Golden Princess Alaska (sailed June 2009) Review

[BeckyTX]

I looked to this board for many answers prior to my cruise, so I wanted to share thoughts on ours! I went with my husband and parents, and we had a great trip overall!

 

I will go ahead and do a quick day-by-day recap along with some general comments --- and please feel free to ask questions!

 

Friday night - Flew into Seattle and took already there towncar to the Maylower Park Hotel. The towncar service was great and for an extra $10, they stopped at the liquor store so we could get wine for the boat. We LOVED this hotel! It was right downtown and great to see a little bit of Seattle. Went to the Crab Pot and had a wonderdful dinner.

 

Saturday - Got up and walked to Pike Place Market. Then returned to the hotel to take a cab to the dock. Getting on was easy, muster drill was quick.... then we just explored the ship! We went up to the skywalkers after sailaway, which was really awesome.

 

Sunday - (SEA DAY) Oh goodness, this wasn't my best day. I have cruised before and never had been sick, but I also was not feeling well with all the motion. I picked Alaska because I thought it was supposed to be really calm waters (that's what the TA said, but I learned to investigate for myself!) It was pretty rough for me and I am not too sure I will cruise again, despite a really nice rest of the trip. We went on the outside of land all the way up (even to past vancouver island), and I wonder if that made things rougher? I would suggest a cruise out or vancouver to stay in more protected water, but I didnt know this until after I booked. They of course sell dramamine in the gift shop, and it helps a lot! The night was tough b/c I thought it would never stop. Overall, not a great day for me or my mom, but the guys seemed just fine and enjoyed the casino. Expecially the poker!

 

Monday (JUNEAU) - We went to the Mendenall Glacier. It was a little drizzly and cold, but we loved it. We did a downtown tour/glacier shuttle that we found when we got off the ship for $25 each. I think it was a little better than the $7/each way shuttle bc they took us around the town a bit.... but I am not sure how much! Afterwards, we hung out at Red Dog Saloon.... awesome nachos! Saw some bald eagles :)

 

Tuesday (SKAGWAY) - Best day! Weather was pretty cool... high 50[s or low 60's... (although some ppl on the ship thought it was warm... but I am from TX)! We did the 3.5 Hour Chilkoot tour. I was so torn about tours this day (Dyea Dave, 7.5 hour chilkoot, etc). The tou was PERFECT. The guide wasn't phenomenal, but he was fine. Afterwards, we walked around the town and went to some shops and the saloon. We also had crab legs at the Skagway Fish Co. YUM!

 

Wednesday (Tracey Arm) - Went to Endicott Arm instead because of fog. Water was as smooth as glass and I was appreciatig the calm water once we got up into the inside passage. I thought we would hear the glaciers crackle. Call me crazy, but I wasn't as blown away by Endicott Arm as everyone else. I thought it was beautiful, no doubt, but I thought all of the scenery was amazing the whole trip. I wish I had chosen a Glacier Bay itinerary, but hindsite is 20/20. I did see a bear and sea lions this day, which was very cool! Bring good binoculars!

 

Thursday (Ketchikan) - My dad and husband went with Ken at Northern Lights charters for salmon fishing. I definately recommend booking privately! Unfortunately, they didnt catch anything that they could keep.... but the couple they went with did get a few. They were disappointed of course, but I think that's just the nature of fishing! My mom and I decided to just walk the town since it was a short stay there. It was a cute town, but by now we had seen all of the same cheap souveniers in every port.

 

Friday (Victoria) - We couldn't get into the port because of the "strong winds" but I didnt feel any wind! ...and another cruise ship made it in before us. I was SO bummed. It seems like princess should make note because they appear to miss it a lot. Nobody else was bummed to miss it except me - I really wanted to get off the boat and see another place! But we just enjoyed the ship for our last day!

 

Saturday - Disembarkation was a breeeze! We did already there towncar again -- it was a little tougher for him to find us, but we were off to the airport in now time. We had a 1:55 flight and there was an earlier one that I didn't book that we EASILY could have made (and we were one of the last groups to disembark!)...

