Golden Princess - Extra $$ to expect & additional misc ??'s

[Eytbol8]

Little background: My husband and I will be taking the Mexican Riviera out of Los Angeles on the Golden Princess in October. This will only be our second cruise, as we took a weekend cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada over 4 years ago on Carnival. We are excited to be getting the chance to get on bigger cruise ship this time. My husband is disabled, confined to a wheelchair - but pretty darn independent in his chair :D . I am sure that many of the answers to the questions I will have here have all been answered in various different threads, my apologies and I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond to my thread :) . I also know I can call Princess directly and ask them some of these questions, but sometimes it's better to go to the people who have first hand knowledge or have experienced it themselves ;) .

1. Aside from alcohol purchases, casino, excursions, bingo, specialty dinning (Sabatini's, Sterling's, Specialty Coffee Shop), etc., what other expenses should I expect on the cruise? For example, I believe the Golden has a pizzeria, and burger/hot dog grill, and ice cream bar - are those all additional $$ or included?

2. Does Princess offer drink (alcohol) cards you can purchase? For example, previously Carnival had drink coupons you could order ahead of time and use for alcohol drinks.

3. Can you put $$ ahead of time on your onboard account?

4. Does any one know if the bedding has been updated on the Golden? Can you request those egg crate padding things from Princess? It would be extremely beneficial for my hubby to have a little extra padding on the bed due to his disability.

5. We are in room (Caribe Deck I think) BA Category Room C304. If that a good deck to be on?

6. We were thinking about doing the Ultimate Balcony Dinning thing one night to celebrate our 14 wedding anniversary. Anyone have experience with that? Is it worth it? Do you tip the people that come in to do that or is it included in the general tipping charge you pay for?

7. With regards to tipping, I know this topic is debatable and a personal preference- but will ask anyways. Do I not have to worry about tipping at all until the end because of the automatic tipping charge? So, what I am really asking is do I have to worry about tipping during my days I am there each time I get food, drinks at the bar, or service, or is it really okay not worry about that and tipping because of the automatic tipping at the end?

8. With the cruise personalizer that they offer on-line, one part asks for what kind of drinks you prefer. I read somewhere that they will put a small stock of the drinks you prefer in your room once you use the cruise personalizer. Question is, are you charged by consumption of what they put in your room, or you get charged for all/whatever they put in your room?

9. I know they have a smaller room service menu, correct? Is whatever you order off of that room service menu included in the prince of the cruise? I read on another thread that she ordered coffee each morning and at the end was charged for it.

10. If I order wine from the special occassion form and ask for it to be in the room when we arrive, do they provide a wine bottle opener in the room with the wine?

I think those are all of the questions I had for now. I am really trying to save for the appropriate budget for this cruise, as you may have been able to tell from my questions. We really don't get out on too many big vacations like this. Again, I appreciate you time in reading and responding to my thread. Happy cruising to all of you :D !~

[Ephraim]

Little background: My husband and I will be taking the Mexican Riviera out of Los Angeles on the Golden Princess in October. This will only be our second cruise, as we took a weekend cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada over 4 years ago on Carnival. We are excited to be getting the chance to get on bigger cruise ship this time. My husband is disabled, confined to a wheelchair - but pretty darn independent in his chair :D . I am sure that many of the answers to the questions I will have here have all been answered in various different threads, my apologies and I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond to my thread :) . I also know I can call Princess directly and ask them some of these questions, but sometimes it's better to go to the people who have first hand knowledge or have experienced it themselves ;) .

 

1. Aside from alcohol purchases, casino, excursions, bingo, speciality dinning (Sabatini's, Sterling's, Speciality Coffee Shop), etc., what other expenses should I expect on the cruise? For example, I believe the Golden has a pizzeria, and burger/hot dog grill, and ice cream bar - are those all additional $$ or included?

Pizza (other than from the Room Service Menu) are included. Ice Cream is extra except for the two hours it's served in the afternoon. (And it was made on the ship, last time I was on the Golden.)

 

2. Does Princess offer drink (alcohol) cards you can purchase? For example, previously Carnival had drink coupons you could order ahead of time and use for alcohol drinks.

