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elizabethtaylor
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 04:41 am | 1st Post |
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HERE IS MY LATE REVIEW of the GOLDEN PRINCESS: 4/12/07
Itinerary: 10-day round trip out of San Francisco.
Ports of Call:
Acapulco, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas
This was my 10th cruise and my 7th on Princess in 4 years.
This was our second cruise on the Golden P, with the last being in 2003.
The ship was in great condition.
There had been a severe Noro outbreak a couple days before we were to board the ship, so it delayed embarkation. Princess put out messages the day before
asking people not to arrive to the Pier in SF until at least 1:00 p.m. or 1:30,
but we decided to show up around noon and got right on.
That was not the case with others, as those who arrived at 2 p.m. waited in
line for nearly 2 hours, and those were the Elites!!
Luggage arrived around 9 p.m. since there was a breakdown of the luggage
conveyor belt and they had to wait for the part, so that delayed sailaway
and we all missed sailing under the Golden Gate.
Actually, we sailed under at 9:15 p.m. and it was a rather pretty sight
seeing the city all lit up like a Christmas tree.
In the buffet the crew was serving everyone. YOu couldn't even get your
own cup of water or coffee. They were hypervigilant, for good reason, about
serving everything.
By day two, everything was back to normal, with passengers able to serve themselves at the buffet.
Entertainment: We thought the production shows were particularly good, much
better than on the other ships. Maybe it's because we've seen Piano Man
4 times and it was nice to have a change. On Acapulco night they had a Folklorico ballet troup from Acapulco perform and it was an excellent show.
The troup have been together for 20 years. The Maricachis, excellent.
Anytime dining: We were in a full suite and supposed to get priority anytime
reservations. It didn't work out so well. We got the run-around from the lady
on the phone and we got 10 different stories of how to get our priority res.
Princess needs work in this area.
Also, the anytime dining worked much better in 2003 than it did in 2007. Now
they let at least half the people make reservations, so even when you show
up at 6 p.m. you still have to wait while those with reservations just breezed
on it to sit at their "regular" table.
We tried to make ANY reservation and were told "no."
This experience with anytime made it so that we don't ever want it again.
We've had it with this system.
On night one it worked beautifully since they didn't allow ANY reservations,
but after that, watch out.
Our friends went late, around 8 p.m., every night and had no issues.
It has been my experience on other cruises that it's usually harder to
get seated at 8 p.m. than at 6 p.m.
Oh, well.
Cabin: Room D736. St Tropez suite on the aft. Very nice cabin. We usually
get regular cabins or mini-suites but thought we'd splurge this time.
Lots of motion in the back as opposed to my parents cabin in the middle of the
ship, however.
Beautiful cabin. Great cabin steward. Toilet didn't work on day one.
Neither did the toilets in the whole section, but that was rectified within
3 hours.
Got the dining room menus in our cabin every day which we could have ordered
off of. In retrospect, maybe that's what we should have done in order to
avoid the whole anytime dining debacle.
[Our parents' cabin had no heat, but it was repaired promptly after we reported it to the purser's desk]
We were supposed to get a DVD "menu" in our cabin too, but never saw one; never
asked though since movies aren't a big priorty with us.
The crew were fantastic everywhere we went, bartenders, wait staff, stewards,
everyone so friendly. Princess really does a good job.
Martinis are now 6.50 or 6.75. They were cheaper 10 months ago, and
now there's less alcohol in them as well
Three out of four in our party, all previous Princess cruisers, really noticed
how they're cutting corners with the food in the buffet. They didn't have
as many choices as even 10 months ago, and also did not replenish fruits and
cheeses frequently. There were times when we waited 40 minutes and finally
a tray of fruit would show up.
It's been our experience in the past that they'd be right there to replenish
before the tray was a quarter empty.
