Golden Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

Golden Princess Management

Review for Pacific Coastal Cruise on Golden Princess
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evonlef
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

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Additional details

Sail Date: May 2015

This ranks as the worst ship management in my 16 cruises. Ship just returned from dry dock, but management was horrendous including: 1) 100+ waiting line for just in time dining the first three days or 20+ minutes to get a phone reservation; 2) over one hour wait to board the tender in Santa Barbara as there were only four lifeboats; 3) On one excursion, we were in line at the back of the ship waiting to get a ticket at the very front Princess Theatre; and 4) Ship's policy is to not have Purell sanitizers in the gym. This will be a future health hazard, although fitness classes were great. It took many passenger complaints for senior management to correct these people management problems and that may have been due to new management personnel.

Overall the trip was quite enjoyable. The weather and crew service were excellent. Dinner food quality was very good, although the formal breakfast consistently needs improvement. Our C104 balcony cabin's heating was partially inoperable. There are two heating units and one was disconnected, so in the evening it got very cold. The dry dock refurbishment replaced many carpets and the ship was in great shape. There were many entertainment options and movies. There is a handout for each day's TV programs including a great list of historical art programs.

Of the ports, Astoria was the most pleasant surprise although you really need to rent an auto to see Cannon Beach and Ft Clapsot. Victoria's Buchart Gardens is always picturesque.

Cabin Review

Cabin AC

Cabin was on 10th deck in the very front. We selected it due to a larger than nomal balcony. The heating was partially inoperable. There are two heating units and one was disconnected. I don't know why, but it got very cold at night despite a setting at the hottest level. The cabin stewart's service was excellent. All of these balconies have good storage facilities. Since cabin is forward, there was always a good walk to any dining facilities, but there was no outside noise.

Port Reviews

Los Angeles

Actually, the first port from LA was Santa Barbara; but it is not on the list. We live in LA and visit here periodically. Excursions are very expensive, for example wine tours go to the Santa Ynez Valley. But if you walk take a local shuttle from the tender, there are many local tasting rooms. I have a Santa Barbara Winery membership, so tasting is free and it is great wine.

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