Not that I know of.

 

3. Can you put $$ ahead of time on your onboard account?

Yes. They love to take your money.

 

4. Does any one know if the bedding has been updated on the Golden? Can you request those egg crate padding things from Princess? It would be extremely beneficial for my hubby to have a little extra padding on the bed due to his disability.

No idea. You can always ask for the egg crate padding.

 

5. We are in room (Caribe Deck I think) BA Category Room C304. If that a good deck to be on?

No idea. Only been on the Aloha deck on the Golden and in inside to boot.

 

6. We were thinking about doing the Ultimate Balcony Dinning thing one night to celebrate our 14 wedding anniversary. Anyone have experience with that? Is it worth it? Do you tip the people that come in to do that or is it included in the general tipping charge you pay for?

Never tried it. But either they charge an extra fee for tips or it's included, like at the speciality restaurants.

 

7. With regards to tipping, I know this topic is debatable and a personal preference- but will ask anyways. Do I not have to worry about tipping at all until the end because of the automatic tipping charge? So, what I am really asking is do I have to worry about tipping during my days I am there each time I get food, drinks at the bar, or service, or is it really okay not worry about that and tipping because of the automatic tipping at the end?

 

Don't worry about tipping, it's done. Alcohol tipping is charged when you buy it, automatically.

 

8. With the cruise personalizer that they offer on-line, one part asks for what kind of drinks you prefer. I read somewhere that they will put a small stock of the drinks you prefer in your room once you use the cruise personalizer. Question is, are you charged by consumption of what they put in your room, or you get charged for all/whatever they put in your room?

Never had a stock of drinks in my room. The fruit basket was nice, though.

 

9. I know they have a smaller room service menu, correct? Is whatever you order off of that room service menu included in the prince of the cruise? I read on another thread that she ordered coffee each morning and at the end was charged for it.

General room service is included. There is a catering menu and some speciality items that are extra. I think the new "Pizza" in a box is definitely extra. Tip them for delivery of your room service meal.

 

10. If I order wine from the special occassion form and ask for it to be in the room when we arrive, do they provide a wine bottle opener in the room with the wine?

If you order wine to the room, you get a corkscrew. If you don't ask the steward and he will gladly provide one, or you can ask room service.

I think those are all of the questions I had for now. I am really trying to save for the appropriate budget for this cruise, as you may have been able to tell from my questions. We really don't get out on too many big vacations like this. Again, I appreciate you time in reading and responding to my thread. Happy cruising to all of you :D !~

[lois1112]

I will be going on the Golden in November, so I can't answer questions about the ship.

You can sail without extra expenses (except for the tips)

I personally do no tip as I go. I love not having to carry money or anything with me. (Just the room key)If i have gotten great service from a bartender etc. i will find them the last full cruise day and tip them. (this is when I also tip my room stewart and waiter if they have done a spectular job.)(above and over the auto amount...I know this is a very personal decision)

I do not know of a drink card on princess (except for coffee and sodas)

Coffee (regular) delivered to your room is free. you will be given a continal breakfast menu to put on your door at night if that is what you want. no charge

Pizza / burger/ hot dogs are free (unless the golden is very different from the other princess ships). Ice cream is usually a charge for having it anytime you want. otherwise it is free in the buffet from 330 to 4 pm . (and at dinner as well)

[Barb50]

Pizza (other than from the Room Service Menu) are included. Ice Cream is extra except for the two hours it's served in the afternoon. (And it was made on the ship, last time I was on the Golden.)

 

Not that I know of.

 

Yes. They love to take your money.

 

No idea. You can always ask for the egg crate padding.

 

No idea. Only been on the Aloha deck on the Golden and in inside to boot.

 

Never tried it. But either they charge an extra fee for tips or it's included, like at the speciality restaurants.

 

 

Don't worry about tipping, it's done. Alcohol tipping is charged when you buy it, automatically.

 

Never had a stock of drinks in my room. The fruit basket was nice, though.

 

General room service is included. There is a catering menu and some speciality items that are extra. I think the new "Pizza" in a box is definitely extra. Tip them for delivery of your room service meal.

