Golden Princess Information

[figarky]

I'm traveling on the Golden Princess on May 30th and wanted to see if anybody could answer my questions. Although they're not REALLY pressing, they will help me plan my trip (apparently, I'm a freak about details!).

 

Since all of the reviews have been for the FLL trip, I haven't been able to find answers regarding the So. Carib. itinerary.....so here are my questions. Some can be answered by those not on the So. Carib. itinerary, but others (I think) can only be answered by those who are on that itinerary.:

 

What nights are the formal nights?

 

What night is the best to go to Sabitinis (are there 'theme' nights for dining - i.e. a Caribbean night)?

 

Which shows are not to be missed (and which ones CAN be missed)?

 

Are the hot tubs and pools actually open 24 hours?

 

How many craps and blackjack tables are in the casino (any tournaments?)?

 

Any nickel slots for my in-laws to play?

 

Are there organized 'tournaments' for volleyball, basketball, etc (if so, what days)?

 

What type of 'classes' do they have (when are they)?

 

Basically, I'm trying to plan all of the excursions for my wife, her parents, and me. So, having an idea of when events are conducted onboard may help determine whether we reserve a morning excursion or an afternoon excursion (as to not miss a culinary class, or wine-tasting class, or something else like that). I've only been on one cruise prior to this and we had multiple days at sea....so I just didn't know how they would fit everything in if there's only one day at sea.

 

This is the first (and will likely be the only) cruise for my in-laws, so I want it to be a great time for them!

 

Thanks in advance for all of your help and tips!

[travelwoman]

Hey figarky, I will answer what I can about some general things...and push your post to the top for (hopefully) more responses.

First of all, you picked a GREAT cruise line. Your in-laws will LOVE Princess (all of you will).) There are plenty of crps and Blackjack tables - rarely is there any waiting. They DO have tournaments and they will be posted in your Princess Patter (the nightly newsletter left on your bed every night with the turn-down service). I don't think there are any 'organized' sports things - in fact the basketball etc is usually pretty dead. (too many other cool things to do). The classes run from cooking to photography to computer classes to art, etc, etc, etc. They will also be in your Patter.

My best advice is just to book the shore excursions you want and work the ship things around that. (the ship is quieter when in port - most people get off). You will be sooooo busy you have to learn to just kick back and enjoy. There is plenty of things (and space) for everyone to do most everything their heart desires!!

WooHoo - enjoy !

 

 

Celebrity Century-eastern carribean-2001

 

Celebrity Constellation-2002

 

Princess Coral-Panama Canal-Dec 2003

 

Golden Princess-Southern Exotic Caribbean-Oct. 2004

 

It just keeps getting better

[figarky]

Thanks!

[CruiseFever]

I agree with travelwoman, and not because she's from my neck of the woods; the Golden is a fabulous ship with a better crew.

 

We sailed her just last month so you might be interested in our trip report of the journey:

 

http://www.lifeiscruising.com/golden_princess1

 

Happy Cruising

 

Chris

 

www.LifeIsCruising.com

 

Next up:

Caribbean Princess 06/26/04

Star Princess 10/24/04

Carnival Victory 12/19/04

Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

 

[PreciousPain]

Not sure about the Golden, but on the Grand last year we were able to sign up for tournaments in the casino the day we got onboard.

They had clipboards with sign up sheets on them and they were pretty full.

So you might want to check that out.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!!!

 

~*Precious Pain*~

 

Holiday 12/91 - W. Caribbean

Sunbird 7/01 - Mediterranean

Grand Princess 6/03 - E. Caribbean

NCL Sky 7/03 - Alaska

Next up -

Golden Princess 2/05 - S. Caribbean