travel cruising the world golden princess hawaiian islands and mexico
In February of 2011, as a surprise birthday present for Lynn, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to take advantage of the up-coming spring break to schedule a much-needed getaway.
Princess had been sending me emails announcing last-minute reduced rates for specific cruises... one being a spring break cruise to Hawaii.
The price was great for an inside cabin and, added to that, was the fact that it was a round trip out of Long Beach, California.
Being Long Beach, we could get economical airline tickets thru Jet Blue and Lynn's mother, who lives in Long Beach, to get us to and from the airport.
We flew to Long Beach and boarded the Golden Princess for a fourteen day cruise including four days at sea followed by day stops on four islands; the big island Hawaii, Oahu, Kaui, and Maui.
The return trip included another four days at sea with a stop at Ensenada, Mexico befor returning to Long Beach.
The oddity of adding a stop in Ensenada to a "Hawaiian cruise" was later explained as it being a requirement of the Jones law.
Apparently, Canadian ferries were taking away business from US-based ferries in the Puget Sound.
The Jones Law was passed requiring any foriegn registered ships to have at least one foreign port in their cruise itinerary.
Since the Golden Princess is registered outside the US, they had to add Ensenada to their "Hawaiian" cruise.
The Golden Princess is one of Princess's larger cruise ships and, having preferred the smaller ships, we were concerned that we might be put off with large crowds.
As it turned out, the ship was huge and only about 3/4 full and there were no problems.
The eight days at sea, rather than being boring, provided some much-needed rest and relaxation.
travel: 2011 - March
PORTS:
Hilo, Hawaii, Hawaii -
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii -
Kauai, Hawaii -
Maui, Hawaii -
Ensenada, Mexico -
This cruise has earned an over-all four star (very good) rating from
Travel Fanatics Unlimited
****
Unless noted otherwise, all photos are copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr, architect
The main, outdoor pool deck, Golden Princess, 2011.
The main, outdoor pool deck, Golden Princess, 2011.
The adult pool at the stern of the ship, Golden Princess, 2011.
The Sanctuary is an "excluse" quiet spa area next to the fitness center, Golden Princess, 2011.
Lynn enjoying the sun above the main pool, Golden Princess, 2011.
The three-story main plaza is almost always featuring some kind of entertainment, Golden Princess, 2011.
Its always fun to tour the kitchens to see where all the good food comes from, Golden Princess, 2011.
Specialty foods are featured at lunch on certain days on the pool deck, Golden Princess, 2011. This day was Asian soups.
Lynn with a mouthful of fish and chips, a featured specialty on certain days in the English Pub, Golden Princess, 2011.
An afternoon dessert can be made healthy by adding a piece of fruit on the Golden Princess, 2011.
Outdoor movie night, Golden Princess, 2011.
copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc
page last revised september 2021