live from the Golden Princess Feb 28 to Mar 14

[MTJSR]

From the current bridge cam on the Golden Princess http://www.princess.com/bridgecams/np/golden_bridgecam.html I see what looks like tenders coming and going from the ship. Has the tender service to Lahaina resumed? :confused:

 

~Ron (April 11 - 25)

 

They moved the tenders to the other side of the ship out of the wind and tenders are moving now.

 

ROSES2

 

I will ask. I am in Canaletto Dinning room they should know.

[NotWthOutablcony]

I'm gald you were able to get back onboard, how horrible it would be to be stuck on Maui :D

We also had some pretty good wind storms today, very windy with 40 mph gusts, nothing like our last big wind storm. I wonder if we'll get the winds Hawaii is experiencing right now.

If I calculated right, you should be ushing off in about an hour, nothing ahead but the sea! Have fun and relax some!

[Kreuser]

I've enjoyed your commentary as well and am glad to hear you guys are going to leave the ship in fine shape for our sailing next Sunday.

 

Just one question, and possibly a strange one at that...you mentioned your husband's allergies. This is actually my biggest fear when I take a vacation, that I will go and my allergies will act up and I won't be prepared. Elissa

 

LOL, we will be sure to leave our suite in good shape for you. :D

 

I don't believe it was anything in particular that set Jerry's allergies off, and he stated it had started before we left home. Makes me wonder why he didn't bring all of his allergy fighting meds, but apparently he did not. My advice to you would be "better safe than sorry".

My friend that was on this ship a month before us had a bad reaction and said it was the cleaning agents her room attendant had been using, and once that was changed, her allergies were much improved.

BTW, Jerry's are so much better today, and for no apparent reason. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

 

MTJSR said

Princess had an Oscar party tonight in the vista lounge complete with a red carpet entry. I avoided it like the plague, but heard it was fun.

I was able to catch the first couple hours of the awards program and was happy it was offered (in the Vista Lounge). The bar staff were dressed in black tuxedos with some acting as waiters and others offering complimentary canapes. Unfortunately, our dining hour rolled around before the big awards were handed out. :(

 

Our shore excursion here on Maui was called the Rustic and Colorful Up-Country Tour and we booked it through ShoreTrips.com. There were 11 of us in a fairly nice small bus with large and clean windows. The weather was iffy at best, but it seemed like the showers would quit about the time we needed to get out and walk for a closer view. I would recommend this tour with 8 stars out of 10.

 

We are looking forward to the next few sea days. These past 4 port days seemed very busy to us! More later.....

 

Vada

[MTJSR]

Monday, 5pm

 

Before coming ashore in Maui, have a plan. This is a pretty short day when you consider the tendering process both ways. The line coming back can be awful (as it was today) so plan for an hour there. If you just want to walk around the port area there is a lot of shops to go in and some restaurants etc. There really isn't much of a beach right at the pier. The one I usually go to is Kaanapali. Great place to body surf with a shallow bottom and quite wide. There are taxis available, a bit expensive though. My taxi ride just past Kaanapli and back was $60.00

 

The bow cam really doesn't show the proximity of the pier to the golden. The ride each was is about 15 minutes. The captain come over the speakers this evening and explained what happened today. The winds were forecast to be 20 to 25 mph, they grew into 45mph. That was when tendering was suspended and they moved tendering to the other side of the ship where it was calmer. Some people were stranded bobbing like a cortgetting soaking wet while waiting to get off the tender.

 

A question was asked if Mario (Head Waiter) was still onboard and he is not. He is on vacation and Sunny (Head Waiter) thinks he will return possibly to a different ship. Speaking of Sunny our Head Waiter, we are doing the Crown Grill tomorrow and we will miss lamb for the second time as the other time we were at the chefs table. Our waiter asked Sunny about having lamb available for us on Wednesday when we return to the main dinning room. He promptly came over, took the request and said we will have lamb!

 

As I type this we are bouncing around pretty good right now, the captain warned this homeward direction could be very gusty and it is howling outside. The casino is back open and the machines are even tighter now. I have not heard anyone have an ounce of luck. As a slot puller who knows his slots, these machines have no intention of paying more than 10 coins, period.

 

Dave and Leialoha are back playing on deck 5 of the Piazza. As I said before, this duo makes this trip the Hawaiian experience it is. Very good musicians and singers!

