Review: Golden Princess 12/31 - 1/7

[shapsra]

I want to say thanks again for everyone's tips and comments prior to our cruise. Everything worked out perfectly!!

 

Here's our review, I will try to keep it relatively concise.

 

Overall: It was the perfect cruise for us. Very relaxing, perfect weather, good food and a fun time was always had!

 

Embarkation: We didn't arrive in San Juan until about 5:30 the day of the cruise. When we boarded there was NO line whatsoever. Finding our cabin was a bit challenging and no one offered to help, but we managed just fine. Once we found our room, an inside room which was fine for us, we had a surprise intruder. Alfred, our steward, decided to swipe in without knocking. Thank goodness we didn't decide to undress right away!! We probably should have said something but we were a little shocked. He ended up being very friendly, though did not know anything other than what he could do to make the room more comfortable or give you more towels.

 

St. Thomas was great. We went to Magens Bay. Taxi was about $10 each. Entrance to the park was $3 each. Chair rental was about $10 each. Don't lose your receipt. You need it to get your deposit back! No vendors there at all. We heard wonderful things about Trunk Bay in St. Johns. Next time!

 

St. Kitts was OK. We took a group taxi to the closest beach...I don't think we ever determined which beach it was but it was very close...only cost like $5/person to get there. There were pushy vendors here that eventually left you alone as long as you ignored them. Very rocky waters there... Still it was a beach, it was sunny...got 2 chairs for $10/each. Not bad.

 

Grenada was a bit nicer than St. Kitts. We went to Grand Anse Beach. Had an adventurous taxi ride through town going up and down the hills at Mach-2. It was worth the $10 or so each ride. Beautiful Beach...we found the earlier you left the ship, the more choice of location on the beach you had. Chair rental there was like $10-12 per chair, including an umbrella. There was a mini-mall along the beach there to buy some souvie's including the famous spice baskets. We were able to negotiate 2 of the small ones for $7.

 

The short stop at Isla Margarita was very nice. My wife is still raving about the super great deal she got at a pearls vendor located in the stalls located right off the ship. We got 2 necklaces for $15. We spent a little time at the little coves right near the ship. Nothing special about these little beaches other than they were close and don't think you had to pay to rent the chairs. It seems like only 1 ship could be at this port at a time.

 

Our favorite was Aruba, which we have been to before. We split a $10 taxi with 2 others to get to the High Rise Beach near the Radisson. We went parasailing. Probably paid too much ($102 for 2) from Itito's watersports right there, but it was worth it. Wondeful view...could see the wreckage as well as the snorkelers who were much closer to it! Great view of the island... Despite a vehement initial objection from me, I went and didn't regret it! Again, chair rentals were about $10 each...

 

We loved the PC dining. We never had a problem as a party of 2 without a reservation. We loved all the choices offered. I always ordered 2 desserts. The ice cream is amazingly good..perhaps it's gelato?? We never ate from the "premium" restaurants as we felt we ate darn well in the dining rooms and at the buffet whenever else we were hungry. All drinks aboard were reasonably priced except for the pina colada in the actual pineapples which were $10/each. Oh well, the novelty was fun!

 

I am to report I did really well at the casino! For you gamblers out there, here are some details. All tables that I saw were relatively low stakes. $5 min and I think $200 max bets. Craps had max double odds. Other than the 1st night, it was a pretty slow table...but when it was busy, I came along at the right time :) Blackjack rules: double down on anything, 1 card only on Aces, dealer hit on soft 17s... I got killed in the Blackjack tournament. For $20 (you can enter as often as you wish), you get 7 hands, start with $1,000 and have $100 min bet. Essentially, you have to get lucky here to get to the finals. Top 7 scorers who play between 8 and 10:30, for instance, played in the final at 11. Winner got $500 and a t-shirt. To get to the finals, I saw that you needed to have had at least $3,000 or so! I did get to see someone get a 4 of a kind at Let it Ride and took home (at least I hope he didn't give it back!) $4,000! Slot machines took coins and seemed to keep enough people interested...I didn't play though.

