We are taking our children and 2 grandchildren on the Golden over Christmas. We have not cruised on Princess before and have some questions about this particular ship. Will appreciate anyone's input!
1) We have a family of 4 in a mini-suite. They have 2 children, 1 and 3. Will the mini-suite be OK in size for the family?
2) Some plan to party a fair amount on the ship. Anyone here in the 28 - 32 age range with suggestions for what they shouldn't miss? Also, how much are the drinks onboard?
3) Is the casino fairly large? We've been on other cruises where the casino was really small.
4) We signed up for anytime dining, but would like to eat together. There will be 10 of us, including the grandchildren. Is it likely we will have a long wait to eat?
5) Not everyone is excited about formal nights! How embarrassed will they be if they don't dress up?
Any other ideas or thoughts will be greatly appreciated! Thanks for the help!

Hi Cindy,
Welcome to Cruise Chat. I will attempt to answer some of your questions, but will qualify it with saying I've only cruised on the Sea, Sun and Dawn. The Golden is a larger ship than the Sea, Sun and Dawn. The mini-suite should be fine for 4 with children that young. There are plenty of clubs on board for partying as well as plenty of activities on board for all ages. The drinks range from $3 - $9 depending on what you are consuming, beer being the least expensive. The casinos on the Sea, Sun and Dawn were not huge, but enough room and machines to be able to move around. The Grand is probably a little larger. It depends on what time you go down for anytime dining. I was told the latest I could make reservations was 6:15, which was fine with us. Once you're on board, check with the Maitre d', you may be able to reserve the same table every night, especially since you're bringing a complete table every night. The longest I've heard for wait time from the people I spoke with on board was around 30 minutes. For formal nights, I would strongly encourage at least a sports jacket for the men and a nice pants suit for the women. Most people on board do tend to observe formal nights, the ones that don't usually go to the buffet. It is a great opportunity for a special picture and you can tell them after dinner is over, they can go and change into something more comfortable. Hope this helps a little and have a marvelous cruise!

Hi Cindy,
I'll be on the Golden Dec. 23 out of New Orleans so it looks like were on the same boat. This website (http://www.virtualtoursusa.com/goldenprincess.htm) has been very helpful to me. You can see a virtual tour of the mini-suite and the casino. AS far as the formal nights go, I have never been kicked out of the dining room ecause I wasn't in proper attire. The buffet is open 24/7 and it is never formal. You should also be able to easily fins seating for ten.

Welcome Aboard Cindy & Tyler,

I hope you enjoy your cruise on the Golden. What a wonderful was to celebrate Christmans.

I think Penny responded to most of your questions.
I too would advise seeing the Maitre D to reserve a table for 10 each night.
As for formal nights if you plan to eat in the dining room you should dress. If you want to remain casual you can eat up in Horizon COurt.
You don't need formal gowns & tuxedo, but, jacket & tie.
Be sure to read your Princess Patter - daily cruise newsletter. This will let you know allof the activities, along with drink specials for the day.

I do have several albums in my webshots link below with Golden photos.
ENJOY

Cathy

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