Just off Golden: Review Nov 17-24

[Jayjoans]

I think yours was tainted because of the kids program issue. Perception again. You picked the wrong line, Princess is not a line that caters to children like you want. They never claimed to be.

 

Then you said:

 

All I am saying is that every review is only one persons perception and to take all reviews with a grain of salt.

 

 

These two comment sare not the same thing. The second quote is completely appropriate. My response to your stating that those two staterooms reviews some sort of perception problem was to explain the definite differences between the two rooms. After my explanation that may clarify a concern of a reader of this thread, you then took my comments on in order to prove some sort of case that people have different experiences.

 

I am not offended, but nor am I impressed with your attempts to somehow prove that my experience and perception is incorrect because we "picked the wrong line" in your opinion.

[newmexicoNita]

These two comment sare not the same thing. The second quote is completely appropriate. My response to your stating that those two staterooms reviews some sort of perception problem was to explain the definite differences between the two rooms. After my explanation that may clarify a concern of a reader of this thread, you then took my comments on in order to prove some sort of case that people have different experiences.

 

I am not offended, but nor am I impressed with your attempts to somehow prove that my experience and perception is incorrect because we "picked the wrong line" in your opinion.

I believe it is your opinion you picked the wrong line and yes, obviously you did.

 

Nita

[MamaTene]

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Second time sailing her for us as we were first aboard in 2001. Course that was her inaugural year and I failed to realize that when we booked again this year. All I can say is big difference in the 6 year span as to service and quality of food. Can understand the wear and tear on the ship but they did do the best they could to always be cleaning, varnishing, repairing etc.

Really enjoyed the Desert Rose Steakhouse as the food and service reminded us of how cruising USE TO BE! Now it seems you pay extra for that level of service.

Did breakfast and one lunch in the dining room....very good!

PC dining left much to be desired to say the least. Food and service way below par.

Loved the burgers, fries, pizza and hot dogs by the pool. Very yummy and always served hot!

Great comedian Keven Hughes on board --both shows were very good.

Caught a couple of movies in the Princess Theatre during the afternoon.

Our cabin was very nice...minisuite with lots of rooms and storage space. Great cabin attendant who was quick to respond to any and all requests we had.

On a scale of 1-10 I would give this cruise a 6

[Jayjoans]

We were on the 11/17 sailing too:

 

Our cabin was A326, the noise from above was VERY noticeable and loud. Seems everybody liked to drag their chairs on the deck above rather than lift them. On formal night you get to enjoy those ladies with high heels out for a stroll. It wasn't terrible, but we'd never book an Aloha deck under the overhang again.

 

I PICKED THE WRONG LINE, SO THERE WAS NOISE ABOVE OUR CABIN, MY FAULT.

 

The entertainment was pathetic. We've been on 7 cruises, 2 Disney and 5 RCCL, and this was by far the worst of any cruise. The dancers were laughable, we went to the dance shows only to watch the terrible anorexic dancer and see just how bad it could be. We were not disappointed in it's terribleness. The comedians were not funny, I think being funny should be a prerequisite to being a comedian. Just because the drunks laugh every time you open your mouth does not make you funny. The magician wasn't too bad, but I agreed with the comedian, less Gaitano and more Tatiana. Some in our party went to the juggler/comedian in the Vista lounge and said he was by FAR the best. Make him the headliner in the big room and put the dancers in the lounge. The "Princess Idol" was terrible too. Celebrating drunk young adults that are in need of a staff member to hold them up during the judging of their "act" is inappropriate. We heard nothing but extremely disappointed people in reference to the Idol thing. The little girl that they had sing while they "tabulated" the votes was amazing, she got a standing ovation from the crowd but was not even a contender.

 

AGAIN, I PICKED THE WRONG LINE. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT PRINCESS ENTERTAINMENT ON THE WEEK I CRUISED WAS GOING TO BE BAD.

 

Food was OK, not better nor worse than any other cruise.