 

Overall, everyone LOVED the cruise! We did it low-key with a few planned excursions (none through the ship). It was great and we were never bored. Would have liked a flightseeing or helicopter trip, but I just can't do those tiny planes or helicopters!

 

Highlights:

-beautiful scenery

-the guys LOVED the poker in the casino

-chilkoot charter trip in skagway - the train was AWESOME

-we loved our cabin steward!

-lobster night! (food overall was good, some wasn't spectacular - but all was good! we stuck mainly to the regular dining room and International cafe)

-wine tasting was fun, although they talked a LOT and it was long :)

 

Lowlights:

-service in the dining room was hit or miss - I began waitressing at age 15 so I am definatey not overly critical --- but we did have a few rude servers, which I found surprising and upsetting :(

-the motion was pretty bad the first few days

 

Tips for others:

-Plan for any weather

-take wine to enjoy in your room... drinks on board add up :)

-Bring a backpack to take into port with raingear

-Maybe try traditional dining (might get more consistent service that way? and we ended up making a reservation each night anyway after waiting 30 minutes in line the first night!)

-Bring an insulated coffee mug to enjoy coffee on deck if you are a coffee drinker

-don't fret too much on cabin. we had almost the "worst" and it was GREAT!

-spend time in Seattle if you can... we regret that we only had one day and will go back for sure!

 

Our cabins:

ovenview obstructed E217 and E209

we were really pleased with our rooms!!

I was worried about sound from the Princess Theatre below, but it really isnt bad.... both rooms had obstructions in front of the windows, but you could see out just fine! And to save about 300 dollars per person, we were fine not having the balcony or an unobstructed view! there are some staff things in the very front of the boat (like a workout room and maybe a computer center...) so staff are up and down that hall all the time --- but it was fine! i know being up front could have made me feel the motion more, but i felt it no matter where i was so i dont think it made a difference for me!

 

I was blessed to have this time with my family and enjoy the beautiful scenery in Alaska! I hope all of you have a wonderful vacation!

[dforeigner]

Thank you for taking time to write a review.

[JSWalk]

Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us.:) We will be on the Golden in August. I am worried about the sea sickness. I was a little bit sick on our Carribean trip but Bonine finally helped. I was alot sick on our Mexican Riviera trip after we left Cabo on our way back to San Francisco, but we had really rough seas. Like 15 foot swells or more.:eek: How rough was the water on your Alaskan trip?

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review. :)

[boards]

Does the have the outdoor movie screen?

[Colo Cruiser]

Does the have the outdoor movie screen?

 

 

 

Yes. :)

[Cruise Raider]

I looked to this board for many answers prior to my cruise, so I wanted to share thoughts on ours! I went with my husband and parents, and we had a great trip overall!

 

I will go ahead and do a quick day-by-day recap along with some general comments --- and please feel free to ask questions!

 

Friday night - Flew into Seattle and took already there towncar to the Maylower Park Hotel. The towncar service was great and for an extra $10, they stopped at the liquor store so we could get wine for the boat. We LOVED this hotel! It was right downtown and great to see a little bit of Seattle. Went to the Crab Pot and had a wonderdful dinner.

 

Saturday - Got up and walked to Pike Place Market. Then returned to the hotel to take a cab to the dock. Getting on was easy, muster drill was quick.... then we just explored the ship! We went up to the skywalkers after sailaway, which was really awesome.

 

Sunday - (SEA DAY) Oh goodness, this wasn't my best day. I have cruised before and never had been sick, but I also was not feeling well with all the motion. I picked Alaska because I thought it was supposed to be really calm waters (that's what the TA said, but I learned to investigate for myself!) It was pretty rough for me and I am not too sure I will cruise again, despite a really nice rest of the trip. We went on the outside of land all the way up (even to past vancouver island), and I wonder if that made things rougher? I would suggest a cruise out or vancouver to stay in more protected water, but I didnt know this until after I booked. They of course sell dramamine in the gift shop, and it helps a lot! The night was tough b/c I thought it would never stop. Overall, not a great day for me or my mom, but the guys seemed just fine and enjoyed the casino. Expecially the poker!

