Was hesitant about booking on Ruby Princess based on previous reviews. Yes, the ship is showing signs of wear in some places but is extremely well maintained. Food was very good in restaurants, and other free options such as pizza and burgers if the buffet became repetitive. Our balcony cabin on deck 14 was clean and the bed extremely comfortable. Shower a bit on small side though. The staff were one of the nicest we have encountered, We missed Akaroa and Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds due to poor weather conditions. Our highlight was Napier which is a fascinating Town and the highlight of our trip. Entertainment on the whole was good to excellent, and the Cruise Directors were an energetic lot who went out of their way to provide varied entertainment and always had a public profile. Embarkation with the new Medallion Class was extremely quick and efficient as was disembarkation. Loved the way your cabin door knew you were coming and door unlocked itself, making it so much easier than using the previous cards. Purchased the quick Wifi for $75, it was terrific, and never dropped out. Only gripe was a lot of their featured wines on lunch and dinner menus were not available...this happened last year also on Majestic Princess. I suggest they stop trying to pair these so called special wines with the menus and just stick to main wine list. We would happily sail again on Ruby. Handled the rough seas in South Island very well. Did notice a lot of coughs and colds towards end of Cruise, and think their hand sanitizers should have a more public profile and be reinforced at the Buffet....no good having someone standing there and people just going to buffet without using them.
We had no issues. Bathroom probably one of the smallest we have encountered. Plenty of hanging closet room and suitcases stored under bed.