??????...Golden Princess

[Sushi]

Who has sailed her? Any advice? We have always cruised RCI but felt it was time to try another cruise line, so here we are booked on the Golden Princess for April 2003.
Would like to hear the good the bad and the ugly. My DH and I have never had a bad cruise, we're people watchers, love to relax, shop and spend some quality time together, so we are excited about this NEW experience.

[Donna]

Hi Sushi,
You will notice some differences between RCCL and Princess, I actually would cruise on either cruiseline. One great feature about Princess I love is the Horizon Court is open 24 hours a day, so anytime you need a little "snack" you will find something there that will tie you over until the next big meal. I also like the fact that the pools are fresh water and not salt water :-)

I thought the food was just a little better on Princess as well, but still no complaints on any meal we have had on RCCL.

I think you will both enjoy Golden Princess, some good shows too, but I thought the entertainment on RCCL was better.

Have a wonderful time!

You will thoroughly enjoy Princess. I would recommend Personal Choice Dining because you can eat wherever and whenever you are ready and can meet more fellow diners this way. I love to sit in the main aaatrium (???) and listen to the relaxing music.

Sushi,

I just returned from the Golden a week ago. As far as the ship goes, it is perfection. Wonderfully new, pristinely maintained, variety of lounges/bars/dining, etc. It is huge but well orchestrated and the layout of everything is fantastic. My sailing (Mediterranean) was totally booked which meant 2,700 passengers and 1,130 crew. They managed to get us off for all the shore excursions in a brilliant, timely, organized way. Talk about a well-greased machine for that volume of people.

The two huge Broadway style projection shows were fantastic. Laser lights, great dancing/singing, fabulous costumes and wonderfully arranged seats to actually view the show. I don't know your age (I'm in my late 30s) but the rest of the entertainment is more geared for the older crowd. It's still OK but the comedian and juggler had old, corney jokes.

My cabin steward was amazing and psychic about catering to our needs/preferences. Yes, if you have a noisy neighbor (watching TV loudly at 2am) you can hear it. But just do like I did, call the Purser and they'll come quiet them down.

Food was great, especially the "Love Boat Dream" (chocolate mousse). It was an international blend of passengers (mostly American, Asian, and Russian). Watch out for the sales they have on various items in the atrium area. People have no qualms about pushing you out of the way for gemstones, pearls, clothing.

Any specific questions, email me (I'm between jobs and have all the time in the world to answer back).