 

WHEW, DODGED A BULLET HERE, COULD HAVE PICKED THE WRONG LINE.

 

Ship was laid out very poorly, you can get to there from this elevator, but not from that elevator. These elevators you cannot use, this stairwell will get you to that deck, but not to this deck, you must use the midship stairs to get to that place, etc... Walking the decks was sort of a bummer too, they cut them all up so you feel like a rat in a maze trying to get to the cheese. There is nowhere on an outside deck where you can look forward and see your course, you must hang over the edge and look forward like a dog in a car.

 

I PICKED THE WRONG LINE AGAIN, SHOULD HAVE KNOW THAT THIS PARTICULAR SHIP IS LAID OUT A BIT FUNKY, AN OPINION SHARED BY MORE THAN A FEW OTHERS THAT PICKED THE WRONG LINE LIKE ME.

 

I'm completely fed up with the new attitude about cruising. It is no longer an "all-inclusive" experience. The cost of booking is merely the price of admission, chocolate milk at dinner:$2, ice cream on deck: $4, soda: $1.75 plus mandatory 15% gratuity, $10.50 per day per person charged to your on board account for tips, mandatory (add well over $400 for our group of 6). I'm distressed that now the cruise lines are using our tip money to augment their employee pay. It was much better when we could tip using the envelopes provided. Since we don't drink, the wine steward would get nothing from us, the maitre d, would get very little, since peeling our lobster from the shell and fawning over our babies would not warrant a large tip. This cruise we got nothing special from any of our cabin staff, other than shoving all of the kids's clothes under their beds and a couple of chocolates on our pillows. He knows he gets the tip no matter what, so why make an extra effort? We have tipped handsomely on previous cruise because of excellent service, this cruise we got little more than maid service and had no choice but to tip.

 

PICKED THE WRONG LINE AGAIN, SINCE OTHER CRUISES DON'T REQUIRE TIPPING, WHEN ONLY PRINCESS DOES.

 

In PV we did the Los Veranos zip line tour, and found it to be great. They went out of their way to make it a great day for our family and were tipped accordingly. The animal cages and feeding of the monkeys have given us some great photos and memories.

 

NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LINE.

 

In Mazatlan we did Randi's horses and also had a great time. Although there was a mixup on meeting Randi at the port, we made our way to her spot on our own and she refunded the money we spent to get there. She was great too, and her staff was handsomely tipped for going above and beyond for us. It is true what has been posted here before, the best food of our trip was at Victor's on the beach in Mazatlan.

 

NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LINE.

 

Cabo is a bit of a joke due to the short port time. The ship departs at 2pm, and they want you in the tender line by 12:30. There is a reason for that, the line for tenders is well over an hour long. You get to stand in the hot sun for over an hour waiting to get on the tender back to the ship. We thought 2pm meant 2pm, so we got off the ship at 10 thinking we'd have 3+ hours in Cabo on the beach. By the time we got to shore at about 10:30, there was little point in hiring a water taxi to take us to the beach for less than 2 hours. We shopped at the trinket bazaar, some of our party went right back to the ship and some stayed and parasailed. Needless to say, there were some very upset people arriving at the tender dock and seeing a line of people 150yards long waiting for a tender with no shade. In fairness, this may have been a Thanksgiving cruise phenomenon, it may not be as bad on other weeks.

 

YEP, PICKED THE WRONG LINE IF I DIDN'T WANT TO WAIT TO 2HOURS ON THE DOCK AT CABO.

 

We had anytime dining, and learned early on to get to the dining room very early. We lined up no later than 5:15 when the dining room opened up at 5:30. We found that it took about an hour and half to eat, so you'd be out of there by 7, change clothes and then hit the theater to get a decent seat for the 8:15 show (we don't drink or gamble, so we had little choice but to go to the shows, or sit in our room and watch the view from the bridge). We were surprised to find that on the first formal night as we came out of the dining room to find people milling about the atrium with those square pagers they give you at restaurants. We heard the wait was an hour and a half! That would have sent me over the edge, to sit in the atrium listening to muzak, hungry in my formal clothes for that long. Getting there early each night we were able to ask for a window table on whatever side of the ship would feature a sunset too, that was nice. We eventually settled in with one server next to a window, she was the best staff member of the whole cruise for us.

