Swindon Travel Hub co-founder Shaun Jones has returned from a week onboard Ruby Princess, experiencing Princess Cruises first-hand while sailing an itinerary along the Californian Coast.
The seven-night trip gave Shaun the opportunity to experience both the Princess Cruises product and a varied selection of destinations, including San Francisco, Catalina Island, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ensenada in Mexico.
The trip was also an opportunity to spend time with the Princess Cruises team and other travel agents, sharing knowledge and gaining further insight into the cruise line and the type of customers who may particularly enjoy the Princess experience.
For Shaun, one of the biggest surprises was just how much variety the Californian Coast offered within a single cruise.
“Every stop felt completely different. One day you’re in San Francisco, then you’ve got Catalina, LA, San Diego and even Mexico.
“It’s a brilliant way of seeing this part of the world without constantly packing and unpacking.”
Experiencing Ruby Princess first-hand
Ruby Princess offers a more traditional style of cruising than some of the newest mega-ships entering the market, something Shaun particularly enjoyed during his week onboard.
He said: “I really liked her. She’s got that more traditional Princess feel and, although she’s not one of the newest ships out there, she’s got loads of character.
“There was plenty to explore onboard – although apparently one week still wasn’t enough time for me to get around all the bars!”
Beyond enjoying the ship, the trip provided valuable product training and the opportunity to experience the Princess Cruises offering from a customer’s perspective.
Shaun added: “There was definitely a lot of fun, but it wasn’t just a jolly. We had some really useful time with the Princess Cruises team, learnt a lot about the product and shared ideas and experiences with some fantastic travel agents onboard.
“I came home knowing far more about Princess than I did when I left, which is exactly why these trips are so valuable.”
Catalina proves the surprise highlight
While the itinerary featured some of California’s best-known destinations, it was Catalina Island that became Shaun’s standout port of the week.
“Catalina, without a doubt,” he said. “It was genuinely one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.
“It’s a beautiful place and somewhere I’d definitely go back to.”
San Francisco also lived up to expectations, with time spent exploring the waterfront and heading towards one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, Lombard Street.
Shaun said: “It’s one of those cities where there’s something recognisable around every corner.”
More than just a cruise
One of the advantages of a Californian Coast sailing is the opportunity to incorporate a cruise into a wider American holiday.
For UK travellers already making the journey to California, Shaun believes adding extra nights before or after the sailing could make the experience even better.
He said: “It would work really well as part of a bigger California holiday with a few nights before or after the cruise.
“If you’re flying all the way to California, I’d seriously consider adding extra nights. San Francisco, Los Angeles or even extending the trip elsewhere in California could turn it into a really special USA holiday.”
Bringing first-hand experience back to customers
The trip means customers of both Swindon Travel Hub and its sister brand, Premium Cruises & Tours in Cirencester can now benefit from first-hand knowledge of Ruby Princess and the Californian Coast when planning their own holiday.
This type of product experience is an important part of the two agencies’ approach, allowing the team to go beyond information found in a brochure and offer advice based on actually experiencing ships and destinations.
Asked whether he would travel with Princess Cruises again, Shaun’s answer was straightforward.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I’d happily do the Californian Coast again.”
And his overall verdict on the week?
“Amazing. Although it was only seven nights, somehow it felt like we’d been away for a month! Some brilliant places, some amazing people and a lot of memories.
“It’s definitely an itinerary I’d recommend.”
Customers considering Princess Cruises, the Californian Coast or a wider USA cruise-and-stay holiday can speak to Shaun and the team at Swindon Travel Hub or Premium Cruises & Tours for further information.
Swindon Travel Hub
8b Devizes Road, Swindon, SN1 4BJ
01793 354009 / 01793 272432
sales@swindontravelhub.co.uk
Premium Cruises & Tours
59 Cricklade Street, Cirencester
01285 673301
enquiries@premiumcruisesandtours.co.uk
