Pssst! OK - here is my post

[CR dude]

Jim and Flora here. Retired Korea/Vietnam veteran who has lived in CR over 26 years and retired CR school teacher wife who have 4 Caribbean cruises under our belts aboard Carnival and NCL vessels (plus a NCL 16 day Miami to Los Angeles repositioning cruise ) - now planning a future cruise to enable us to visit previously unseen Caribbean ports.

 

We have practically ruled out Carnival and NCL as once is enough for Montego Bay, Belize and Roatan and we like cruises of more than 7 days. We checked itineraries of HAL and Princess and are considering 10 or 14 day cruises - possibly back to back - sometime between November and May of next year.

 

The itineraries and prices of cruises aboard Princess ships Ruby Princess and Grand Princess appeal to us – The Grand Princess was built in1998 and refurbished in 2004 so it would be nice to have some input about it.

 

Nice to be aboard . . . . expect smooth sailing ahead . . . . would appreciate any comments and/or advice from any of our shipmates.

[Colo Cruiser]

Jim and Flora here. Retired Korea/Vietnam veteran who has lived in CR over 26 years and retired CR school teacher wife who have 4 Caribbean cruises under our belts aboard Carnival and NCL vessels (plus a NCL 16 day Miami to Los Angeles repositioning cruise ) - now planning a future cruise to enable us to visit previously unseen Caribbean ports.

 

We have practically ruled out Carnival and NCL as once is enough for Montego Bay, Belize and Roatan and we like cruises of more than 7 days. We checked itineraries of HAL and Princess and are considering 10 or 14 day cruises - possibly back to back - sometime between November and May of next year.

 

The itineraries and prices of cruises aboard Princess ships Ruby Princess and Grand Princess appeal to us – The Grand Princess was built in1998 and refurbished in 2004 so it would be nice to have some input about it.

 

Nice to be aboard . . . . expect smooth sailing ahead . . . . would appreciate any comments and/or advice from any of our shipmates.

 

 

The Ruby is the newest and has all the goodies.

I say take it although the Grand offers that 14 day Caribbean iteniary too don't they?

[kywildcatfanone]

We have been on both, and I would tell you to choose by itinerary. The Ruby is the newest of the Grand Class ships and has lots of "wow" factor and a few features that the Grand doesn't have. But the Grand is a "grand" ship herself, and we enjoy her perhaps even a bit more because she holds 500 less passengers.

 

Mike

[sunsetbeachgal]

The Ruby will be doing two different 10 day Caribbean sailings this season, same as the sister-ship Emerald did last year and the year before. We have taken both of these cruises (not back-to-back) and really enjoyed them. These newer ships are really nice too-would highly recommend!

[coiran]

The Grand has the 14 day itinerary, the Ruby doesn't. We did the Grand in Feb 2009 and will be doing the Ruby B2B on Feb 28 and Mar 10 2010. The Grand is in very good condition - It still does not have the International Cafe which the Ruby has - It will not be on the Grand until the next drydock.

 

The current prices on the Ruby are not bad - you can get by on either cruise for about $100 pp per day with an inside room.

 

Ron

[NotWthOutablcony]

Welcome aboard!!!:D Such a tough question! Both ships are beautiful! I would say, if both itineraries appeal to you, let the ships decide! Look up other cruisers photos of each ship, or get on youtube and watch their videos of each ship, read reviews and weigh what either ship has to offer, make a pro/con list of both ships and in the end, you'll know which one you'll want to sail:p I think I would probably choose the Ruby just because she's newer and we watched her being built and have yet to sail on her, but to each their own! There may be some sort of big draw to you for the Grand. The homework is the fun part! I love seeing the decor and public spaces of each ship, it really puts you into the cruising mood. After sailing with NCL and Carnival, your in for a treat with Princess!

[AliceS]

If you're going in January, go Grand.

 

If you're going in February, go Ruby.

 

That's what I'm doing. Love them both.

[coiran]

If you're going in January, go Grand.

 

If you're going in February, go Ruby.

 

That's what I'm doing. Love them both.

 

How about March??

 

Ron