Tell Me All About The Golden!!!!

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I just booked my first Princess cruise on the beautiful GOLDEN! This looks like a wonderful ship, from the pictures I have seen, but I want to know everything to help past the time until I cruise.:D

 

So please, share your wonderful experiences on the ship! What are your favorite places to play & your favorite places to escape the crowds. Please share all of your secrets to those of us who "need to know"!;)

[Princesa]

I just booked my first Princess cruise on the beautiful GOLDEN! This looks like a wonderful ship, from the pictures I have seen, but I want to know everything to help past the time until I cruise.:D

 

So please, share your wonderful experiences on the ship! What are your favorite places to play & your favorite places to escape the crowds. Please share all of your secrets to those of us who "need to know"!;)

 

AZ Girl, I've been on the sister ship Grand twice and if the Golden is anything like the Grand it will be a spectacular ship. I'm cruising on the Golden a week from tomorrow and will come back to visit you upon my return with some feedback. I have also cruised the Caribbean Princess and the Diamond Princess and honestly all of Princess' ships are fabulous!

 

You are in for a treat.

[DonahCBrown]

I just booked my first Princess cruise on the beautiful GOLDEN! This looks like a wonderful ship, from the pictures I have seen, but I want to know everything to help past the time until I cruise.:D

 

So please, share your wonderful experiences on the ship! What are your favorite places to play & your favorite places to escape the crowds. Please share all of your secrets to those of us who "need to know"!;)

 

Been on the Golden twice - British Isles and South America. It is a lovely ship and you will have a great time. What specifically did you want to know? Have you checked the reviews?

[mringenoldus]

I've also been on the Golden twice (it's the only ship I've ever repeated) It a great ship with plenty to do. I booked my friend and her family on it next Saturday because I was so sure she'd like it.

 

I think Skywalkers is a great place to read a book and watch the view during the day. Don't miss the champagne waterfall on the final formal night. It's unique to Princess. If you need to know something specific, just let me know..

 

By the way - I've taught in Gilbert for the past 25 years. However, I live in Mesa. Go Tigers!!

[Sunny AZ Girl]

AZ Girl, I've been on the sister ship Grand twice and if the Golden is anything like the Grand it will be a spectacular ship. I'm cruising on the Golden a week from tomorrow and will come back to visit you upon my return with some feedback. I have also cruised the Caribbean Princess and the Diamond Princess and honestly all of Princess' ships are fabulous!

 

You are in for a treat.

 

I am looking forward to this cruise very much. When you come back from your cruise I am looking forward to your fantastic review!!!

 

Bon Voyage!:D

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Been on the Golden twice - British Isles and South America. It is a lovely ship and you will have a great time. What specifically did you want to know? Have you checked the reviews?

Yes, I have read the reviews and loved them!:) However, I hope we will get a GOLDEN discussion here.... I know everyone has their favorite "spots", menu items, tips and tricks specific to each ship. :D

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I've also been on the Golden twice (it's the only ship I've ever repeated) It a great ship with plenty to do. I booked my friend and her family on it next Saturday because I was so sure she'd like it.

That's great to hear! So far, this cruise is looking good!:D

 

I think Skywalkers is a great place to read a book and watch the view during the day. Don't miss the champagne waterfall on the final formal night. It's unique to Princess. If you need to know something specific, just let me know..

That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for - the little hideaways & special touches to look for,:cool:

 

By the way - I've taught in Gilbert for the past 25 years. However, I live in Mesa. Go Tigers

Have you found the Arrizona Cruisers thread yet? This is a very active thread with a lot of posters, all from AZ. Very friendly! We are planning a 'Meet & Greet' at Casino Arizona on October 13th. Check it out!:)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=11819302&posted=1#post11819302

[mringenoldus]

I had no idea there as an AZ group. Unfortunately, we will be returning from our Bermuda cruise on October 13...maybe next time.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I had no idea there as an AZ group. Unfortunately, we will be returning from our Bermuda cruise on October 13...maybe next time.

 

We have quite a few people who will be cruising at that time!!! Therefore, we are already talking about our next "Meet".:rolleyes: Come join us on the thread anyway. It's a nice place to "talk ship" with other AZ people. My co-workers are starting to roll their eyes whenever I bring up cruising!:D

[TTEllis]

Hey I did the Golden(solo) back in 2001 like 3 months after it was commissioned, probably the best cruise I've ever taken. The Wheelhouse Bar on the Golden is one of THEE nicest bars I've ever been in, land or sea. The Sushi bar out by the pool was some of the best, freshest sushi I had ever eaten, couldnt believe it. Bowls of fresh Wasabi still hope they have that for your sake, the bomb. Actually come to think of it all the food was great. Crew was AWESOME!! Very classy ship for its size(MONSTER), go have a blast I did.