 

Monday (JUNEAU) - We went to the Mendenall Glacier. It was a little drizzly and cold, but we loved it. We did a downtown tour/glacier shuttle that we found when we got off the ship for $25 each. I think it was a little better than the $7/each way shuttle bc they took us around the town a bit.... but I am not sure how much! Afterwards, we hung out at Red Dog Saloon.... awesome nachos! Saw some bald eagles :)

 

Tuesday (SKAGWAY) - Best day! Weather was pretty cool... high 50[s or low 60's... (although some ppl on the ship thought it was warm... but I am from TX)! We did the 3.5 Hour Chilkoot tour. I was so torn about tours this day (Dyea Dave, 7.5 hour chilkoot, etc). The tou was PERFECT. The guide wasn't phenomenal, but he was fine. Afterwards, we walked around the town and went to some shops and the saloon. We also had crab legs at the Skagway Fish Co. YUM!

 

Wednesday (Tracey Arm) - Went to Endicott Arm instead because of fog. Water was as smooth as glass and I was appreciatig the calm water once we got up into the inside passage. I thought we would hear the glaciers crackle. Call me crazy, but I wasn't as blown away by Endicott Arm as everyone else. I thought it was beautiful, no doubt, but I thought all of the scenery was amazing the whole trip. I wish I had chosen a Glacier Bay itinerary, but hindsite is 20/20. I did see a bear and sea lions this day, which was very cool! Bring good binoculars!

 

Thursday (Ketchikan) - My dad and husband went with Ken at Northern Lights charters for salmon fishing. I definately recommend booking privately! Unfortunately, they didnt catch anything that they could keep.... but the couple they went with did get a few. They were disappointed of course, but I think that's just the nature of fishing! My mom and I decided to just walk the town since it was a short stay there. It was a cute town, but by now we had seen all of the same cheap souveniers in every port.

 

Friday (Victoria) - We couldn't get into the port because of the "strong winds" but I didnt feel any wind! ...and another cruise ship made it in before us. I was SO bummed. It seems like princess should make note because they appear to miss it a lot. Nobody else was bummed to miss it except me - I really wanted to get off the boat and see another place! But we just enjoyed the ship for our last day!

 

Saturday - Disembarkation was a breeeze! We did already there towncar again -- it was a little tougher for him to find us, but we were off to the airport in now time. We had a 1:55 flight and there was an earlier one that I didn't book that we EASILY could have made (and we were one of the last groups to disembark!)...

 

Overall, everyone LOVED the cruise! We did it low-key with a few planned excursions (none through the ship). It was great and we were never bored. Would have liked a flightseeing or helicopter trip, but I just can't do those tiny planes or helicopters!

 

Highlights:

-beautiful scenery

-the guys LOVED the poker in the casino

-chilkoot charter trip in skagway - the train was AWESOME

-we loved our cabin steward!

-lobster night! (food overall was good, some wasn't spectacular - but all was good! we stuck mainly to the regular dining room and International cafe)

-wine tasting was fun, although they talked a LOT and it was long :)

 

Lowlights:

-service in the dining room was hit or miss - I began waitressing at age 15 so I am definatey not overly critical --- but we did have a few rude servers, which I found surprising and upsetting :(

-the motion was pretty bad the first few days

 

Tips for others:

-Plan for any weather

-take wine to enjoy in your room... drinks on board add up :)

-Bring a backpack to take into port with raingear

-Maybe try traditional dining (might get more consistent service that way? and we ended up making a reservation each night anyway after waiting 30 minutes in line the first night!)

-Bring an insulated coffee mug to enjoy coffee on deck if you are a coffee drinker

-don't fret too much on cabin. we had almost the "worst" and it was GREAT!

-spend time in Seattle if you can... we regret that we only had one day and will go back for sure!

