My California West Coast Cruise Aboard Ruby Princess

By Jess, Cruise Expert

California’s West Coast wasn’t necessarily somewhere I’d have thought to book a cruise, but after experiencing it aboard Ruby Princess, I’m so pleased I had the opportunity. From the glamour of Los Angeles to the beautiful harbour of Catalina Island, every destination offered something different, and I came home having discovered a side of cruising I hadn’t experienced before.

Having previously sailed on Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess, I was also interested to see how Ruby compared with the newer ships in the fleet. It was a great opportunity to experience a different style of Princess cruise, and I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it.

How Does Ruby Princess Compare with Newer Princess Ships?

Ruby Princess has a more traditional style than Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess, with classic décor and a lovely, welcoming atmosphere. Although she doesn’t have quite the same contemporary feel as the newer ships, I was impressed by how well maintained she was. She certainly didn’t feel tired or dated.

The crew were fantastic throughout our cruise. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there, and nothing was too much trouble. It’s something I’ve always appreciated about Princess, and Ruby certainly lived up to my previous experiences.

Having now sailed on three Princess ships, I feel much better equipped to explain the differences to customers. If you love contemporary design and the facilities of a newer ship, Sky or Enchanted Princess might be more your style. However, if you enjoy a traditional cruise atmosphere, I certainly wouldn’t overlook Ruby Princess.

Exploring Los Angeles and Hollywood on a Cruise

Los Angeles was one of the destinations I was most excited to explore. Like most people, I’d seen Hollywood and Beverly Hills countless times in films and on television, so actually being there felt quite surreal.

We joined a Hollywood Stars excursion, which took us through several very different parts of the city. Hollywood Boulevard was perhaps a little less glamorous than I’d imagined, although it was still exciting to see the famous stars along the pavement. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, on the other hand, were exactly the sort of places I’d pictured, with beautiful surroundings and plenty of impressive cars.

We also drove through the hills past the homes of famous celebrities, which was fascinating. I really enjoyed seeing the contrast between the different neighbourhoods and getting a better understanding of just how varied Los Angeles is.

Why Catalina Island Was My Favourite Cruise Port

Of all the destinations we visited, Catalina Island was easily my favourite. It’s absolutely beautiful, with a picturesque harbour, colourful buildings and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. It reminded me of somewhere between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, which wasn’t at all what I’d expected from a California cruise.

We decided to hire a golf buggy to explore, and I’d definitely recommend doing the same. It was such a fun way to get around, allowing us to venture beyond the harbour and discover some fantastic viewpoints overlooking the coastline.

I loved the freedom of being able to stop whenever we wanted, take photographs and enjoy the scenery at our own pace. Catalina was one of those places I could happily have spent much longer exploring, and it’s certainly somewhere I’d love to return to.

An Unexpected Adventure in San Diego

Another memorable experience was the San Diego SEAL tour, although I have to admit it wasn’t an excursion I’d normally have chosen. The tour takes place aboard an unusual amphibious vehicle that begins by driving through the city like a bus before heading straight into the water and becoming a boat!

It was great fun, and we had the opportunity to see seals, birds and dolphins while exploring the waterfront. We also learnt more about San Diego during the road portion of the tour.

It turned out to be one of my favourite excursions of the trip and reminded me that sometimes it’s worth trying something you wouldn’t usually consider.

Together with our visit to Ensenada in Mexico, these destinations made for a wonderfully varied itinerary, combining sightseeing, wildlife, scenery and plenty of opportunities to explore.

Is Princess Premier Worth It?

One of the things that made this cruise particularly enjoyable was having Princess Premier. I loved knowing that so much was already taken care of before we travelled. Rather than worrying about how much we were spending onboard, we could simply enjoy the restaurants, drinks and other facilities included in our package.

The speciality dining was a particular highlight. Crown Grill has always been one of my favourite Princess restaurants, and with unlimited speciality dining included in our package, I was able to visit twice!

When I considered everything we’d used, including drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and the other benefits, I genuinely felt we’d received excellent value.

For customers who enjoy speciality restaurants and want more of their holiday costs covered upfront, I’d definitely recommend looking at Princess Premier.

Who Would I Recommend Ruby Princess To?

I think this USA cruise itinerary would appeal to anyone looking for something a little different from a traditional beach holiday.

There’s a brilliant combination of sightseeing, scenery, culture and relaxation, making it a good choice for couples, families and multi-generational groups. Los Angeles and San Diego offer plenty of activities, while Catalina Island provides a completely different, more relaxed experience.

I also think Princess appeals to a wider range of ages than some people might expect. The atmosphere onboard was lively and friendly without feeling overly formal.

For anyone considering Ruby Princess but wondering whether to choose a newer ship instead, I’d reassure them that she’s beautifully maintained and offers an excellent traditional cruising experience.

My Final Thoughts on Ruby Princess

Looking back on my Ruby Princess review, what stands out most is the variety of experiences we enjoyed. From exploring Hollywood to driving a golf buggy around Catalina Island and taking an amphibious tour through San Diego, every destination brought something memorable.

The friendly crew, relaxed atmosphere and excellent value of Princess Premier made the onboard experience just as enjoyable.

I’m incredibly grateful to Princess Cruises and Bolsover Cruise Club for the opportunity to discover an itinerary I might never have considered for myself. It’s certainly changed my perspective on cruising California’s West Coast, and I’ll be recommending it to customers looking for something a little different.

If you’re considering a Princess cruise, speak to our Cruise Experts at Bolsover Cruise Club, who can help you find the right ship, itinerary and package for your next holiday.