[DonahCBrown]

No sushi bar when I was on her this year. Sorry!:(

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Hey I did the Golden(solo) back in 2001 like 3 months after it was commissioned, probably the best cruise I've ever taken. The Wheelhouse Bar on the Golden is one of THEE nicest bars I've ever been in, land or sea. The Sushi bar out by the pool was some of the best, freshest sushi I had ever eaten, couldnt believe it. Bowls of fresh Wasabi still hope they have that for your sake, the bomb. Actually come to think of it all the food was great. Crew was AWESOME!! Very classy ship for its size(MONSTER), go have a blast I did.

Wheelhouse Bar.....I'll check that out, thanks! I'm looking forward to meeting the crew - hope they're still as great. The crew can make or break a cruise!

 

Does anyone have pictures to post of the ship and their favorite spots onboard?

[Sunny AZ Girl]

No sushi bar when I was on her this year. Sorry!:(

That's ok - I can live without sushi!;) However, what about other snack-type items that are always available? Any recommendations? There is a thread on the RCI Explorer (April cruise) and everyone raves about the COOKIES on that ship. What can I look forward to snacking on in between all those gourmet meals on the Golden?:D

[monakayk]

Yep...I am interested in learning all the 'secrets' about the Golden too. Going in less than a month on her.

[TTEllis]

That's ok - I can live without sushi!;) However, what about other snack-type items that are always available? Any recommendations? There is a thread on the RCI Explorer (April cruise) and everyone raves about the COOKIES on that ship. What can I look forward to snacking on in between all those gourmet meals on the Golden?:D

 

I kinda wondered how long that sushi bar would last, I was the only one eating it Im not kidding it was AWESOME but noone was eating it except for me. I ate so much sushi and drank 2 buckets of Corona I was miserable it was wonderful. Food and service in the dining rooms was exemplary. Eat till you die I tried to. Order the Fettucine Alfredo off the dinner menu its scary awesome. Hope that helps Todd

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Order the Fettucine Alfredo off the dinner menu its scary awesome. Hope that helps Todd

One of my favorite dishes anyway!:)

[finn1913]

Hi Sunny AZ,

 

Thanks for starting this thread! I'm booked on the Golden the week before you (Jan 12). It's my first time cruising so these boards have been very helpful.

 

Keep those 'Golden' tips coming!!

 

Cheers,

[finn1913]

oops. double post.

[WynterSong]

Of all the cruises Ive been on and all the pre'cruise threads Ive enjoyed, one of the funnest (I know not a word!) parts of looking forward to boarding a ship for the first time, is finding out from past patrons some of her secrets! Does anyone know of the infamous secret door aboard the Golden? Ive found one on two other Princess ships, they usually lead to smaller yet nearly vacated open decks. We sail in a couple of weeks and I cant wait!!!! Happy cruising all!

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Hi Sunny AZ,

 

Thanks for starting this thread! I'm booked on the Golden the week before you (Jan 12). It's my first time cruising so these boards have been very helpful.

 

Keep those 'Golden' tips coming!!

 

Cheers,

 

Even those of us who have a few cruises under our belts can learn so much from others on these boards. Yes, we need to keep those "Golden Tips" in site!

 

I have a few more specific questions that I hope someone can answer:

 

1) Is the Solarium Pool an adult only pool? If not, is there an adult area pool area where adults can relax without the pitter-patter of little feet?;)

 

2) My Mom will be cruising with me. I have heard some great things about the Sabatini's Restaurant & would love to try it. However, Mom isn't crazy about Italian food, specifically the tomato based red sauces. Will there be a selection that she may like to order at Sabatini's? Please elaborate as to why this specialty restaurant is so popular!:)

 

3) Tell us all about the Steak House on the ship - or is it a Mexican Restaurant?:confused:

 

4) Is room service for breakfast usually on time? What breakfast items are available for room service? I love breakfast on the balcony in the morning! On port days I especially like them, when you can count on room service to be on time. That way you aren't rushing to get to breakfast before your scheduled tour.

 

5) How many formal nights are on the 7 night Mexican Riviera cruise? How formal are the ladies dressed? Are you usually in a long gown, or is a cocktail dress ok?