 

The entertainment was well planned such that you can see 3 different shows in 1 night. Some was "cheesy," but we enjoyed it all...even if it took a couple of drinks to make it even funnier.

 

Disembarkation went REALLY smoothly. I made sure I got the "red tags" and as per the suggestion of the purser's desk, decided to let them pick up our bags which were actually carry-onable (you didn't know that was a word?). The way we got the tags was by filling out the info form on our 3rd or 4th night and turning it in timely. No favors were needed, no extra tips were necessary. On disembark day, we ate an early breakfast (mmm crunchy french toast!) and waited in the 5th deck atrium lounge. For heaven's sake future sailors, do not delay others by standing around on the 6th deck! It only makes the security folk pissy and you won't be able to get off sooner, so please take a seat in a lounge elsewhere and let everyone get off in a safe and timely manner. Needless to say, we were one of the 1st off the boat and VERY easily made our 10:20 flight. Thanks for the tip for the porter...helped us quickly grab the taxi!

 

I'm sure there's lots more I can tell you about, but I think i've given quite a bit info. I can't wait for our next cruise... Here's hoping that we can afford to go sooner and not later!

[poetrylady]

Hi Shapsra

Hubby and I were on your same sailing on the Golden. We also thought it was the perfect relaxing cruise. We had a Caribe deck balcony, which we enjoyed a LOT.

 

Our favorite port was Isla Margarita. I think Aruba was my biggest disappointment. I don't know what I expected... maybe something more like Bermuda??

 

Anyway, glad you had such a nice time.

[Sandie]

Thanks for the very nice review! We are sailing on the Golden on March 4th and appreciate the kind comments of those who have just returned. We are booked in a cabin on the Caribe deck, too. Can you tell me if the balcony is partly covered and partly uncovered? It appears that way from photos I have seen.

 

Also, do you recall if there was a special Italian Night Menu in the Dining Room? We are considering going to Sabitini's, but do not want to miss the Italian Night if there is one. On previous Princess cruises we have enjoyed Italian Night in the dining room.

 

Can you tell us about any great, or not so great shows to not miss or miss?

 

Thanks!

Sandie

[STUR]

I want to say thanks again for everyone's tips and comments prior to our cruise. Everything worked out perfectly!!

 

Here's our review, I will try to keep it relatively concise.

 

Overall: It was the perfect cruise for us. Very relaxing, perfect weather, good food and a fun time was always had!

 

Embarkation: We didn't arrive in San Juan until about 5:30 the day of the cruise. When we boarded there was NO line whatsoever. Finding our cabin was a bit challenging and no one offered to help, but we managed just fine. Once we found our room, an inside room which was fine for us, we had a surprise intruder. Alfred, our steward, decided to swipe in without knocking. Thank goodness we didn't decide to undress right away!! We probably should have said something but we were a little shocked. He ended up being very friendly, though did not know anything other than what he could do to make the room more comfortable or give you more towels.

 

St. Thomas was great. We went to Magens Bay. Taxi was about $10 each. Entrance to the park was $3 each. Chair rental was about $10 each. Don't lose your receipt. You need it to get your deposit back! No vendors there at all. We heard wonderful things about Trunk Bay in St. Johns. Next time!

 

St. Kitts was OK. We took a group taxi to the closest beach...I don't think we ever determined which beach it was but it was very close...only cost like $5/person to get there. There were pushy vendors here that eventually left you alone as long as you ignored them. Very rocky waters there... Still it was a beach, it was sunny...got 2 chairs for $10/each. Not bad.

 

Grenada was a bit nicer than St. Kitts. We went to Grand Anse Beach. Had an adventurous taxi ride through town going up and down the hills at Mach-2. It was worth the $10 or so each ride. Beautiful Beach...we found the earlier you left the ship, the more choice of location on the beach you had. Chair rental there was like $10-12 per chair, including an umbrella. There was a mini-mall along the beach there to buy some souvie's including the famous spice baskets. We were able to negotiate 2 of the small ones for $7.

