Ruby Princess 2 week Med
 

Anyone done this trip? Venice to Barcelona 12 nights

Yes, last year. Mid August.

how di you like it? Would you recommend?

Drat! I got timed out and lost my reply. grrr.

Itinerary was perfect for taking my elderly mother. My cousins booked with us, and we got adjoining balcony rooms. The TA pricing fit the family budget: we got a group pricing and extra amenities.

Many Americans and UK passengers plus international passengers/ groups. Mom enjoyed chatting with a Hong Kong tour leader. Mom had never been to Greece, Turkey and Monaco, and this was her first Med. cruise. We chose not to take the ship tours. Mom used a walker on this trip and we needed a slower pace.

Food was OK and a few times I was "huh, what was THAT" disappointed/ugh. We chose the anytime dining, and Mom was happier if the two of us went to the Lido buffet. She liked seeing her choices close up and the buffets also were themed, so less chance of being bored. The late late spread was boring. Service OK. The Headwaiter Godwin (8 yr employee) was very good in managing the tables in the anytime dining room. -- The maitr'd Generosa has been with the company 20+ years.

The daily Princess Patter had lots of activities listed to keep people moving about (or not). Dull library. Due to the port schedule, the ship's shops would be open in the evenings and sea days. Many overhead announcements.

Mom likes the "buzz" on Princess ships--she was bored on Oceania. The Piazza had mini shows and the specialty coffee shop and wine bar were nearby.

Mom liked our balcony cabin, my elite benefits: minibar drinks (her souvenirs) and sodas, canapes on formal nites, the most traveled/elite cocktail party with the Captain and senior staff, and our picture opportunity.

There is now an almost daily happy hour in the Skywalker niteclub with nibblies & a drink special for the elites & ?platinums. --this I never went to.

The Adagio Lounge next to the Sabatini restaurant is very nice. A quiet oasis on a go-go ship. Another place that is marketed is the spa and Sanctuary (adults area)$$.

A Med cruise tends to be port intensive. The Mykonos stop was by tender--very windy.

The Ruby has a red themed formal nite, and I recall a dress in white deck party. If you like to partner dance--bring your own partner. The CD James taught ball room sessions...some staffers were there assisting, but you can't count on the bodies being available in the evenings to go dancing.

Mass market cruise: OK/Fine. Met our needs.

If you're looking at the Ruby Princess, also (surprisingly) take a look at the Queen Victoria from Cunard. Many of her Med sailings are pricing at about the same, and you have a Premium/Luxury ship with higher quality food and service. The Ruby Princess is so popular and many especially from the US overlook Cunard, but this upcoming summer it's a good alternative.

Thank you for the heads up on Cunard. My next Med. cruise will be on the Crystal Serenity this year with friends and DH.--by the way, sorry to miss you on the Symphony. I am a bit frazzled on my end: Mom has had some medical issues this month. Really looking forward to R&R on Crystal.

Nothing better to soothe the ragged edges!

We'll just have to do a symbolic wave to one another in Auckland. Can't wait to get back onboard. Was on just after her renovation this past November, and this sailing can't come soon enough.

We're also doing that trip - but going the other way. Barcelona to Venice (12 days on Ruby) in September. When are you going? You'll have to post of your experience!

Did you get a good price for that cruise?

Going mid May. I think I got a good price but upgraded to a balcony...