 

Our cabins:

ovenview obstructed E217 and E209

we were really pleased with our rooms!!

I was worried about sound from the Princess Theatre below, but it really isnt bad.... both rooms had obstructions in front of the windows, but you could see out just fine! And to save about 300 dollars per person, we were fine not having the balcony or an unobstructed view! there are some staff things in the very front of the boat (like a workout room and maybe a computer center...) so staff are up and down that hall all the time --- but it was fine! i know being up front could have made me feel the motion more, but i felt it no matter where i was so i dont think it made a difference for me!

 

I was blessed to have this time with my family and enjoy the beautiful scenery in Alaska! I hope all of you have a wonderful vacation!

 

 

Sounds like despite the sea sickness, you found a lot of positives about the cruise, which I know is hard to do as I am also susceptible to motion sickness.

We were on the Golden in March -- crossing the Pacific from LA to Hawaii and then back. There were may people that we met that were terribly sea sick. I have heard the waters on this cruise could be particularly rough, so chose our room very carefully. We were exactly midship on the Emerald deck and for the first time ever, did not get sea sick at all....not even a twinge. I was in a forward cabin on the Dolphin deck on my first cruise to Alaska and would have paid any amount of money to get on dry land --- I was soooo sick!! Not an enjoyable feeling at all. I did find those amazing little wristbands and some ginger tablets in the boutique (the combo really works for me). With this being said, I noticed that every time I have booked a forward room, I have gotten sea sick and aft is better and midship -- no sea sickness. If you do decide to cruise again, maybe chosing a room midship would save you from that awful feeling....it helped me!!

[kimchee1212]

I didn't really think that our motion was that bad at all. Did you take Bonine or Dramamine? I honestly had no issues with motion, it was pretty calm. I encourage you to try again :), don't let waves ruin your vacation :p, and yes, try traditional--we had great service!

[laughing husky]

When people say that cruising to Alaska is calm....they do not necessarily mean from Seattle to Alaska. You are bumping against the currents that keep the coastal part of Alaska warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The inside passage is usually pretty calm......but not always...

[chris2597]

Becky

We were on the Golden a few prior to your cruise. We loved it.

Sorry to hear about your seasickness. The trick with seasickness is to treat it prior to getting it. I also suffer from it. My dr advised me to start taking Meclazine 3 nights prior to cruising, then 1/2 tablet nightly and increase dose as needed on the ship. She told me that motion sickness drugs have a hard time combating the sickness once it starts. I usually stop taking the drug after the 2nd day and have never had a problem even in very rough seas. Funny thing is I usually have to start up the pills again for a few days after a cruise as I feel the ship motion when standing still. I hope you don't give up on cruising...I bet you would be fine if you tried this.

I agree....the Anytime Dining Room was hit or miss as far as the service went. The food was very good to excellent but the waitstaff were typically slow and inattentive. Dinners took at least 2 hours, whether we sat at a table for 2 or 10.

[boards]

On another thread they are mentioning how small the bathrooms are and we are concerned because we are large people (200 +). Is it really going to be a problem for us to use the shower or toilet? We haven't booked yet and this could make a difference in us doing so. Sorry to ask such a awful subject.

[LoriPhil]

boards - not an awful question at all! The showers ARE on the small side but you can use the nice larger showers in the Lotus Spa (no charges). The alternative is getting a mini-suite, which has a nice conventional tub/shower configuration.

[NancyIL]

Thanks for your review. We were on the May 23rd Golden Princess cruise, and we also couldn't dock in Victoria due to the wind. It didn't seem that windy to me at the time, but it grew increasingly more windy as the night wore on, so I think the captain made the right decision. If you're referring to the Amsterdam as the ship that docked before you, that ship is much smaller than the Golden. The Amsterdam also couldn't dock the day we were in Victoria.

[themerle]

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience with us. Try sailing out of Vancouver through the inside passage, sailings seems to be a lot smoother. I agree that taking something before the motion sickness starts is very helpful. Hope you give cruising another try!

[Belle]

You shouldn't have any trouble

with the shower and toilet.

