Golden Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

Very disappointing for an expensive Suite

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Golden Princess
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AussieNationalCapital
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2019
Cabin: Penthouse Suite with Balcony

Having opted for a very expensive Suite upgrade on this short 2 night cruise, I was disappointed in the unavailability of all the promised items.

I will make this quick as internet is timed, not based on data. 20 minutes of internet was required to read 1 email and run a speedtest, which failed.

Hopefully I can dispel a few outdated statements on the website about Suite "perks". The executive summary is "Save you money and get a balcony room. With the savings, buy yourself an expensive drinks package or lash out at the bar. Visit the specialty restaurants. Don't waste it on the suite."

Cabin Review

Penthouse Suite with Balcony

Crown Grill - We were served one Breakfast and paid for one Dinner in Crown Grill. The food and service during both meals was 4 star. My comparison restaurant is Luke Mangan's Salt Grill aboard a number of P&O ships. I rate each of those experiences as 6 star.

Tip: There is an extra charge for the surf and turf. If you'd like to save few pennies one person might order the Rib-eye while one orders the lobster and then split the meals; 1/2 steak each and half lobster.

Disembarkation - While the whole process was more compelx and confusing than necessary, it was all sorted out with the help of a late interception by Dawn in the Captains Circle team. I saw a number of elderly people struggling to drag their suitcases down the stairs to their allocated departure lounges.

Also confusing were arrangements for breakfast on disembarkation morning.

TIP: Request breakfast in your suite if that option is available to you. If not, hope there are pastries and coffee available somewhere on the ship, as you will find all of the dining rooms closed. It is possible the buffet was open, however I did not get an opportunity to check, using my time to arrange for luggage to be taken ashore.

On booking we were offered a perk of priority disembarkation in the Platinum Lounge. In reality we were told we had to carry our own baggage off the ship at a specified time.

The takeaway for me is that on a 2 night cruise you will get 1 chance at a good breakfast, 1 lunch and 2 dinners. I have to ensure I make them count. Since youre onboard for a short time its ALL about the onboard service and experience. Pay the extra to ensure the best. Unfortunately, despite paying extra for the top-of-the-line service, Princess failed to deliver on this occasion.

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