Just returned from Hawaiian Island cruise on Golden Princess. We travelled out to L.A on Sat 13th Feb via B.A. The outward flight was OK but not great. We had pre reserved our seats five days before travel at a cost of 40 pounds each. Did not relish the thought of being stuck in an inside row for almost 11 hours. Heathrow is an absolute nightmare and got pulled aside by security to report to BA. Was told this was a random check by the airline. The there was a long queue to get back in line to transfer up to the main dearture area of Terminal 5. Naturally went to the front of the queue but this was understanably not popular with some of the other passengers, and was badly handled by BAA Security staff. The additional pre boarding security for american flights was very badly handled by B.A and was started too late before the boarding time resulting in the flight leaving an hour late ! All hassle you dont need. The contrast on arrival in L.A was a pleasant suprise. Having previously spent almost two hours in line in Fort Lauderdale was dreading the immigration queue but there were loads of desks and passed through immigation very quickly and easily. Outside customs Princess were waiting and must say it was all very well organised and we were quickly whisked away to the Hilton at LAX. The hotel was fine with very nice room and a well awaited and excellent bed. Next morning we went on an early tour , taking in Hollywood, the Kodak theatre etc . This was a good move as we were all awake early anyway ( due to time difference) It was a good tour which got us back to the hotel in plenty of time before baording coaches for the ship. All of our baggage was removed from our room whilst we were out on the excursion next to be seen onboard the ship, all very well done Princess L.A. Staff. Embarkation was very quick and as we are Elite status ( From mainly P&O Cruises) we were quicly onboard. We were very happy with our cabin just aft of midship on Caribe deck. The balcony was the biggest we have seen plenty of space for two loungers two chairs and a table. Complimentary mini bar was set up and we were very happy. Worth pointing out that this was just before one o clock and all cabins were ready onboarding unlike the two o clock announcements at P@0. Weather was beautiful on sailing so was very suprised during the first night when was awoken by the ship bouncing around and pitching quite heavily. This continued more or less the whole of the four days on the way out. All pools remained empty for the crossing. Must say the entertainment was suprising ly good compared with our previous two princess cruises. We thought the U.S. cruise director and his mainlyBrit/Aussie staff were very good, they seemed to work hard.Much better than staff last August on Grand Princess. Cruise director was always around and about on the ship and it made the difference really. Much better than some of them who you only ever see opening the shows etc. We were on anytime dining and this was our main critique. Both service and presentation we found to be very hit and miss ! Some evenings good others one night in particular very bad with cold food and poor service. Buffet was on the whole good. The ship was very nice indeed compared with the Grand Princess which last August we found very tatty. Golden had an extensive refit last year and you can reslly see the difference. Once we arrived at the Islands the Sun came out. Must say we love them all . They are simply stunning. With the exception of Honolulu we did our own tours. Honolulu we did Pearl Harbour which was good . They put on an extra trip for the evening which we found very poor and a waste of a good evening in Port. It was supposed to be an Authentic Hawaian Lau which included a buffet and show . When we saw the long tables it reminded us of the tacky spanish bbqs we used to do in the 70s and 80s . It was a rip off with watered drinks after queing 45 minutes at the bar.... to cut a long story short a total let down when we could have gone into Waike ki Beach. As said all of the islands were wonderful but liked Maui the best. On arriving at the tender point we found a guy selling trips in Stretch Limo which we took. Can highly recommend this it was really a great day out. There were four of us and together with an American couple from Chicago we took the limo. 55 usd each , much cheaper than the ships full day tour, and came with decanters full with spirits and a fridge full of cold soft drinks.!!!!! It was a good day out and highly recommended. There were we we were told around 500 brits onboard with other passengers being mainly amercan and Canadian In general a very nice crowd. All too soon we were headed back towards Ensenada which is an obligatory call due to the Jones Act but which is in fact a waste of time Think all would have preferred another port in the islands. The trip back was much calmer and the pools remained full for the return leg and although reasonably warm was mainly cloudy and windy. Disembarkation was fairly straight forward and had a nice suprise on the return flight when we were upgraded to economy plus by B.A !

Would we do it again.... Not sure ...9 sea days is a lot Would love to do the islands more Ship and staff were in the main great with the usual exceptions. Outward voyage with the bumpy weather and empty pools did seem longer but the islands made it worthwhile. Will we do princess again definitely ! Free laundry and internet way better than p@o benefits not to mention the mini bar.