We planned for this particular cruise for over a year. In hindsight we would have inquired about what type of ship in more depth. Having our favorites missing on the Diamond made a difference. We were very disappointed we missed two ports, and also disappointed in how the ship was infested with crickets! There were many passengers who were ill on this ship. It ultimately brought my husband down with an awful cold.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
The Port is easy enough to locate, and was relatively easy to check in. It did feel like moving cattle instead of feeling like you were about to take a luxury cruise. No feeling of ambiance, like in other ports. No refreshments for Platinum, or Elite passengers like on other entry ports.
Ship Experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food was probably one of the best parts of the cruise. We dined in the Sante Fe dining room as Club Class guests. This area of the dining room is dedicated to those who hold the Club Class classification, and is complete with a personal chef. It was worth upgrading ourselves for this class. Really enjoyed no waiting, wonderful staff, and great food!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Being we missed two ports, the itinerary included more trivia, and games. Couldn't use the pools too much as the water was drained from the pools due to bad weather. We managed to climb the stairs more than anything as our form of exercise. Couldn't walk around the ship on the outside as we usually do due to the doors being roped off from going outside, again due to the weather. Played cards with other couples.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The shows were good. It was necessary to arrive into the theatre about 45 minutes early due to lack of seating for everyone. It was not uncommon for people to be sitting in the aisles, and stairs. This is not uncommon on any ship we have been on.
Children's Programs
We did not travel with children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff is always wonderful. The waiters in the Club Class section (Sante Fe dining room) was terrific! They all went out of their way to make up happy, and well fed! The baristas as the coffee bar were wonderful! They remember your name, they remember your coffee preference, they made us feel so special!
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
This ship was not in the best shape as we had hoped. When we booked, we were told it was refurbished. It may have been but not to our noticing anything special. No one told us there would not be the International Cafe, a Princess favorite! Gone was Vines, and the Pizzeria on the 5th floor level! Very disappointing!
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Again nothing special here. Club class offers a half bottle of both white and red wines. Due to the location of where we sailed, and the location being in wine country, you'd think they would have offered New Zealand wines. They did not. The wines were from Ca., and not the fine wines either. I did enjoy receiving a fruit basket every other day. Hardly saw the cabin steward. The walls in the bathroom tub area had mold in the grout. The remote on the t.v. was difficult to work. No modern plugs for computer cords. The carpet had to be brought up, and towels placed at the balcony doors due to water from the storm getting into our cabin. The water soaked our carpet, and remained that was for a couple of days.
Ship Tip
Book the Port side. The Starboard side received much of the water into the cabin from what I learned. Upgrade to the Club Class. Well worth it. The not waiting for a table daily made the difference.
Arrived two days earlier to visit Auckland. Took the ferry to Waiheke Island. Visited the vineyards. Excellent! The port to board the ship has wonderful restaurants at the dock.
We did take the excursion offered through Princess. Glad we did. We saw much of the city, and Bondi Beach. We made many stops for photos, and covered a lot of area we would not have done if not for a tour.
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