As first time cruisers our experience was memorable along with being pleasurable. Since being back home We have not stopped talking about the whole journey and the effort the team aboard to make this holiday a pleasure. Enjoyed every aspect so much so that we have placed a future booking that will be around July/August 2019. We are extremely pleased with our choice and would recommend this experience to anyone. Great job by all of the Golden Princess, we will return soon!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The process to embark the Golden Princess was efficient and quick
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The quality of food, service and attention was excellent. The team aboard the Golden Princess went above and beyond expectations, whilst the quality and quantity of food on offer was extremely tempting to the eyes and taste buds.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Never faced a dull moment on board as every free minute was occupied by an activity either planned or by choice.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The choices and quality of entertainment were professional and of high cost if you were to attend an equivalent performance on shore. However I must say that it was difficult to find a seat unless you arrive well ahead of the scheduled performance.
Children's Programs
Having n children of our own aboard we did utilise these facilities.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The team of staff in various functions were always courteous and excelled our expectations. We found that after a couple of days and if you frequented the various offerings they would remember your name, likes and dislikes, not bad considering there some 2500 plus other passengers.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Being situated mid mid ship, mid deck we found the layout was easily accessible for the entertainment, shops, restaurants and other facilities. All common areas of the ship were immaculate in cleanliness and there was always a team of maintenance staff running around to ensure everything was well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was generous in size with ease of manoeuvrability around the furniture. Having selected a superior balcony room we found the balcony to be a feature of the room with pleasant evenings and meals spent there.
Ship tip
The Golden Princess has so much to offer with hidden surprises. Make it he most of your trip and explore as we found new items of interest each day.
This port was cancelled due to a medical diversion to Sydney during the first day of sailing. However the Captain rectified this by visiting the port of Mare.
Perhaps we chose the wrong port excursion even though we visited a village it’s people performing their dance rituals. The disappointing aspect to this was the traffic, construction and narrow streets the bus driver navigated through, it just felt like we were back home. The magrket stalls on the other hand offered great choice and the city itself felt dirty neglected.
Apparently this port is not frequently visited by Princess Cruises and knowing this now we understand the rationale for this. The excursion group was too large, hence we were split into three vehicles, a coach bus and two smaller mini buses. Having been directed to a more n bus we found that the drive spike no English and consequently there was no narration of tour highlights. Arriving at our first stop we lead down paths towards what we believed was a working vanilla plantation, but all we got to see was two vines growing on tree stump. We all rebounded well he bus for our next stop at Jokin Cliffs. Once off board we were lead to the pavilion and offered a vine crown, a drink and fresh fruit. The view from this vantage point was spectacular but any other discovery was left to the individual to enjoy. Following about a 45 minute stop we headed back to the jetty to board the tender for the Golden Princess. A very disappointing excursion which was relayed back to the excursion director as feedback.
Although a small island and once ashore we were extremely impressed with the cleanliness and care the locals provide to this island even to the point of the paths being lined with live vegetation to know where you are travelling. The sand was pristine, the water crystal clear and amenities in top condition. Having spent the day on shore we enjoyed the opportunity to visualise Coral with the aquatic life so close to the shore line. Whilst the local villagers were pleasant and helpful in many ways. This is an idealism island that offers the he tourist nothing but pure enjoyment and relaxation.
Yet another idealic island. We experienced nothing but pleasure as the guides naration was informative and pleasant. Our first stop was the Grito of Queen Hortense. This was the six month place of refuge and and sanctuary to the then 16 year old Princess as she hid form the Kunyies that wanted a King not a Queen. The trek down to the caves was amazing with an abundance of natural vegetation everywhere. Once in the limestone caves we were amazed with the stalactites and bird life adoring the crevices of the cave along with the natural water streaming through the base that flowed out to the gardens. Following we proceeded to the village of Van to witness the lifestyles and fishing methods utilised by the locals. Our point of interest was the Notre de l’Assumption Church that commenced construction in 1860 by the Kunyie’s, Missionairies and Convicts. Not being a church goer myself, I found this to be a building that the locals would be proud of in their congregation each Saturday. This excursion was definately the highlight of our port visits.
The port of Noumea was nothing to write home about, as our view from the balcony offered nothing but the commercial and industrial aspect as w3 had the nickel smelter, ships waiting to be docked or loaded and a view of traffic congestion. Whilst on the Portside of the ship they had the container terminal to view. Having boarded our coach for the excursion we set off towards the lookout point to visualise the city skyline and glimpses of the various bays surrounding the city, not a great place as the graffiti and rubbish within this area was a turn off. We all rebounded the coach and headed for the Ouen Torro lookout where two Australian Cannons were left there as relics from WWII. The views from this vantage point were spectacular and breathtaking and totally understand why the cannons were positioned here in case of invasion by the Japanese into Australia during WWII. Our las point of call was the Aquarium that provided a true glimpse of the Coral and Nautical life within the waters surrounding Noumea within their natural habitat. A pleasing excursion with a young guide that provided excellent naration through the excursion.
Being first time cruisers and not knowing what to expect in the process of Disembarkation. Having been given a group colour and number sequence the night before we met in the assigned area and waited to be told to leave. Once the announcement was made, the group gathered and left the ship to collect their luggage and commence the customs process to enter Australia. To our amazement this Disembarkment process was seamless and took no more than 15 minutes. I congratulate the Golden Princess team on such precision and planning to execute the Disembarkment if 2500 plus passengers.
We felt the exact same way after our first cruise last March on the Golden to NZ. We could not fault a thing. Just 28 days until we head off on the Sun princess to Fiji. Glad you enjoyed it!
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