 

Currently on Princess TV is “Michael Jacksons This is It”. I learned some TV programs cannot be aired onboard due to licensing. Princess ships can both receive and transmit signals therefore some networks will not allow them access to protected shows.

 

The Chefs Table experience must not be selling well. They are advertising it in the patter tonight.

 

MUTS tomorrow is “An Education”

[flamomo]

I've been following this thread since the beginning, and have really appreciated the commentary, descriptions, suggestions and informations.

What has also interested me is is the weather conditions you have had, what with the bumpy ride and the winds. It makes me wonder what Mother Nature will have in store for us who are cruising after you. Especially since our previous cruises on this itinerary were pretty much smooth sailing.

 

Mary Lou

[beachsea&sail]

Thank you PTKreuser for the info re allergies. I think I may start preventive action for mine, especially from what I'm reading about the winds that have been stirring -- those generally will stir all bad things right into my eyes & throat.

 

MTJSR, once again, sounds like a great day, if a bit rocky. Advertising the Chef's Table in the patter is an interesting development, but sounds promising for those of us that are interested in the future and hope very few others have the same interest. ;) Hopefully the next few days before Ensenada will be smoother sailing.

 

Elissa

[Colo Cruiser]

A question was asked if Mario (Head Waiter) was still onboard and he is not. He is on vacation and Sunny (Head Waiter) thinks he will return possibly to a different ship. Speaking of Sunny our Head Waiter, we are doing the Crown Grill tomorrow and we will miss lamb for the second time as the other time we were at the chefs table. Our waiter asked Sunny about having lamb available for us on Wednesday when we return to the main dinning room. He promptly came over, took the request and said we will have lamb!

 

They have an excellent rack of lamb at the Crown Grill. ;)

[kckitties]

LOL, we will be sure to leave our suite in good shape for you. :D

 

I don't believe it was anything in particular that set Jerry's allergies off, and he stated it had started before we left home. Makes me wonder why he didn't bring all of his allergy fighting meds, but apparently he did not. My advice to you would be "better safe than sorry".

My friend that was on this ship a month before us had a bad reaction and said it was the cleaning agents her room attendant had been using, and once that was changed, her allergies were much improved.

BTW, Jerry's are so much better today, and for no apparent reason. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

 

MTJSR said I was able to catch the first couple hours of the awards program and was happy it was offered (in the Vista Lounge). The bar staff were dressed in black tuxedos with some acting as waiters and others offering complimentary canapes. Unfortunately, our dining hour rolled around before the big awards were handed out. :(

 

Our shore excursion here on Maui was called the Rustic and Colorful Up-Country Tour and we booked it through ShoreTrips.com. There were 11 of us in a fairly nice small bus with large and clean windows. The weather was iffy at best, but it seemed like the showers would quit about the time we needed to get out and walk for a closer view. I would recommend this tour with 8 stars out of 10.

 

We are looking forward to the next few sea days. These past 4 port days seemed very busy to us! More later.....

 

Vada

 

Vada,

Nice to see you here! Dave and I were on Celebrity Summit with you and Jerry on the 14 day West Coast and Alaska cruise a few years ago. We are on Golden Princess to Hawaii on 10/13/10. I've really enjoyed this thread!

 

Rosanne

[MTJSR]

I've been following this thread since the beginning, and have really appreciated the commentary, descriptions, suggestions and informations.

What has also interested me is is the weather conditions you have had, what with the bumpy ride and the winds. It makes me wonder what Mother Nature will have in store for us who are cruising after you. Especially since our previous cruises on this itinerary were pretty much smooth sailing.

 

Mary Lou

 

Thank you, I should also add that the ride is very very similar to walking down the center aisle on an airplane. Before some might think we are holding onto the rails sick as dogs out here. I am enjoying the feel of the ocean.

 

More Later!

 

Mark

[Kreuser]

Vada,

Nice to see you here! Dave and I were on Celebrity Summit with you and Jerry on the 14 day West Coast and Alaska cruise a few years ago. We are on Golden Princess to Hawaii on 10/13/10. I've really enjoyed this thread!

Rosanne

OMG Rosanne and Dave!! I am so happy to hear from you! How are you guys? I still stay in touch with many of the others from that cruise and will tell them we made contact. Susan always remembers you too. We have a CA/E. Coast cruise planned with them, Judy and Jim, Ron and Robin this October. We almost cruised with Maureen and Bill last Nov., but canceled when we decided on a 7-day family cruise. My email is in my profile if you want to get in touch.

