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Interior Stateroom
The Interior stateroom is approximately 160 to 182 square feet and richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also...-
Interior Stateroom - Category IF
IFAUD $256
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IE
IEAUD $261
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category ID
IDAUD $266
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IC
ICAUD $271
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IB
IBAUD $276
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IA
IAAUD $281
total per person
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Obstructed Oceanview Stateroom
The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 168 square feet and features the same fine amenities as our... -
Balcony Stateroom
The spacious approximately 232-square-foot Balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding views...-
Balcony Stateroom - Category BE
BEAUD $331
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BD
BDAUD $336
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BC
BCAUD $341
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BB
BBAUD $346
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BA
BAAUD $351
total per person -
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B4
B4AUD $360
total per person -
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B2
B2AUD $360
total per person
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Mini-Suite With Balcony
The luxurious Mini-Suite offers approximately 323 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa bed... -
Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony
Club Class Mini-Suites feature the same great amenities as the standard Mini-Suites, but with exclusive VIP touches....-
Club Class Mini-Suite - Category M1
M1AUD $495
total per person
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Interior Stateroom
The Interior stateroom is approximately 160 to 182 square feet and richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
These features and fine amenities are standard in the Interior stateroom:
- Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*
- Private bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Nightly turn-down service
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Obstructed Oceanview Stateroom
The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 168 square feet and features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
These features and fine amenities are standard in the Obstructed Oceanview stateroom:
- Picture window (fully or partially obstructed view)
- Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*
- Private bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Nightly turn-down service
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Balcony Stateroom
The spacious approximately 232-square-foot Balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding views from an approximately 47-square-foot private balcony. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
These features and fine amenities are standard in the Balcony stateroom:
- Balcony with patio furniture
- Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*
- Private bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Mini-Suite With Balcony
The luxurious Mini-Suite offers approximately 323 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The spacious balcony is approximately 61 square feet and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower. Some Mini-Suites also have a pullman bed to accommodate a 4th passenger.
These features and fine amenities are standard in a Mini-Suite stateroom:
- Welcome glass of champagne
- Separate seating area with a sofabed
- Balcony with patio furniture
- Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*
- Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow
- Two flat-panel televisions
- Private bathroom with combination tub and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony
Club Class Mini-Suites feature the same great amenities as the standard Mini-Suites, but with exclusive VIP touches. This includes the delicious temptation of exclusive Club Class Dining privileges, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and the new Princess Luxury Bed, designed by leading experts in both the science and beauty of sleep.
Upgraded Amenities & Services
- Exclusive Club Class Dining for dinner each night, plus breakfast and lunch on sea days
- The Princess Luxury Bed
- Priority Embarkation & Disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise
- Full access to the Priority Disembarkation Lounge
- Complimentary one time wine set-up on embarkation day, 1/2 bottle of red and 1/2 bottle of white
- Complimentary Premium Evening Canapés (upon request)
- Upgraded Terry Shawl Bathrobes
Plus the Standard Mini-suite Benefits
- Spacious staterooms up to 323 square feet with balcony
- Upgraded balcony with patio furniture (table and two chairs)
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Separate seating area with coffee table and a sofa bed
- Private bathroom with combination tub and shower
- Massage shower head
- Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion
- 100% Egyptian Cotton Terry Towels
- Welcome glass of champagne
- Fruit Basket (upon request)
- RefrigeratorTwice daily housekeeping service
- Evening bed turn-down with chocolates on your pillow
- Two 42” flat-panel satellite televisions
- Hair Dryer
- Phone & Desk
- Tote Bag
- Digital Security Safe
- 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IF
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IE
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category ID
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IC
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IB
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IA
Emerald Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OZ
Emerald Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OY
Emerald Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OW
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BE
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BD
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BC
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BB
Baja Deck 11
Balcony Stateroom - Category BA
Multiple Decks
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B4
Caribe Deck 10
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B2
Dolphin Deck 9
Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MD
Dolphin Deck 9
Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MB
Dolphin Deck 9
Club Class Mini-Suite - Category M1
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Melbourne Depart: Mon, Apr 6, 2020 @ 16:00 -
Day 2
At SeaTue, Apr 7, 2020
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Day 3
Sydney Arrive: Wed, Apr 8, 2020 @ 06:00
Onboard experience
Anytime Dining
Fresh And Flexible, Dine Any Time: Just like a restaurant at home, Anytime Dining enables guests the freedom to dine when and with whom they wish, at any time between 5:30 PM and 10 PM. Reservations are available through an onboard dining hotline, but not required, and diners may choose to eat only with their own group, or be seated with other guests. The choice is yours.