 

PICKED THE WRONG LINE IF ON THE FIRST FORMAL NIGHT YOU WANTED TO EAT WITHIN AN HOUR OR SO OF ARRIVING AT THE DINING ROOM. REMEMBER, THOSE OF YOU THAT DISSECT MY REVIEW, WE DIDN'T HAVE THAT WAIT.

 

Our kids didn't use the youth facilities, after touring them the day we boarded they were not interested. They were far inferior to RCCL, and obviously Disney.

 

PICKED THE WRONG LINE ACCORDING TO OTHERS, SINCE MY ONE 9YR. OLD DIDN'T WANT TO BE GROUPED WITH 6 YR. OLDS FOR THE WEEK.

 

I guess we expected Princess to be on par or even better than RCCL, and found it to be not as good. We spoke to 3 other families that all felt the same way, we compared notes on the zip line tour, and all felt that RCCL was better for different reasons.

 

PICKED THE WRONG LINE YET AGAIN, BUT SO DID THE OTHER GROUPS WE TALKED TO. I GUESS WE'RE ALL JUST BAD PICKERS.

 

This was the first cruise where we felt the ports were better than the ship.

 

Your mileage may vary.

 

I SUPPOSE IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO NEGATIVE THINGS FOR ME TO REVIEW, NITA AND PHIL WOULD BE THRILLED THAT I PICKED THE RIGHT LINE.

 

I REPORTED WHAT MY EXPERIENCE WAS FOR OTHER GROUPS THAT MIGHT BE IN MY POSITION AND WANT TO KNOW ONE PERSON'S HONEST REVIEW OF THEIR CRUISE. I DID THE SAME FOR OUR RCCL TRIPS AND OUR DISNEY TRIPS, AND PEOPLE SEEMED TO APPRECIATE THE INPUT.

 

NITA AND PHIL ARE UNABLE TO RESPECT ANOTHER'S OPINION FOR WHAT IT IS, AN OPINION.

 

YES, I AM YELLING BECAUSE I'M DONE WITH THIS THREAD AND FEELING THE NEED TO JUSTIFY MY EXPERIENCE. THE READERS OF THIS THREAD ARE ASTUTE ENOUGH TO EITHER GLEAN SOMETHING FROM MY REVIEW OR SKIP IT.

[Jayjoans]

I believe it is your opinion you picked the wrong line and yes, obviously you did.

 

Nita

 

Thanks Nita, for telling me what my opinion is.

[sonomaphil]

I SUPPOSE IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO NEGATIVE THINGS FOR ME TO REVIEW, NITA AND PHIL WOULD BE THRILLED THAT I PICKED THE RIGHT LINE.

 

I REPORTED WHAT MY EXPERIENCE WAS FOR OTHER GROUPS THAT MIGHT BE IN MY POSITION AND WANT TO KNOW ONE PERSON'S HONEST REVIEW OF THEIR CRUISE. I DID THE SAME FOR OUR RCCL TRIPS AND OUR DISNEY TRIPS, AND PEOPLE SEEMED TO APPRECIATE THE INPUT.

 

NITA AND PHIL ARE UNABLE TO RESPECT ANOTHER'S OPINION FOR WHAT IT IS, AN OPINION.

 

YES, I AM YELLING BECAUSE I'M DONE WITH THIS THREAD AND FEELING THE NEED TO JUSTIFY MY EXPERIENCE. THE READERS OF THIS THREAD ARE ASTUTE ENOUGH TO EITHER GLEAN SOMETHING FROM MY REVIEW OR SKIP IT.

 

Wow, try decaf.

