Ships Rockin LIVE on Golden Princess R/T Hawaii

[stellalimelight]

I will be on the Feb 18th sailing. Can you tell me which tour operator does the snorkeling tour in Maui? Thanks Shelley

[chamima]

Hi

We're also on the Feb. 18th sailing and starting to pack.:eek:

How was the temperature on the ship at night? Did you have to wear long sleeves or a sweater? We've been on ships where summer clothes/short sleeves were fine and others where it was quite cool.

Also, do you have any other hints? Things you did and loved?:D (Including shore excursions) Things you wished you would have done?:o

Thanks and enjoy your sea days!

[charlesjoy]

Hi

We're also on the Feb. 18th sailing and starting to pack.:eek:

How was the temperature on the ship at night? Did you have to wear long sleeves or a sweater? We've been on ships where summer clothes/short sleeves were fine and others where it was quite cool.

Also, do you have any other hints? Things you did and loved?:D (Including shore excursions) Things you wished you would have done?:o

Thanks and enjoy your sea days!

 

We just completed this cruise on 2/4. Yes, it was very cool on the ship at night. I needed a sweater every night especially in the theater, even my dh who normally wears short sleeve shirts wore long sleeve at night. As far as hints goes, we did the Pearl Harbour and City tour in Honolula. It was great and would do it again. On Hilo and Kauai, we rented cars and toured on our own. Do a little research on what you want to see. It was very easy driving on both the islands, we rented convertiables and had a ball driving down the beautiful coasts with the tops down. The rental car company had maps easy to follow. Would love to go back again someday, you will love it. We also had some rocky weather going but much better coming back so just depends on how the weather is going in the Pacific. We had great weather on all the islands. 70's and 80's temps. Know you are going to have a great cruise.

[Tallcruiser]

Hi, I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentines day!!

I here with a group of 10 people and we have been busy busy! Lots of fun.

Update on seas and weather. We calmed down a lot yesterday and had had moderate seas and sunshine with intermitent clouds. Very nice day! I managed to sit out a bit on the balcony for a short time.

It was laundry day for me. I tried the day before but there was no way I felt like waiting for a machine. There are4 4 washers and 4 dryers on Carib. So yesterday I had to break down and sweat it out.:pYikes!! It took 3 hours to do 1 load of laundry. I had to sit in line waiting for a machine then sit in line and wait for a dryer. Definatley need a sense of humor and a magazine.;) It can get ugly in there.....pushy people that don't think they should wait their turn.....OH MY! So a word to the hard core lauderers......... bring your quarters, soap and dryer sheets with you!!! I always do and saved me the hassle of finding change as the change machine apparently was on the fritz and something about the soap dispenser there.... I don't know.............

Any way be prepared bring your own. $1.00 for each wash and dry, regular size load machines.

Having said all that ......... they did offer the $20.00 fill your laundry bag full and give it to the room steward for laundry. After faring the tide of the launderette I am thinking the $20.00 would have been a better deal:D

 

We had the Captains cocktail party and Valentine dinner last night. I actually enjoyed it. Our Captain is a young man, easy ont he eyes ;)

and is very personable. He talked a short time and cracked some jokes.

The drinks are the usual really watered down beverages. I found that if you ask a server very kindly... they will go to the bar get you an order for a "real" cocktail or a tasty non alcoholic fruit punch.

 

Valentine dinner was Crab legs. It was delicious. The crab was moist and sweet. MMMMM

 

There was the usual renewal of Vows last night. I really don't have the details on this as I am a widow and don't attend.

 

Terry and Clarence were picked for the Love and Marriage show last night. It was really funny. 3 couple who were married one week, 28 years and 42 years. Terry and Clarence bombed and the couple who were married 42 years won. It was very entertaining! LOL

 

This morning we had the walk for the cure. I was delighted to see so many people turn out for it. There were actually more men than women.

The decks are mostly closed today. So we walked a 5k back and forth on deck 7 as were not able to access deck 8.

 

Weather for today has been in and out of storms. So sunshine then rain and back to sunshine. It is cooler due to the winds but not cold. Still in shorts and T shirts.

The ocean on the other hand is putting on a show. We have high seas. We are rolling side to side with impressive swells crashing into the ship and massive sprays of water. We all have our sea legs so no bother there.

 

Today we are having our Cruise Critic wine tasting party in Terry and Clarence cabin at 4. We will see how many show up. Not a very tight group this trip. I have met some really nice people though. Seems everyone is pretty busy. I a way too busy to try to round everyone up.

I look forward to seeing anyone that does come.

 

I am going to post this and jump back in later.

 

Robin

[Tallcruiser]

I guess we are in for even bigger seas!! Captain just made and annocement that there is storm passing to the north of us and we will get the outside residual high seas. Ride em baby!!! Whaa hoo. It already sounds like thunder under the hull.