Traditional Dining
Indulge In The Classic Cruise Experience: Harkening back to the Golden Era of sea travel, our Traditional Dining option allows you to dine at the same time each day and enjoy the same tablemates and waitstaff throughout your voyage. Choose from either early or late seating.
Horizon Court
Horizon Court offers an endless selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favorite beverages and customizable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches.
International Cafe
Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.
Prego Pizzeria
A perennial Princess passenger favorite, Prego serves up freshly made Neopolitan-style pizza by the slice or by the whole pie. Named the "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY, you’ll savor classic favorites made with hand-tossed dough, fresh tomato sauce, cheeses and pepperoni or try the daily specials.
Trident Grill
Follow your nose to the Trident Grill where the burgers are flipping and the hotdogs roasting, served with a variety of fixin’s and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.
Craft by Curtis
In the Main Dining Room, savor fresh new cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone during every voyage. Personal reflections on the menu by Chef Stone elaborate on each "Crafted" selection, prepared with the most authentic ingredients. Be enticed by dishes featuring delicious meats and seafood, fresh produce and vibrant, bold flavors.
Sabatini’s (Italian restaurant)
Savour Sabatini’s authentic offerings featuring signature pastas, Italian wines and an irresistible selection of delectable desserts, all celebrating our Italian culinary heritage.
Crown Grill Steakhouse
Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood.
Chef's Table
Taking dining to a new level, the Chef’s Table Experience includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley for you and a limited number of fellow guests. After your executive chef describes the specially designed menu for the night, participants are escorted to an intimate table for the main course, including pairing suggestions. Each couple receives a personalized autographed copy of Princess’ best-selling cookbook, a handwritten copy of the special menu and a complimentary photo.
Crab Shack
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this full crab shack experience. An intriguing bistro option housed within the Horizon Court buffet, Crab Shack diners can savour Bayou-style boiled crawfish and spicy sausage, popcorn shrimp, steaming clam chowder and a tantalizing mixed steamer pot filled with snow crab, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels.
Ultimate Balcony Dining
Enjoy a romantic meal at sea by choosing to have a luxurious breakfast or intimate multi-course dinner on your balcony.
Bars and Lounges
Explorers Lounge
A lounge where Indiana Jones would feel at home, designed to evoke the wonders of the Far East and Africa. Entertainment includes cabaret acts, singers, magicians, comedians and dancing.
Skywalkers NightClub
Boasting panoramic views form its vantag point 15 decks above the sea, Skywalkers Nightclub is the hottest spot to be after the sun goes down. Immerse yourself in the high-energy atmosphere and get into the groove while you senses are set abuzz by the state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.
Wheelhouse Bar
P&O memorabilia decorates the nautically-themed Wheelhouse Bar, where the attentive staff is always ready to take your order.
Vines
Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, like Opus One, Super Tuscans, fine sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass. Gourmet delicacies, such as antipasti and tapas, are complimentary with any wine purchase.
Other Bars:
- Players Cigar Bar
- Promenade Lounge & Bar
Chocolate
Norman Love has partnered with Princess Cruises to bring you Chocolate Journeys.
Chocolate at every meal?
No problem, you can indulge as follows
- A Premium Chocolate Cocktail will be on the dessert menu in the main dining room.
