I’m glad I got to experience these countries. I would love to do Sydney again, but I’m sure not I want to travel that far. I’m a very cold natured person and I didn’t realize how cool New Zealand would be. After researching, I realize we were only 3,500+ miles from the South Pole. Not far when you consider the weather streams. I can say I wouldn’t do a this cruise again because most of the stops didn’t offer a lot that interest me. I more enjoy the larger cities.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
The embarkation port was in a very isolated location in a freight yard terminal, nowhere near the intercity. We arrived 2 days earlier to tour Sydney, otherwise we wouldn’t had time to do anything.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I’ve done 6 HAL cruises and on this cruise, the food was just average. A few days out of the 14 day cruise I can say I really enjoyed the MDR meals. The overall variety each meal was very limited. Since I only drink virgin cocktails, the drinks I had were fine.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
If you are active and enjoy participating or watching fun games (I.e. love and marriage game, The Quest, etc.) you would be disappointed. They offered a lot of trivia, a few dance classes, cornhole, regional lectures ( which I enjoyed) and Art sales.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The highlight of the cruise was the rock band in the lounge (we went every night. The offered music for everyone. The ship’s singers and dancers performances were very good ( only 2-3 different shows). The comedian was not funny and made very inappropriate comments about race and the KKK. I think there was a magician, but i wasn’t impressed. The other entertainment didn’t interest me so I didn’t attend.
Children's Programs
I didn’t have any children with me, so have no idea what programs they offered.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The room stewards, waiters the in MDR, customers service and staff in general were great. The only exception was one supervisor MDR who visited the tables each night to greet the guests, however, avoided our table 2 nights in row. We are two senior American women of color and the only ones seated in his section, he made it very clear why he was avoiding us. We couldn’t understand why we were being treated differently. The other wait staff had been wonderful. This was a major/bucket list/expensive trip for us and the last thing we expected was to be disrespected by a member of the ship’s staff. After complaining to the customer service desk about his behavior, he went out of his way to greet us when he saw us.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The overall ship was well maintained. The ship’s design was a little crowded in the atrium area. Being a smaller ship made it easier to walk from the MDR and the theater.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The interior cabin was fine and very well maintained.
Ship tip
Allow yourself extra time in Sydney and Auckland to explore the cities. Our flight booked by cruise line. If returning to the USA especially the east coast be prepared for a very long day. My flight left Auckland to Sydney at 6:30 am ( breakfast served). Flight left Sydney to San Francisco at 9:30 am 13+ hours ( breakfast, snack and dinner served) Time change from day to night back to day arrive in San Francisco 11:30 am Monday morning again. Flight from San Francisco to the east coast 10:30 pm after spending 10+ hours in freezing SF airport. Arrived on the east coast 7:30 am Tuesday morning.
I toured Sydney own my own. I arrived 2 days early and booked a hotel near the inter city. Hotel staff was very helpful with how to take the subway to the Opera House, Botanical Gardens and the Art Museum. I really enjoyed the city.
Stayed 2 days after getting off the ship. The hotel was in the heart of the inter city. Able to walk to the Tower, casino and major shopping area. Everywhere we went required Australian or New Zealand currency or credit card. Look out for the gypsy taxis at the Sydney airport. They will over charge you.
Great itinerary. Appreciate your feedback. Traveling to places with such time differences can be stressful (it is for us). Glad you got to see this part of the world.
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