[MamaTene]

Dont be surprised if the host here locks this topic from further posts.It is taking on the same nasty attacking mode that a review of the Golden Princess 11/3 sailing posted by fellow cruiser of ours who experienced similar problems during our sailing. Some of the folks here were BEYOND ruthless and unkind in their responses to his review and the moderators locked the topic down.

[Jayjoans]

MamaTene-

 

I found that thread you referred to, you're right, it feels the same as this one. I wasn't surprised to see Nita on that one too. For someone that has not even sailed on a Princess ship yet (by her own admission), she is very vocal about Princess.

 

At least I don't feel like the comments are personal now, looks like some posters just can't let people's opinions and reviews stand. Maybe I'll go out and find a glowing review of someone's Golden cruise and tell them they are wrong, there must be something fun and interesting about diagnosing their problem that I'm missing out on.

[newmexicoNita]

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Second time sailing her for us as we were first aboard in 2001. Course that was her inaugural year and I failed to realize that when we booked again this year. All I can say is big difference in the 6 year span as to service and quality of food. Can understand the wear and tear on the ship but they did do the best they could to always be cleaning, varnishing, repairing etc.

Really enjoyed the Desert Rose Steakhouse as the food and service reminded us of how cruising USE TO BE! Now it seems you pay extra for that level of service.

Did breakfast and one lunch in the dining room....very good!

PC dining left much to be desired to say the least. Food and service way below par.

Loved the burgers, fries, pizza and hot dogs by the pool. Very yummy and always served hot!

Great comedian Keven Hughes on board --both shows were very good.

Caught a couple of movies in the Princess Theatre during the afternoon.

Our cabin was very nice...minisuite with lots of rooms and storage space. Great cabin attendant who was quick to respond to any and all requests we had.

On a scale of 1-10 I would give this cruise a 6

I imagine you would see a difference in 6 years; for the price we are paying in Jan if I can give it a 6 or 7 rating I will be satisfied. Anytime anyone gets an outside cabin for less than $100 per day per person, they have to remember they are not going to get upscale anything.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

I SUPPOSE IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO NEGATIVE THINGS FOR ME TO REVIEW, NITA AND PHIL WOULD BE THRILLED THAT I PICKED THE RIGHT LINE.

 

I REPORTED WHAT MY EXPERIENCE WAS FOR OTHER GROUPS THAT MIGHT BE IN MY POSITION AND WANT TO KNOW ONE PERSON'S HONEST REVIEW OF THEIR CRUISE. I DID THE SAME FOR OUR RCCL TRIPS AND OUR DISNEY TRIPS, AND PEOPLE SEEMED TO APPRECIATE THE INPUT.

 

NITA AND PHIL ARE UNABLE TO RESPECT ANOTHER'S OPINION FOR WHAT IT IS, AN OPINION.

 

YES, I AM YELLING BECAUSE I'M DONE WITH THIS THREAD AND FEELING THE NEED TO JUSTIFY MY EXPERIENCE. THE READERS OF THIS THREAD ARE ASTUTE ENOUGH TO EITHER GLEAN SOMETHING FROM MY REVIEW OR SKIP IT.

no, that certainly isn't my situation, I am only trying to make you realize, we too have opinions. You have your favorite line which is fine, you found Princess lacking in many ways, fine, but some of us simply have different views and will continue to state them. Giving your views are appreciated, I am sure, what you have to realize is, others may differ and will give theirs. This isn't a personal attack, but simply rebuttal.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

MamaTene-

 

I found that thread you referred to, you're right, it feels the same as this one. I wasn't surprised to see Nita on that one too. For someone that has not even sailed on a Princess ship yet (by her own admission), she is very vocal about Princess.

 

At least I don't feel like the comments are personal now, looks like some posters just can't let people's opinions and reviews stand. Maybe I'll go out and find a glowing review of someone's Golden cruise and tell them they are wrong, there must be something fun and interesting about diagnosing their problem that I'm missing out on.