The curtain might stick to you,

that's all.

Have friends who travel Princess

all the time and have no trouble.

(they are also 200+)

Book and have FUN!

[Rocky Mtn Mustang]

Thanks for your great review. Sounds just like what my husband and I are planning on doing this coming Friday. Getting into Seattle the day before and hitting the Crab Pot for dinner. Saw that restaurant on the Man versus Food program and sounded fabulous. Loved the idea of having the town car driver stop at the liquor store for an extra $10. Have one question on getting the wine onboard. Did you pack it into your checked luggage or did you put it in your carry on bags? I know in Puerto Rico you could just buy liquor in the duty-free store, on the pier, and just carried it in carry on bags. What is best way on the Golden?:rolleyes:

[BeckyTX]

Sounds like despite the sea sickness, you found a lot of positives about the cruise, which I know is hard to do as I am also susceptible to motion sickness.

We were on the Golden in March -- crossing the Pacific from LA to Hawaii and then back. There were may people that we met that were terribly sea sick. I have heard the waters on this cruise could be particularly rough, so chose our room very carefully. We were exactly midship on the Emerald deck and for the first time ever, did not get sea sick at all....not even a twinge. I was in a forward cabin on the Dolphin deck on my first cruise to Alaska and would have paid any amount of money to get on dry land --- I was soooo sick!! Not an enjoyable feeling at all. I did find those amazing little wristbands and some ginger tablets in the boutique (the combo really works for me). With this being said, I noticed that every time I have booked a forward room, I have gotten sea sick and aft is better and midship -- no sea sickness. If you do decide to cruise again, maybe chosing a room midship would save you from that awful feeling....it helped me!!

 

 

thanks for your message :) yeah, I think that would help. I never thought I was that sensitive to it until this trip.... I dont even think the seas were that bad, maybe I have just gotten more sensitive with time :)

[BeckyTX]

Thanks for your great review. Sounds just like what my husband and I are planning on doing this coming Friday. Getting into Seattle the day before and hitting the Crab Pot for dinner. Saw that restaurant on the Man versus Food program and sounded fabulous. Loved the idea of having the town car driver stop at the liquor store for an extra $10. Have one question on getting the wine onboard. Did you pack it into your checked luggage or did you put it in your carry on bags? I know in Puerto Rico you could just buy liquor in the duty-free store, on the pier, and just carried it in carry on bags. What is best way on the Golden?:rolleyes:

 

 

we just packed it in our checked luggage. we ordered ice and wine glasses from room service. i don't remember seeing a ton of liquor store in the ports except for ketchikan, which was last... but i wasnt really looking. i liked having our little stash for the whole trip and the liquor stop was great :) have a wonderful trip!!!

[BeckyTX]

Sounds like despite the sea sickness, you found a lot of positives about the cruise, which I know is hard to do as I am also susceptible to motion sickness.

We were on the Golden in March -- crossing the Pacific from LA to Hawaii and then back. There were may people that we met that were terribly sea sick. I have heard the waters on this cruise could be particularly rough, so chose our room very carefully. We were exactly midship on the Emerald deck and for the first time ever, did not get sea sick at all....not even a twinge. I was in a forward cabin on the Dolphin deck on my first cruise to Alaska and would have paid any amount of money to get on dry land --- I was soooo sick!! Not an enjoyable feeling at all. I did find those amazing little wristbands and some ginger tablets in the boutique (the combo really works for me). With this being said, I noticed that every time I have booked a forward room, I have gotten sea sick and aft is better and midship -- no sea sickness. If you do decide to cruise again, maybe chosing a room midship would save you from that awful feeling....it helped me!!

 

oh yeah, i just wanted to give both the good and the bad --- but overall, it was a phenomenal vacation! i will probably cruise again, and i will be sure to pick a mid-ship cabin. it seemed like no matter where i went though, it didnt help. haha

[BeckyTX]

On another thread they are mentioning how small the bathrooms are and we are concerned because we are large people (200 +). Is it really going to be a problem for us to use the shower or toilet? We haven't booked yet and this could make a difference in us doing so. Sorry to ask such a awful subject.

