California Coastal...Golden Princess...10/28 - 11/1

trbarton · October 29, 2013

Please enjoy my blog of my trip on the Golden Princess

Embarkation...Monday, 10/28

I left San Francisco on American Airlines and the Captain announced that because of rough turbulence their would be no beverage service and the seat belt sign would be lit the whole time. A little turbulence but the flight was mainly smooth.

Princess and Carnival reps at the terminal at LAX. Lots of traffic at LAX. My flight arrived at 11:15 am but the shuttle didn't leave until 12 noon. Arrived at the cruise terminal at 12:30 and was put into groups. I was group 17. I got onto the ship at 1:25 pm and rushed to the MDR for lunch which was relaxing and not the rush of people at the buffet.

I left letters at the Pursers desk inviting officers to our M & G on Thursday. I have 28 people signed up and that's only in 2 weeks time planning. Planing to eat with the group in the MDR after. Wanting to see how many people show up.

Sale A-Way Pty...Met some people at the sale-away party on deck 14 aft from CC.

Was expecting rain but everything was dry.

I'm in stateroom B433 midship. Stateroom is small to my previous one on the C deck. There is a set of elevators right near the stateroom but not for passenger use. Doesn't make sense to have elevators mid ship that passengers cannot use.

I have set dinning and their was only 4 of us at a table for 8. Service was slow but the food was good. One person ordered 2 entrees as he didn't realize how much food he was going to get.

Different shows in the Atrium, juggler doing acts to music which was fun. Later they had people mixing drinks.

Show in the Princess showroom was Troy Thirdgill who was very good but the show was only 30 minutes long. I'm used to shows on ships like Holland American being 1 hr.

Looks like good weather tomorrow.

Will post again when I can.

Tom:)

vent1020 · October 29, 2013

Please enjoy my blog of my trip on the Golden Princess

Embarkation...Monday, 10/28

I left San Francisco on American Airlines and the Captain announced that because of rough turbulence their would be no beverage service and the seat belt sign would be lit the whole time. A little turbulence but the flight was mainly smooth.

Princess and Carnival reps at the terminal at LAX. Lots of traffic at LAX. My flight arrived at 11:15 am but the shuttle didn't leave until 12 noon. Arrived at the cruise terminal at 12:30 and was put into groups. I was group 17. I got onto the ship at 1:25 pm and rushed to the MDR for lunch which was relaxing and not the rush of people at the buffet.

I left letters at the Pursers desk inviting officers to our M & G on Thursday. I have 28 people signed up and that's only in 2 weeks time planning. Planing to eat with the group in the MDR after. Wanting to see how many people show up.

Sale A-Way Pty...Met some people at the sale-away party on deck 14 aft from CC.

Was expecting rain but everything was dry.

I'm in stateroom B433 midship. Stateroom is small to my previous one on the C deck. There is a set of elevators right near the stateroom but not for passenger use. Doesn't make sense to have elevators mid ship that passengers cannot use.

I have set dinning and their was only 4 of us at a table for 8. Service was slow but the food was good. One person ordered 2 entrees as he didn't realize how much food he was going to get.

Different shows in the Atrium, juggler doing acts to music which was fun. Later they had people mixing drinks.

Show in the Princess showroom was Troy Thirdgill who was very good but the show was only 30 minutes long. I'm used to shows on ships like Holland American being 1 hr.

Looks like good weather tomorrow.

Will post again when I can.

Tom:)

Thanks for the blog Tom. We will be on her next Thursday, so reading this gets me excited.

simbasmom · October 30, 2013

Thanks so much for this! Our son is on that cruise, and I'm sure he'll be too busy having fun to do any report. Actually, although he's on vacation, his job is....working on a Princess cruise ship! He's music manager, soon on the Island, getting to see how Princess is from the other side-the passengers' side. Any Halloween festivities planned for the passengers this cruise? Enjoy!

Princessmich · October 30, 2013

We were on this cruise Oct 11-14...If Alfred & Seymour are on your cruise, go see them! They are hilarious...we liked Troy also...but very high energy with the duo! Have a great trip..we did!

trbarton · October 30, 2013

San Diego, Tuesday, 10/29

Rain last night but today the weather has been great. I took public transit to the SD Zoo. Only $1.25 senior fare. With senior discount only $39.60 instead of $44. Lots to see and do. A great way to spend part of a day. After the zoo I took a tour of the bay, a lot to see and history to learn. North Island Naval Air Station the 2nd largest Naval base in the US, first is in Norfolk Virginia.

