Golden Princess LIVE - 12/20/2009 Hawaii Christmas New Years Sailing

[spook1]

Go ducks111111

[mamie]

HelenB,

 

Thanks so much for your posts. My daughter and family are on your cruise, and your posts make me feel like a fly on the wall, enabling me to hear what's going there. If you happen to run into them, tell them that Mamie and Toppy said "hi". My daughter is Melissa, her husband, Tom- the kids are Caroline (11) and Jack (8)- from Colorado.

 

It sounds like a great time on the cruise with lots of activies for the kids. Have a wonderful time- I look forward to you posts.

[aspenway2]

Thank You Helen and Karate Mom,

We are going on the Hawaii adventure on January 17, 2009. Your information is a great help.. Can't wait.

Merry Christmas to you and your families.

Sharon

[sprout76]

I would also like to thank helenb and karatemom for their updates. My DH and I are considering this cruise next year and it is very fun to read what everyone is encountering on the ship. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years and enjoy the islands! We're going to be stuck here in Kansas City due to a huge snowstorm coming in....would MUCH rather be enjoying the tropical weather!

[CruzinNoony]

Helen, thanks again for posting your "live from" and also the others that are posting. I am really enjoying the thread. Helen, please let us know how the chef's table is. My hubby also doesn't drink, so we have never done it. I didn't realize they would give you a discount. How much was it?:rolleyes:

[strobellayjam]

Across from the Shore Excursion desk is a small table. At certain times one of the CD staff is mannign it, and they give out free tickets for the Hawaiian cultural activities (Ukelele and flower leis). The times are printed in the Patter, and you want to line up early. If you get there early, you should get what you want.

 

Thanks, helenb! Will be sure to look out for this when it's our turn. Really appreciate the posts! Merry Christmas and good luck at the gingerbread house decorating contest!

[LARGIN]

If you run into a Head Waiter named Paco, tell him Merry Christmas from Larry, Ginger, Bob & Dona and that we will see him in May.. :)

[helenb]

Well the gingerbread house decorating was a lot of fun, and even though we didn’t win the kids had a blast. They keep asking if we get to eat the house!

 

Last night we went to the Chef’s Dinner. We were met at the Piazza at 7 pm by the Maitre’D, and then led up one flight of stairs to a waiting crew member, who had a rack of white coats. The Maitre’D called them ‘lab coats’, and had us put them on. Thusly dressed, we were paraded through the dining room and into the galley, where we had to wash our hands thoroughly, and then handed over to the Head Chef.

 

The Head Chef led us through the galley. It was in full operation, as Anytime Dining was still being served, but being 7 pm, the first seating had pretty much wound down, and preparations were underway for the second seating. Still, it was very interesting to see the galley as dinner was being served.

 

We arrived at a small table, ad were given a series of appetizers as the Head Chef told us about his job on the ship, and answered our questions. The appetizers were:

 

Halibut Ceviche with lime, celery and fennel

Foie Gras in Brioches with pineapple chutney

Roasted New Pottoes with sour cream & caviar

Steak Tartar in Brioches

Tempura Coconut Shrimp with Thai sauce

 

I can’t eat seafood or fish of any kind, so I just had the foie gras and steak tartar. The foie gras was especially good. The Matire’D noticed that I wasn’t eating those appetizers, and my husband and I explained that I was allergic. I said that it was fine. I had known that there were no accommodations for diet, and I knew there would be plenty of other food coming, so I wasn’t worried. But the Head Chef was concerned because the main dish was surf and turf. I stood there in amazement as there was a quick discussion, and then they asked me if I liked lamb. No problem there! And so an adjustment was made. I was astonished, as it had been made very clear that this kind of thing wasn’t done, but they did it for me anyway. It was very gracious of the Maitre’D and Head Chef.

 

After our appetizers, we were led back through the dining room and into a different dining room. They had set up the chef’s table in the Anytime dining room, probably because they couldn’t take away a table in traditional seating. The table had special black tablecloths on it to distinguish it. We gave back our borrowed ‘lab coats’ and sat down to our table.

 

We were served a fantastic porcini mushroom risotto, and then a strawberry sorbet to ‘cleanse our palates’. The problem was, the strawberry sorbet was praactically a dessert! There was a huge mound of spun sugar creating a tower that rose nearly 3 inches out of the top of a martini glass, and the sorbet was placed on top and buried in fresh strawberry slices. For those who wished it, the Head Chef himself came and poured vodka on top of the sorbet. Strawberry-flavored vodka fell into the bottom of the martini glass, creating a nice drink for those who had it.