 

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for all of your advice. Toodles!:)

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Of all the cruises Ive been on and all the pre'cruise threads Ive enjoyed, one of the funnest (I know not a word!) parts of looking forward to boarding a ship for the first time, is finding out from past patrons some of her secrets! Does anyone know of the infamous secret door aboard the Golden? Ive found one on two other Princess ships, they usually lead to smaller yet nearly vacated open decks. We sail in a couple of weeks and I cant wait!!!! Happy cruising all!

 

Mystery doors? Hmmmm.....sounds intriguing!:D

[shawilson]

I loved the martini demo IN the pool, Island Night at the aft pool (I also think the aft pool is for adults) and total nerd that I am, watching them open/close the roof over the pool. Don't miss the martini bar either, if you are so inclined. Look at the floor once in a while. Port and Starboard have different color carpeting, so you don't end up on the wrong side. Also, check out the carpet in the Wheelhouse bar.

[DonahCBrown]

Here you go

 

1) Is the Solarium Pool an adult only pool? If not, is there an adult area pool area where adults can relax without the pitter-patter of little feet?;)

 

The spa pool is adults only - the dressing rooms have nice large showers, too. The sauna is available even if you don't do spa treatments, but is out by the pool.

 

2) My Mom will be cruising with me. I have heard some great things about the Sabatini's Restaurant & would love to try it. However, Mom isn't crazy about Italian food, specifically the tomato based red sauces. Will there be a selection that she may like to order at Sabatini's? Please elaborate as to why this specialty restaurant is so popular!:)

Huge amount of food, choices on the entree. Service is above average, food is excellent. Go hungry and plan on making an evening of it.

 

3) Tell us all about the Steak House on the ship - or is it a Mexican Restaurant?:confused: At some point, Princess was doing 'specialty' restaurants on the Grand Class that didn't go over all that well, and some of them (Desert Rose being one) got converted back into the Sterling Steakhouse.

 

4) Is room service for breakfast usually on time? What breakfast items are available for room service? I love breakfast on the balcony in the morning! On port days I especially like them, when you can count on room service to be on time. That way you aren't rushing to get to breakfast before your scheduled tour. Pretty much a continental type breakfast unless you do the Ultimate balcony breakfast at extra cost.

 

5) How many formal nights are on the 7 night Mexican Riviera cruise? How formal are the ladies dressed? Are you usually in a long gown, or is a cocktail dress ok? Two, either will be fine.

[Cruzbw]

Look at the floor once in a while. Port and Starboard have different color carpeting, so you don't end up on the wrong side. Also, check out the carpet in the Wheelhouse bar.

I didn't know that! Are all the Princess ships like that? Especially the CB? I've been on about 8 Princess cruises, including the Golden, and never noticed.

Bill

[Travelrd]

I just returned from the Golden repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles. It was my first Princess cruise and I enjoyed it very much. I had a mini suite on Dolphin deck. I didn't like the fact that the balcony is not covered and totally exposed to the weather and the people looking down from above, however, I found out that there are six mini suites with covered balconies on Emerald deck, so I booked my next cruise in one of those rooms.

 

I agree, the Wheelhouse bar is very relaxing during the day and a good place to hide away. The Terrace pool at the very rear of the ship is the adult only pool and hardly used, although the weather wasn't the warmest on this cruise like it would be on a Mexican cruise.

 

The room service menue is extremely limited. They don't offer any hot items for breakfast but I did request a toasted bagel, smoked salmon and creme cheese and it did arrive right on time. Other room service items arrived very quickly.

 

I ate in Sabatini's and I would never spend the extra $20 to eat there again. Some people confuse quantity with quality and while they offer you lots of food, some is very good and some just isn't good. The food in the dining rooms is more than adequate. I did find that they don't season any of their meats very well. Even though they use high quality beef and lamb, it's just not very flavorful. I don't like buffets so never went through the lines. Can't comment on it. Outside, they cook hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza. All those items are wonderful, I found but everyone's tastes differs especially with pizza. I bought a Coke card and used it at least twice a day and it was cheaper to do that than buy single drinks.

 

This is a wonderful ship and the crew was extrememly friendly. I liked it very much and booked a Mexican Riviera cruise on the sister ship, Star Princess for next November, 2008. You must take advantage of the Future Cruise booking program. Diane was just so helpful and very friendly. And for only $100, you would have to be crazy not to take advantage of this offer. It's a win, win situation.

 

I think you will have a wonderul criuise on the Golden.

 

David