Jay, go back and read what I wrote in response to your first posting: 1-I mentioned Princess isn't noted for their kids programs, I also said it is a shame the kids choose not to try the program once, but that was their choice for whatever reason and I did mention RCL happens to be my least favorite line, that is why I say cruise lines, like food are very subjective. My mentioning RCI is my least favorite I am simply saying, for each person there is a cruise line. AS for not sailing Princess, you are right and show me one place I have defended them. I am the first to say, my opinions are based on remarks from my clients after almost 10 years in the business. One of the reasons we have chosen to sail Princess in Jan is based on my never sailing the line. I have to depend on how my customers preceive the line. I feel I can not do my job if I don't have some first hand experience.

 

Nita

[ORV]

I find many times when a person is flamed it's not so much what they're saying as how they are saying it.

 

I personally was wondering if the OP is Bobby's mother.

[marial]

Just another thing to add to the cabin differnce..I am not someone who stays in the cabin for long periods of time..when we are sailing, I like to sit out on deck, enjoy the fresh air, read a magazine, etc.. I basically stay there to change, shower, sleep, but do not hang out much. I did ask my husband, since he was watching some of the NFL games in the room (Thanksgiving week - lots of football!!) and he didnt notice anything.

 

As people have mentioned, each person has their own experiences to share..and that is what this was suppose to be..nothing more nothing less..

 

 

As far as the kids program, I have an 11 year old, who has been on Princess twice, NCL once and RCCL once. I felt Princess had just as good as a program as the other three..again, just my opinion.. but we do not use it a whole lot (maybe 6-8 hrs a cruise at most)..

 

 

I wish all the future cruisers a wonderful time !

[ORV]

I find many times when a person is flamed it's not so much what they're saying as how they are saying it.

 

I personally was wondering if the OP is Bobby's mother.

 

Don't know why I can't edit this.

 

I didn't mean the OP, I meant Joans

[tripman]

I Don't Know What We're Yelling About!!!!!

[sonomaphil]

Don't know why I can't edit this.

 

I didn't mean the OP, I meant Joans

 

Maybe it's me but it appears that there is a great deal of "piling on" concerning the Golden in the past few weeks.

[MamaTene]

Lots of reviews lately on Golden I believe can be attributed to CC members wanting to relay THEIR recent experience onboard her and proves without a doubt that OPINIONS vary greatly. Need to keep in mind that opinions are simply that...opinions

[Kbears]

How were the lines for Burgers and Pizza. Since we were in the Med, the weather was chilly. Not a lot of activity outside. Plus we only had 1 sea day on the 12 day cruise. I did not have to wait for more than 1 person the whole time.

 

Thanks....

[Jayjoans]

I only went for a burger and pizza a couple of times, and both times I walked right up, no line.

[Kbears]

I only went for a burger and pizza a couple of times, and both times I walked right up, no line.

 

How crowded was the pool deck during the sea days?

[Jayjoans]

Around the pools was completely full, either with sunbathers or towels on loungers. We were always able to find a couple of loungers open though, usually near the rear along the sides of the ship. Not as much noise back there, and more conducive to reading, but further from services.

 

Remember, this was Thanksgiving week, a completely full ship from what I understand.

[MC-AZ-07]

Jayjoans, thanks for the review. I'm just off the Dawn and had a lot of disappointments as well.

 

I wish we'd had pagers for the dinner wait. We were told on formal night at 6:15 to check back in 45 minutes. We did and he told us "Ha! I told you 7:45! Check back again in 45 more minutes!" I felt awful for my elderly, gout-stricken father. Getting from the aft cabin to the DR was a painful enough ordeal once a night, much less three times.

[Desert Cruisers]

In Mazatlan, was ship time the same as local time? We know that sometimes "Princess time" can be different that the port time. We are meeting some friends who live part of the year in Mazatlan so we want to make sure that our watches are all set the same. Thanks.:)