This one-in-a-lifetime trip was well worth the long flight to get there.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Due to a gastro outbreak, embarkation was delayed for two hours. When the embarkation process started there was no order to processing passengers. All 3,000 people were herded like cattle into one queue, no Green Lane, Blue Lane.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We spent most of our meals in the Concerto Dining Room. There, the food was a treat with a wide variety of gourmet dishes and the staff was professional and courteous. The six-course meal Sabatini's was heavenly, each course an epicurean delight. Unfortunately, we were unable to try the Crown Grill due to our being isolated due to Covid. Alfredo's pizza was tasteful, but a bit undercooked to my taste, center was still a bit doughy. We did end up doing quite a bit of room service, though their room service breakfast menu was sorely lacking, mainly cereal, fruit, and pastries.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
I spent most of the time early in the cruise, doing the quizzes offered through-out the day. We did play Bingo one time and I did win a jackpot, so I did enjoy that. We did miss out of the last three days being confined to our cabin due to our getting Covid.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
We only had interest in attending one show and it was okay. The only bright spots were hosts of the different game shows/quizzes offered throughout the cruise. They usually worked in pairs and offered light banter throughout.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All of the ship's personnel displayed the utmost professionalism throughout the cruise, from the waitstaff to the room stewards. They were extremely polite and always greeted us by name.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was always kept in a high state of cleanliness. Hand Sanitizers were offered at all of the most frequented locations. Passengers were encouraged to use them entering any dining area. Our Room Steward, Fernando, alway kept our room spotless and was alway there to greet us.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was spacious as far as cabins go, with a sleep area and a lounging area separated by a heavy blackout drapery. The balcony was large enough for two lounge chairs and small table.
Ship tip
Wear a mask in the congested areas. i.e. elevators, tour busses, etc.
We took the Larnach Castle and City Tour. After disembarking in Port Chalmers, our driver took us on the costal road to Dunedin offering different views of the harbor. The city tour was informative and enjoyed the backdrop story of Larnach Castle.
After a brief city tour, our driver dropped us off in the center of Christchuch, allowing free time. We were given tickets to ride the streetcar, take a punting trip on the Avon River, and a ride on the gondola. We passed on the punt ride because of the weather, rain and cold.
After the city tour, we were taken to the Geothermal Springs and Maori working village. Our guide provided an excellent presentation of the village and all the springs as this was her village growing up. Worth the Trip
This was kind of a mixed bag. While our disembarkation was quite easy, this was due to the fact that, as we were isolated due to Covid, we were the last 30 people to disembark so no waiting in any lines.
Sorry you got covid and were confined to your cabin. I sure hope you’re feeling better.
Good advice about wearing a mask.
Glad you were able to enjoy as much as you could.
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