 

If you order wine to the room, you get a corkscrew. If you don't ask the steward and he will gladly provide one, or you can ask room service.

Hi, I am also going on the Golden in August. I would like some information about putting extra money for my on board account. Should I contact my TA or Princess?

It would be so nice to have money in my account before I board, it sure would help with the budget.

 

Thanks

 

Barb

[Bases5]

Hi, I am also going on the Golden in August. I would like some information about putting extra money for my on board account. Should I contact my TA or Princess?

It would be so nice to have money in my account before I board, it sure would help with the budget.

 

Thanks

 

Barb

 

 

Ditto

[Pia1913]

 

 

4. Does any one know if the bedding has been updated on the Golden? Can you request those egg crate padding things from Princess? It would be extremely beneficial for my hubby to have a little extra padding on the bed due to his disability.

 

Yes, the bedding has been upgraded but you can still get the eggcrate. You will love the fluffy duvet

 

5. We are in room (Caribe Deck I think) BA Category Room C304. If that a good deck to be on?

 

Excellent choice.

 

8. With the cruise personalizer that they offer on-line, one part asks for what kind of drinks you prefer. I read somewhere that they will put a small stock of the drinks you prefer in your room once you use the cruise personalizer. Question is, are you charged by consumption of what they put in your room, or you get charged for all/whatever they put in your room?

 

You do not get a bar setup unless you're Elite, and in that case the initial setup is complimentary. You may get a large bottle of water which will cost you big time if you use it.

 

 

Pia.

[flamomo]

"5. We are in room (Caribe Deck I think) BA Category Room C304. If that a good deck to be on?"

 

As the OP said, Good choice. The balconies on Caribe ar larger than those on other decks, which would be beneficial for you DH in his wheelchair. More maneuvering room.

Since yours is a handicap cabin, there will be more space for his ease in moving about. Also, it is located near the forward elevators, which will be convenient.

 

Over all I would say, Excellent choice.

 

" bottle of water which will cost you big time if you use it."

 

The large bottle of waster costs about $3.50. But the water onboard is fine for drinking, so we always use the bottle in the refrigerator, then keep refilling it from the tap in the bathroom. Your steward will refill your ice bucket in the fridge in the morning and again in the evening.

[Eytbol8]

Just wanted to take a quick minute to thank all that have replied so far. It is extremely helpful.

[AlaskaGolden]

Here's a fairly comprehensive list of what's included and not included I prepared for out group for out cruise in two weeks on the Golden:

 

 

INCLUDED

1. Art Auctions (unless you buy something)
   
2. Beverages: Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Water (NOT Bottled Water), Milk & Juice (for breakfast only)
   
3. Children's Program (though it is nice to tip the staff)
   
4. Dancing
   
5. Food in the Dining Room, the Buffet, the Grill (Trident) and the Pizzeria (Prego)
   
6. Ice Cream in the Buffet area around 3:30 PM, and in the Dining Rooms at Lunch and Dinner
   
7. Lectures/Talks
   
8. Lending Library
   
9. Sports activities including the gym, paddleball/basketball courts, mini golf, shuffle board & chess
   
10. Movies in the Princess Theater
    
11. Movies Under the Stars (MUTS) (on select ships, not on the Golden)
    
12. Pools, Hot Tubs, Saunas and Steam Rooms
    
13. Room Service Food (from the designated room service menu, and it's customary to tip a small amount)
    
14. Shows and Lounge Entertainment
    
15. Trivia Games
    
16. Views from the Skywalkers Nightclub
    
17. Your cabin
    

NOT INCLUDED

1. Alcoholic Beverages and Sodas (including lemonade)
   
2. Art Auction Purchases
   
3. Bottled Water
   
4. Casino and Bingo
   
5. Computer Classes
   
6. Crafts (some might be free)
   
7. Digital Photo Processing and Burning Photos to CD
   
8. Future Cruise Sales
   
9. Golf simulator and Arcade Games
   
10. Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Stand by the Pool (Sundaes)
    
