Absolutely wonderful! Loved the ports, so much to see and do! Wish for more time in a couple ports. Would have enjoyed more ports in Australia. We had great weather which made a huge difference.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We dropped our bags early and went back into Auckland. Came back to the ship a few hours later and there were no lines! It was great.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Loved the Happy Hours-very nice perk! We were on Zuiderdam in June and felt that food was better. Lunch in the Pinnacle was average. Had dinner in the buffet twice -quite good. Breakfasts were wonderful-everything made to order, so nice and hot.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Really enjoyed the naturalist, Kelly. So informative. Would have enjoyed hearing more of her travel information. Also played Bingo. The outdoor pool is a favorite of ours. Loved sitting out in the sun. Also went to America's Test Kitchen. Too crowded in the BB King Lounge. Used the library-so nice not to bring books from home! Really enjoyed the Planet Earth movie. Also went to Mass several times-so glad to have a Priest on board!! Loved the Maori presentations-would have liked more.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The magician, violinist, singer Mario, comedian were very good. However, several nights there was no entertainment. The ship singers and dancers were okay; very loud. Would have loved movies in the Vista Lounge. B B King performers were wonderful!, we really enjoyed them. The Maori presentations were fabulous! Really enjoyed them and learned a lot.
Children's Programs
No children were with us
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our room stewards were wonderful-our room was always clean. Really appreciated the great service. Dining room service and staff were adequate.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Easy to get around. Mostly clean. Needs some updating. Were putting red panels at top and bottom staircases which I really appreciated as the carpet was dark blue and sometimes hard to see first and last step.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Small, but very comfortable. Plenty of room for storing our things. Always clean clean!! Great bedding and lots of clean towels. Always had fresh wine glasses!
Loved where shop was docked. Could walk right back into city. We had arrived two days before cruise so we had visited many sights. Went to the Art Gallery the day of cruise. The War Museum with Maori presentation is a must!
Enjoyed. Took a Viator tour to see Elms Mission and Kiwi Farm. We came back for lunch and then walked around the base of the mountain. Beautiful walk on the water!
Loved. Went to Visitor Center and booked an Art Deco tour in the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Came back to town and went to museum to see earthquake exhibition.
Took tram up hill. Then took free shuttle bus to Zeelandia where we saw lots of birds. Also saw the tuatara! Well worth it. Went through Botanical Gardens, lunch at Churchhill's in town. Went to the library to see the Maori Treaty with the Brits. Toured Parliament Building. Very easy to get around!
Great port. Went to Visitor Center and booked a wine tour. Visited 3 wonderful vineyards and tasted fantastic wines! Really enjoyed the tour. We sailed from here early and wish we could have stayed longer! Husband went to the Omaka Museum and wished for more time there as well.
We had booked transportation to Christchurch; 11/2 trip through beautiful country. Our driver narrated throughout the trip. Saw the results of the earthquake -some reconstructed buildings but some still in the works, did our own walking tour. Had lunch at Fiddlesticks -very good. Returned to Akaroa and walked around the town. Very cute beach town.
Great port! Went to Otaga Museum, Settler's Museum, both are must see. Had lunch at Speight Brewery, very good food, service, and beer. Did some shopping here: very good!
Wish we could have stayed longer! Went to Visitor Center and booked trip to Bonorong. It was wonderful! Lots of kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, native birds, and wombats. There were guides along the way to give us more imformation about the wildlife.
Great city! We had booked a free walking tour and were so glad we did. Met our guide at Visitor Center and she took us on 3 1/2 hour tour of the city. So informative. When the tour was over, we went to Art Gallery which was wonderful.
Took shuttle to town and took our own walking tour. The beach was beautiful! Had lunch at Fisherman's Club-wonderful! Visited the Whaling Museum. Would recommend.
Cruise over! We took a cab to our hotel in the CBD. Loved this city! We again took free walking tours which were wonderful. Took the ferry to Manly Beach which was a wonderful beach town. Visited the Rocks area. We took the bus to Bondi Beach as well and did the Coastal Walk - so beautiful! Went to the Sydney Museum. Had dinner at China Doll on Wooloomooloo Wharf-delicious!
Thanks for the review I’m doing an Auckland to Sydney cruise on this ship in February and I’m a first time cruiser. Your review is very helpful. Thanks again.
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