 

I am learning so much about what's going on here from reading Mark's posts! LOL! Even though we are at the same table most nights, much of what he posts just doesn't come up in conversation. Our impressions differ in many areas, i.e., shopping (I like it all) and food (I didn't care much for the Love Boat dessert), and several other areas. But that makes it even more interesting to me! ;)

 

I filled out some form from the State of Hawaii re our expenditures and no. of days spent in the Islands, which will be entered into a drawing for ??. But it did give me a few minutes to think about our four days there and how much I enjoyed those days. Seems my favorite days were my favorite excursions which were in Hilo and Maui. Weather not perfect, but we did manage to see and enjoy many things.

 

Our room attendant told me this AM that I look very rested. Huh? She must be bucking for a hefty tip! I do plan to be very rested by the time we get back to LA though.

 

Capt. just closed the sports deck, etc. because of high winds. 40mph gusts + 22 knots speed = 55 mph winds and he claims he doesn't want to lose anyone overboard.. He says it should calm down tomorrow AM. I sincerely hope so!

 

More later.....

 

Vada

[MTJSR]

Tuesday, 12pm

 

While at breakfast our room steward Jerry was busy making towel animals for both our cabins. My parents got the elephant and we got the dog, both wearing sunglasses. Very cute!

 

As I type this the ship is getting hit with 40+ mph winds (per the captain) and the upper forward decks are closed. Though we still don't see or hear anyone complaining of sea sickness, it is probably getting close (for some) The elevators are rattling around in their shafts pretty noticeably. Occasionally the ship will take a dip and we suddenly feel 50 lbs lighter. Earlier I said this was like walking down the aisle of an airplane, well now it is exactly like being in an earthquake simulator. Activities outside continue and people are just going with the flow. From my balcony midship, I am watching huge splashes spray down the side of the ship. Very blue and kinda chilly out today.

 

As I walked around, I finally made it up to the Hearts & Minds chapel. I had posted a thread some time ago, were I suggested the picture on the web cam was a still/frozen shot, as it never changes. After being told I was wrong by multiple CC members, I found out today I was right. The room has been converted to classroom setting with computers on long tables. There is nothing resembling a chapel in there.

 

Bingo today is up to over 2 thousand dollars. I might actually play for the first time.

 

More Later!

 

Mark

 

By the way Vada, I still can't believe you don't love the love boat dream. I could bath in it!:D

[Roses2]

Thanks for checking for us. It sounds as if you are having a great cruise on the Golden Princess. She is one of our favorite ships. We have been on her 4 times and going again in May.

 

Hopefully, after your windy spell you will have fair winds and following seas the remainder of the cruise.

[mycruz]

Good morning from the Golden Princess as well.

 

I have just popped in for a quick hello and to also say that I'm enjoying the sea days.

 

The casino has not been too kind to this sailor but I'm going to have to say the casino manager Jo is the best one I've ever seen on any ship. She is very personable and appears to really enjoy her job. She even remembers names! I was amazed as I sat at a machine last night when she stopped by to chat, nice job Jo! Maybe it's also a sign I'm spending too much time in the casino!

 

So, I am off to Stretch Class and then to Yoga. I have really enjoyed using the fitness center on this cruise, it seems to be very busy no matter what time of day it is.

 

The dinner at the Chef's Table the other night was so much fun, it looks like there will be a third one on this cruise, I'm glad the Matre'd decided to do another one so more could participate.

 

Hope everyone landside is doing well, Aloha! Mary

[MTJSR]

Tuesday, 8pm

 

I just returned from my first Crown Grill experience. Having done both the Chefs Table and now the Crown Grill, I have to say if I were to do it over again, I would do the Crown Grill 3 times at $25.00 each and pass on the $75.00 Chefs Table. When weighed side by side, I really liked everything I ordered at the Crown. The Chefs Table was a fun experience to do, but I only really liked 3 of the 8 items served. Just my opinion!

 

Wednesday, 8am

 

The seas are better this morning. Nice gently motion. My room service attendant this morning confirmed that you can write in anything you want on the room service card. He said people often get oatmeal and omelets, ham and eggs. He did mention, Princess does not promote this because it could get very complicated.

 

Bingo is today at 11am and 4pm. The jackpot is $3,000 Bingo cards are $20.00 for a pack, with 3 boards on each sheet. The ink daubers are $1.50

[Kreuser]

I do believe we spend more time in our room because it is a suite. Yesterday we ordered lunch off the dining room menu to be delivered and we had planned to watch one of the DVD's. Plans were thwarted by a mix-up in movies delivered by our room attendant. But lunch was good, and we ended up reading instead of watching a film.

