Golden Princess Cruise Review

Nicky Davies

Sailing Date: October 18, 2008
Itinerary: Hawaii
Age: 38
Occupation: Insurance Broker
Number of Cruises: one

I have just returned from the most fantastic holiday. My first cruise. I traveled with my family (Mum, Dad Husband and little boy Alex, age 3)

The Golden Princess is a beautiful ship and much larger than what i had expected but while on board you never notice her size or seem to notice how many people are actually on the ship.

My husband and I were on Baja deck in an outside room with balcony. It was tastefully decorated and easily fitted a cot for Alex to sleep in. While initially I was worried with the Balcony the outside glass is high and had no worries but was always on the balcony with him. If u are planning to book try and get a balcony room - (it gives u the extra little space but is great when sailing into the islands, watching sunsets etc). There is plenty of closet space, enough room under the beds for cases. The bathroom s quite small but even my husband who is 6ft 3 had no problem with the shower - always plenty of hot water.!!!

Our room steward Marco was lovely, always smiling and room was always tidied even if i had just popped out for 30-minutes or so. But it was Richell (the maid) who was a true darling - even though she didn't do my room - she made way to always speak to me and my little boy - even giving him a chocolate before he went to bed.

My Mum and Dad had the Almafi suite on Baja Deck - Total Luxury. The balcony is big fitting in chairs, sun loungers and table and chairs. Being at the back of the ship, you have the most fantastic view, but also felt some motion especially when leaving San Pedro and it was a little rough.

The pools are fantastic and we chose to lounge in the outside Neptune pool - beware people do put towels out to save best beds. above it was the kiddies pool/play area which is great for kids but luckily towards end of holiday Alex had learnt to swim and was in our pool. If you don't want children in the pool there are 3 adult only pools you can choose from.

If you take your children with you - they have a good day creche (Free, but Alex only went in twice and a night sitting free until 10pm, after that till 1.00pm which you pay for.) The evening ones I made the most of especially with 3 formal evenings to attend - Luckily on two of those occasions, My family and I ate with the Captain (John Foster, his wife, sr Doctor, Sr Nurse, nurse. you may be thinking why - well my sister is the Sr Nursing officer currently on the Golden, which is why we chose the ship to spend time with her.

We dined in Donatello most nights which was good, though the cheese board could have been better, but at Sabatinis on the first formal night, which is VV good though after 11 courses - I could hardly move and try the Limoncello Liquor - Gorgeous but deadly. On the second formal we dined at the Steak House which was by far the best meal we had on the ship.

With regards to the ports

Hilo - was OK. Steve and I walked the 2 miles into the old town to visit the Tsunami museum, walking along the black sand beach and botanical gardens. Mum and Dad got the free shuttle which took them to the new town but is was mainly big shops etc so they came back to ship (they have done Hawaii before) Alex stayed on the ship with my sister.

Oahu - Steve and I did the Pearl Harbor and City tour. Pearl Harbor, very emotional and humbling - it also included a visit to the Punch Bowl and also a visit to the Nuannua Pali national parks. We then joined my family on waikiki Beach - Gorgeous but packed.

Lahaina, Maui - We did the Jungle Zip lining - What can I say but excellent and totally exhilarating - what a rush. We then went onto Anchor cove - a charming beach 5 min walk from the ship.

Kauai - we spent the day on the beach - just what i needed.

I DEFINITELY will be cruising again and would definitely be going on the Golden Princess. If anyone wants to ask me anything - I am happy for you to get in touch - Enjoy.