We thoroughly enjoyed every part of this trip. We may even do it again in a few years. Highly recommended. I really like this ship size. 2,000 people but never felt crowded. Other than embarkation and disembarkation, there was never a line to get on or off at port. The NCL excursions were mostly sold out, but we had great luck booking direct through the local visitor's center or online before we sailed.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Large crowd because everyone shows up between noon and 2.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food was great! Impressed with the quality and food options in the regular restaurants. Specialty restaurants exceeded expectation.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Amazing shows. The acrobats and magician were fantastic.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was always smiling and sincerely saying good morning. Very helpful and efficient. Even the crew maintaining the ship.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Recently refurbished and it shows. Very clean and functional. We never felt cramped even after 12 days.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Functional and clean. I loved the location on deck 11. Just a few steps to the outdoor areas and coffee in the morning.
Ship tip
The library/game room is a quiet hidden gem that most people probably do not discover.
The local ferries and busses take credit cards (that have a chip), Tap on and off without buying a transit card. Very efficient and inexpensive. $8 a day gets you anyware you want to go including the zoo. A single ferry ride was only $1.
Napier is very art deco. They take is seriously, even dress in that style at the visitors center. A jazz band played on the dock as we returned to ship. The aquarium is worth the walk along the beach. We discovered that the busses back to the ship also pick up at the aquarium.
Auckland was great. Visit the maritime museum. I suggest spending a night or two in a hotel at the end of the trip to really experience Auckland. Take a day trip to Waiheke island for the hop on hop off bus around that beautiful island and its vineyards.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
