We are mid 70's, retired and like being pampered. This cruise was pefect for us. I would do another long cruise with Princess again with lots of sea days. Princess delivered on all I expected. The Crown Princess ship and crew were well trained and talented in delivering all the services I expected. On the last afternoon I enjoyed the comedy routine between Executive Chef Roy Cipriano and Director of Restaurant Oerations Mariusz Czemarmazowicz. It was perhaps the best comedy routine as it was so real. Princess may not be for everyone but this service was perfect for us.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Pier 24 terminal is a bit quirky with so many people arriving at the same. The lines to enter the terminal were long but moved fast. It best to get your Medallion sent to your home to expedite things.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We opted for a Reserve class dining experience. I highly recommend this option if you can get such a cabin. We really appreciated the personal service of the staff serving us.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I can't say we did a lot of them. This cruise went through various climate zones. SF fall weather. The warmer climates of Hawaii and Tahiti. Then the early spring of New Zealand. I enjoyed time on deck listening to bands and DJ's and an occassional hot tub. What we did we enjoyed. Cruise director always seemed to have something going on. I enjoyed going to the Skywalker lounge for solitude and great views.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We went to the Princess theater almost every night. I was particularly impressed by the ship dancers and especiall the the crown Princess band. Great range and variety. I regret missing the salute to Queen. There were so many great shows. The "Magic to Do" was very impressive.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We had the Reserve dining room where we had almost all of our meals. Staff was excellent, knew us and anticiapate our likes for every meal. Occassonaly we ate on Lido deck with Pizza and hambergers, tacos, soft ivecrean etc. staff was quick and helpful to bring drinks. I also had excellent sandwiches fro the International Caffee where staff was always friendly and helpful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Crown Princess is an older ship first sailed in 2006. However, the maintenance of and cleanlyness of the ship is outstanding. The design reflects that time. Crew mewnbers were varnishing the railings weather permitting and the maintence teams repaired a water leak in our cabin quickly and dryed and replaces the sub carpet in the hall and our cabil within a half hour of notifiaction of the problem. They were also friendly and expert in doing the repairs. With a ship of this age stuff goes wrong it is nice to know that teams are trained and capable to make repairs.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This is a mini-suite midships on deck 9. I chose this cabin because of the Reserve Collection amenities. I would choose it again. We enjoyed the balcony views frequently at sun rise. The Steward was excellent and we talked with him enough to get to know him and he knew our schedule.
Ship tip
We are older, mid 70's good health. If you can get a Reserve class Cabin get it. The dining experience is superior. We also had the Premier package, where the WIFI was really great to have. I didn't really get full value out of the drink package as I don't drink much but it was nice to get a dring and not work about the costs.
The nice thing about Honolulu is that the ship stays late (all aboud was 10:30PM) taxis (pricey) can take you anywhere. We had been there befor so we did not do much.
By the time we got here, we needed some items. we had been to Maui before. What was nice here is that shopping was a short walk form the dock. So we really didn't do much. Being on the ship is fun!
This port got cancelled as the ship had to sail back towards Hilo to allow the US Coast guard to evacuate by helicopter to two parrengers who were gravely ill. It was a good choice by Captain Lye. This was exciting to be part of this event. We got an extra sea day.
I did not record the name of the Princess bus excusion we went on but we went all around Tahiti Nui (big piece). We had a nice lunch and saw some of the many beaches and caves around this part of the island. My wife like the caves, and we both enjoyed the history of the Island and the museum at the end was particularly interesting to learn about the ocean canoes. I gained a geat respect to their seaman ship of the polynesian people. The tour ran late and shops were closing when we returned to the Crown Princess.
This was our first experience and encounter with NZ. Spring was beautiful and our Princess Bus tour guide described much of the current culture and history of NZ and the Maori culture. Our Lodge visit was enlightening to see how Anglo-Maori conflicts and resolution helped shape the culture of today in this amazing country.
We did a walking tour of downtown Auckland. Visiting local eating places and learning how this city developed. The ship docked right off Queen street (not named for that band) so it was an easy walk. The building by the dock was a copy of the San Francisco's own Ferry building. I felt right at home. Among the places we stopped at was a gourmet chocolate. Other tours may have doen wine tasting but for us chocolate perempted all toughts of wine.
We di another Princess Bus tour to another Maori Lodge wher we particpated in learning Maori dances and traditions. I was particularly impressed by the warriors dancing out the their history and the connection to the sea. I am glad that their culture is preserved in traditions, carvings, dance, and language. The long bus ride allowed us to see some of this beautiful country and see some of the various communities along the way. Driving on the left, especially going through round abouts mad me glad I wasn't driving.
We opted again for a bus tour with a walking tour focusing on the "Art Deco" nature of the city. The tour started in mid afternoon and returned just before the "all aboard" time. Bus shuttels are required to get from the port to the city. Being a long time Californian, I am sensitive to earth quakes , the resulting fires and recovery. I fornd the video and presentations of Art Deco preservaton committe to be very infornative not only about the 1931 7.8 earthquake and recovery but how they are tackeling the problems of cities today.
For us this stop was about "Lord of the Rings." We took a tour of the WETA studios and workshop as well as seeing serva location around Wellington where filming occured. I learned that WETA is a shortened Maori phase for "God of Ugly things" This workshop tour was amazing about how this company supplies so many creations for various film productions.
Being a mild rail buff I wanted to take the train ride to Seddon. This is not a steam train ride as pictured. Just as well fninding trained Steam engine operators is difficult. The diesel engine is from an old EMD engine from the 1970's with modern controls. The expertly maintained and updatecoaches were from the from the early 1900's. I loved this trip! We saw many vinyards that went were seemingly endless as well as great views of the coast. We were treated to a glass of wine on the trip. In Seddon I had some New Zealand ice cream. I wish I could take some NZ ice cream home!
OK we didn't see much of Sydney. The Crown Princess docked such that out balcony lockedout at the famous Syney Opea house and the ship slipped in just at dawn which was very beautiful. We had a flight back to SF just 4 hours after docking.
The disembarkation process went smoothly. Austrailia has spent well on equipment and processes to process passengers quickly from ships. It should be a model for the US to learn for the application of technology and process of Austrailia. We had a Princess bus to take to the Airport which met us and wisked us away to the SYD on thime to board our flich to San Francisco.
Great review of the cruise - very similar to our experience but your review was better written. I’m sure we encountered one another on at least the tour in Wellington.
We really enjoyed the Crown Princess! And Reserve Collection is the only way to go! So happy you enjoyed your vacation. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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