Tonight there will be a show with the ship dancers and a balloon drop with the captain.

Lots of things going on around the ship. Never a dull moment.

Show tonight with the ship dancers was excellent. Gavin, our CD, was excellent in finding me a single seat. Remember when their is a show with the ship dancers arrive early. The Princess Theatre was packed.

Tomorrow Ensenada. Looks like good weather, no rain in the Forecast. YEA!!!

Tom:)

chamima · October 30, 2013

Thanks for the blog.

We board Friday so I'll be following along.

I have a question about the FCC we all get for these cruises.

Is it in your "account" or did it get automatically deducted from any cruise(s) you have already booked?

Thanks

Melcoug · October 31, 2013

I saw you docked in San Diego yesterday as I was driving home from work. Glad you got see and enjoy some of our beautiful city! The zoo is an amazing place that never gets old.

I can't wait to board on Friday!

trbarton · October 31, 2013

Ensenada, Wednesday, 10/30

Arrived in Ensenada with clear skies. Weather is just right, not too cold or warm.

Carnival from Long Beach on a 4 day cruise in port at the same time.

Eating at the Horizon I have met some nice and interesting people.

Walked into Ensenada which was a 20 minute walk. Lots of shops opened. I never felt pressured in any shop.

I ate in a restaurant I was in before. My meal consisted of 3 tacos, rice, beans and beer, $10 including tip.

Shuttle back to the ship across from Mc Donald's only $1.

Movie in the Princess Theatre was "Iron Man". Quite a few people there.

Staff on the Golden very pleasant and smiling and saying hello.

Tonight in the Princess Theatre in a duo comedy team, Alfred & Seymour. Also in the Piazza, La Pier, a nimble acrobat and a dazzling beauty. Will report on things later.

30 people signed up for the M & G tomorrow, Skywalker's, 10:30 - 11:30 am with principle officers invited including Gavin Chandler, Cruise Director, a very nice chap.

Very good show in the Princess Theatre.

Received a call from the casino and because I took a cruise with Princess recently there was a T25 promotion and to my surprise I received $25. Thank you very much Princess.

Until tomorrow.

Tom

ar1950 · October 31, 2013

Thanks for your review Tom. We hope one day to be able to do one of these short trip cruises. Sounds like an enjoyable time. :cool:

Princessmich · October 31, 2013

Hope you enjoy Alfred & Seymour! We saw them twice on our Golden cruise! Glad you're having nice weather also!:)

Thanks for your review Tom. We hope one day to be able to do one of these short trip cruises. Sounds like an enjoyable time. :cool:

Pia1913 · October 31, 2013

Say hi to our friends Gloria and Lew who are on there with you.

gogy · October 31, 2013

Ensenada, Wednesday, 10/30

Arrived in Ensenada with clear skies. Weather is just right, not too cold or warm.

Carnival from Long Beach on a 4 day cruise in port at the same time.

Eating at the Horizon I have met some nice and interesting people.

Walked into Ensenada which was a 20 minute walk. Lots of shops opened. I never felt pressured in any shop.

I ate in a restaurant I was in before. My meal consisted of 3 tacos, rice, beans and beer, $10 including tip.

Shuttle back to the ship across from Mc Donald's only $1.

Movie in the Princess Theatre was "Iron Man". Quite a few people there.

Staff on the Golden very pleasant and smiling and saying hello.

Tonight in the Princess Theatre in a duo comedy team, Alfred & Seymour. Also in the Piazza, La Pier, a nimble acrobat and a dazzling beauty. Will report on things later.

30 people signed up for the M & G tomorrow, Skywalker's, 10:30 - 11:30 am with principle officers invited including Gavin Chandler, Cruise Director, a very nice chap.

Very good show in the Princess Theatre.

Received a call from the casino and because I took a cruise with Princess recently there was a T25 promotion and to my surprise I received $25. Thank you very much Princess.

Until tomorrow.

Tom

Is the comedy duo, appropriate for children.

Thanks

Sargent_Schultz · November 1, 2013

Is the comedy duo, appropriate for children.
Thanks

I vote yes. I didn't know what to expect but though they were hilarious. Currently on Golden and will be on the next cruise, too.

The guy in the middle was from the audience.

Princessmich · November 1, 2013

I would say yes! They don't use foul language, I saw alot of families at the earlier show...

