Weekend Getaway with Princess Cruises

Looking for a long weekend getaway that's both fun and affordable? Look no further than Princess Cruises and their 4-night cruise on the Ruby Princess out of Los Angeles - perfect for anyone needing a quick "battery-charge" that won't break the bank.

Julie Freeh - one of Bon Voyage Travel's best advisors - recently took advantage of this short jaunt and her fun-filled weekend is recapped here:

“My favorite thing was just getting away and it’s nice because it is short,” said Julie Freeh. “I love getting on the cruise ship and just having a good time.”

Julie and her husband sailed in a mini-suite, opening their balcony with another couple they were sailing with.

“Our room was awesome with lots of space and amenities,” she said. “The cabin steward was great.”

Onboard, Julie enjoyed the thermal spa.

“You can pay a one-time fee and use it as much as you want, which is really nice,” she said. “The ship is a destination unto itself.”

They also enjoyed a wine tasting that was offered to Elite members.

“The staff was very knowledgeable about the wines,” she said.

Their cruise was supposed to stop at Catalina Island, but it was too windy so it went to San Diego instead. Despite the sudden itinerary change, Julie was impressed that Princess was able to quickly put together shore excursions, which were set up the night before for those who wanted to book them.

“San Diego was a lot of fun,” she said. “We walked around Seaport Village and had a blast.”

Julie’s favorite restaurant was the Crown Grill Steakhouse, which is perfect for those that want a true steak-and-potatoes meal – with a bit of extra flare.

“My husband loves lobster and he asked if could get a little more with his meal,” she said. “They came out with seven lobster tails and put them in the middle of us along with our meal!”

“It’s disappointing to get your specialty coffee in the morning and then have to leave it at a table unattended or throw it away while you went through the line,” she said. So one tip she had was to be forewarned about the ship’s policy of no drinks in the buffet line, so plan to pick up your beverage either before or after going through the line.