Sea Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose Princess Cruises because we wanted to see New Zealand. This was our 9th Ocean Cruise with various cruise lines, and we have also been on 10 River Cruises, mostly with Viking.
We chose Anytime Dining, not wanting the alternatives of either an early sitting (5:30pm) or a late sitting (7:45pm) and not wanting to use the buffet on Deck 14. We had to wait outside the dining room, sometimes for as long as 30 minutes, when we wanted a table on our own. Hardly anytime dining, so we mostly said we were willing to share a table with others, which has its drawbacks. I often had to wait more than 30 minutes for my one breakfast dish, while others at the table were having fruit, muesli, pastries, etc.
We went to the buffet a few times, either just before or just after an excursion, but it was awful, standing around looking for a table which was just about to become available, and trying to grab it before someone else got there first.
Cabin Review
Interior
3 of us in the cabin, but we managed ok.
Port Reviews
Brisbane
We had 3 days in Brisbane before the cruise, and most of the last day after the cruise before our flights home. We went to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary using public transport, and we used the free City Hopper to get around. Both excellent.
Wellington
Walked to the Te Papa museum, spent a couple of hours there, and walked back to the ship. It was a Sunday, so not much else to do if you don't fancy the cable car.
Napier
Got the shuttle bus into town, and had a walk around the shopping precinct. Had a coffee in a cafe with free WiFi. Bought a couple of souvenirs. Then back on the shuttle bus to the ship.