Jun 15 2011

Golden Princess Review

I have both sailed on and have seen several Princess ships, but never before on the Golden Princess. Prior to my inspection visit, I wondered if it was any different than the Princess Coral that I had visited just a week prior. Boy was I amazed! I am a ham for large cruise ships any day and as soon as I drove into the pier parking lot, I knew that based on the size of the outside of the ship, I was not going to be disappointed.

As soon as I stepped onboard, I was impressed. I immediately went straight to the staterooms because it was only a matter of time before the doors would be locked for the next wave of guests coming onboard to begin their 14-night Hawaiian Adventure. Recently renovated, I was anxious to see the new additives to the Golden Princess. The staterooms were beautifully appointed in the true Princess flavor; from standard inside and outside at approximately 168 sq ft to the Grand Suite at approximately 1,314 sq ft. Most lower categories offer ample space with sitting areas and spacious bathrooms. Each stateroom offers flat screen televisions, a mini-bar, full closets, and storage space; and in the bathroom, there where amenities by Elemis. In several staterooms I noticed a pre-ordered bottle of wine, travel size bottle of fine liquors, and bottled water. In the upscale staterooms such as the Grand Suite (1,314 sq ft) and the Suites with balconies (468 to 591 sq ft), I found a "new" extra touch that really impressed me...silver bowls of scented bath salts in the bath. I was ready to run a bath and soak all my problems away. I don't see anyone having any complaints about their staterooms.

Inside and outside staterooms are offered with flat screen televisions, two twin beds that can be converted to one queen bed ( takes all of five minutes), refrigerator, hair dryers, and bathroom with shower, no bathtub. Handicapped staterooms are large and spacious with bars in the bathroom for making handicapped guests just as comfortable as other guests on board. The balcony staterooms offer the same room amenities as the standard inside and outside, including the balcony and they are approximately 232-274 sq ft.

The mini-suite staterooms are much larger at 323 sq ft, including a balcony. You also have a separate sitting area with a spacious balcony (two chairs and table on Plexiglas balcony). Each guest receives a welcome glass of champagne, bedding with luxury mattresses and pillows, two televisions (one in the sitting areas, and the other in the sleeping area), a spacious desk for planning all of your daily activates, ample closet space, and bathrooms with massage shower heads and bathtubs.

Looking for something a little larger? Let's go to the Suite with Balcony, offering guests 468-591 sq ft. This category offers guests the same amenities as the mini-suites but you will have upgraded bathroom amenities (remember the bath salts) with whirlpool jet bathtubs and separate showers. You will also find luxury balcony furniture, deluxe canapés, and fresh flowers, DVD-CD players (DVD's available in the library at no additional costs), one complimentary mini-bar set up, internet access in the Internet Cafe, and laundry/dry cleaning services.

Last but definitely not least, there's the Grand Suites that provide spacious space and a large balcony with panoramic views. There is a large living room area with a corner desk, large flat screen television and dining room table setting for in-room dining. You’ll also have another sitting area, large storage space, and upgraded bathroom amenities, including those bath salts described earlier. There is also a computer in the Grand Suite for personal use.

With over ten dining areas onboard from the tradition main dining restaurant in the Canaletto Dining Room to two different specialty restaurants; Sabatini's (Italian) and Sterling's Steakhouse, offering luxury dining at a small nominal fee. There are two anytime dining rooms, Bernini and Donatello, with 24-hour dining on the Horizon Court. Want pizza?  Find it at the Prego Pizzeria, and burgers and hotdogs at the Trident Grill.

This ship offers so much for guests’ enjoyment. The Sanctuary offers an adult only haven, serving lite meals, with lounging chairs and cabanas. Right below there is the Locus Spa and Princes Fitness Center, where once can indulge in spa treatments, private adult only pool, and various fitness classes and workouts.

There are four pools onboard and four hot tubs, digital golf simulators, and a nine-hole golf course. Also, you can enjoy basketball, shuffleboard and a deck chess set, and jogging track.

You will also find duty-free shopping, the Grand Casino, Vista Show Lounge (for port seminars and any other small group entertainment), and Movies Under the Stars at the outdoor theater.

Princess cruises offers something for everyone onboard, from its children and teens programs to its daily activity agendas and wedding chapel, to a full library offering daily tournaments and guest interaction.

Overall, I really did like the Golden Princess. Contrary to what one believes, travel agents do not like all cruise ships, but I would sail on the Golden Princess any day of the week. I can visualize my grandchildren's smiling faces right now and the tears on their little faces when our cruise ends.

The Golden Princess offers cruises to Alaska and Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific.

-Sandra Weaver

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About Sandra Weaver

I have been a travel planning specialist for the last 14 years, working with All-Travel for 8 of those years. I specialize in all-inclusive vacations to both Mexico and the Caribbean. I am certified as a SuperClubs specialist, offering all inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Panama, and Brazil for singles, families, and adults only. Club Med is also one of my specialties.

I also specialize in creating customized travel experiences to the beautiful islands of Hawaii and Tahiti. In addition to handling land vacations, I have completed agent training with Holland America, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Disney, Crystal, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard, Norwegian and Carnival cruise lines. I am also a graduate of the Princess and Cunard Cruises’ prestigious training academy and have been awarded a special status as an expert on both Princess and Cunard. I have cruised several times, with my favorite being Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Once I go, I know! My number one goal with all of my clients is to offer my very best at all times. I use my travel experiences to better address whatever questions or concerns you may have about your vacation. I believe in providing excellent customer service and have won awards to prove it. 

This year I would love to expand my travel experience to more international destinations such as Ireland, London, and Amsterdam. Brazil would be great as well.

One of my greatest passions would have to fall under travel blogging. I love traveling and then coming home to share my experiences by blogging about it.

Here at All-Travel, we are your travel managers. We are always willing to go the extra mile in planning your most memorable vacation!