Ruby Princess Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,976 reviews

Aukland to Sydney outrunning a storm

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Ruby Princess
User Avatar
Cadodge
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2019
Cabin: Balcony

The itinerary was exactly what we wanted. Both islands for New Zealand and Hobart Tasmania (our favorite), Melbourne and Sydney for Australia. Unfortunately, a storm and heavy seas caused us to miss Akaora and Fiordlands and gave us a number of days of rough seas and cold days. Not the fault of Princess and the decision of the captain was understandable and appreciated . Safety first. The crew and staff were outstanding. Favorite port was Hobart Tasmania, What an enchanted place is Tasmania! Art, history wildlife, pastoral countryside.

Our cabin was large and well appointed and the cabin steward was wonderful. The price for the cruise was good, as long as you don't want anything other than a cabin, tap water and coffee/tea and pretty standard food. On the ship it was disappointing that so many things cost extra, - soft drinks, bottled water, "gourmet" hamburgers, ice cream sundaes, gelato, specialty coffees and IMO not good value for the money. Of the three (Share, Crown and Salty Dog Pub) only the Share specialty restaurant was worth the extra charge. Food at meals in the buffet was plentiful, but pretty average. Steaks available at every dinner in the formal restaurants, but $24 (Aus) extra. Drink packages and wifi were expensive, but wifi was excellent. You have to be a pretty heavy drinker to make the packages worthwhile.

The excursions were expensive compared with those available through tour companies at most ports on shore (hint - book ahead), but most were good. We liked the train at Dunedin and were glad we booked through Princess as it picks you up at the port, rather than having to catch the other train in town some miles away. The ship was built in 2008 and had been nicely refurbished a couple of years ago, but rust showing outside and on the balcony. Interiors were very lovely.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Nicely appointed and spacious. They charge for bottled water in cabin, but if you need distilled water for a CPAP they will provide a gallon for free. There is self service laundry for about $3 a load (Aus) and $3 for drying. The ship's laundry did a nice job and the cost pretty reasonable for a ship.

Port Reviews

Picton

Can't remember the name. Trek around a nature reserve. I can no longer find it online. It was horrible, so hopefully they no longer offer it. The guide thought he was doing an iron man walk and no birds or wildlife were seen. A quick boat ride past some nets was our tour of a mussel farm.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Ruby Princess Cruise from $158

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.