Is the comedy duo, appropriate for children.
Thanks

jeeper2 · November 1, 2013

Is the comedy duo, appropriate for children.
Thanks

I'm a yes vote, too! A very high energy duo. We saw them a couple of weeks ago, and hope they are on board next week.

Great photo, Sargent Schultz!

trbarton · November 3, 2013

Sea Day, Halloween, Thursday, 10/31

Our first & last day at sea. I decided to try the MDR which was relaxing and another way to meet interesting people.

Our M & G was attended by only 2 officers as the other officers are busy on the last day. They mentioned some things and answered many questions. A good time to ask questions and get straight answers. I questioned about why there were only 2 immigration agents last month which caused long delays of people. They mentioned that they were aware of the problem and have made arrangements with the port officials to have 6 agents on duty. We'll see what happens tomorrow. We had 18 people out of 30 and some of us went to lunch together. I have a group photo and will try and post it when I return along with other cruise photos.

I'm scheduled to disembark at 9 am. Asked to leave the stateroom by 8:30 am and have luggage outside the stateroom by midnight.

I asked about the cruise credit and was told that if you have a cruise already paid in full you will get the cruise money back on your credit card, just like my T/A explained. We'll see what happens when I return.

Lots of Halloween decorations around the ship. A lot of the ship staff in costumes too which was fun.

Good production show, "British Invasion" with lots of British music.

I've had a good discussions with CD Gavin. I mentioned that perhaps he might be on a ship out of San Francisco some day.

I've talked with many people not aware of Cruise Critic so perhaps more people will get involved.

The cruise has been fun and it is what you make of it.

Tom

trbarton · November 3, 2013

Everything went smoothly and there were around 6 agents as was mentioned at our M & G. Was off around 8:50 am. Once we got on the bus we were soon is very slow traffic and didn't know what was happening. When our driver got off the freeway he announced that there was a shooting at the airport and that the whole airport was on lockdown. Many people received additional information on their cell phones. We stopped for a while on a side street and soon their was a Princess rep who came on board and explained what he knew. The shuttle company also had someone there who got bottle water for every one. Everyone did an excellent job explaining what they knew and keeping us updated. The did make a stop at a Sheridan Hotel and some people got which in hindsight was a smart thing to do as the airport was shut down for most of the day. The bus finally parked in a large lot and were able to get some food from a food truck. After being on the bus for around 8 hrs. they took some people to the Sheridan hotel and I joined them. The hotel was full but was able to get some of us a room at another hotel, Le Meriden in Santa Monica about 4 miles away. There was another couple going there too so we agreed to share a taxi. Getting a taxi was a problem but I was able to grab a taxi that was pulling into the hotel which was a blessing. The other couple had Princess insurance and they were told that they would be reimbursed for 100% of their costs. Today we got a care hire that took us direct to the airport for a flat $40 fee.

United terminal was great, not a lot of people and I got through security easy. There was extra TSA agents checking things before you got in the security line. Was surprised as to the short security line.

Another bonus on this cruise...I'm now a Platinum member...YEA:D. That means priority boarding on my December Holiday cruise on the Grand.

During the problems I was in contact with my TA. Was told that I will get the cruise refunded back to my credit card. Will post what happens.

As I mentioned a BIG PLUS to Princess for how they handled things with our situation.

We were told that people for the next cruise were walking from the airport to another hotel to be picked up. Perhaps we will hear how things went on the next cruise. Perhaps they were delayed in their departure.

I will post some of my photos soon.

Tom:)

san diego sue · November 3, 2013

Thanks for posting what happened yesterday. I wondered what would happen with the busload of people that got off the Golden and were heading to airport. Good to know all had accommodations for the night and glad the airport opened today.

Missed the M&G because I misplaced the flyer you emailed me. Went back to roll call and realized you never posted time or place on it. Therefore missed the M&G.

bigenna · November 3, 2013

We left the port around 10:30 on quick shuttle. I will not rewrite all that happened here but if you are interested you can check out my post on the roll call for Golden Halloween cruise Oct 28. Did get home Friday though to Vancouver.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Forums mobile app

trbarton · November 3, 2013

Thanks for posting what happened yesterday. I wondered what would happen with the busload of people that got off the Golden and were heading to airport. Good to know all had accommodations for the night and glad the airport opened today.
Missed the M&G because I misplaced the flyer you emailed me. Went back to roll call and realized you never posted time or place on it. Therefore missed the M&G.

Sorry that you didn't pull up the email that I sent that contained the information.

Tom:)