- Princess' long-established afternoon tea will include seven pastries and six cakes designed by Chef Love
- The main dining room dessert menu will also get a new Chocolate Souffé with white chocolate sauce.
- Chocolate cookies will be available at strategic spots around the ship including the International Cafe, to head off any hunger pangs.
- The International Cafe menu will also be bolstered by a select daily complimentary chocolate snack.
- Breakfast time hasn't escaped, keep a lookout for the savoury items he has designed.
- You'll find one of a dozen new chocolate cakes offered each night in the Buffet
Premium Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Partake in sensory experience of paired wine and cholate, as they blend harmoniously onyour palate.
*Charges apply
Chocolate Spa Treatments
The Lotus Spa offers a hyddrating, ant-oxidant chocolate body treatment.
Norman Love Confections
You can purchase Norman Love Confections onboard to take home and order more once you are home that will get shipped directly to you.
Discovery at Sea
Princess and Discovery Communications have teamed up to create a new memorable holiday experience for everyone to enjoy.
- Discovery Under the Stars - Star Gazing from the Top Decks
- Shark Week at Sea - Test your knowledge of the Oceans and the World with games and activites
- Discovery Channel and Animal Planet Shore Excursions
Entertainment
Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre offers two shows each evening, that change daily. Offering Broadway at Sea with classics, popular hits original numbers.
Vista Lounge
Seating over 300 people, pull up a seat and enjoy the guest entertainers, magicians and comedians. Or part-take in an instructor lead class such as line-dancing. There is always something for everyone.
Casino
From gaming lessons to the latest slot machines to prize tournaments, our Casinos offer fun and excitement. If you enjoy blackjack, or “21,” and Texas Hold 'Em, our tables play by Vegas rules and if you relish the challenge of roulette, we offer the American version.
The casino will not be open when in port.
Movies under the Stars
Day time or Night time watch a feature film, concert or sports game on the Big Screen on the pool deck. Feast on complimentary popcorn or cookies and stay comfortable with fleece blankets in the evening.
Festivals of the World
There’s nothing like a Princess party to bring people together. Our Festivals of the World hosts onboard events that celebrate timeless traditions from nearly every corner of the globe.* Parties and dancing, lively music and folkloric performances, enriching activities, themed movies and specialty shopping are just some of the ways our Festivals of the World come to life! From Oktoberfest to Rio’s Carnival, Festivals of the World is a gala event you won’t want to miss.
Featured Guest Entertainers
Grab a seat, order a cocktail and be prepared to be entertained by our lineup of world class entertainers. From magic to comedy, singers to instrumentalists, jugglers to balancing acts and much, much more, we search the globe for top talent to be featured on our ships. So get ready to be amazed, entertained, mesmerized or just laugh the night away!
Kids Club
Princess Cruises Children's Clubs and Teen Lounges ensure our all cruisers, young and old, stay happy all day long
The Treehouse (formerly Pelicans) : Ages 3-7 years
Go wild in the animal-themed Treehouse. With a range of activities including: art projects, protecting the wildlife and takeing part ina Pirate night, your kids can huddle, create and discover all cruise long.
The Lodge (formerly Shockwaves): Ages 8-12 years
An outdoor based area, will engage minds and muscles. Build rockets, Scavenger hunts, miniatures Olympics and Mythbuster challenges are just some of the fun to be found.
The Beach House (formerly Remox): Ages 13-17 years
A contemporary surf-themed lounge, your teen will never want to leave. With plenty to do from video game tournaments, movie nights, dance classes and a VIP party they will keep busy or be happy to just hang.
Club 1820
A private secret society for 18-20 year olds - no parents, no siblings a secret handshake and code is required to enter
Please note Image and Club names are based on the new Children's/Teens areas are that are being rolled out onto Golden Princess in March 2018
Babysitting
For your convenience, group kidsitting is offered in the Youth Centers. Kids can relax and watch movies or play games with their friends while mom and dad have a relaxing night out.
- For children ages 3 to 12 years.
- From 10:00 pm to 1:00 am.
