Golden Alaska Review May 23-30...and then there were 9!

[theresef]

There were 9 of us ranging from 16-80….We had inside, outside, balcony and mini-suite cabins…Got a taste of all the accommodations! We sailed from Seattle to Alaska – May 23-May 30, 2009 on the Princess Golden. Out itinerary included, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm and Victoria. We were unable to dock in Victoria due to 30KNT winds and only made it part way into Tracy Arm. (About 10 miles away). I have written up our port excursions on the Alaskan board and they can be found here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=997735

 

Embarkation/Seattle:

 

We arrived in Seattle in 2 different groups. Eventually all staying at the Cedarbrook Hotel. Cannot speak highly enough of this fantastic resort/hotel. The rooms and facilities were super clean, beautiful setting about 2 miles from the airport on 18 acres of protected wetlands. The staff went above and beyond in assisting us and the onsite food was wonderful. All in all would stay here again and again! The staff took us to the Pier for our sailing the next day – all 9 of us and 18 pieces of luggage!!!!!

 

We arrived at about 11:30 – got luggage tags (we had switched cabins and needed new ones) grabbed a porter and proceeded to the fastest embarkation I have ever experienced. We were on the ship at 12:45 and in our cabins. That’s 1hour and 15 minutes from Hotel to cabin.

 

The day was sunny , cool and bright. We were going to spend the day in Seattle upon our return – so did not do any sightseeing on disembarkation day.

 

Day1 – Embarkation/Sailing

 

With an uneventful embarkation we proceeded to check out the cabins and ship. The Golden is in beautiful shape and the recent drydock brought about a few changes. Namely the international café and Piazza area and new location of the Casino. We saw little if any “construction” going on and found the ship easy to traverse. Got our 16 yr old signed up for the kids program (which he loved and for the first in 4 cruises actually spent most of his time in the program with the other 43 kids – about 8 of which were in his age group.) We explored the ship and buffet until Muster drill and then unpacked. Our cabin steward was FANTASTIC – Geoffrey – and he took good care of many of us the entire cruise. Joey was the kids steward and was equally as good – he had this thing about keeping their room neat and clean with clothes hung up etc – never saw their room so clean! We bought coffee cards and soda cards – coffee cards have to be the best bargain on board the ship!!! Loved the international café and ate there at least once every day.

 

We had traditional seating for all of us at 8;00 pm and the first night was kinda rocky – both service and food wise. The barramundi was pretty bad and all went back – there was plenty to choose from and the other entrees were decent.

 

We then went to the sailaway show with Oscar the comedian – okay – but he got much better throughout the week – if you catch his first show and were disappointed – go to his others – very funny!

Day 2 – At Sea

 

Our first full sea day. A little cloudy and drizzly (heck we’re heading to Alaska!) with moderate waves. We engaged in a number of activities, bingo, naturalist talk – the content was excellent – the speaking style…uhh…unusual. Enjoyable none the less! Plenty of grazing in the many eating venues(Did I mention we LOVE the International Café!!). Caught up with the CC Meet & Greet and had a chance to exhcnage names with faces. Contributed to the casino, had wine on the balcony - bundled up well! Caught some of the bands and Princess show and had a thoroughly pleasant day. Dinner was a challenge again- waitress and assistant started fighting with each other and forgot about their customers – almost entertaining. We spoke to the maitre’d and our remaining dinners and service were FANTASTIC. A rough couple of days but the rest were memorable both for the food and the great service. Escargot was no longer on the menu – however we were able to order it for several nights in advance. All I can say is that Princess has the BEST escargot and all 9 of us enjoyed it several nights!!!

 

Day 3 – Juneau

 

We arrived a little before 12 and we’re off the ship right on time to catch our Whale and Mendenhall tour. As usual we met at the International Café – catching a theme here!?! After our tour – several went exploring in town and the rest of us – exhausted and achy headed back to the cabins to change and engage in some libations on the balcony prior to dinner. We were hoping to catch Libby which was at 7pm – but the line to board the ship was long and it took about 45 minutes – so alas will have to do another Alaska trip to see her! Dinner tonite was really, really, really good! Escargot around, many different appetizers and sea bass to die for. Really could not get any better!!! The day had left most of us tuckered out – so a few hit the casino to make their donations and the rest retired for the evening. The kids of course – 16 and 20 were out and about. The 20 yr old finally met some folks close in age and was hanging with them. The 16 yr old was still enjoying the teen club and entertaining the wee folk in the other kids area’s.

