The cruise is basically transportation to the various populated destinations but one stop blew us away - sailing into Milford Sound. That was worth the price of the ticket itself! Absolutely breathtaking! We loved visiting all the New Zealand cities too - wonderful country and friendly people!
We were very disappointed with the "night life" on board the ship. HA caters to an older customer (like us) but the total lack of dancing opportunities on board was horrendous.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Not excited about choices for evening meals in the formal dining room. Quantity of serving good. Overall felt disappointment in comparison to other cruises we have been on.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
NO night life. Other cruises have had music playing in a couple of different places during the night. This cruise had recorded music (supposed to be with DJ but he said play list all set up and couldn't make requests) that was not designed for the predominant age group on this ship - we do not like 90s - we like rock and roll and disco.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Very disappointing shows. 37 minutes in duration for some...
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff in every department was friendly and very helpful. We think they are understaffed - one server in a lounge is not adequate during busy times.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Old ship but beautiful ship. Details such as embossing on elevator doors, sculpture, main glass stairway create feeling of luxury.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Nicest cabin we have ever had on a cruise! Room attendants do a great job!
Ship tip
We chose open seating and dined with different people every night and very much enjoyed the people we met and talked with!
We were there during their annual Art Deco weekend - a site to behold! But, anytime the city's beautiful old architecture and atmosphere would be fun to experience
Be sure to take the cable car to the top of Mt. Victoria. Zealandia (at the top stop of the cable car) was a great hike through a rain forest). Walk down the hill through their beautiful botanical gardens
Tour Akaroa - beautiful little cottages in this sleepy seaside village. Take a bus to Christchurch - devastation from earthquake six years ago still very evident but lots of fun things to do around the city - have a street car (like other citys' hop-on-hop-off) that takes you all over the main areas if you don't want to walk.
Visit the Royal Albatross Center and the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve if possible. Foggy day when we went to see the albatross so no birds soaring but later in the cruise we spotted them gliding over the water right next to our cruise ship - magnificent birds
Get an Uber to go to the top of Mt. Wellington - the drive up is fantastic and the views from the top are outstanding. The temp is much colder and the winds much harsher at the top of the mountain.
We didn't like the free city tram - so loud that couldn't hear what recorded message was saying - stops often for traffic and with only one day there we were wasting time... Took the metro to Brighton Beach to see the "beach boxes" - worth the trip for us but many things to do in this city so hard to decide which ones to do in only a short time.
Loved, loved, loved Sydney! Do the bridge climb if at all possible. (Steps not very steep and very wide platform so not looking down between the steps). Take the ferry to Manly Beach - only $7 ticket on the ferry gets a great ride through the harbor and the beach is fun too!
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