I recently completed an 11-day cruise on the Ruby Princess as a solo traveler in the 55+ age group, and I used the trip as a working vacation. My goal was to see whether it’s practical to work remotely while onboard, and overall, it turned out to be feasible with a few limitations.
Embarkation was very smooth with Green Lane boarding, and I was able to get on the ship quickly with my cabin ready by early afternoon. I booked an aft balcony cabin (C738), which offered a spacious balcony that became a key part of the experience, providing a quiet place to step out between work sessions, enjoy ocean views, and stargaze at night. While the ship itself is older and shows some wear in areas like the shower and furniture, maintenance and service were prompt, and issues were usually fixed quickly.
WiFi on board is powered by Starlink. Speeds were modest, but sufficient for remote work tasks such as attending Teams meetings and working full days. The main drawback was ergonomics, particularly the desk chair, which became uncomfortable after extended use. Requesting a better chair early would be beneficial for anyone planning to work onboard.
Navigation on the ship required some adjustment, especially in aft sections where direct paths between decks are limited, adding a few extra minutes when moving around.
Dining was mixed. The buffet was repetitive and fairly basic, though convenient and consistent. The main dining room stood out more in terms of service, with attentive staff accommodating dietary preferences and providing a better overall experience. Some dishes were highlighted as particularly good, while others were more average. The food tends to be mild in flavor, so those who prefer stronger seasoning may want to bring additional condiments.
Ports of call included Cabo San Lucas, where the ship’s positioning allowed for scenic views of landmarks like El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and Lover’s Beach directly from the balcony. Mazatlán was easy to explore on foot with a clear path from the port, while La Paz required transportation and was not walkable.
A notable highlight of the trip was stargazing from the balcony in the open Pacific, where visibility of constellations like Orion and the Pleiades was impressive, though wind conditions made it necessary to prepare appropriately.
The onboard atmosphere was quiet and relaxed, with a predominantly older passenger demographic and very few families, making it suitable for those seeking a calm environment rather than entertainment-focused cruising.
Overall, the experience showed that a cruise can function as a structured and distraction-free environment for remote work, combining routine, comfort, and travel, with the ocean as a backdrop.
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