We cruised to Hawaii on Golden Princess from 1/3/10-1/17/10. Beautiful weather, ship is very nice, shows were good to excellent (loved the piano bar and singer/dancers), room was quite nice, balcony was huge. Ports were excellent (we'd never been to Hawaii; Ensenada just a necessary side show).

Buffet food was adequate and typical. Nicely laid out, and plenty of seating most of the time. Pizza and hamburger/hot dog grills hit the spot. Anytime dining restaurants food was mediocre at best (2nd week somewhat better). Beef was usually OK, soups were terrible - watery and tasteless and lukewarm. Chowder with no cream, and none with any spices to speak of. Cold soups somewhat better. Sauces (and most food in general) were generally tasteless. Butter had been iced, and was served in watery bowls. Sandwiches in all venues were inexpertly constructed all meat on one side, cheese on the other, etc. We came home via Amtrak and were thrilled to have food that tasted like food again! Go figure.

The beds were even worse. The ship was ten years old, and they must have bought the mattresses second hand. We had four foam pads on our bed and it was barely sleepable. Our poor room steward. Read more