Wonderful cruise!!

Item: Volendam
Rating: 4
Author: AlexT4

Volendam Cruise Review to South Pacific - Australia

AlexT4

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 76

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

14 Night New Zealand & Australia (Auckland To Sydney)

Sail date: November 21, 2008

Ship: Volendam

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

We just returned from a 14 night cruise to New Zealand and Australia aboard the Volendam. The ship was very well kept and had a great layout. The decor was warm and inviting and not over the top like some cruise ships. The staff kept the public areas and the rooms very clean and fresh. Embarking and disembarking ran smoothly and fast. The ship had plenty of lounges where you could sit and relax. We never felt crowded on this ship which is 61,000 tons although we have been on smaller ships and larger ones where we have felt some crowding. The ship also has coin operated washers and dryers so you don't have to pack 2 weeks worth of cloth. Overall a wonderful ship that we enjoyed very much.

Ports of call

Picton, New Zealand

3 out of 5

Nice little port with a quaint town. Public library has free internet access for those who bring a lap top. We actually left our video camera in restaurant and didn't realize it till we got back to the ship. The locals greeting us called the restaurant for us like they were calling a relative and sure enough it was still there and we were able to retrieve it promptly after lunch.

Thumbs Up 1

Don't Miss: n/a

Burnie, Tasmania, Australia

5 out of 5

We loved Tasmania and especially the shore excursion to Wings Wildlife Refuge. We were able to feed and pet kangaroos including one with a baby in it's pouch. We also were able to pet koala bears. The staff are amazing and all the animals take your breath away.

Thumbs Up 6

Don't Miss: Wings Wildlife Refuge

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

3 out of 5

We were lucky and got to see all these school children celebrating safety with bagpipes and all. The train station is nice too. Again, somewhere I would probably do a shore excursion if I went again.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: n/a

Melbourne, Australia

5 out of 5

An beautiful city with so much to do without going on a shore excursion. Just walk around the city go to a museum or any of a hundred things to see and do there. We wish we had longer here though.

Thumbs Up 1

Don't Miss: The city itself

Napier, New Zealand

5 out of 5

Had excellent art deco buildings and a lot of shopping. Very nice port.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: n/a

Tauranga, New Zealand

1 out of 5

We arrived on a Sunday morning and most places were closed. We opted out of any shore excursions so may be a good port to do one. Friendly townspeople though.

Thumbs Up 1

Don't Miss: n/a

Christchurch, New Zealand

5 out of 5

Beautiful place that we loved. A trolley will take you around the main sites and give a history. Went punting, or a boat ride, which was wonderful and informative. Took a funicular up I guess a mountain for amazing views. Hint, take the funicular later in the day and then take a bus from there back to the ship. Easier than going all the way back to town.

Thumbs Up 2

Don't Miss: Funicular

Wellington, New Zealand

5 out of 5

Wow what a windy city. I think the said the wind gusts were 124 kph or 77mph when we were there. Has a great museum right on the harbor which is wonderful to walk around if you don't get blown over. We took a cable car up the one hill and had amazing views, plus nice botanical gardens there.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Te Pa Museum

Pros: Excellent staff who were very friendly.

Cons: none

Wonderful cruise!!

Overall rating:

Review summary

Ports of call

Recommends Volendam? Yes!

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