Golden Princess Review - Feb 23rd (Mexican Riviera)

[jasmith52]

Overview:

We had a great time. I couldn’t have asked for a better stress-free week. I would sail with Princess again any day, especially if they have a competitively priced cruise to an itinerary that I wanted to go on. So any of the minor complaints listed below were just that… minor. This was our seventh cruise to date (the second to the Mexican Riviera) . We hope to rapidly increase that cruise number in the years to come.

 

We booked the cruise only 5 or 6 weeks prior to the cruise for a fabulously low price. We live in SoCal so we only had to drive 45 minutes to park at the port. I really have to hand it to Princess here as we were on the Golden in under 10 minutes. The weather was rainy on departure day and cool the first and last full day at sea. However for most of the cruise it was fabulously warm – just what we had wanted. We got lots of deck-time in.

 

The Ship:

The Golden was in great shape. There were lots of venues open for entertainment. It never seemed overly – crowded even though we had a full ship. I liked the multiple-pool layout. So you could always find a good spot. My one (minor) complaint is that one of the pool bands was some sort of jazz-fusion ensemble. That is not the kind of music that I like. It just sounded like loud noise to me and drove me off to seek a quieter spot. I would suggest that Princess hire a steel-drum band or a band to do rock-and-roll standards.

 

The Room:

We went “on the cheap” and booked a fully obstructed ocean view room (Emerald deck room E702) on a Princess promotion. The view wasn’t all that obstructed. I have had worse views from porthole view rooms. The room was clean, the sheets, chairs, and bedspread were all newer vintage. The carpet in the room was older and somewhat worn but passable. The carpet in the hallway outside the room was (apparently) brand new. The layout was good – I had no complaints, especially considering what we paid. The previous comments that I have read on this forum about the rooms being dog-eared did not apply to my room. Our cabin steward kept the room spotless.

 

The Food:

We ate almost exclusively in the dining room(s). I had a number of items that I really enjoyed, a number that were misses, and quite a few that were fair-to-good but not excellent. I had salmon on 4 nights. The salmon was really good on two of those occasions and really overcooked on two others. We really enjoyed the scones, cream, and jam at Afternoon Tea. Service in the dining room was good. I didn’t have any complaints. We did the buffet on the afternoon of the departure and on one other occasion. There were hits and misses just like any other buffet. I had some apple strudel in the buffet after the show one night that I though was really good.

 

The Entertainment:

It was generally very good… for a cruise ship. I enjoyed every show that I went to. However, like previous posts have mentioned you have to go to the (large) theatre early if you want a good seat. On some occasions there weren’t enough seats to let every body have one. I didn’t get there early enough and had to stand along the side one time, after 10 minutes or so of the show I left as I didn’t want to stand the whole time.

 

The Ports:

For the ports - we just went “on the cheap”, so we just went into town and strolled around and hung out along the waterfront – enjoying the warm weather. That’s our kind of port-excursion. We talked to others on our cruise that gave high marks to the Zip-line and dolphin-encounter excursions. We were in Cabo maybe 10 years ago. At that time it was just a dusty little disappointment. What a difference 10 years make. Now they have a really upscale waterfront Marina with lots of great restaurants. There is development going in everywhere. Cabo is a much better stop than it used to be. It is nonetheless still Mexico and some of those with the US-centric attitude on our ship seemed to be disappointed in their port stops. Some people just seem to complain more.

In summary - The Golden is a great ship. We had a great time and it really didn't cost all that much.

[princess76021]

Overview:

We had a great time. I couldn’t have asked for a better stress-free week. I would sail with Princess again any day, especially if they have a competitively priced cruise to an itinerary that I wanted to go on. So any of the minor complaints listed below were just that… minor. This was our seventh cruise to date (the second to the Mexican Riviera) . We hope to rapidly increase that cruise number in the years to come.

 

We booked the cruise only 5 or 6 weeks prior to the cruise for a fabulously low price. We live in SoCal so we only had to drive 45 minutes to park at the port. I really have to hand it to Princess here as we were on the Golden in under 10 minutes. The weather was rainy on departure day and cool the first and last full day at sea. However for most of the cruise it was fabulously warm – just what we had wanted. We got lots of deck-time in.

 

The Ship:

The Golden was in great shape. There were lots of venues open for entertainment. It never seemed overly – crowded even though we had a full ship. I liked the multiple-pool layout. So you could always find a good spot. My one (minor) complaint is that one of the pool bands was some sort of jazz-fusion ensemble. That is not the kind of music that I like. It just sounded like loud noise to me and drove me off to seek a quieter spot. I would suggest that Princess hire a steel-drum band or a band to do rock-and-roll standards.