11. Internet Usage
    
12. Medical Consultations and Treatments
    
13. Photos (they take a zillion of them, but you don't have to buy them)
    
14. Pizza Delivery (only on select ships, not on the Golden)
    
15. Room Service Beverages (other than coffee, water, hot tea, iced tea, milk and juice in the morning)
    
16. Room Service Specialty items (canapés, ultimate balcony dining, glacier viewing breakfast)
    
17. Sanctuary (only on select ships, not on the Golden)
    
18. Shops and Boutiques
    
19. Shore Excursions
    
20. Some exercise classes (Pilates, spinning, etc.)
    
21. Spa and Salon (Beauty Parlor & Barber) Services
    
22. Specialty Coffees and Freshly Brewed Regular & Decaf Coffee from the Bars and Lounges
    
23. Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges (like the Sterling Steakhouse & Sabatinis Tratatoria)
    
24. Tips/Gratuities
    
25. Wine Tastings
    

[Pia1913]

Here's a fairly comprehensive list of what's included and not included I prepared for out group for out cruise in two weeks on the Golden:

 

 

INCLUDED

1. 
   
2. Lectures/Talks

Not all of them. There's a $10 fee for a photography "show and tell" and also a $10 fee for a computer "show and tell." The photo lecture was in the wheelhouse and the computer talk was in the restaurant near the internet cafe.

 

Pia.

 

P.S. loved your lists

[d3661]

It looks like Eytbol8’s questions have all been answered. The lists are great and they seem quite accurate. I just left Golden this morning in Seattle and I can add one comment and an observation: The mattresses in our Aloha deck cabin were very, very firm and seem to be original outfitting. (This was fine for us, but anyone used to a “pillow top” type bed may want to ask for an egg crate pad.) In fact, the entire ship seems to be utterly Grand Class original, as if nothing has been touched since its first cruise in April 2002 (I think I just read that was Golden’s first revenue sailing.) Cosmetically the ship is suffering here and there, but the superb and upbeat crew keeps it gleaming and clean. Great ship, happy ship – hope you have a great time in Mexico.

[Eytbol8]

Thanks again for all the replies :D !

[Pam in CA]

1. Aside from alcohol purchases, casino, excursions, bingo, specialty dinning (Sabatini's, Sterling's, Specialty Coffee Shop), etc., what other expenses should I expect on the cruise? For example, I believe the Golden has a pizzeria, and burger/hot dog grill, and ice cream bar - are those all additional $$ or included?

All of these are free. There are several flavors of ice cream offered daily, including sherbets, from Noon - 1:30, a make-your-own sundae from about 3 - 4PM, and lots more ice cream at dinner... probably about 8 hours of free ice cream offered daily. The only extra-charge ice cream is at the special ice cream bar near the pool.

2. Does Princess offer drink (alcohol) cards you can purchase? For example, previously Carnival had drink coupons you could order ahead of time and use for alcohol drinks.

No drink coupons but they do have a "drink of the day" special; I also think the drinks are reasonably priced.[/font][/color]

3. Can you put $$ ahead of time on your onboard account?

Yes.

4. Does any one know if the bedding has been updated on the Golden? Can you request those egg crate padding things from Princess? It would be extremely beneficial for my hubby to have a little extra padding on the bed due to his disability.

Yes. The bed on my Golden cruise in February was fantastic. VERY comfortable. As good as my pillow-top bed at home.

5. We are in room Caribe Deck I think BA Category Room C304. If that a good deck to be on?

Excellent cabin

6. We were thinking about doing the Ultimate Balcony Dinning thing one night to celebrate our 14 wedding anniversary. Anyone have experience with that? Is it worth it? Do you tip the people that come in to do that or is it included in the general tipping charge you pay for?

I forget. Sorry. :(

7. With regards to tipping, I know this topic is debatable and a personal preference- but will ask anyways. Do I not have to worry about tipping at all until the end because of the automatic tipping charge? So, what I am really asking is do I have to worry about tipping during my days I am there each time I get food, drinks at the bar, or service, or is it really okay not worry about that and tipping because of the automatic tipping at the end?