 

The sorbet was yummy, but it definitely didn’t ‘cleanse my palate’. For that I had some rolls and butter as the main course was being prepared tableside. We had:

 

Lobster Tail, Diver Scallops and Beef Filet Mignon with rosemary jus and minted Hollandaise sauce

Baby green asparagus, carrots and broccoli

Golden sautéed Chateau Potatoes

 

They gave me a rack of lamb instead of the lobster and scallops, and it was even better than the filet mignon! I have never known lamb to be so tender or melting in my mouth,

 

After our main course, we had a cheese course of melted gorgonzola on walnut bread, drizzled with a balsamic/port wine sauce and topped with candied walnuts. But for me, it was only prolonging the best part of the meal… dessert!

 

The Head Pastry Chef came out with the Head Chef to present our grand marnier chocolate mousse. It was shaped in a perfect half sphere, and presented in a ‘bowl’ made out of candied sugar… so crisp you could break it off and eat it! There were also marinated raspberries on the side. As if this weren’t enough, a waited came around with a tray of gourmandieses… the same kind of thing you see on formal night, except that there were those gorgeous chocolate tuxedo strawberries! I had two of those. :-D

 

Just after dessert was served, a photographer came to take our picture, and then we were left to eat. Once we were finished stuffing ourselves, they developed pictures were presented to us. In addition, each lady received a long-stemmed red rose and a signed copy of the Princess cookbook. It was a very nice gesture, and a wonderful way to end a wonderful meal.

 

I’m not sure that I would do this every cruise, but it was a fantastic experience, and something that everyone should experience at least once. I will make sure to post photos of all of the dishes once we return home.

 

Tonight is Christmas Eve, and at 3 pm there will be a Christmas Fair in the Piazza. The Cruise Director will read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, and then Santa will come! The kids are really looking forward to this,. Of course, being Christmas Eve, it is also formal night.

 

I hope everyone here has a wonderful Christmas!

[karatemom2]

Helen it was nice chatting with you at the pool. It sounds like the Chef's Table lived up to all of your expectations. Thanks for the review!

 

The Gingerbread competition was really fun and we were thrilled to take home the prize this year! We received a nice bag full of goodies like chocolates, toys for the kids, pens, cards, puzzle and a bottle of champagne. We were just sad we didn't take our house with us right away. In year's past they have displayed them for awhile, but this year shortly after the event they took all the houses that hadn't been picked up and took them right to the incinerator. We kept ours in our cabin throughout our cruise last year and enjoyed it as a decoration, but I guess we'll just have to remember this year's through photos and our Reflections DVD.

 

We are having fun seeing our CC friends all over the ship and we are looking forward to the Fun Fair and Caroling later this afternoon and formal night tonight. And DH is going to humor me for Christmas and go to an East Coast Swing Dance class with me this afternoon too. Another wonderful Christmas Eve on the Golden!

[Lynda90]

So glad to hear you are having a great time. We just got off as you boarded and I had to be dragged, kicking and screaming. :p:p One of my all time favorite cruises. We had an absolutely wonderful time and will definitely do it again and again and again! They did a Christmas show for us and also had a New Year's party. We did the EZ check for disembarkation and it was wonderful not having to deal with our heavy bags until we got home. I know my bag was overweight, but was not charged for that since we did the EZ check.

 

I hope you get to see a comedian by the name of Don Sherman. One of the funniest comedians I have ever seen. As a matter of fact, this cruise had the most consistently good entertainment. Didn't see a show I didn't like. I've seen the Motown show a few times before, but never tire of it.

[judyfssw]

I have a question but I think that I know the answer already. My husband had a stroke and is handicapped. He uses a scooter to get around the ship but can walk (very very slowly). I (we) would love to do the Chef's table with our group of 2 other couples. Do you think that the chef would let us?

[Cruisin' Chick]

Karatemom, congrats on winning the gingerbread competition. I don't think there was one the year we went. Maybe one day, we'll repeat the cruise the same time your family does. (btw, that family I referred to sailed on the Hawaii cruise in 2004, 2005, and at least one other year. If they are on your cruise right now, the odds are you'll notice.)

[mycruz]

Sounds like you are all having a great time! Can't wait to experience the Chef's Table again in a couple of months.

 

Keep the Golden ready for us, it won't be long.

[Kansasgirl]

They're calling it a blizzard here in the mid west. It's 18 degrees out and the wind is blowing between 30 and 40 mph and there is 5 inches of snow on the ground and they are calling for a total of 12 inches before it is done. We've been stuck in the house and are unable to go to our Christmas eve party because of the weather. Hope this makes your cruise just a little more enjoyable. We cruise on the Golden Feb. 28th and this just makes it that much more important! Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!

[Bucky3]

Mary, congrats on winning the gingerbread house competition! Wish we were there! Enjoying following you all along on this Christmas cruise. Happy Merry Sailing to All and thanks for taking us all with you (sorta!)!

