Samuel Phillips

Age: 46
Occupation: Manufacturing Supervisor
Number of Cruises: First Cruise
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Ship: Golden Princess
Sailing Date: April 20th, 2002
Itinerary: St. Maarten - St Thomas - Princess Cays

As noted this was our first cruise. I was worried about getting seasick. I took along a prescription for the patch. (More about that later). Boarding went well, we arrived at the airport around 12:00. It was easy to find our bus to the ship. Princess had ladies with signs at the luggage pick up. We went through the boarding process with no problems. Being early seemed to help. Since the ship was booked it probably could get crazy at certain times.

Your room key/card is used for all purchases on the ship. For $17.50 we purchased a sticker that was placed on your card for soft drinks. Good deal but only purchase one if your traveling as a couple. We immediately headed for the buffet lunch. Great, sliced prime rib for lunch, I was in heaven. There were plenty of other choices of food and fruit. Drinks are always readily available. Ok, the important stuff, Beer ranges from $2.50 to $3.50 plus tip which is added to the tab. Mixed drinks and wine around $5.00. I would consider bringing a bottle of wine and some liquor along in my suitcase on my next cruise. They charge $10.00 to open a bottle of wine at dinner. Also, they take all liquor purchased on the excursions and give it back to you on the last day.

Sea sickness: The first night was great, I felt no way a person could get sick on this ship so I didn’t apply the patch. The next morning, I went to the gym and was having trouble doing some exercises due to ship movement. I started feeling dizzy so I applied the patch at that point. I was fine for the rest of the time on board. One night we went through a storm and the ship was rocking and I had no problems. Typically the ride was smooth as glass. Only twice did we hit some ruff waters and that was only for a short period of time.

The Room: We had an outside cabin, OK for the time you actually spend in it. By the time we got to bed it was always after midnight, the beds and pillows were good…the shower and bathroom facilities are good for a few jokes.

Entertainment: I read in a cruise review that the shows were lousy…Just the opposite. We enjoyed every show. They had 2 comedians, a magician, a comic juggler; he was great and a hypnotists. They had karaoke night, don’t do it unless you’re good. The people who get up are prepared to say the least. The cruise director, Alister and sidekick Franky were very funny and seemed to be everywhere and never slept. I give them a lot of credit for the fine job they did…

Food: We had personal choice seating. There were four of us; we only waited once for a table. That was on one of the formal nights. Big deal, you get a drink and sit in the lounge until they come looking for you. Food presentation, A, Food quality A, Service B. I enjoyed every meal. I’m ashamed to say I had 4 lobster tails on lobster night. (They are about 4 oz’s each)

Excursions: First stop St. Maarten. We took the butterfly tour. It was good, worth the price of admission. You also get a nice tour of the Island. They stop along the way for pictures and some shopping.

Ok here’s a BIG tip…Booze, jewelry, cigarettes,(I don’t smoke) and Cuban cigars if you want to buy them are CHEAPER here then at St. Thomas. Example, a large bottle of Baily’s Irish Crème, under $10.00 in some stores. Prices vary a little from store to store. In St. Thomas around $13.00. Cigarettes, in some stores under $10.00 a carton, St Thomas around $16.00. Jewelry I was pricing a bracelet for my wife, gold with crushed black opal inlaid in it. The best I could do in St Maarten was $259.00. St Thomas, the first store, wanted $1,200 I walked out. The best price $310.00 and I tried my best to get if for the $259.00. Cuban cigars are not available in St. Thomas since it’s owned by the US. St Thomas carries one brand you can buy legally.

Next stop was St Thomas. We took the Island tour it was OK. We shopped the rest of the day. The stores are all pretty much the same as far as merchandise.

Last stop: Princess Cay. We snorkeled which was awesome, my first time. They had a nice spread of food and basically your relax all day. Nice, after two days of shopping.

Summary: Ok, the good, bad and the ugly, here it is… Bring something for an upset stomach. My brother got sick from the water on the ship. He improved once he started drinking only bottled water. They will not give you any medication until you see their doctor for a $60.00 fee. Not even an aspirin. That was disappointing…

Don’t do what I did, on the last night you have to put your luggage in front of your door. I carefully packed my (6) bottles of liquor, labeled them and put it out with my stuff. We saw them take everything away. Well, my booze was stolen and man was I mad…In the fine print they say to carry your liquor, but someone should have said something. They are not responsible for as they say it, lost or misplaced items.

Be prepared for a nice bill at the end of your trip. My wife doesn’t drink, I had about 30 beers and bought a few rounds, with bingo, pictures, gratuities and your excursions we had a $600.00 plus bill. I’m not saying it’s not worth it but just be prepared.

Everything being said, it was a great trip. We were very satisfied with every aspect of our trip. We don’t have anything to compare it to since it was our first cruise but we look forward to doing it again. We spoke to one women on the ship this was her 59th cruise; she placed Princess at the top.

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