 

Day 4 – Skagway

 

Very early arrival around 7 and the day was overcast , stormy and blustery. We proceeded off the ship at 8am sharp (after our daily meeting in the international café!) and walked the mile or so into town to get the rental car. We were heading to the Yukon and our saddle/paddle. More about our excursions on the Alaskan board under the link at the beginning. Suffice to say , this was our favourite day, we saw moose, bear, eagles you nane it!!!! We returned and scouted around Skagway to find that it had down poured the entire day. We had brilliant weather in the Yukon and thus outside of the drive there and back saw very little weather of any sort. The FOG was another story indeed on the Klondike Highway!! Sailaway beckoned and of course libations on the balcony were in order. With our pre dinner wine consumed and watching of the ship leaving Skagway we headed to dinner. Another truly wonderful meal. Our head waiter made all of us a special pasta dish that was quite good and we proceeded to work our way through the menu. I think between all of us we managed at least one of everything to taste on the menu this evening. By the time dinner ended we were all exhausted. Two VERY busy port days, a few glasses of wine and an early day to catch Tracy arm had most of us heading off to slumber. Don’t know that I mentioned it – but we all found the beds very comfortable. Everyone had egg crates, extra sheets and pillows and all felt they were quite comfortable. The kids as usual had more energy and wandered around a bit.

 

Day 5 - Tracy Arm

 

We actually ended up in Tracy Arm a bit earlier than planned due to the tides. The day was overcast with quite a bit of fog. Lending an eerie quiet to the passage into the fjord. The scenery was breathtaking with the brightest blue ice bergs we had witnessed. We wandered between the balconies, horizon buffet, front of ship and back to catch the many intriguing views. The naturalist did a little announcing here and there – but was quite subdued. We saw the Sapphire Princess as she exited and the expedition Ocean West was with us much of the time. We were a bit disappointed to not get all the way to the glacier as we heard the prior passages had – but was a beautiful journey none the less. Early libations were in order this day!!! We did some wine tasting at Vines – which we had to leave at 4pm. They do some type of cheese fondue between 4-6 and the entire Piazza area smells like a sewage plant – at the wrong end!!! We later learned it was a special sort of cheese that was melted and while many passengers intensely disliked the smell (all of us!!) many loved it! Go figure. So if you are wandering in the Piazza area around 4-6 and wonder what the heck that smell is – its cheese!! We tried the casino – but it only was taking deposits Caught a couple of the bands, did some bingo, wandered the ship and enjoyed the views from our balconies. Eventually dinner crept upon us and we made out way off the balconies. Dinner again was superb – crab legs and prawns, bisque and other delectable seafood. We learned that the majority of seafood is brought on fresh when in Ketchikan including fresh salmon. We caught several shows and the comedian this nite. All were entertaining with the comedian being much improved over the first evening.

 

Day 6 – Ketchikan

 

This was a short day in Port. Arriving at 6am and leaving at noon. So we were up and ready at 5:30 to get off the boat and walk around before our various tours. Some did zip lining, myself, spouse and boys did the Bering Sea and others went on walking tours. The day dawned bright and sunny. Sitting on the balcony waiting to dock was way too warm with the two layers and rain jacket. Changed and headed off the boat. Ooopss…..Much colder when in Port – back to get jackets and the like We wandered the town – very quiet so early in the AM and eventually made our way to the tour. Arriving back a few minutes before noon – we saw a long line to embark the ship. Having learned from our Juneau experience we hung out at the dock and the boys grabbed some fish and chips to tide them over (going without eating every two hours was a big NO-NO). First chance we had to do any shopping and we spent a few minutes waiting for the lines to calm down checking the port shops. With our requisite pins and patches we then boarded.

 

The ship had tons of activities due to the short day in port and the long sail until we arrived at Victoria the following evening. Busiest we had seen the ship to date. Everyone went off in different directions and enjoyed a multitude of entertainment offerings. We headed to the casino as we did not feel we had yet deposited enough! Of course we did not miss out evening libations in time for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed a very pleasant evening on the balcony watching the wildlife and landscape around us. Being formal night we again got dressed (we do formal portraits of the whole family) and headed on down to dinner. The lobster tail did not disappoint and we all had our fill. Of mention was the asparagus – mmmmm….still remember that meal! More shows and we spent some time listening to the bands. The boys were trying out for Princess Idol which was very entertaining! This was the evening we looked forward to going to bed – because we could SLEEP IN the next am! Yea!!!!! A quiet evening on the balcony competed a wonderful day.

 

Day 7 – Victoria

 

Not my favourite day of any cruise.:( Time to pack, get luggage ready to put out. Fill out disembarkation papers and the like. You know the journey is near end. Despite our thoughts of sleeping in – most were up early and ready to go. We visited the buffet and international café and wandered some of the upper decks. The day was quite beautiful after a bit of a rocky nite. (Seas about 10-12 ft) We caught the chefs show, the naturalist, Princess Idol, several bands and had some wine as we attempted to sail into Victoria. About an hour before arrival – as we noticed the Amsterdam sailing in circles in the sea – the captain announced we would not be able to make it. The usual disappointment prevailed and many made their unhappiness known. In our party a few were staying on board and had ordered escargot – the rest were supposed to be going ashore. With this change in plans in meant all were going to be at dinner and clearly we would be many escargot short!! Oh NO!!!!:) A trip to the head waiter who promised to figure something out. Of course – he did! We all had the beloved escargot as well as another appetizer of his creation. Reminiscent of the appetizer at the earlier culinary show. A real treat! There were numerous announcements – more than we had heard the entire trip to get the entertainers and bands together. With little delay most of the venues had entertainment going on to make up for the loss of the port. Well at least to keep the hordes entertained

We retired to our balcony and enjoyed the last of our wine watching the sun sink below the horizon and the lights of the shore here and there. And best of all we saw a baby whale and her mother playing along side the ship for about 15 minutes!!

