Golden Princess Review
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My third time to Alaska on the Golden Princess was a rather "last-minute, I've got nothing to do in September" decision. At first, I was looking to cruise solo, but when I found that for less than a dollar more I could bring someone along, I asked my father-in-law what he was doing in September. So, after reimbursing us the additional 60 cents, he and I planned a lazy and relaxing cruise. Airline miles got us cross-country to Seattle (and back) in first class, a nice concierge-level room at the Grand Hyatt at 7th and Pine the night before (because, as all experienced cruisers know, you really should fly in the day before your cruise departs, if not earlier) on Hyatt points and we were not only still flush with cash but rested, if a bit jet-lagged.
Seattle is a clean city, easy to walk about in and we have found that the Grand Hyatt is nicely situated for short walks to Pike Place, the Space Needle and other landmarks, or a short taxi ride if one must. We used Shuttle Express to get us from the airport to the hotel and then, the next day, to Pier 91, where Golden Princess awaited us and a few thousand more passengers.
Check-in at the Pier was mostly a process of standing in, and shuffling along, a long serpentine line, going from the parking area upstairs to the standard security checks to the counters containing the obligatory health questionnaire then on to the Princess kiosks where you'll not have your picture taken or credit card requested but will be provided with your cabin key and shipboard account card. Then more line zig-zagging along the length of the ship to the tower that winds up a few more coils until you are finally deposited on the ship where ship's security will take your picture and then can easily avoid the almost obligatory photo-op of your party boarding the ship. It took us about 1 hour to complete this fairly painless process. We had nice weather for it, but if it were cold and anything but sunny you might not be too pleased as the last portion of the process is, while covered, outside the terminal building.
Cabin Review
Cabin 212 is small but the space is well used. AC worked adequately. Toilet never failed. Shower curtain doesn't always contain water in the shower basin and is often "worn" by the occupant. Good water pressure and temperature control. Very quiet room except for doors of nearby cabins which can be easily heard.