Internet: We only used it towards the end of the cruise. Since we're Platinums,
we were entitled to $100 pp package which translated to 250 free minutes per person, but no one told us that we had to purchase the package first, and THEN
it would be reimbursed on our card, so $75 in charges showed up on our shipboard
account and my husband was trying to convince them that we weren't responsible
for the charges.
They need much better communication in this regard, or need to put a sign up
on the internet cafe stating that Platinums must purchase the package to
get the "deal."
Also, we were in a suite, so we qualified for free internet just because of
that alone.
Overall, I thought the cruise was just too long, and although I do like
Princess, I'm getting disenchanted with the way they're cutting corners,
it really shows. Their desserts in the buffet are pitiful for the most part,
but the salads and pastas and meats are pretty good.
We like the Sapphire and Diamond a little better since they have a thermal spa,
and they do have better television in the staterooms than does the Golden.
We also prefer the design of the Diamond/Sapphire regarding Skywalker's.
Overall, it was a pretty good cruise.
We had a great get-together from the "darkside" and we met a bunch of really
great people, isn't that tre, huh, Mike [Dawson] and Arlene ???[happycruiser383]
Tours: Acapulco Beach Break. We loved this. They took us to the Quinta Real.
http://www.quintareal.com ??
A gourmet lunch was served. We had a cabana with the best views of the ocean.
We arrived at the resort in 8-passenger vans which really made it nice, and
were greeted at the entrance with two guards toting AK-47's.
Lots of guns in Acapulco these days -- more than I remember from 20 years
ago, or maybe I was just too barracha to remember the guns
Went on the tequila tour in PV -- first went to a tile making factory and
then to Hacienda Dona Engracia to eat tacos and to learn about the
making of tequila, silver, Reposado and Anjeo. Hubby bought a nice
bottle of tequila there!
The tour was a little too long I thought, especially since we didn't get to
eat until 2:30 and the tour left at 10 a.m. in the morning.
Other than that, it was pretty good.
In Cabo we walked to Medano Beach and had a nice lunch at the Office.
The food was good, the margaritas plentiful, the price tag $48.
We staggered back to the marina instead of taking a water taxi.
Next time we'll take the taxi since the desert heat took its toll on
us.
We liked Zihuatanejo the best for its charm and for its prices. I picked
up the most wonderful beaded bracelets and earrings for a very cheap price.
All their things were so much cheaper than in the other ports.
We'd like to go back for an extended stay since we enjoyed it so much.
Sorry to go on and on. Now I can't even remember what I've already written,
so I think I'll end this right now.
DanaLast edited on Mon Apr 30th, 2007 04:42 am by elizabethtaylor
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grinningramps
Founders
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 12:10 pm | 2nd Post |
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| Thanks for the review! I've been thinking about Princess as my first non-Carnival cruise. Tthe view from someone who has been there helps to know what to expect if I decide to go with them.
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Catnip
Charter Member
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 09:56 pm | 3rd Post |
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Great review, Dana!!!!!!!!
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
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mrdawson
Funnel Deck Cruiser
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 10:24 pm | 4th Post |
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You seem to remember much more than I do!!   serioously though, great review...we had a great time.didn't think it was to long but then again 10 days is the shortest cruise we have taken if you don't count the 1 night cruise to nowhere we took on NCL Spirit a couple years ago....
We really liked Z town as well....Gabriele wants to but a condo in Mexico and we were debateing between Z and Cabo and Z would have won but its just so much farther south when you are driving than Cabo...for some reason we have never gotten around to ever going to Cabo before ad we were both VERY impressed at the cleanliness and overall "Gringo" feel of the place but thats prolly cause with a population of 30K about half are Gringo's so we decided it would be a nice place to have a second home at for when we retire...
____________________
Mike
So many Pots....so few spoons!!!!
CTT Master Pot Stirring Advisor
Classy AND Stylish!!
1/09 X Solstice Eastern Carib
6/09 Mariner OTS Mex Riv
5/10 CTT Azul Sensatori AI Party, Riviera Maya
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Catnip
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 10:33 pm | 5th Post |
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mrdawson wrote: we decided it would be a nice place to have a second home at for when we retire...
