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New Zealand to Australia cruise
Reviewed By: Brown, Altrincham on 9th Apr 2008
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises	Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Sapphire Princess	Sailed: March, 2008
Destination: Australasia	Age: 56-65

We added this cruise on to a visit to family living in Sydney. It was a very long flight so we stopped in Sydney for 2 days on the way to New Zealand before flying to Auckland We stayed near the harbour for 2 night before bording the ship - no problems with the embarkation process. We had sailed before on a sister ship to the Sapphire Princess so were familiar with the layout. The ship is spacious, very well maintained, has everything you would want from a cruise. We had a balcony cabin on the starboard side to make the most of the passing scenery - no complaints about the cabin staff - everything very clean and efficient. The food in the restaurents and the buffet was always well served and well presented, maybe a little bland and desserts were American rather than European in style. We were glad to see that the huge midnight feasts we have had on other cruises were not offered this time. Cola type drinks and ice cream from the icecream bar all had to be paid for ( though those in the know got icecream free from the buffet restaurent in the afternoons )! The passengers were mostly American though there were quite alot of Brits and a variety of other nations. Unlike some cruises there were not so many 'very' elderly - mostly middle aged and younger retired. Very few children or teenagers though there are good childrens facilities and a childrens club on board. We enjoyed all the ports of call with the exception maybe of Dunedin. We did not book any of the Princess trips as we find they are expensive and restricting and we find it simple to do these independently. It is easy to rent cars and easy to find your way around especialy for Brits as they drive on the left in New Zealand. The hot springs at Rotorua are interesting and worth a visit to take in some of the Maori culture and there is a good inexpensive walking tour from Cathedral Square in lovely Christchurch. We didnt find Dunedin particularly interesting and this is the one time we wished we had booked a trip maybe to the Gorge on the train which is easy to access and of which we heard good reviews. The trip through New Zealands Fjordland was the highlight of the cruise. Very atmospheric with wonderful scenery through the Sounds. We were lucky with the 2 day crossing of the Tasman Sea- just a slight swell but we understand it can get quite difficult. Hobart and Melbourne were interesting stops on our way up to Sydney. We were disappointed to arrive in Sydney very early morning before we were awake as we had heard that it is wonderful to watch the entry into Sydney harbour. There is plenty of entertainment on board catering for all tastes both in the evening and through the day which is important when there are quite a few 'at sea' days. In particular the shows put on by the ships company were generally very professional and we had an excellent illusionist on board but some of the solo acts left alot to be desired and many people walked out of the performances. The shows were very well attended - get there early or you will end up standing ! Overall an excellent cruise - very relaxing. We cruised in March and the weather was a mixture - mostly good but be aware that the climate in the South Island can be much cooler. It is a very long journey from the UK and if you can add some days at each end it will be much more enjoyable.
Quality of Food

Entertainment
Some of the solo acts were not so good.
Shore Excursions	n/a

Staff
Generally all very friendly and efficient.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities

Cabins

Overall Rating