 

boards, i really think you will be fine. and like the other poster said, feel free to use lotus spa if need be!

[Azure Moon]

Hello and thank you for posting your excellent trip review!

Glad to see you and your family had a nice time in Seattle and Alaska.

Sorry that you had to deal with seasickness. I have moments when the motion gets to me but thankfully not too bad. I have used the motion patch prescribed by my doctor in the past with good results. The last few cruises I haven't even bothered getting the patches and did fine...though one day of a western Caribbean cruise I wouldn't have minded having one :).

Before seeing your review, I was trying to decide between the Golden Princess and the Sapphire Princess (since our friends mentioned Princess cruises) and I've been thinking NCL Pearl (since we've sailed on her earlier this year and really liked the ship and because it goes to Glacier Bay).

We are looking to take an Alaskan cruise with some friends. It will be the first time there for all of us. One of the friends has problems with motion so your review will help greatly with deciding with medicines and itineraries. We've already told her to try a middle of the ship, lower cabin.

Question: Did the Golden Princess show any Movies Under The Stars or was it too cold for them to do so? If they did show any, could you provide the names of some of the movies? Thank you.

[dardan]

[

Tuesday (SKAGWAY) - Best day! Weather was pretty cool... high 50[s or low 60's... (although some ppl on the ship thought it was warm... but I am from TX)! We did the 3.5 Hour Chilkoot tour. I was so torn about tours this day (Dyea Dave, 7.5 hour chilkoot, etc). The tou was PERFECT. The guide wasn't phenomenal, but he was fine. Afterwards, we walked around the town and went to some shops and the saloon. We also had crab legs at the Skagway Fish Co. YUM!

 

I am going in three weeks and still have a couple of questions:

In Skagway, did you do the tour through someone else or with the ship?

What were the temperatures (and what clothing did you need)? I over pack on Caribbean tours with sundress and bathing suits. Alaska will require heavier clothing, I assume!

 

Thanks for the tip on the coffee mugs.

 

We are trying anytime dining for the first time.

[BeckyTX]

[

 

I am going in three weeks and still have a couple of questions:

In Skagway, did you do the tour through someone else or with the ship?

What were the temperatures (and what clothing did you need)? I over pack on Caribbean tours with sundress and bathing suits. Alaska will require heavier clothing, I assume!

 

Thanks for the tip on the coffee mugs.

 

We are trying anytime dining for the first time.

 

 

We did the Skagway trip through chilkoot tours (not through the ship!) It was great. The temps were 50's and 60's, but we were in layers and prepared for anything because I think it can change dramatically up there!

[BeckyTX]

Hello and thank you for posting your excellent trip review!

 

Glad to see you and your family had a nice time in Seattle and Alaska.

 

Sorry that you had to deal with seasickness. I have moments when the motion gets to me but thankfully not too bad. I have used the motion patch prescribed by my doctor in the past with good results. The last few cruises I haven't even bothered getting the patches and did fine...though one day of a western Caribbean cruise I wouldn't have minded having one :).

 

Before seeing your review, I was trying to decide between the Golden Princess and the Sapphire Princess (since our friends mentioned Princess cruises) and I've been thinking NCL Pearl (since we've sailed on her earlier this year and really liked the ship and because it goes to Glacier Bay).

 

We are looking to take an Alaskan cruise with some friends. It will be the first time there for all of us. One of the friends has problems with motion so your review will help greatly with deciding with medicines and itineraries. We've already told her to try a middle of the ship, lower cabin.

 

Question: Did the Golden Princess show any Movies Under The Stars or was it too cold for them to do so? If they did show any, could you provide the names of some of the movies? Thank you.

 

 

If I could do a re-do, I would pick the Pearl because it goes to Glacier Bay. It was too cold for us to do any movies under the stars! But they did have them and people went to see em. I am not sure which ones they showed. We are from TX, so we stayed inside at night :)