Golden Princess – Melbourne to New Zealand departing 8/11/18 (from Scott Docherty)
I travelled on the Golden Princess on her trip to New Zealand on 8/11/18. This was my first cruising experience on Princess and I had 13 nights to explore all that this ship has to offer as well as the wonders of New Zealand.
The first thing you notice when stepping onboard Princess is the friendliness and efficiency of the staff, I was warmly welcomed from the first moment I stepped onboard and their high level of service did not let up for the whole cruise.
The entertainment offered onboard was plentiful, with a focus on guest performers, in addition to the Golden Princess singers and dancers with their Production shows. From contemporary singer/songwriters to fifties and sixties rock and roll and pop, through to themed comedians and a ventriloquist and impressionist, there was indeed something for everyone. Princess Movies under the stars was also a highlight, with free popcorn and comfy fleecy blankets to complete the experience, and also movies screened In the Princess theatre for those who prefer their more traditional cinema viewing.
My cabin was very comfortable, with the best bed I have experienced on a cruise ship , The Princess Luxury Bed which is across the whole Princess fleet is something you need to try for yourself to find out just how good it is. It’s like sinking into your own personal cloud, guaranteed you will want to have a sneaky “nanna nap” in the afternoon on this one on your sea days and a sleep in or two as well , maybe even a breakfast in bed, which is complimentary on Princess.
Princess is renowned for their cuisine, so I did have high expectations in relation to my culinary adventures on board. So it was very pleasing to see the high standard of cuisine and variety of dining options onboard with something for everyone as I expected.
With a choice of anytime and traditional dining in the two main a la carte dining rooms, the more casual International Café and Horizon Court, and the included Prego Pizzeria and Trident Grill for fresh burgers and pies, the choices are endless – not to mention high tea served in the dining room on every sea day, included in your fare.. For those that like a late night snack (guilty as charged) the Horizon Court, Trident Grill and Pizzeria are all open until 11pm and Room service is available 24/7, for no additional charge.
New Zealand was stunning, with six amazing ports on this journey and a full day of scenic cruising through the Beautiful sounds, I even got a chance to visit the mysterious land of the Hobbits on a shore excursion to Hobbiton, with the weather being clear blue skies all the way and mild temperatures with a couple of warm days thrown in too.