 

The Room:

We went “on the cheap” and booked a fully obstructed ocean view room (Emerald deck room E702) on a Princess promotion. The view wasn’t all that obstructed. I have had worse views from porthole view rooms. The room was clean, the sheets, chairs, and bedspread were all newer vintage. The carpet in the room was older and somewhat worn but passable. The carpet in the hallway outside the room was (apparently) brand new. The layout was good – I had no complaints, especially considering what we paid. The previous comments that I have read on this forum about the rooms being dog-eared did not apply to my room. Our cabin steward kept the room spotless.

 

The Food:

We ate almost exclusively in the dining room(s). I had a number of items that I really enjoyed, a number that were misses, and quite a few that were fair-to-good but not excellent. I had salmon on 4 nights. The salmon was really good on two of those occasions and really overcooked on two others. We really enjoyed the scones, cream, and jam at Afternoon Tea. Service in the dining room was good. I didn’t have any complaints. We did the buffet on the afternoon of the departure and on one other occasion. There were hits and misses just like any other buffet. I had some apple strudel in the buffet after the show one night that I though was really good.

 

The Entertainment:

It was generally very good… for a cruise ship. I enjoyed every show that I went to. However, like previous posts have mentioned you have to go to the (large) theatre early if you want a good seat. On some occasions there weren’t enough seats to let every body have one. I didn’t get there early enough and had to stand along the side one time, after 10 minutes or so of the show I left as I didn’t want to stand the whole time.

 

The Ports:

For the ports - we just went “on the cheap”, so we just went into town and strolled around and hung out along the waterfront – enjoying the warm weather. That’s our kind of port-excursion. We talked to others on our cruise that gave high marks to the Zip-line and dolphin-encounter excursions. We were in Cabo maybe 10 years ago. At that time it was just a dusty little disappointment. What a difference 10 years make. Now they have a really upscale waterfront Marina with lots of great restaurants. There is development going in everywhere. Cabo is a much better stop than it used to be. It is nonetheless still Mexico and some of those with the US-centric attitude on our ship seemed to be disappointed in their port stops. Some people just seem to complain more.

 

In summary - The Golden is a great ship. We had a great time and it really didn't cost all that much.

 

 

thank you for your review, i'm leaving saturday, can hardly sit in my chair!!!

 

thanks again

[DrivesLikeMario]

Thank you for taking the time to write your review. It was fair and well-written. Welcome home to So. Cal. ;)

[beatriz22]

was the dining room open for lunch the afternoon you boarded or just the buffet? thnx

[jasmith52]

As I understand it, only the buffet is open the afternoon of departure. We went to the buffet with that understanding.

 

 

By the way, I will be happy to answer any other questions that you may have.

[lynneamycruise]

Thanks for the review...we are leaving in less than two weeks!

We also waited and book just a few weeks ago and got a great deal...it was a "flash sale" to fill the ship...best price we have ever got on cruise!

 

A quick question;

What time did you arrive in San Pedro to embark that you were able to get on in just 10 minutes?

[beatriz22]

thnx , with some cruise ships weve taken it was also the dining room open and alot less hectic..how soon after you left was the muster drill? thnx

[beatriz22]

was there any pool open at all that a strict adult only policy was actually enforced?, in your opinion which pool was the most relaxing to go to?

[jasmith52]

Q: What time did you arrive in San Pedro to embark that you were able to get on in just 10 minutes?

 

A: We arrived around 12:30. I wanted to get there early so that I didn't have to pay (extra) for lunch off of the ship. I wanted to eat on the ship. None of the lines were very long at that time. I guess we got lucky and only had to wait for a couple of groups to go through (Is that luck of the draw). We checked in pretty quick and then went through the security line - it went relatively fast also. Then up the ramp and onto the ship. Three cheers for Princess, that is the least painful embarkation I have ever done.

 

We skipped the line for the coming onboard photo - Been there, done that...

 

I might add that the debarkation process was also great. They assign you a time to meet in one of the lounges. You meet in a comfortable lounge then when you are called you walk through short US custom lines to get off. So you can have a leisurely breakfast rather than having hundreds of passengers standing around the lobby. What a difference from a Royal Caribbean cruise we took last fall.

 

Again three cheers for Princess. They have the embark/debark process down.

[jasmith52]

thnx , with some cruise ships weve taken it was also the dining room open and alot less hectic..how soon after you left was the muster drill? thnx

 

If I recall, the muster drill was at 4:00 or 4:30. The ship then left at 5:00.