[apeller]

Had a glorious day in Hilo. The weather could not have been nicer around 80 and sunny. We did a tour of the area and Volcano National Park with Ricky's Tours. We were a group of 12 some of whom we met here on cruisecritic. He was a wealth of information and I highly recommend him if you want a tour in Hilo.

[Bucky3]

Do you have a website or contact number for Ricky's tours in Hilo? Thank you.

[CanuckCurlers]

Had a glorious day in Hilo. The weather could not have been nicer around 80 and sunny. We did a tour of the area and Volcano National Park with Ricky's Tours. We were a group of 12 some of whom we met here on cruisecritic. He was a wealth of information and I highly recommend him if you want a tour in Hilo.

Glad to hear another positive review of Ricky's Tours as we are booked with him for January 8th, apparently his birthday. Thanks for posting.

[dwelsh]

I do not usually follow Princess threads but looked at this one after reading the review of the November voyage by diane pomroy.

 

I think that you guys must be on a different ship! I have never read such a negative review on CC. Having sailed on Princess only once on a TA, I am amazed at such a review. I hope that no one who is contemplating a cruise takes any notice whatsoever of its content.

[Carolyn R]

I do not usually follow Princess threads but looked at this one after reading the review of the November voyage by diane pomroy.

 

I think that you guys must be on a different ship! I have never read such a negative review on CC. Having sailed on Princess only once on a TA, I am amazed at such a review. I hope that no one who is contemplating a cruise takes any notice whatsoever of its content.

 

I think that it is notable that this was their first cruise and it appears that cruising is just not for them, especially cruises with lots of sea days. I think choosing a 14-day cruise as a first cruise with two-thirds of the days sea days is just not a good idea.

[spingal]

I do not usually follow Princess threads but looked at this one after reading the review of the November voyage by diane pomroy.

 

I think that you guys must be on a different ship! I have never read such a negative review on CC. Having sailed on Princess only once on a TA, I am amazed at such a review. I hope that no one who is contemplating a cruise takes any notice whatsoever of its content.

 

Wow!! I just read the review. :eek::eek: I sailed on the Golden in November and loved the cruise.

[Duck Duck Cruise]

I read that review earlier today and could see that the reviewer didn't do any research at all into cabin selection or anything else for that matter.

 

They either had a very bad TA or didn't have a clue about cruising and just thought they could pay for a cruise and everything would be okey dokey.

 

If it was a bad TA, it is a shame that the reviewer will never know how great cruising is and what reasonable expectations are.

[1FatPER]

Normally I don't comment on negative reviews, as we all see things differently. Apparently Diane Pomroy can't see at all. Makes me wonder if she won the cruise in a raffle. I pity her DH. :mad::(

 

John

[Scrapchick]

Have a great cruise.

 

We were booked on this cruise but had to give it up (long story involving evil XH) but we're happy to be sailing on the Crown on Saturday instead!

 

If you see Scrapchick, tell her Love Boat Dream said hi!!

 

Squeal! LBD!!! I'm here! Wish you were on board too... We're having a marvelous time. I'll catch up with you in the new year... Enjoy your trip on the Crown. Try to find Corina and Victor in the dining room and have them wait on you. They are the best!

 

Happy New Year!

[Scrapchick]

We're also on board and have met many of our fellow CC members here. We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner with Karatemom and her family and she's got me playing Trivia every chance she can too, which is something I've never done before. My daughter is having a blast with her daughter and also Mountain Mom's daughter too, plus other girls she's met on board who are with CC members.

 

KarateMom did indeed beat the competition with her beach shack style gingerbread house, which had a nice Hawaiian theme to it. I think it stood out with its green roof!

 

This is turning out to be such a fabulous cruise... The Christmas theme is everywhere, but not overdone. We all sang carols with the officers and crew in the Piazza on Christmas Eve and that was after a fun couple of hours decorating cookies and meeting Santa, who arrived, Vegas style with his glitzy escorts down the stairs in the atrium. Dinner that night was Formal, complete with English style Christmas crackers on the tables. I can't say enough good things about Princess and the way they've made this such a special trip for everyone on board. The dining staff are all highly competent and accommodating and there's a great mood on board the Golden.

 

We're in Honolulu today and sail for Kauai late tonight. I'm enjoying the ports but also looking forward to another long stretch at sea and more Trivia sessions with Karatemom and the kids. We're all going to the Crown Grill together and have to plan a dinner date with MountainMom and her family too. There aren't enough days, I swear...

 

My only gripe is the gym!!! Too many people up there!! I miss the old days where it was the loneliest place on the ship... Now every minute on the elliptical counts because there's a line of people waiting for their turn.

 

This is turning out to be one of the most fun cruises we've done in a long time and a big part of that is down to the wonderful CC gang we've hooked up with and run into all over the ship.

 

Happy New year!