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There's already a thread on this:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2331016

I've just returned home 3 weeks ago from the Golden Princess to NZ. I did the Taieri Gorge train on my own. From where the ship docks in Port Chalmers, there were shuttle buses provided for $15 return to Dunedin. The bus dropped off at the Octagon in central Dunedin, and from there it was a very short walk to the railway station. I was one of the first people off the ship when we docked, took the first shuttle bus leaving from port, and I arrived at the railway station with plenty of time to spare before the train departed. I purchased my ticket on the day itself at the ticket counter. Although, if you have already set your heart on this, I would recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment.

It is so easy to do on your own, and at one-third the price of the ship's shore excursion! Sure, the ship's organised tour has complimentary food and alcoholic drinks, and leaves from the port. But there was food (pies, sandwiches, coffee, bottled drinks, etc) available to purchase on the train at very reasonable prices.

Someone who was on the same sailing as me is doing a full picture review. I think most of you have found it, but for those who haven't:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2322939

Hi crochetcruise,

On the ship, you can access "golden.princess.com" by connecting to the ship's wifi and opening the webpage in your internet browser. You won't be charged for the internet usage if you're only using it to access the "golden.princess.com" website.

As Hawka mentioned, there are e-kiosks on deck 6 where you can print out your account statements to keep track of your spending.

I've set up a thread on the Aus&NZ Cruisers board for Q&As and possibly a mini review. Go to http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2321946

I'm just back from my Princess cruise with a port stop at Gisborne. I took a ship's shore excursion, a Town & Coastal Drive. We rode around the surrounding area for 2 hours on a coach bus. We went up into the hills, saw some Cook historical sites, and drove along the beach front.

After the excursion, we were dropped off at the town centre. Took a stroll along the main street, and looked in the shops and cafes. There is a free shuttle bus between the city and the port, which we took back to the tender.

Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, I really like how X have revamped their shows to incorporate much more modern music (even songs from last year) and changed the dance routines to cater for a much wider audience demographic.

Some of the shows on Princess that I saw last year (Sept/Oct) were the same as in 2012.

You're joking... I would have expected that they would have new shows at least every 1-2 years, so that repeat cruisers aren't seeing the same thing.

This was my first Princess cruise, and I actually fell asleep during the production shows! I am a night owl and nothing has ever made me nod off at 8pm. :eek: The guest entertainers' shows, on the other hand, kept me on the edge of my seat and laughing the whole time.

The guest entertainers in the evening shows were excellent. There was a violinist, motown tribute, magician, comedians and singers. I enjoyed all of them.

The production shows, in my opinion, were just ok. The music was mainly 50s & 60s because of the older age demographic onboard. I felt that even the dancing and stage set were not as good as the production shows on my previous cruise.

Thanks for the post - most useful general info - we are going on Diamond for 7 days Tassie cruise in two weeks.

 

Two specific questions"

1. Dining room menu - do they still have '50 Anniversary' selection of classic dishes for dinner (they had it last year)?

2. Re heavily promoted Chocolate Journey with their chocolateer Love - do they still have choc bites in the buffet/ dining room or any special dessert created by Love?

1) We didn't have the 50th Anniversary dinner classics menu on this cruise. I was also hoping that they would have it since the 50th Anniversary celebrations are still ongoing in other areas of the ship.

2) I loved the Chocolate Journeys stuff! Yes, they have the special desserts in the MDR dinner menu on certain nights only. They also have special pastries and muffins in the buffet and International Cafe. All the ones I tried were good! I miss the chocolate croissants at breakfast. :)

Thanks for posting the patters! I'm always interested in looking to see if there's enough that would interest me and/or my teen.

 

What were the age demographics on board? Were there many kids or teens? It's outside school holidays so I'm guessing not too many.

The average age was 60-70+. There were only maybe 20-30 kids.

Personally, I think there is a good selection of activities throughout the day and evening to suit all ages and interests. Have a look at the patters.

MDR Dinner Menus

I only remembered to take photos on 3 of the 13 nights. There were 2 formal nights on this cruise, and I have the menu for the 2nd formal. I also have the Asian night's and the final night's menus.

Click links to open:

Formal night

Asian night

Final night

On the menu every night, there are selections that "Always Available". This includes the Curtis Stone mains.

Last night of the cruise:

Asian Night:

I just got off the Golden last Wednesday from a 13 night cruise to New Zealand. I only remembered to take photos on 3 of the nights. There were 2 formal nights on this cruise, and I have the menu for the 2nd formal. I also have the Asian night's and the final night's menus.

Formal Night:

What other ships have you been on.

This was my 2nd cruise. I have been on Royal Caribbean (Adventure of the Seas) for a Mediterranean cruise. Adventure OTS is in the same class of ships as the Explorer and Voyager, which are both currently based here.

Just got home from the Golden Princess last Wednesday. I have some patters and menus! Not sure if I have the time or patience to do a full review, but I'm happy to answer questions. Just ask! :)

I've already uploaded some patters, click below:

Embarkation Day

Welcome Letter

Sea Day

Fiordland (Scenic Cruising)

Port Chalmers (Dunedin)

Akaroa (Tender Info)

Disembarkation Info

Just got off the Golden a few days ago, and I brought back the patters.

Just got off Golden yesterday. I was NOT in a window suite, but I did walk past them every evening on my way to theater. They are hidden in their own private corridor, which isolates them from the noise of the surrounding public areas. Great location and easy to get to places on decks 5,6&7.

Thanks for doing a "live from". I will be onboard next month!

I have a question: Is there a breakfast buffet in the MDR? They had it on RCI, but this is my first time on Princess.