Golden Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
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Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso via Cape Horn

Review for South America Cruise on Golden Princess
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ccastner
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Jan 2015
Cabin: Balcony

Background info: I have been looking at this cruise route and ports for over two years. After looking at the route, airfare costs, hotel costs, etc for traveling from Santiago/Valparaiso to Rio de Janeiro vs the reverse, I opted on the cruise that went from Rio to Valparaiso. I purchased my cruise and my airfare directly from Princess. The airfare was about $100 less than buying directly from the airline. I also planned to arrive a day ahead of departure to account for any issues with travel in the states and, if possible have an opportunity to see something of Rio before we embarked and set sail. I purchased the cruise, airfare and began planning 6 months before the cruise. I was unable to book a hotel through PRincess as the hotel offered was not well reviewed on other sites, so I booked directly with the Marriott on Copacabana beach and arranged my won transport from the airport via Grayline (go to their website). Princess did a very good job of notifying me of my visa requirements for Argentina and Brazil. The Brazilian Embassy in the US website had all the details needed to navigate their visa process. By the end of July, I had all necessary visas. I had hoped we might have had time while in Punta Arenas to go to Antarctica on a shore excursion, but there was only officially 11 hours in port and the excursion was not offered. I did book my excursions as soon as they were available on the Princess website.

Hotel Info: JW Marriott, Copacabana beach. Fantastic hotel right on the beach. I read many reviews and specifically requested an ocean view. My room was spacious as was the bathroom. As I walked into the hotel, bell boys were handing out ice-cold bottled water. The heat and humidity in Rio is hard to describe. I was miserably uncomfortable. I was able to check in immediately upon arrival and take a shower and change my clothes. I had booked a tour to Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer statue via Grayline. They picked me up directly at the hotel. All I can say is that the city at New Year's is crazy crowded as it is one of the two major holidays for Brazilians (Carnival is 1st) and school holidays. The statue was interesting and I recommend taking the train and not the bus ride up. I imagine that Rio and all the sites are nicer in June/July when it is not so hot. Note on safety in Rio: The hotel had TONS of security in and out side the hotel, and the Brazilian police were all over the city and visibly stopping and arresting people. This did not make me feel safer. I did not venture out to beach in the afternoon or evening, but was up early and did go out before 8 am. I arranged for a personal transfer from the hotel to the port.

Ship Info: Golden Princess is looking a little warn and not as well taken care of as she might have been. Lots of visible rust on all iron works. There were issues with various elevators out of service, but I don't see that as any different than any other elevator. I did see senior members of the crew evaluating the cleanliness of Promenade Bar and pointing out to cleaning staff, things they missed when cleaning. I was disappointed that the Promenade deck did not have deck chairs, as Sapphire Princess does. The Promenade deck is narrower than Sapphire Princess' and this severely limited the outside seating. Glad I had a cabin with a balcony.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BA

Cabin: My cabin was clean, but worn. Some of the drawers had stains. The bed was most comfortable and not sure why.

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