 

The short stop at Isla Margarita was very nice. My wife is still raving about the super great deal she got at a pearls vendor located in the stalls located right off the ship. We got 2 necklaces for $15. We spent a little time at the little coves right near the ship. Nothing special about these little beaches other than they were close and don't think you had to pay to rent the chairs. It seems like only 1 ship could be at this port at a time.

 

Our favorite was Aruba, which we have been to before. We split a $10 taxi with 2 others to get to the High Rise Beach near the Radisson. We went parasailing. Probably paid too much ($102 for 2) from Itito's watersports right there, but it was worth it. Wondeful view...could see the wreckage as well as the snorkelers who were much closer to it! Great view of the island... Despite a vehement initial objection from me, I went and didn't regret it! Again, chair rentals were about $10 each...

 

We loved the PC dining. We never had a problem as a party of 2 without a reservation. We loved all the choices offered. I always ordered 2 desserts. The ice cream is amazingly good..perhaps it's gelato?? We never ate from the "premium" restaurants as we felt we ate darn well in the dining rooms and at the buffet whenever else we were hungry. All drinks aboard were reasonably priced except for the pina colada in the actual pineapples which were $10/each. Oh well, the novelty was fun!

 

I am to report I did really well at the casino! For you gamblers out there, here are some details. All tables that I saw were relatively low stakes. $5 min and I think $200 max bets. Craps had max double odds. Other than the 1st night, it was a pretty slow table...but when it was busy, I came along at the right time :) Blackjack rules: double down on anything, 1 card only on Aces, dealer hit on soft 17s... I got killed in the Blackjack tournament. For $20 (you can enter as often as you wish), you get 7 hands, start with $1,000 and have $100 min bet. Essentially, you have to get lucky here to get to the finals. Top 7 scorers who play between 8 and 10:30, for instance, played in the final at 11. Winner got $500 and a t-shirt. To get to the finals, I saw that you needed to have had at least $3,000 or so! I did get to see someone get a 4 of a kind at Let it Ride and took home (at least I hope he didn't give it back!) $4,000! Slot machines took coins and seemed to keep enough people interested...I didn't play though.

 

The entertainment was well planned such that you can see 3 different shows in 1 night. Some was "cheesy," but we enjoyed it all...even if it took a couple of drinks to make it even funnier.

 

Disembarkation went REALLY smoothly. I made sure I got the "red tags" and as per the suggestion of the purser's desk, decided to let them pick up our bags which were actually carry-onable (you didn't know that was a word?). The way we got the tags was by filling out the info form on our 3rd or 4th night and turning it in timely. No favors were needed, no extra tips were necessary. On disembark day, we ate an early breakfast (mmm crunchy french toast!) and waited in the 5th deck atrium lounge. For heaven's sake future sailors, do not delay others by standing around on the 6th deck! It only makes the security folk pissy and you won't be able to get off sooner, so please take a seat in a lounge elsewhere and let everyone get off in a safe and timely manner. Needless to say, we were one of the 1st off the boat and VERY easily made our 10:20 flight. Thanks for the tip for the porter...helped us quickly grab the taxi!

 

I'm sure there's lots more I can tell you about, but I think i've given quite a bit info. I can't wait for our next cruise... Here's hoping that we can afford to go sooner and not later!

Thanks for the Review

We leave in the morning for San Juan 1 night in San Juan and Saturday on to the Golden For a Week fun

 

Have bean reading Poetrylady Review's all week Cant wait to get on the Golden

 

We leave home at 4:15am tomorow

 

Stur Dayton,Ohio

[sacway]

thx for your review shapsra -- looks like you had a super time! Your point about the cost of parasailing is well taken, while we love a bargain there are some experiences that really are worth every nickel even though you might need a whole bunch of them.

 

happy sailing, Stur and let us know how the train trip goes, along with the rest of it.

[minimotorin]

Thanks for the very nice review! We are sailing on the Golden on March 4th and appreciate the kind comments of those who have just returned. We are booked in a cabin on the Caribe deck, too. Can you tell me if the balcony is partly covered and partly uncovered? It appears that way from photos I have seen.