- Charge of $5.00 per hour per child.
Spa & Salon
No detail has been spared at the Lotus Spa--from the expert technicians garbed in Asian-inspired outfits to the couples mud room--making it one of the best spas on the high seas.
The Beauty Salon offers a range of services from cuts and colours to barber services for men.
Sports & Fitness
Sea Princess has a well equipped Gym, with an aerobics room for Yoga, Pilates and Spin classes. (Charges may apply for classes)
A Sports Court is available for volleyball and basketball with space for spectator seating.
There is also Table Tennis and Shuffleboard available.
Two golf simulators let passengers try their luck "playing" world famous golf courses, and their are golf nets to practice your swings on the Lido Deck. You can also find onboard a Nine hole mini golf course
Swimming
Neptune's Reef and Pool & Calypso Reef & Pool
Take a dip in our sparkling freshwater pools and leave your everyday world behind. Unwind on a padded lounger and soak up the sun, catch up on reading, listen to music or dream of your next adventure on board or ashore. And what better way to relax and revitalize after a day exploring the world than a long soak in one of our whirling hot tubs. And don’t forget, there is always a server nearby to bring you a refreshing cocktail or favourite beverage.
Neptune Pool is on the open deck
Calypso Pool is under cover.
Adults Only Area
A luxurious Adult only retreat located on deck 15 offers you the chance to completely unwind and relax.
- Serenity Stewards will attend to your every need, from getting you drinks and meals to spraying you with Evian water atmizers.
- Massages are available in in the two outdoor private cabanas.
Half-day passes for The Sanctuary are available for $20 per person, for 8 am to 12:30 pm or 1 pm to 5:30 pm or later. Guests choosing to indulge with an outdoor massage may also enjoy an hour’s use of The Sanctuary area after their treatment.
Ship info
Golden Princess is a Grand Class cruise ship for Princess Cruises that entered service in 2001. It is the sister ship of Grand Princess and Star Princess. It measures 109,000 gross tons and carries 2,600 passengers (double occupancy) plus 1,100 crew members. In 2009 the ship went into dry dock for an extensive make over with a number of Princess Cruises signature features added, including a new piazza-style atrium, an adults-only Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars poolside screen, Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant and a variety of other enhancements.
- Vessel: Golden Princess
- Year: 2001
- Beam: 118
- Cruising speed: 22
- Bars/Lounges: 12
- Crew: 1100
- Gross Tonnage: 108,865
- Gym: Yes
- Kids Club: Ages 3 -17
- Onboard Currency: AUD on Australia cruises otherwise USD
- Passenger Capacity: 2,636
- Show Lounge: Daily Shows
- Vessel: 4
- Whirlpool Spas: 8
- 24-Hour Room Service
- All Main Meals Included
- Anytime Dining
- Art Auctions
- Coin Operated Laundry
- Dance Classes
- Duty Free Shopping
- Florist
- Guest Entertainers
- Internet Facilities
- Jogging Track
- Live Music
- Photographer
- Quiet Library
- Security Safe in Cabin
- Themed Party Nights
Decks
Golden Princess - Deck Plans
Cruise reviews
30 passengers have reviewed this ship
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"Loved the Golden Princess"
My family and I travelled on the Golden Princess in January 2016. Our party consisted of myself my husband in our sixties our daughter and son in in their forties and three grandchildren 16, 14 & 9 years old. They was plenty for all age groups and the 9 year old really enjoyed her club and did a program called 'junior chef at sea' which she and a small group decorated a cake with the help of the chef. She received a certificate and hat and apron, this was only $25 Aud. So was well worth it. The older boys did not attend the program's choosing to be with the adults or in the pool. Speaking for myself and my husband we found the food amazing, we had anytime dining and booked everyday at 5.30 and there was always a table for us. We mostly ate together and they always put us on the same big table. Food in the Horizon Court , breakfast and lunch was also very good. Staff were very helpful and even when busy, always a table somewhere at the Horizon Court. Drinks were readily available and plates cleaned away quickly. Our cabin steward was super polite and efficient. In all as a couple we have been on 5 cruises and this has to be one of the favourites.