 

I have made my visits to the Casino a few times. The Casino is closed the entire time we are in Hawaii. So I could feel the money burning a hole in my pocket by the time we set sail again. The first night I was up $150. but I have donated that and a little more back :p. Oh well it is all in fun. It is a Cashless casino on the slots. You insert you cruise card and select and pin then you can make charges against your card or deposit back to your account. Just don't forget to cash out your card at the cage before your last night!!!

 

Temp. in the ship is always of interest. I have to say this trip has been pretty warm and even stuffy in most common areas. Actually the internet cafe is the coolest place on the ship. I think it is because we are all confined more than other cruises where the outside decks can be used and we are steaming up the place.

 

Karen you asked about pictures. I will share them when I get home. It just takes up too much time to down load a single pic here on the ship.

 

Thanks to everyone following along!!! There are so many things to do that often it interfers with nap time....LOL. There are Photo classes, Computer classes, ceramics, Hula, Ukelele and dance classes to mention a few. There are the Wooden horse races, Bingo, Scrap heep ship races and more. There are lessons in making cocktails, folding napkins, floral arranging and more. There are lectures on everything under the stars and beyond. There are tours of the ship, her Galley and the production Theater. There are on going card games and board games and library full of books. There are shops and deck sales galore. Everywhere you turn there is a photo oppertunity. Movies are shown twice a day. Morning and night.

 

You would have to try very hard to get board on this cruise!!!

 

After the wine tasting today we are off to a meal a Sabatini's.

Tomorrow is our last formal night..... I hope it will be lobster.

 

Then Ensenada. I think I will pack that day as I have been going to Ensenada since I was 5 before the roads were paved or there was any port. We'll see..............

 

Terry is up getting our cheat sheet with everyones names that we want to give recognition to. Maybe I can get her to post for us.....

 

I still want to tell you about the Ports and the tour companys.....

Something for later..

TTFN!

 

"Rocking and Rolling" along on the Golden Princess

 

Robin

[Tallcruiser]

I will be on the Feb 18th sailing. Can you tell me which tour operator does the snorkeling tour in Maui? Thanks Shelley

 

Stella, we went on the afternoon snorkel and SNUBA on the Prince Kohio, a 92 ' boat, I believe the tour is run by Atlantis, but only Princess people were onboard that afternoon. They do a morning one that is probably open to the public; they were unloading people when we got there. The boat can hold 150 , but we were only 45. Plenty of room to stretch out, walk around and dry off, etc. The crew was wonderful. Very helpful to inexperienced snorkelers.

 

I asked the tour desk about the morning snorkel tour, and they said it was run by a company called Island Marine. They said it was about a 50' boat. I was hoping I'd run across someone that was on it to get more info for you, but so far I haven't. Hope this helps.

 

We have had great service from all of the waitstaff. Like Robin said, the Maitre D' is our new Best Friend. Mr. Angelo Balbiani. Head Waiter- Fernando, Waiter -Ronald, Asst. Waiter Alan. We are at table 266, late seating, in the Canalleto Dining room. If you are having your dinner there, you need the AFT elevators, and only the far right one and far left one go down there. We had a few times late to dinner before we figured this out.

 

We had our reception in the Desert Rose Steak House (formerly Sterling) the evening we got married and had a wonderful dinner. Francisco was our waiter, and he was super! They really go the extra mile for you in there. Sergio was the Maitre D' there, very personable!

 

For anyone thinking about a wedding on Princess, I give them great marks! I will post more detail when we get off the ship.

 

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes and for getting the pics on the Wedding Cam! I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. Maybe the Mimosas Robin and I had for breakfast helped! But I don't remember it all, it went so fast! We have almost 400 pictures the ship's photographer, Kamen, took of us that we will need to choose from (tomorrow), so that will help my memory, I'm sure.

 

More later,

[Tallcruiser]

I will be on the Feb 18th sailing. Can you tell me which tour operator does the snorkeling tour in Maui? Thanks Shelley

 

Stella, we went on the afternoon snorkel and SNUBA on the Prince Kohio, a 92 ' boat, I believe the tour is run by Atlantis, but only Princess people were onboard that afternoon. They do a morning one that is probably open to the public; they were unloading people when we got there. The boat can hold 150 , but we were only 45. Plenty of room to stretch out, walk around and dry off, etc. The crew was wonderful. Very helpful to inexperienced snorkelers.

 

I asked the tour desk about the morning snorkel tour, and they said it was run by a company called Island Marine. They said it was about a 50' boat. I was hoping I'd run across someone that was on it to get more info for you, but so far I haven't. Hope this helps.