 

Also, do you recall if there was a special Italian Night Menu in the Dining Room? We are considering going to Sabitini's, but do not want to miss the Italian Night if there is one. On previous Princess cruises we have enjoyed Italian Night in the dining room.

 

Can you tell us about any great, or not so great shows to not miss or miss?

 

Thanks!

Sandie

 

I'd love to see some pics of this balcony, The wife and I have one on the Golden in April.

[shapsra]

Thanks for the very nice review! We are sailing on the Golden on March 4th and appreciate the kind comments of those who have just returned. We are booked in a cabin on the Caribe deck, too. Can you tell me if the balcony is partly covered and partly uncovered? It appears that way from photos I have seen.

 

Also, do you recall if there was a special Italian Night Menu in the Dining Room? We are considering going to Sabitini's, but do not want to miss the Italian Night if there is one. On previous Princess cruises we have enjoyed Italian Night in the dining room.

 

Can you tell us about any great, or not so great shows to not miss or miss?

 

Thanks!

Sandie

 

Sandie,

 

I can't help you with the balcony...hopefully Poetrylady can help you with that one.

 

There WAS an Italian night!! Which night you may ask?? I want to say 3rd or 4th because I'm pretty sure it wasn't during a formal night. Lots of pasta varieties and other dishes. I definitely remember the delicious Tiramisu!

 

As for the shows..geez, I have a feeling they change everytime, but maybe I'm wrong. The guests seemed to be so transient. I really enjoyed the Jam, Inc. onboard rock n roll band. Wow can that percussionist sing!! The Caribbean-style band was so-so in my opinion, but that may be because of my taste in music. I was amused by the few comedians they had, especially Carlos Oscar. Vinny Talarico reminded me of Enrico Pallazo from Naked Gun. Ok not really, but he was a cheesy lounge singer singing all your favorite hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s in his pleather outfits! The juggler comedian was so bad at times that it made him even funnier...

 

Enjoy it all, it's all good...there's nothing a stiff drink can't help you enjoy the show evenmore!

[rajjohnson]

We're going on the Golden Feb. 11 - just got our docs!! It says there are 2 formal nights. Last time we were on the Golden, there was only 1 formal night. Which 2 nights are formal now? Also, did they have crab legs one night? My 12 year old had 3 servings when we were on Her 3 years ago (he was 9 then!!) He's hoping to have them again.

[poetrylady]

If you don't mind visiting my web site, cjscollection.com, you can see photos of Golden balconies. To navigate my site, once you get to the home page, look in the LEFT side column, and you will see Photo Gallery. Click on that name, and you will see 3 albums listed. You will want the one entitled "Vacation Destinations." The balcony photos are the last few photos in this album. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can be more specific in my directions.

 

Hope you enjoy looking at the photos I've taken.

[Sandie]

Thank you so much for the advice and the photo gallery link. It is always helpful receiving info from those who have already sailed.

 

Sandie

[shapsra]

We're going on the Golden Feb. 11 - just got our docs!! It says there are 2 formal nights. Last time we were on the Golden, there was only 1 formal night. Which 2 nights are formal now? Also, did they have crab legs one night? My 12 year old had 3 servings when we were on Her 3 years ago (he was 9 then!!) He's hoping to have them again.

 

Nights 2 (St Thomas) and 6 (Aruba) were formal nights. I did not see nor have crab legs :mad: BUT on that 6th night we did have lobster tails that were to DIE for. They served the dish initially with the shell on, but the waiters were kind enough to take it off for you. They did not leave the clarified butter but instead poured it on top for you. No matter...it was absolutely delicious!! Mmmm lobster tails...

 

Enjoy!

[jvw]

Shapsra - Were they Maine lobster tails (red shells)? I'm picky about my lobster!:)

 

Viv

[jennifers490]

nice review, do you know who the cruise director was by any chance?

[shapsra]

Shapsra - Were they Maine lobster tails (red shells)? I'm picky about my lobster!:)

 

Viv

 

Viv, Yes they were Maine lobster tails. A Puerto Rican couple we were sitting with that night remarked they were glad it was not the spiny lobster they were used to eating.

 

Jennifer, the cruise director was Omar Lugo.