7 Night Voyage Of The Glaciers Northbound (Vancouver To Anchorage)
Sail date: June 02, 2018
Ship:
Golden Princess
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: D326
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 6 years ago
Review summary
This was our first cruise. I have been very hesitant to take a cruise. I didn’t find the prospect of being on a huge ship with over 2000 other passengers very appealing. But several friends and family convinced us to give it a try, so we joined 4 other people on a 7-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver BC to Whittier AK. If this was any indication of what cruise vacations are like, it will be my first and last cruise.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Dining room (Donatello) food and service was great. Marcin and Roderick made each and every meal an event to remember. They were attentive, efficient, and engaging. Wonderful effort on their part. There were a variety of selections on the menu every night. Roderick assisted us with our drink selections and supported Marcin very well. Marcin worked with our gluten-free travel companion to make sure her dietary needs were met. * Hazel, the bartender at the Explorer Lounge, made the best brandy old fashion sweet. She was also efficient and engaging, making our pre-dinner cocktail hour a pleasure. * The pizza from the Pizzaria was very good. * The buffet selections were very good, with a wide variety of options. Unfortunately, by the time we found a place to sit, our food would be cold. So the buffet ceased to be a viable option for us.
Dining Room
5 out of 5
Dining room (Donatello) food and service was great. Marcin and Roderick made each and every meal an event to remember. They were attentive, efficient, and engaging. Wonderful effort on their part. There were a variety of selections on the menu every night. Roderick assisted us with our drink selections and supported Marcin very well. Marcin worked with our gluten-free travel companion to make sure her dietary needs were met.
Horizon Court
3 out of 5
* The buffet selections were very good, with a wide variety of options. Unfortunately, by the time we found a place to sit, our food would be cold. So the buffet ceased to be a viable option for us.
Explorer's Lounge
5 out of 5
* Hazel, the bartender at the Explorer Lounge, made the best brandy old fashion sweet. She was also efficient and engaging, making our pre-dinner cocktail hour a pleasure.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
* To me, most of the ship board activities were foolish, distracting or unnecessary, but that is really more a matter of taste than quality. I don’t go on vacation to buy expensive jewelry, clothes or artwork, go nightclubbing, spend my time in the spa, or go to amateur shows. The naturalist that was supposed to be telling us more about Alaska should have been exactly what I would want to see, but she spent most of her time telling us about herself and not much about Alaska.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Princess Theater
3 out of 5
There was a sewage smell that wafted through the ship. It was the strongest near the Princess Theater.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
* The ship stunk! There was a sewage smell that wafted through the ship. It was the strongest near the Princess Theater, but depending on the wind, could be detected anywhere on the ship. When a fellow passenger informed a crew member, they acted surprised, as if they couldn’t smell it. * The ship was well worn. There were ceiling leaks throughout the ship, including rust colored stains on our stateroom ceiling, evidence of a previous leak. It was impossible to walk anywhere on the ship without encountering multiple wet floor signs. * We chose to book a mini suite, which included a sofa and chair seating area. I would have been very uncomfortable in anything smaller than this. The bed was adequate, as were the bathroom facilities. 3 days of our 7-day cruise were at sea, so having a comfortable place to relax was critical for me. Our cabin steward did a good job of keeping the room clean, although we did have to ask for a box of facial tissue, none was provided the first few days of the cruise. * The commentary that was supposed to be running during the Glacier Bay National Park tour could not be heard very well; it was difficult to understand what was being said. It was supposed to be broadcast on TV so we could hear it as we viewed from our balcony. But the broadcast started well after the commentary began. * Not surprising on a ship that large, we spent a lot of time waiting – waiting for elevators, waiting for tour buses, waiting for people that were late to tour buses, waiting to get food (buffet and grill), waiting to go through security when returning to the ship.
Very sorry you had a poor experience. I only go to the buffet for lunch and the other times I always have my meals in the dinning room. The service has always been fabulous and if you have food allergies or special needs they are always happy to assist you in that area. I dont particularly like the buffet myself but it makes for an easy option.
Maybe try another cruise line as everyone is different. Cheers
Sorry to hear about your poor experience. Buffets can be a pain. We always grab a table, then head to the buffet, while one family member guards the table. Sometimes cruising just doesn't suit your personality type. Wish you well with your next vacation.
Well, cruising isn't for everyone. The boat is indeed "well traveled". The bad odor is unfortunate and atypical. We ignore the activities that don't interest us, and simply amuse ourselves. The shows are hit and miss....we have skipped a few. I am most surprised by the naturalist...they are usually quite interesting.
If you are up to it, try another itinerary and ship. As much as I like Princess, there are options.
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