 

Tonight The Informant is on regular TV after dinner, and we will probably catch that instead of going to see either comedian performing at the two theatres.

 

Here's my tip for the cruise. Be sure to pack a sweater or light weight jacket that can go with most of your clothes. It is cold in the eating venues and the theatres. They don't have hand sanitizer any place except the buffet, and I'm thinking they are freezing those little germs to death!

I broke down and purchased a sweater last week because I had not packed one. Yes, I paid full Princess price! Sheesh!

 

We went to the Crown Grille with friends, Ron & Robin, last night. We all ordered the filet mignon and enjoyed it very much! When our waiter brought us our desserts, we told him we had not gotten what we had ordered. Poor man almost had an attack! He had already shown us that he could take a joke, and I'm happy to report that he did recover fully!

 

The seas are a whole lot calmer today. WooHoo! Ron said he heard that there was an earthquake in Hawaii yesterday. I guess we left just in time!

 

Vada

[Murrah Miss]

Tuesday, 8pm

 

I just returned from my first Crown Grill experience. Having done both the Chefs Table and now the Crown Grill, I have to say if I were to do it over again, I would do the Crown Grill 3 times at $25.00 each and pass on the $75.00 Chefs Table. When weighed side by side, I really liked everything I ordered at the Crown. The Chefs Table was a fun experience to do, but I only really liked 3 of the 8 items served. Just my opinion!

 

Wednesday, 8am

 

The seas are better this morning. Nice gently motion. My room service attendant this morning confirmed that you can write in anything you want on the room service card. He said people often get oatmeal and omelets, ham and eggs. He did mention, Princess does not promote this because it could get very complicated.

 

Bingo is today at 11am and 4pm. The jackpot is $3,000 Bingo cards are $20.00 for a pack, with 3 boards on each sheet. The ink daubers are $1.50

 

Can you tell us what you had at the Crown Grille? I'm dying for a decent lobster; DH might be willing to do the CG instead of the Chef's Table. Also, thanks for the breakfast information!

[MTJSR]

I had the rib eye steak and 4 oz lobster tail w/scalloped potatoes. The black and blue onion soup and the tiger shrimp/mango appetizer before dinner. All very good. The desert was awesome too, I had the berry/apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream "OMG" and also the waiter insisted I try the sampler. My family had the rack of lamb. I was the weirdo! Service is superb and the setting a must see. Ask for a booth, you get a window with it. We were a couple booths away from Vada and Jerry (PTKREUSER) and we had to ask for security to quiet them down. They were have a real good time:D

 

For those curious, when you enter the ship on embarkation, you will enter on the promenade deck from an outside bridge/ramp. Not the deck 5 Piazza like some ports.

 

More later!

[dennbr9]

Vada: We pranked our waiter on the last Cruise with my DB. We all ordered someone else's desert and then when he brought them we all switched them with others. We forewarned the Head Maitre D so he would not get in any trouble though. He freaked a bit at first but then we told him the truth.

[flamomo]

Thank you for that embarkation tidbit, Mark.

Since we are boarding on Sunday, we are hanging on your every word.

 

Interesting that the room service attendant said you can order anything. I thought that was only for suites.

 

Do you know of anyone who did the UBB on your sailing? I've done it a couple of times, and really enjoyed it.

 

Your Crown Grille meal sounds very good, especially the lobster. As a non-steak eater, I wonder if I could just order extra lobster, and skip the steak. Do you know if they might allow substitutions?

 

Vada, thanks for the warning about the need for a sweater or other extra layer. That is very helpful!

 

Mary Lou

[MTJSR]

Wednesday, 4pm

 

We set the clocks forward again tonight. We will then be on California time. Nobody won the bingo this morning in 52 numbers. The vista lounge is going to start getting packed with anna be winners the next couple days.

 

There was a special soup station set today outside the horizon court at lunch. Chef d' Cuisine, Vashish Seeparsad (mr million dollar smile) who is from a small island between Africa and Australia called Mauritius, wants to share with us some cuisine of his homeland (his words). Earlier in the cruise he had a soup station (awesome) then a stir-fry (very good) and a second different soup today (didn't make it there but saw the line). This is a good person to get to know onboard. He overseas Sabatini's, Crown Grill, International Cafe (everything other than the main dinning rooms/Horizon ct) whenever I bump into him, he tells me what he is up. Those special food stations are not always announced in the patter and are likely to just pop up at his whim.

