Would go again tomorrow but to a different destination, done New Zealand, give me warmer climates.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Its was ok except - received text from Princess - do not arrive before 2.30pm. On arrive the port staff had packed up and leaving the area, they had to open a desk to process us. Mix up somewhere but of course the wait time cuts to 15 minutes. Not the same for disabled, a group of around 40 were waiting to get on board but the port authority only had 4 wheel chairs which were rotated, a few Elite passengers were seething!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Of course our trip had around 40 Nora Virus passengers (between 1 and 2% of the total passengers) they hygiene routine put in place was very good and surprisingly a few people complained in the Horizon Buffet for having to wash their hands! We took fixed time dinning and was very please. - table of 8 - made 4 new friends - good variety of food and nothing was too much trouble - table staff were v.good. For breakfast we tried the dining experience in the dinning room but they fussed to much without actually doing any thing, go orders wrong, the Horizon Buffet was better as you could get what you wanted, the quantity you wanted and and most times a table with a view, the table staff managed the drinks , coffee juice etc.
Wheelhouse Bar
5 out of 5
This was a great place for the 3pm happy hour, great to meet up with friends for a chat, the waiters were 5 star, always remembers your name and cabin number, down side was they always had a singer who enjoyed the volume control, we complained, we didn’t come for a show, but for friends and conversation, they need to make the music more of a background thing.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The shows were very professional and a good variety. The equipment up to date and made it very west-end. The ships orchestra were also 5 star and very skillful. Always plenty of seats
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The cabin staff were very good and nothings was too much trouble, just dont expect it to be solved that instant, they had lots of cabins and passengers to support, but every request was fixed. Generally the staff around the ship was very good, and we have traveled Royal Caribbean and P&O and this was far the best!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship had just had a refit and there was new beds (super comfortable) a lot of the tenders and lifeboats were new and the over all appearance of the ship for its age was good, almost everything worked.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Great cabin on the starboard side which was always on the dockside when in port so lots to see, its placed around mid ships and despite the odd lumpy sea was not uncomfortable in any way.
Ship tip
Your joining a ship full of strangers and the chances are high that you will come away with a couple of new friends. Be patient when disembarking with tenders, there ware lots of things that had to be done to make the transition to shore safe for you. If the Captain cancels something it is always done with the safety of the passengers for most. Take Captain would make regular announcements keeping you up to date with activities and problems, most of all enjoy the experience!
This was Boxing Day and i had book via the internet a trip around Speights Brewery- there was coaches laid on for passengers who did not take excursion and wanted to explore Dunedin, all went wall and had a great day - bring warm clothes!
Another’s great port, this was a tender port which went well - we booked via the ship - coach trip to Christchurch and spend 4 hours walkabout/shopping. Coach trip fantastic, great informative driver and the views around the bays great. Lot of earthquake repair work going on but there are trams and easy to walk around. Found great pub the OGB (old government building) had a great lunch and a few local beers - try it you wont be disappointed.
Cold and windy but no rain, tried to get into the Gallipoli exhibition but the queue wait was over an hour, i guess wrong time of the year, Christmas holidays and 2 cruise ships in port, but enjoyed the city, another good pub lunch near the museum.
This was only a short visit - ship to leave 3pm. Recommendations - take a trip in the Hooters Vintage car, which you will see when you get of the shuttle bus, great tour of the town and we too the option to go to 2 wineries which was great fun.
It was strange to be docking right next to the Hilton Hotel and all the guests outside on their balcony in their white fluffy robes, it must have been strange when the ship started to make announcements it must have blown them out of bed! We took in the Sky Tower (5 Star) and then lunch at “Jack Tar” a nice restaurant further along the waterfront past the maritime museum - over the lift bridge - and 5 mins walk more. Shame we had to leave a 10pm on New Year’s Eve, so no fireworks, the crew could not explain why other than these were the schedules from head office! The other Princess mored along side us stayed to enjoyed the festivities! Still had a great New Year and celebrated out on the pool deck with noise music dancing and trying to get a drink at the bar! The crew did a great cleanup job and as usual the next morning it was like nothing had happened - welcome 2018!
My wife got food poisoning the day before we arrive in Brisbane and was asked to remain in the cabin for the remainder of the voyage. On arrive day were were told to wait and when the rest of the passengers had disembarked we would be collected and taken ashore. It all went ok but there were a few hiccups along the way but we are all back safe and sound. No complaints about the care and advice my wife received during her illness (a dodgy pice of fish we think)
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