 

Princess got that right too. It was raining when we left and my muster station was in the Vista lounge. That was much more comfortable rather than standing outside by a life raft in the rain. While we were waiting for the muster group to assemble - one of the staff was telling my kind of corny jokes between the safety announcements. So between the comfortable lounge and the entertainment - that was the least painful drill that I have attended.

 

I'll give Princess three cheers for the muster drill also.

[jasmith52]

was there any pool open at all that a strict adult only policy was actually enforced?, in your opinion which pool was the most relaxing to go to?

 

I had read the forum posts about kids in the aft adult pool area. I spent a fair amount of time back there. Especially early whilst waiting for the spouse to sleep in. There is nothing quite like a cup of coffee while at sea on the open deck. I did not see any children in the pool. Occasionally families would stroll through the area and then leave. The downside of that pool though is that smoking is allowed there. So when the deck got some more people in the afternoons you would sometimes get the second hand smoke though.

 

Again, I must hand it to Princess. Except for that deck (and other areas like the casino) I almost never smelled cigarettes and their smoke. They have done a pretty good job with this.

 

I found that If I wanted to be by the pool that either the pool with the retractable roof was great or the pool by the gym with the current was also nice. There are also lots and lots of areas that are outside and not by a pool. You will have no problem finding a good spot outside.

 

The pool with the band seemed to be the most crowded. But their choice in band music drove me away - if you read my review.

[beatriz22]

thnx so much! all of thats very helpful ,we leave the 22nd and are looking forward to it..welcome back! b

[Hulagirl]

Thank you for the good review. We sail on the Golden in a few weeks and are looking forward to being back on the ship.

 

Do you remember if they had a special Mexican buffet one of the beginning sea days out by the pool area? When we were on the Sapphire Princess sailing to Mexico a couple of years ago they did this and it was excellent. A friend who is traveling with us is hoping they do this again on the Golden.

 

Glad you had such a great time.

[chasetf]

.......It is nonetheless still Mexico and some of those with the US-centric attitude on our ship seemed to be disappointed in their port stops. Some people just seem to complain more.

 

In summary - The Golden is a great ship. We had a great time and it really didn't cost all that much.

Interesting comment about those disappointed in the ports. Reminds me of the cruiser who complained about their Mexican Rivera cruise that there were too many Mexicans. :rolleyes:

 

Glad you had a great trip. We enjoyed our time on the Golden and would sail her anytime. :)

[jasmith52]

Thank you for the good review. We sail on the Golden in a few weeks and are looking forward to being back on the ship.

 

Do you remember if they had a special Mexican buffet one of the beginning sea days out by the pool area? When we were on the Sapphire Princess sailing to Mexico a couple of years ago they did this and it was excellent. A friend who is traveling with us is hoping they do this again on the Golden.

 

Glad you had such a great time.

 

We were expecting a Mexican dinner night theme and never had one. We didn't go to the buffet all that much so I couldn't answer your question about a buffet. It does seem a bit odd to go to Mexico and not have a mexican dinner.

 

Perhaps we were just having too much fun and missed it. There are lots of different things going on... You can't do everything.

[larie]

Thanks for your review. We were on the ship with you and were wondering what others thought. We were in agreement with your review. We were on the ship within minutes of arriving. We got their around 12:15 or so. We did the self disembarkation and were suppose to meet at 7:40. We were off by 7:45. Princess did really well with both of these procedures.

 

This was our 4th cruise and I have to say that by now we pretty much know the drill. Seems like the same schedules for the day etc...

 

I had 2-3 excellent meals in the dining room. The others were fair to good. We all loved the fettucini that can be served as an appetizer or a meal. Be sure and try it, some of the best we have ever had. The service was great. We tried the steakhouse and Sabatinis. Both were good. All of us thought the lobster in Sabatinis was bland. Could have used a little garlic. I would have to favor the steakhouse this time around. I am not a huge steak fan but went with 9 steaklovers. They thought is was great. Especially for the money. Go to both of the specialty restaurants very hungry. I have been to Sabatinis on a prior cruise and thought it was better before.

 

I thought the ship was in fine shape. I liked how they had 4 pools evenly spaced apart so everyone wasn't hovering around 1 or 2 pools. We spent alot of time at the 2 adults only pools and there weren't any kids there. I have kids and don't mind being with them, but some in our party wanted to hang out there. The pools were a very nice temp. but the hot tubs were warm.

 

The paddle ball was alot of fun and the gym was adequate. The first morning a treadmill was not working but it was by the second day. It is a small but adequate gym. My suggestion would be FANS!!! Very stuffy in there.

 

We travelled with 20 people. Most of us thought the ship was cold. Make sure you take a sweater or two this time of year.