Will that be by May 08?????? 
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
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mrdawson
Funnel Deck Cruiser
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 11:40 pm | 6th Post |
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Actually, most likey yes....not waiting to retire to buy it...prices are flying upward in Cabo so we are looking to buy soon and rent it out except for a couple weeks a year when we wnat to use it!
____________________
Mike
So many Pots....so few spoons!!!!
CTT Master Pot Stirring Advisor
Classy AND Stylish!!
1/09 X Solstice Eastern Carib
6/09 Mariner OTS Mex Riv
5/10 CTT Azul Sensatori AI Party, Riviera Maya
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gurlwithbaggage
Founders
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 12:39 am | 7th Post |
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Great review Dana!! Makes me with I was on a ship right now!
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Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans~~John Lennon
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 02:04 am | 8th Post |
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| Thanks Dana! Sorry you had some issues. We've only done the anytime dining on Princess once.
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Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
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nhrich
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 03:08 pm | 9th Post |
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Great review, thanks Dana!
We'll be doing the Anytime Dining on the FOMT cruise in November. Hopefully it'll work out better than it did for you.
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Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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Catnip
Charter Member
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 03:11 pm | 10th Post |
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mrdawson wrote: Actually, most likey yes....not waiting to retire to buy it...prices are flying upward in Cabo so we are looking to buy soon and rent it out except for a couple weeks a year when we wnat to use it!
Hmmmmm......maybe we'll shitcan the cruise and go with you to your new place in Cabo!
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
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nhrich
Charter Member
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 03:14 pm | 11th Post |
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Catnip wrote: mrdawson wrote: Actually, most likey yes....not waiting to retire to buy it...prices are flying upward in Cabo so we are looking to buy soon and rent it out except for a couple weeks a year when we wnat to use it!
Hmmmmm......maybe we'll shitcan the cruise and go with you to your new place in Cabo!
Cruise...what cruise? 
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Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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mrdawson
Funnel Deck Cruiser
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 10:21 pm | 12th Post |
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Catnip wrote: mrdawson wrote: Actually, most likey yes....not waiting to retire to buy it...prices are flying upward in Cabo so we are looking to buy soon and rent it out except for a couple weeks a year when we wnat to use it!
Hmmmmm......maybe we'll shitcan the cruise and go with you to your new place in Cabo!
Sounds like a plan....but it will ABSOLUTELY NOT be a week of laying on the beach drunk!! The pool deck is much nicer! 
____________________
Mike
So many Pots....so few spoons!!!!
CTT Master Pot Stirring Advisor
Classy AND Stylish!!
1/09 X Solstice Eastern Carib
6/09 Mariner OTS Mex Riv
5/10 CTT Azul Sensatori AI Party, Riviera Maya
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Catnip
Charter Member
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 11:15 pm | 13th Post |
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nhrich wrote: Catnip wrote:
Hmmmmm......maybe we'll shitcan the cruise and go with you to your new place in Cabo!
Cruise...what cruise?
Hey Rich, we may have another cruise for you to check on............stay tuned!
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
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seawitches
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 11:16 pm | 14th Post |
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elizabethtaylor wrote:
Martinis are now 6.50 or 6.75. They were cheaper 10 months ago, and
now there's less alcohol in them as well
Damn it Scarlett... say it ain't so...... do you think they're the same on the Grand??
sounds like you had a good time...... I can just envision the lights on the bridge...ahhh wish i was there..................
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mrdawson
Funnel Deck Cruiser
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 11:26 pm | 15th Post |
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seawitches wrote: elizabethtaylor wrote:
Martinis are now 6.50 or 6.75. They were cheaper 10 months ago, and
now there's less alcohol in them as well
Damn it Scarlett... say it ain't so...... do you think they're the same on the Grand??
sounds like you had a good time...... I can just envision the lights on the bridge...ahhh wish i was there..................
