess has some dated aspects, but that shouldn’t be a major issue if your goal is to visit Alaska or Hawaii. This ship offers excellent service and amazing itineraries, and it really feels like a love letter to San Francisco. Want to relax on a cruise above all else while exploring some truly unique destinations? Then welcome aboard.