Golden Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

Watch Out for the Smokers

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Golden Princess
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13tiguan
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2018
Cabin: Balcony

We did the 13 night ex Melbourne to NZ but only finished up with 5 ports as Auckland was cancelled a month prior to sailing (officially due to lack of full engine power). A small $150/person on board credit as compensation was given but obviously most passengers were not pleased and rumours ran amok about the 'real' issue. The other itinerary adjustment was due to bad weather with the Fiordland cruising abandoned. Again gps tracking showed the change in direction 24 hours before an announcement and this upset many people. I am no sea captain but as much as the Milford Sound entrance is narrow and shallow this is not the case with Doubtful and Dusty Sounds so maybe the captain is not that confident or mindful of the dollar savings by not venturing that way. Also on the way back from NZ the ship cruised so leisurely that one person joked a person had jumped overboard for a swim but after 1 hour had to wait for the ship to catch up.

Now about the ship. Yes it is going into dry dock late March/early April after this Australian/NZ season so with the above engine issues it is not looking good for passengers travelling over next few weeks.

Definitely a senior age age passenger list with a huge percentage from Melbourne and Victoria (ex Melbourne and return the single biggest drawcard, but true anywhere in the world) and a very very small sprinkling of international people.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BA

Balcony - category not sure

Very Good - wardrobe space and hangers, size of balcony, superb bed

Disappointing - tiny shower area, poor TV reception (even watching the 'Wake' segment in the morning), PS not worried by being overlooked by cabins on next level up, but may influence some

Cabins eg C618 etc are closer to stairs/lifts

Port Reviews

Dunedin

Hired a car ex airport for pick up and drop off at the wharf (highly recommended). Very handy as the city is spread out, hilly and not really suitable for walking to see the main sites. Very nice place, tidy and would have liked another half day. Baldwin Street a highlight but a bit out of town

Akaroa

Again hired car ex Akaroa for the drive to Christchurch. Take the scenic route on the way in leaving the direct route return and time to explore Akaroa which has lots to offer. Christchurch demonstrates its progress since the earthquake but also the work that still has to be done.

Wellington

East city centre access; lots to see and do; suitable for good walkers; even a Sunday is busy; well served by tourism staff and volunteers (TRUE for every port)

Tauranga

Lots to keep you occupied at Mt Maunganui . No need to go into Tauranga as just the business centre, limited shops. Many people selected this port for an excursion to Rotoura

Gisborne

Tourism volunteers are amazing doing their utmost to welcome and assist passengers. The location is small, exceptionally tidy but unfortunately not that much to offer. Napier preferred

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