 

We have had great service from all of the waitstaff. Like Robin said, the Maitre D' is our new Best Friend. Mr. Angelo Balbiani. Head Waiter- Fernando, Waiter -Ronald, Asst. Waiter Alan.

 

We had our reception in the Desert Rose Steak House (formerly Sterling) the evening we got married and had a wonderful dinner. Francisco was our waiter, and he was super! They really go the extra mile for you in there. Sergio was the Maitre D' there, very personable!

 

For anyone thinking about a wedding on Princess, I give them great marks! I will post more detail when we get off the ship.

 

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes and for getting the pics on the Wedding Cam! I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. Maybe the Mimosas Robin and I had for breakfast helped! But I don't remember it all, it went so fast! We have almost 400 pictures the ship's photographer, Kamen, took of us that we will need to choose from (tomorrow), so that will help my memory, I'm sure.

 

More later!

[Bucky3]

Robin - thanks for the great update. Keep having a great time! Wonder if you will come home feeling relaxed and refreshed - sounds more like you need another cruise for that!! Enjoy!

[Tallcruiser]

Robin was nice enough to let me use her internet time, and I sent the last two posts (yes, two, because We got the white screen and I didn't think it went, but now I see it did), and she was logged in. So if the info is not right, yell at me, not Robin!

[nycgirl12345]

:) Did you have time to go to the Spa? Sorry to be a nag....

[SHIPMEOUT]

Hi Robin, Karen, Terry & Clarence!

 

Good posting incognito Terry...:D and I thought it was Robin talking! LOL!

 

Good to hear from you again too Robin. Hope you are all hanging in there (or hanging ON if necessary) through the waves.

 

Trust you all had a great Valentine's Day. I remember we were all together on the Island Princess on Valentine's Day. Al & I renewed our vows that day with Captain Manfuso.

 

Enjoy your wine tasting and your dinner at Sabatini's tonight...go hungry...I remember how much food there was!

 

Thanks for taking us along....since we are living vicariously through you right now, try to stretch those last few days out as long as possible, will ya? :D

 

Hugs

Cindy & Al

[jerseyk]

Sail that ship home Robin:eek:It sounds like a great ride:p

Walter

[stellalimelight]

Stella, we went on the afternoon snorkel and SNUBA on the Prince Kohio, a 92 ' boat, I believe the tour is run by Atlantis, but only Princess people were onboard that afternoon. They do a morning one that is probably open to the public; they were unloading people when we got there. The boat can hold 150 , but we were only 45. Plenty of room to stretch out, walk around and dry off, etc. The crew was wonderful. Very helpful to inexperienced snorkelers.

 

I asked the tour desk about the morning snorkel tour, and they said it was run by a company called Island Marine. They said it was about a 50' boat. I was hoping I'd run across someone that was on it to get more info for you, but so far I haven't. Hope this helps.

 

We have had great service from all of the waitstaff. Like Robin said, the Maitre D' is our new Best Friend. Mr. Angelo Balbiani. Head Waiter- Fernando, Waiter -Ronald, Asst. Waiter Alan. We are at table 266, late seating, in the Canalleto Dining room. If you are having your dinner there, you need the AFT elevators, and only the far right one and far left one go down there. We had a few times late to dinner before we figured this out.

 

We had our reception in the Desert Rose Steak House (formerly Sterling) the evening we got married and had a wonderful dinner. Francisco was our waiter, and he was super! They really go the extra mile for you in there. Sergio was the Maitre D' there, very personable!

 

For anyone thinking about a wedding on Princess, I give them great marks! I will post more detail when we get off the ship.

 

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes and for getting the pics on the Wedding Cam! I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. Maybe the Mimosas Robin and I had for breakfast helped! But I don't remember it all, it went so fast! We have almost 400 pictures the ship's photographer, Kamen, took of us that we will need to choose from (tomorrow), so that will help my memory, I'm sure.

 

More later,

 

Thanks. I was trying to look up info on them, so thanks!

[scrapycruiser]

Robin & Terry...

 

Thanks so much for your reports ! We leave on Mar 4 so it's been fun following you guys ! Congrats Terry & Clarence on your marriage ! You guys sound like alot of fun, maybe we'll cruise together one day :) .

 

When are the formal nights ? Lobster is the last formal night ?

 

GINA

[stellalimelight]

Thanks. I was trying to look up info on them, but I can't any info on them

[Bucky3]

Robin - IF you have time, our cabin in Sept will be C626 on the Star (Golden's sister), and since we'll be living there for 60 days, I'd love to know what you think about that location. Love being near the aft elevators with easy access up/down even though I know it will be a long walk home every night!

 

Maybe you better get off in Ensenada just to try solid ground once more before you go down the ramp in LA!! Do hope you have a smooth ride up the coast, but we're having some pretty hefty weather up here in No.CA. Good Luck, thanks for taking us along, and Welcome Back from Aloha Land!!