The $10/day/pp covers your cabin steward and all of the dining staff. A 15% charge is automatically added to any drink (including soda) order. Only extra tipping would be for room service.

8. With the cruise personalizer that they offer on-line, one part asks for what kind of drinks you prefer. I read somewhere that they will put a small stock of the drinks you prefer in your room once you use the cruise personalizer. Question is, are you charged by consumption of what they put in your room, or you get charged for all/whatever they put in your room?

Bar set-ups are only available for Elite or full suite passengers.

[Pam in CA]

Ice Cream is extra except for the two hours it's served in the afternoon. (And it was made on the ship, last time I was on the Golden.)

This is incorrect information. The only extra charge ice cream is the specialty ice cream near the pool. There's lots of free ice cream throughout the day and evening. It's freshly-made and delicious, with a variety of flavors offered at lunch and dinner every day, plus the make-your-own sundae in the afternoon. You can get the standard flavors (vanilla and chocolate) every day.

[Cruisin'Trooper]

Just got home from being on the Golden for the past 7 days in Alaska. Will provide a complete wrap up of our trip as soon as the jet lag wears off! :)

[mamag]

Hi, I am also going on the Golden in August. I would like some information about putting extra money for my on board account. Should I contact my TA or Princess?

It would be so nice to have money in my account before I board, it sure would help with the budget.

 

Thanks

 

Barb

 

 

I just contacted my TA, gave my credit card number and told her how much I wanted on my ship board account. Worked great. The added bonus was I used the card connected to my bank account and no bill to deal with later.

 

Lynn

[Barb50]

I just contacted my TA, gave my credit card number and told her how much I wanted on my ship board account. Worked great. The added bonus was I used the card connected to my bank account and no bill to deal with later.

 

Lynn

Lynn,

Thanks so much for your post. I will contact my TA to put money on my on board account.

I love all the information on Cruise Critic, ask a question, get a great answer!!!!

 

Barb

[dbdave]

Concerning the bedding question, you can ask for an eggcrate to be put on the bed and if you want it softer they will put a second eggcrate on it if you ask!!

[Plant]

Bar set-ups are only available for Elite or full suite passengers.

 

Anyone can order and pay for a bar set-up before their cruise using the "Gifts" section on the Princess website:

 

http://www.princess.com/onboard/services/gifts/cellars.html

[Pam in CA]

Anyone can order and pay for a bar set-up before their cruise using the "Gifts" section on the Princess website:

 

http://www.princess.com/onboard/services/gifts/cellars.html

Thanks for the correction. I don't drink in my cabin so I wasn't aware of that.

[Eytbol8]

Again, thank you all for your responses. You have all been wonderful. We really appreciate it. I think I have just about all my questions answered, or do I? A couple more quick question, I hope you don't mind?

 

• Does Golden show movies in the theatre? I don't think it has movies under the stars.
  
• Anyone have experience with the boarding in San Pedro, CA that they can share?

Thanks again :cool:!

[Pia1913]

Again, thank you all for your responses. You have all been wonderful. We really appreciate it. I think I have just about all my questions answered, or do I? A couple more quick question, I hope you don't mind?

 

• Does Golden show movies in the theatre? I don't think it has movies under the stars.

Occasionally; not every night

 

:cool:!

 

Pia.

[Eytbol8]

Do they not serve soda at the buffets anymore? The last cruise I was on, soda was available at the buffet for no extra charge.

Thanks :confused:!

[sonomaphil]

Do they not serve soda at the buffets anymore? The last cruise I was on, soda was available at the buffet for no extra charge.

 

Thanks :confused:!

 

No sodas at the buffet. All soda are an extra charge. If you drink a lot of sodas, get the soda card for unlimited fountain soda drinks. About $35 or so for a 7 day cruise.

[Pia1913]

Do they not serve soda at the buffets anymore? The last cruise I was on, soda was available at the buffet for no extra charge.

 

Thanks :confused:!

 

May I ask which cruise you were on that soda at the buffet was free? I've never seen it on any ship in all my years of cruising. Could it be Disney? I know they do things differently. Or one of the upscale cruise lines like Seabourn (where you've already paid for it but you don't know it)

 

Pia