My wife and I sailed on the Golden Princess beginning May 26 on the inside passage to Alaska and Glacier Bay. This was our second cruise with the first being South Caribbean on the Crown Princess in 2007. Alaska is perhaps a somewhat unique cruise destination with an emphasis on nature and scenery -- the exact reasons we took this voyage!
Getting on and Off the Ship
Embarkation was painless. We arrived at the pier about 12:30pm regardless of the staggered boarding recommendations and we found ourselves on the boat, checked into our room, and up on the Lido deck enjoying some pizza by 1:30pm. There was plenty of staff to ensure embarkation went smoothly. Disembarkation was great too, although they couldn't make general announcements so I never heard what was going on. They need staff around keeping passengers in the loop if they cannot make shipwide announcements.
Deck 8 is one deck above the piazza and this room is not far from stairs taking you right into this part of the ship. With the hassle of the elevators, being this close was very convenient. Easy access to the elevators that took you to the fitness center and forward pool as well.