All that glitters really is Golden after major makeover…
Golden Princess, which joined the Princess fleet in May 2001, underwent the most extensive makeover ever undertaken by Princess Cruises at Victoria Shipyards in British Columbia in April 2018.
And when the ship resumed sailing two weeks later, among the new features were a new piazza-style atrium, an adults-only Sanctuary, a Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, and a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.
The amenities added were the Princess signature features already to be found on Princesss newest ships, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess. Many have also been introduced on Caribbean Princess, Star Princess and Grand Princess during earlier drydock periods.
The new Piazza has an inviting street cafe atmosphere featuring roving entertainers and two new dining options.
The International Cafe serves up specialty coffees, fresh baked cookies, pastries, panini sandwiches and tapas. Vines, a
wine bar, offers a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of seafood, artisan meats and cheeses, and a wine shop.
A new restaurant, the Crown Grill, has an open kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching as chefs prepare chops, steaks and seafood, including live lobsters. And adult passengers looking to get away from it all can relax in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princesss signature retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards.
Looming over one of the ships pools, Movies Under the Stars boasts a state-of-the-art 300-sq-ft Times Square-style LED screen, offering evening movies and a variety of daytime programming.
In addition to family cinema and first run hits, Movies Under the Stars also features major sporting events and concerts as well as 50 different offerings per week.
As part of the renovation, Golden Princess has also been fitted with seven new window suites with ocean-view picture windows, and a relocated casino on deck 7, bringing it into the ships central entertainment area.
Ten new balcony suites and two ocean view cabins have also been added in the aft of the ship, replacing the former video arcade.
Other changes include new locations for the sports court, a new Limelight boutique, new shore excursions and Captains Circle desks, new Internet cafe and library, and the addition of
new gym equipment in the fitness center.
PASSENGERS : 2590
BERTHS : 1318
CREW : 1100
FACILITIES : Three main dining rooms (two sittings), alternative dining options, three show lounges, 12 lounges/bars, casino, cinema, wedding chapel, virtual reality centyre, five swimming pools (one with magradome), nine hot tubs, fitness centre, expansive spa, golf simulator, 9-hole putting course, internet cafe, library, childrens and teen centres, self-service launderette.