 

Last night, our second formal was a Captains Circle event, hosted by the Captain. One of the “Most Traveled” passengers in attendance was a gentleman from Whales, who has sailed 79 cruises with Princess and has 1013 days at sea. I suppose he has been Elite for probably 10 years or more.

 

MUTS tonigh is “The Boys Are Back”

 

More later!

 

Mark

[NotWthOutablcony]

Good morning from the Golden Princess as well.

 

I have just popped in for a quick hello and to also say that I'm enjoying the sea days.

 

The casino has not been too kind to this sailor but I'm going to have to say the casino manager Jo is the best one I've ever seen on any ship. She is very personable and appears to really enjoy her job. She even remembers names! I was amazed as I sat at a machine last night when she stopped by to chat, nice job Jo! Maybe it's also a sign I'm spending too much time in the casino!

 

So, I am off to Stretch Class and then to Yoga. I have really enjoyed using the fitness center on this cruise, it seems to be very busy no matter what time of day it is. :D

 

The dinner at the Chef's Table the other night was so much fun, it looks like there will be a third one on this cruise, I'm glad the Matre'd decided to do another one so more could participate.

 

Hope everyone landside is doing well, Aloha! Mary

If someone gets the chance, please tell Jo Valarie says hello from the Star "California Riviera Swine Flu Cruise." Yes she is very nice, sent us over drinks one night also, I wonder if her assistant Monica is also on the Golden now? They were lovely, Monica always referred to my mother and I as the sisters, lol, we're always told how much we look alike. Very sweet ladies! Lol, I guess that means I've also spent too much time in the casino!

[MTJSR]

Thank you for that embarkation tidbit, Mark.

Since we are boarding on Sunday, we are hanging on your every word.

 

Interesting that the room service attendant said you can order anything. I thought that was only for suites.

 

Do you know of anyone who did the UBB on your sailing? I've done it a couple of times, and really enjoyed it.

 

Your Crown Grille meal sounds very good, especially the lobster. As a non-steak eater, I wonder if I could just order extra lobster, and skip the steak. Do you know if they might allow substitutions?

 

Vada, thanks for the warning about the need for a sweater or other extra layer. That is very helpful!

 

Mary Lou

 

I was surprised too, regular old people like us can order an omelet if you want. Just write it in. I hesitated posting that info though, don't want to get thrown overboard. I guess......you could order as many 4oz lobster tails as you want. It is on the appetizer side of the menu, but I asked for it with my rib eye main course. They said I could have anything I want and as much as I want.

 

 

Wednesday, 7pm

 

One observation I have of this cruise (besides it being awesome) is that I feel I am living in one big sales pitch. Today between 10am and 1pm they had a dinning room full of everything for $10.00. Signs all over “Sale”, Walking from the casino to the canneletto dinning room, they are selling flower arrangements, art, jewelry, watches, t-shirts, earrings, black & white portrait sittings, photos, photo albums, DVD's, camera supplies, wine tasting, lemonchello w/glass. I guess we won't “Escape Completely” will we?

 

Forgot to mention this from my Crown Grill experience and there have been some CC discussions about this. The $25.00 cover charge originally was to include the tip for the grill staff. Others CC members have said that there's not even a place to write a tip amount in on the receipt. Well, there is now a place to write in a tip.

 

I have also forgot to mention that they show movies in the vista lounge later in the evenings. Watch the patter of course, tonights movie at 10:15 is “Precious”

 

MUTS tomorrow is “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”

[Kruising Katt]

I'm sailing on the Golden March 28th and have just begun some packing. I've been following your thread with much interest and can't wait until it's

my turn! Could you tell me it there is a third formal night on the cruise?

Thanks and enjoy the rest of your trip.

[MTJSR]

I'm sailing on the Golden March 28th and have just begun some packing. I've been following your thread with much interest and can't wait until it's

my turn! Could you tell me it there is a third formal night on the cruise?

Thanks and enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

Yes there is, it is Friday night before Ensenada. Which is Lobster and beef wellington in the main dinning room.

[vantec]

We are going on this cruise the end of April - I'm really enjoying your comments! I have a question going back to the first day of the cruise: do you know if it's typical that the counters don't open until 11 and boarding doesn't begin until 11:50? We took another cruise out of San Pedro and they began boarding much earlier.