 

Day 8 - Disembarkation/Seattle

 

With sad eyes and bitter sweet smiles we gathered for our last breakfast….and coffee at……….you got it …the International Café! We adjourned to the Lido deck to await our color and had some more breakfast watching the show at the docks. Eventually made our way down to our awaited spot and …well….waited. Things were a bit slow disembarking and it took a couple of hours. Eventually we were off and the van we had rented to pick us up, hold our luggage, drop us off downtown, then pick us up for the airport was right there awaiting us. (Seattle Express) We headed over to Pikes Market place on a beautiful warm sunny Seattle day. (Almost an oxymoron!) It was crowded – very crowded - but interesting in its own way. We wandered there and down the piers for a few hours – finally taking respite at the Crab Pot where we had an excellent lunch and doing a bit of shopping. Finally got our Alaska t shirts and then headed off to the airport.

 

Final Thoughts

 

We had a wonderful cruise, the Golden is in excellent shape and the staff and crew were very gracious and upbeat. While not perfect – and I believe there is no such thing – every experience will be what you make of it – the trip was outstanding. The highlights included some incredible meals, time with the family, quiet moments gazing at the wonder of what was around us and creating new memories.

[kimchee1212]

GREAT review! Thanks for posting this!

It sounds like you had a great time in Alaska. Can't wait to sail on her later this month.

[49er]

Thanks for one of the best, well written reviews of the "New" Golden yet. Sounds like you all had a wonderful cruise. We, along with our two adult kids, will be on board Aug 1. Can hardly wait!

 

49er

[mii]

Thanks for the review. We got off when you got on. Hope we kept the ship ship-shaped for you. We also had a wonderful time. Now we had the best weather ever and I have been to alaska 7 times so this was a remarkable trip.

 

I agree that the ship and the staff were wonderful. glad you enjoyed yourself.

 

marilyn

[NancyIL]

Thanks for writing a great review. Now I don't have to write one! ;) I am another big fan of the International Cafe, where my roommate and I ate lunch almost every day.

 

I'm glad I chose the Golden Princess rather than the Star Princess, because the Star turned around in Tracy Arm Fjord far earlier than we did. They also had to get to Juneau the same day, so had less time to attempt the transit.

[rdsqrl]

Thank you for such an enjoyable, well-written review!

[JSWalk]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a nice review. We look forward to being onboard in 75 days.:D

[Coolmama_1]

Great review! Thanks for sharing.

[Clutterlady]

Wonderful review and you have a great attitude which I'm sure contributed to a great cruise:)

[theresef]

Thanks for writing a great review. Now I don't have to write one! ;) I am another big fan of the International Cafe, where my roommate and I ate lunch almost every day.

 

I'm glad I chose the Golden Princess rather than the Star Princess, because the Star turned around in Tracy Arm Fjord far earlier than we did. They also had to get to Juneau the same day, so had less time to attempt the transit.

 

 

Great meeting you! Yea...The International Cafe was my downfall! Still craving grilled ham and swiss croissants! A big NO-NO except on cruises:)

 

Didn't realize it was the Star - saw the S and assumes Sapphire! Between the rockslide in Skagway and other events - we had a pretty quiet week. Even if we didnt go everywhere!

 

Had a great time and need to get a new cruise going - having withdrawal pains. And quite comically I was not seasick - but am having some kind of land motion issues....must mean I need to be back on a boat!!!

[theresef]

Thanks for all the kind words on the review. Really was a wonderful time and can't wait to book another cruise to Alaska as well as to ports unknown. Heck - just another cruise will do:)

[seattle2000]

Do you remember if the Kid's Club hours were continuous, or broken up into 3 hour chunks like in the past (9-12, 2-5, 7-10)? We had heard rumors that Princess was moving towards continuous hours. We are on the Golden this summer, with our kids. Thanks!!!

[theresef]

Do you remember if the Kid's Club hours were continuous, or broken up into 3 hour chunks like in the past (9-12, 2-5, 7-10)? We had heard rumors that Princess was moving towards continuous hours. We are on the Golden this summer, with our kids. Thanks!!!

 

I recalled them as being broken up...and the teen hours are a little different than the other clubs. But asked son - who "helped":) in the kids areas....

 

Definetely broken up - more so on Port days. He also said the activities they planned were better than the other cruises we had been on (his have been mostly e/w carribean) although they didnt have snacks and such in the areas - had you go to the buffet. (Which he was fine with :))

 

Throughout the cruise and in port there was many a youngster coming up to him and hugging him or saying hello - he apparently was quite the "helper"! He loves being around all kids and can have fun with any age group - very, very social!