 

Bobbie

[Midnight101]

Robin,

Thanks so much, as Bobbie posted, for "taking us along", we are going on the Mar 4th cruise, what a great preview of times to come.

Judy

[Tallcruiser]

Hi everyone,

I only have a few minutes left. I will post more of the details when I get home. Sorry I have not been able to keep up in a timely manner but hey.... I am on the Love boat wedding cruise and we are just having too much fun!!

We are in Ensenada. No. I am not getting off. It is a perfectly clear sunny day and I have been enjoying my balcony.:D

 

We have enjoyed clear skys and smooth seas for the last 2 days really beautiful. I have run around the ship trying to take pictures to post when we are home.

 

Last night was the last formal and cocktail party and champagne water fall. I did not go to the champagne water fall but heard it was fun. I have been to a few before and decided to start packing instead.

 

We had lobester in Sabatinis and at last nights dinner. I hate to be a complainer. ... but it was not very good. Nothing like the old days. The prawns truly were larger and more tender!!! Just thought I would share :p

 

nycgirl you are not a nag!!! I have just been out playing and having a good time..........No I have not been to the spa.......... sorry I just never made it up there for a treatment but I did pick up some papers and will read them over and post what they say.

 

Cabins Aft on Carib are nice. Great views and easy access to the dinning room on deck 6 or Horizon court on deck 14 and Sky walkers lounge from the aft elevators. I know you will enjoy it.

 

I will read through all the posts tomorrow when I get home and try to answer some questions.

 

I have really enjoyed this cruise and found the crew to all be exceptional. The ship need a face lift but was very enjoyable. Mother nature controls the seas and weather and I have no complaints!! It has been a great cruise. I appreciate all of you following along and sorry if I let you down........I did play a lot on this one. I do still have info and stories to tell about the Ports and excursions that I will post soon when I am home.

 

So for now Mahalo and Aloha!!!

 

Robin:D

[Cruiser from MS]

Oh Robin, you did not let us down. You have just made me more anxious for my cruise to start. After reading your reviews I can hardly wait for March 18. My cruise is the next one following the cruise that leaves tomorrow, that makes me feel like it will be here sooner... I can hardly wait to read the post and see your pictures. Thanks a lot for taking the time to keep us informed on what we can expect on our cruise.

[vjmatty]

My cruise is the next one following the cruise that leaves tomorrow

 

And mine is the one after yours! ;)

 

I am so glad for this thread, it has been very interesting and helpful. :)

[jrobinso]

Robin, the 14 days have gone by so fast. Glad you had a great time just "playing" on this cruise. Welcome home.

 

Jan

[jerseyk]

Welcome back Robin:DThe 14 days go fast don't they.

Walter

[sparkle]

Robin, if this has been asked before please forgive me, but is the coffee that is not the speciality coffee any good? Or should I purchase a coffee card because I really love my coffee in the morning.

 

I am reading through the thread and first of all I have to say Thank you to Robin for doing the live post! I know you are going away this weekend, so I was going to read through and post a few answers where possible.

 

Thank you Dianne and Cindy for posting the pics of the Wedding Ceremony! I want to write more about the wedding, but I think I better do it in Works and save it, and then post it. It may take a few days to get this done, but I promise, I will work on it!

 

As for the coffee, we felt it was ok. Not great, but certainly drinkable. Of course we are used to truckstop coffee, so maybe we have a different perspective. We got coffee from room service every morning, along with orange juices (for mimosas) and croissants, out on the balcony, and it was the perfect way to start the day. I think there was one morning going to Hawaii and one coming back it was too windy to be on the balcony, but we put on the robes and enjoyed it anyway! We did not get the coffee card, but did.

[sparkle]

Robin - IF you have time, our cabin in Sept will be C626 on the Star (Golden's sister), and since we'll be living there for 60 days, I'd love to know what you think about that location. Love being near the aft elevators with easy access up/down even though I know it will be a long walk home every night!

 

Maybe you better get off in Ensenada just to try solid ground once more before you go down the ramp in LA!! Do hope you have a smooth ride up the coast, but we're having some pretty hefty weather up here in No.CA. Good Luck, thanks for taking us along, and Welcome Back from Aloha Land!!

 

Bobbie

 

Bobbie, I'm not exactly sure where C626 is, but I think it is a very good location on this ship, since the Horizon court is up on the back of this ship, and the Canaletto Dining room is also in the back. The Donatello (deck 6) and Bernini (deck 5) are midships. Not a far walk home, except from the Princess Theater (all the way Forward on Deck 7)

[Bucky3]

Welcome back, everyone, and thanks for taking us along! Sounds like we'll be just fine in the location we have for our cruise next fall. Enjoy the rest of winter - ALOHA!

 

Bobbie