Tuesday 27 December 2016

Ruby Princess - November 2016

On 23rd, November I flew to Los Angeles to visit my friend Omar Silingardi, Director of Food and Beverage Services at Princess Cruises' head office in Santa Clarita, California. It was great to catch up, meet other people in the office  and have dinner with Omar and his wife, Cindy. After three very enjoyable days in Santa Clarita, I joined Ruby Princess in Los Angeles for a seven day California Coastal cruise. Another lovely ship with great service.

 


With Omar at Princess Cruises head office.
Having a most enjoyable dinner with Cindy and Omar at Santa Clarita.
Aboard Ruby Princess, about to sail from Los Angeles.




My very comfortable cabin with welcome aboard gifts on the left.
An autumnal afternoon in San Francisco.
Tendering ashore at Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is a beautiful city.

In a wonderful bric-a-brac shop.
Early morning arrival at San Diego,
 




I had an interesting couple of hours touring USS Midway.


Sailing from San Diego.
At Ensenada, Mexico.
  
A late afternoon sea fog drifting across the port.
 

The ship's atrium.
 

 
My favourite lounge on the ship.


The wheelchair and walking frame parking lot outside one of the restaurants - not many teenagers on this cruise!

On the bridge.
 
 

The Maitre d' very kindly organised a private lunch for me with the senior officers. I felt very honoured.
The Captain and me.

Royal Princess - November 2016 - Post 1



After disembarking Ruby Princess in Los Angeles on 5th. November I flew to Miami then stayed overnight at the airport hotel. The next day I took a shuttle to Fort Lauderdale where I joined Royal Princess on 6th. November for two back to back ten day cruises. I was very impressed with the ship when my good friend Omar Silingardi arranged for me to have a walk around her, when she was brand new, in Livorno, Italy in 2013. I was there aboard Dawn Princess at the time. My memories of her didn't let me down. She's a beautiful, comfortable ship to sail in with the usual excellent Princess service and great food.


Other cruise ships at Fort Lauderdale.








Sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Arriving at Aruba.


At Bonaire.



Arriving at Granada.





Arriving at St. Thomas
 
 


 
Sailing from Dominica.

At Grand Turk.
 




At St. John.