Read moreSara H - Jan 2016
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"The Renovation Cruise"
This was supposed to be a positioning cruise but it appeared to be more like a renovation cruise. The ship was apparently heading to California for a long awaited update. However Princess decided to start the work during the 31 day cruise. The most serious issues for us were the problems we experienced with our cabin toilet which generally failed to flush for the first five days and at various times later in the cruise. Princess did offer some compensation but it was clearly a fairly widespread issue on this cruise. Not only inconvenient but also a potential health hazard. More generally the works going on included repainting public areas and taking the main pool out of use for three (sea) days, also for repainting. This together with the rather tired appearance of the ship spoiled what would otherwise have been an excellent and really good value cruise. We hope the ship will look much smarter when it comes to be based in Melbourne later this year. On the positive side, we enjoyed the ports of call, particularly in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico which each came as a very pleasant surprise. We avoided the Princess tours which were generally criticised by other passengers as being too expensive and had no difficulty finding ways to independently entertain ourselves in each port.. An area that particularly impressed was the overall standard of the food and we were surprised at the consistent criticism of other passengers. The steakhouse experience was excellent and generally the dining room meals were fine. Also the pizzas were pretty good. Sometimes food in the buffet could have been hotter but this is a normal criticism of buffets. Also the chefs there were brilliant at assisting my wife who had particular dietary requirements. Entertainment on cruise ships is very much a matter of personal taste and our view on this cruise was that it was varied - some acts very good, some terrible. We have to say that the Cruise Director did not appeal to us and did not seem to add much value to the cruise. Other members of his staff seemed to offer far more (especially Jamie) and they organised a good range of activities. Embarkation in Buenos Aires was a little tedious and disembarkation was no better in Los Angeles, not helped by a late arrival and delays in delivering the luggage. Overall, this was a very enjoyable cruise but could have been even better if only Princess would pay more attention to detail (lots of little things - eg playing a movie without turning the disco music off).
Read moreAnthony W - Apr 2015
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"over 70 years cruise"
Very good and enjoyed the trip with good food ,.Cabin Staff were top of the marks. I would like another cruise but on a pension we and others have find the cost out of a small money income. With our good weather meant enjoying the outside for many hours talking to some senior officers. As a mental break and great company is felt very relaxed. thanks to all. BH
Read moreBarry H - Jan 2016
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"Our eighth cruise, my husband's last"
We had a wonderful time as it was my husband's birthday cruise, little knowing that within five weeks of returning he would have passed away. Port Arthur was his most interesting place. He was appalled at the conditions the prisoners were kept in. It was a sobering time for him to hear their stories. I wanted to visit it all again and take my mother this time as she has never been to Tasmania and is now a sprightly 91 year old.
Read moreJanice P - Apr 2017
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"Alaska Cruise"
This was our first cruise. We were very happy overall with the cruise. The only issue we had was with the pressure selling and sales hype. We attended a shopping session on day 1 thinking they would be telling us about the ports etc that we were to visit but not so it was to sell a book of vouchers, it was incredible to see the hype and clamouring from passengers to buy these for and exorbitant fee(we felt). We were speaking to a couple a few days later and they said they couldn't understand why they bought one. Also all the ports we called at were built and we felt owned by the cruise companies. but all in all it was a lovely trip. The staff were delightful and very helpful.
Read moreFrancis B - Jun 2014
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Cruise code: 5010
2 nights
Australia Getaway Cruise
- Departing from Melbourne
- Golden Princess
- Accommodation with private ensuite
- Full breakfast
- Buffet or a la carte lunch menu
- Buffet or 4 course a la carte dinners
- Musical stage shows and entertainment
- Special guest entertainers
- Fully supervised children's programs for ages 3 to 17 years
- Flat screen TV for in-cabin entertainment
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- In cabin safe
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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