True....gone are those LARGE martini glasses..I would guess there is at least 1/3 less alcohol in the martini's now....on my first Princess cruise that was one of the things that impressed me most...the relatively good drink prices as well as the large pours too!
On this cuise I was told at the pool that they no longer offered the "large" mojito's but said I could get one in the large glass for double the price so I thought what the hell....it came in the glass the used to be like 2 or 3 bucks more than the regular size but the bill with tip was like $16.50 or so....ouch.... so I ordered a few more throughout the day to take my mind off of it!
____________________
Mike
So many Pots....so few spoons!!!!
CTT Master Pot Stirring Advisor
Classy AND Stylish!!
1/09 X Solstice Eastern Carib
6/09 Mariner OTS Mex Riv
5/10 CTT Azul Sensatori AI Party, Riviera Maya
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seawitches
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 12:57 am | 16th Post |
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| Sshshhhhhhh.............I have some other cruiselines glasses in my cupboardsmaybe i should sell them on ebay. Anyone want towels from Princess?? How about a couple dozen waffle weave robes???? Will send direct!
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elizabethtaylor
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 02:57 am | 17th Post |
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And I have still in the wrapper UN-used slippers with the Princess logo on them
I'll start the bidding at $1,000!!!!
Seriously, if anyone wants a pair I have like three pairs. They're one size
fits all -- uh, if you call a men's size 11 or 12 the one size
And no thanks, Seawiches, I have all the waffle weave robes I can handle.
I got my Princess waffle weave for "free" on the last trip -- took it from the
spa
Never have worn it either, now that I think about it.
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seawitches
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 03:02 am | 18th Post |
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Ok Worf will bid 1001 for those slippers... did you say they were slightly used?? Do they at least have some odour?
Isn't this shades of an ebay type selling somewhere over the rainbow?? Or is this just a dazed confusion of senilty????? Are we camping yet?
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Catnip
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 04:31 am | 19th Post |
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I thought they were selling stuff over at CF..........do they do that at TVL also? 
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
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captN
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 01:07 pm | 20th Post |
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elizabethtaylor wrote: HERE IS MY LATE REVIEW of the GOLDEN PRINCESS: 4/12/07
This was our second cruise on the Golden P, with the last being in 2003. I'm saving this one til I get a little older ... mom always says the only thing golden about the golden years is her p !
Anytime dining: We were in a full suite and supposed to get priority anytime
reservations. It didn't work out so well. We got the run-around from the lady
on the phone and we got 10 different stories of how to get our priority res.
Princess needs work in this area.
Also, the anytime dining worked much better in 2003 than it did in 2007. Now
they let at least half the people make reservations, so even when you show
up at 6 p.m. you still have to wait while those with reservations just breezed
on it to sit at their "regular" table.
We tried to make ANY reservation and were told "no."
This experience with anytime made it so that we don't ever want it again.
We've had it with this system.
On night one it worked beautifully since they didn't allow ANY reservations,
but after that, watch out.
Our friends went late, around 8 p.m., every night and had no issues.
It has been my experience on other cruises that it's usually harder to
get seated at 8 p.m. than at 6 p.m. We had no problems on the Crown last year, although seating for 2 was a bit slow and they did try to get you to dine with others who may have already ordered. Tables for 4 and 6 were no problems at all. Maybe because the Crown is new and was built with anytime in mind
Thanks for the review, we have been on princess 4 times and it is one of our favorites, especially now with anytime dining
BTW did anyone take pictures, haven't seen any posted yet
Last edited on Wed May 2nd, 2007 01:09 pm by captN
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elizabethtaylor
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 07:21 pm | 21st Post |
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I am looking at the Golden Princess as I write this. I can see her docked at
Pier 35 across the bay from my workplace!!!:bunny::breakdancer:
My friend thought she saw the golden docked last night at 5 p.m. but
it wasn't due in until 6 a.m. I know we ended up docked at 2 a.m.
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