 

We were on the Emerald Deck between the life boats. We had a decent view and would do it again. Our room was fine, no complaints. Based on recommendations of this board, I asked for an egg crate right away, and slept well. No clocks in the room, my travel alarm came in handy to get me to the gym. Room attendent was excellent.

 

I thought the magician and comedian were excellent. I thought the first production show was on the weak side. We didn't go to the second one. Usually there are a few dancers/singers that really stand out. Didn't find this to be true this time. Very average in my opinion.

 

We have previously cruised in the Caribbean so weren't use to the cool day going and coming back, this time of year. Had alot of fun in all 3 ports. In PV went ziplining. If you go and are feeling adventurous, ask one of the guides to go on a run with you. He will have you let go and hang upside down!!! It was a blast. Went horseback riding with Randi on Stone Island and had a delicious meal at Victors. I went on a whale watch on a zodiac in Cabo and my hubby went fishing. Of the 3 ports, Cabo is the most attractive. We would like to go back there on a land vacation sometime.

 

In response to a mexican buffet, they had one starting at 10:30 one night. It may have been Wed. night.

 

May I suggest that you bring some items from your medicine cabinet. I usually only bring tylenol, but will expand that in the future. Of the 20 in our group, 9 of us had a headache, diarreha or something at some point. Nothing major. My sister-in-law called the ship doctor and she won't be doing that again. They had 20 people quaranteened at one point. If the doctor knows of a sympton, they want you in your room for 24 hours. She was feeling fine within a day in her room, and they didn't want her out. I can understand the reasoning behind spreading germs about, but I think they need to look at it case by case. To avoid this, bring some of your over the counter medicines and treat yourself. When we questioned them with 3 calls, we got 3 different answers.

 

Overall we had a lot of fun. The Golden was fine as well as Princess. I wouldn't say we had had a fabulous time but we had a very good time.

[ladypalmtree]

Thank you for your review. We will be on the Golden with Bea! on the 22nd of this month...We cannot wait! lpt:)

[dpomes]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review. Can you tell me if you had anytime or traditional dining? If you had anytime, how was the wait?

 

Hey Laurie and Bea!! :D

[jasmith52]

Can you tell me if you had anytime or traditional dining? If you had anytime, how was the wait?

 

Hey Laurie and Bea!! :D

 

I assumed you were asking me the question rather than larie. We booked late so all that was available was late seating or anytime dining. I opted initially for the late dining. However late seating is at 8:15 which was just too late for us. We tried to switch to early seating but were denied (more on that later). So they put us in anytime dining which turned out to be just fine. The entire cruise there were never waits if you were willing to share a table. Sometimes people had to wait if they just wanted to dine with their own party - all by themselves. When you share they try to put you with a similar age group as yourself. We found that we met a variety of very interesting people all through the cruise. We have no complaints about the anytime dining at the shared tables. The other thing is that you can go to dinner when you want, on your schedule rather than on their schedule. Typically we would watch the ship pull out of port, mill around a bit, and then go to dinner. We would have missed that had we switched to early seating. This was our first time using the anytime dining and it was better in my opinion. We did however have a couple of slow nights when it took a bit of time to be served our main course. But that just gives you more time to chat with your new friends at the table.

 

Regarding asking to be switched to early seating. On the first day of the cruise you could go to the Italian specialty restaurant (Sabatini's) to meet with the head waiter to ask to be switched. A line formed out front, they gave you a number and then opened the restaurant. You would sit in a table or booth until your number was called. When your number was called you then approached the head waiter table where the head waiter and his assistants were seated. It sort of seemed like going to meet the godfather and asking for a favor. "Oh godfather I need some justice" Maybe he wanted a cash tip or something, it was certainly set up that way. They don't give you an instant answer yes or no - You have to wait for a decision... the next day, by a letter to your stateroom. We never got moved to early seating. The whole process seemed rather unusual.

[dpomes]

Thanks Jasmith52! That's what I wanted to know. We chose anytime and don't mind sitting with others if it allows us to be seated sooner. :D

[dforeigner]

Thank you for taking time to write a review.

[cynt]

Thanks for the review. I have about 100 days until she moves up to Seattle and I cruise Alaska.

 

Keep the reviews coming. They're helping me pass time. LOL!

[balanceok]

Thanks for taking the time to write the review. We are going in April, I enjoyed reading your comments.

 

We've been on the Grand and Caribbean Princess ships and are always curious about the differences.

 

Does the Golden have the MUTS?

[nw2this]

What kind of music is played in Explorer's Lounge?

[soos1]

thanks for all the great information! we are going on March 22, and I am thinking about pullling out the summer clothes to start packing!! with all the snow we have had, we can't wait to get outta here...

 

Sue