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Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise?
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 2013-07-23 4:48 AM |
Champion  8766       Evergreen, Colorado |  Subject: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise?I'm deployed (yay) and halfway through my tour I get to take R&R. I want to go somewhere really cool since it isn't really all that exciting to come home and visit my family (just parents and sister and nephew...). The idea popped into my head to take an Australia/New Zealand cruise. Does anyone have any experience with these? So far I have determined that Royal Caribbean has ONE cruise that fits in the timeframe. Princess cruise lines has one type of cruise with two departure dates. I'd like to leave out of Sydney to spend my extra days touring around Sydney. I get 15 days once I get to destination, so I was looking at cruises in the 10-13 night range. Looking for any and all advice...suggestions for cruise lines, suggestions for duration/destination, suggestions for getting better rates, etc. Help a girl out! :D After nearly 7 months in the desert by the time I do this shebang I will be looking for some SERIOUS relaxation.... |
| 2013-07-23 8:16 AM in reply to: jldicarlo |
Pro 6838 Tejas | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? My wife was looking at NZ cruises yesterday. She didn't pick a winner yet, so I can't really help you there. I'll keep an eye on this post and will also update you if we come up with anything helpful I can pass along to you. You're military so i'd suggest you check out Vacationstogo.com. They have a pretty good search engine and we've used them for at least 20 cruises. If you find a better deal before or after you book, they'll match it and reduce your fare. She's found us some dirt cheap cruises using their 90 day ticker. Other than that, the only advice I can think of is book a cabin with a balcony. It's nice to get outside without the noisy crowds that seem to congregate around the pool areas. |
| 2013-07-23 8:21 AM in reply to: mdg2003 |
Pro 6838 Tejas | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? One more thing is consider maybe the 10 day instead of 13. That's a long time to be tied to a cruise ship. While it's nice to unpack once and not worry about the usual traveling logistics, I've found that after 7 days, I've usually had enough! |
| 2013-07-23 8:27 AM in reply to: mdg2003 |
Member 131 | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? I haven't done a NZ cruise but I grew up in NZ. Have probably been to every port that the ships stop at. I know that when we did a big tour of the South Island this winter we kept on seeing the same ship over and over but I can't recall the name of it right now. My Mum did a cruise from Australia on P&O I think? a couple of years back but that did more the islands. I can try and help with any port questions if you have any. Karen |
| 2013-07-23 10:54 AM in reply to: mdg2003 |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Originally posted by mdg2003 One more thing is consider maybe the 10 day instead of 13. That's a long time to be tied to a cruise ship. While it's nice to unpack once and not worry about the usual traveling logistics, I've found that after 7 days, I've usually had enough! After working 10 hours a day, 6 days a week for 8 months I'm pretty sure I will not have had enough after 7 days. :D In fact, I look forward to doing nothing but lounging around reading magazines, drinking fruity drinks, working on my tan, oh...and I'll probably work out every day. :D The nice thing about doing the NZ cruise that leaves from Sydney is that you have 2-3 days "at sea" on the lead and lag end...right about when you get "bored" on the way you get to NZ and are in port every day for the next 5 or 6 days...then you get 2-3 days to decompress on the way back to Sydney.... Anyway, I don't think I'll be bored. :D The reason I am going the cruise route is because I don't want to have to work too hard to plan this trip...I want to just relax. I will have to do a little research for things to do at ports and in Sydney, but in the end I don't want to have to do a lot of work for this vacation.... |
| 2013-07-23 12:07 PM in reply to: jldicarlo |
Member 131 | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? What time of the year are you planning? NZ may not be lounging in the sun drinking fruity drinks weather except for maybe a few weeks in January/Feb. Maybe an island cruise is more your speed or a trip direct to Fiji or the Cook Islands. |
| 2013-07-23 12:25 PM in reply to: 0 |
Extreme Veteran 1648 | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? I have not done a cruise- but rented a camper van and spent 2 weeks driving around the South Island about 5 years ago. It was the best vacation I've ever taken. We got to do so many cool things (surfing lessons, heli- kayaking, glacier hikes, a multiday hike sleeping at a boat hostel, swimming with NZ fur seals, mountain biking, jet boat riding. It was absolutely amazing. Sounds like a cruise would be wonderful! Edited by Moonrocket 2013-07-23 12:25 PM |
| 2013-07-24 1:21 AM in reply to: purestone |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? purestone, I am looking at the Jan/Feb timeframe. Is there a better few weeks in that timeframe to go? That could make my decision easier...The two princess cruises leave on or about 12 Jan and 8 Feb and the Royal Caribbean cruise is 22 Jan or something like that.... |
| 2013-07-24 8:40 AM in reply to: jldicarlo |
Member 131 | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Please don't quote me if this doesn't work out but I THINK traditionally February MIGHT MAYBE be a bit warmer. It is more like our August. We were there last year Dec/Jan and had nice mild weather. Of course who knows. Not sure where you are from but I always say that NZ weather is comparative to British Columbia (Canada) which I guess is kind of like Oregon/Washington State. Now also Australia will be hot....it is always hot......too hot (that is the Kiwi in me  |
| 2013-07-24 8:51 AM in reply to: purestone |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Originally posted by purestone Please don't quote me if this doesn't work out but I THINK traditionally February MIGHT MAYBE be a bit warmer. It is more like our August. We were there last year Dec/Jan and had nice mild weather. Of course who knows. Not sure where you are from but I always say that NZ weather is comparative to British Columbia (Canada) which I guess is kind of like Oregon/Washington State. Now also Australia will be hot....it is always hot......too hot (that is the Kiwi in me The highs here are 110 right now. I think I would rather see temps in the 70s instead of the 80s....I hate heat....so, maybe Jan is my month? :D |
| 2013-07-24 1:04 PM in reply to: jldicarlo |
Member 131 | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Gosh I hope that is a dry heat. Blucky. Yup I would hazard to say that NZ in January would fit the bill temp wise being around the mid 20's C. If it gets +30 anywhere in NZ it makes the news. Of course now that I have said all that next January will be the hottest on record or something. About the cruise thing also. IMHO I would go with an American cruise line. As I mentioned my Mum did another cruise and it was okay she said but not as "fancy" as say the Royal Carribean or certainly Princess. I love cruises, we have done about 8 of them but not in NZ. Karen |
| 2013-07-25 8:16 AM in reply to: purestone |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Originally posted by purestone Gosh I hope that is a dry heat. Blucky. Yup I would hazard to say that NZ in January would fit the bill temp wise being around the mid 20's C. If it gets +30 anywhere in NZ it makes the news. Of course now that I have said all that next January will be the hottest on record or something. About the cruise thing also. IMHO I would go with an American cruise line. As I mentioned my Mum did another cruise and it was okay she said but not as "fancy" as say the Royal Carribean or certainly Princess. I love cruises, we have done about 8 of them but not in NZ. Karen So, if one had to choose between Royal Caribbean or Princess...would you have an opinion? That's pretty much what I am deciding between...the two cruise lines have three cruises within a few weeks of each other...so first decision is which line I want to be on.... |
| 2013-07-25 8:49 AM in reply to: jldicarlo |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Originally posted by jldicarlo Originally posted by purestone Gosh I hope that is a dry heat. Blucky. Yup I would hazard to say that NZ in January would fit the bill temp wise being around the mid 20's C. If it gets +30 anywhere in NZ it makes the news. Of course now that I have said all that next January will be the hottest on record or something. About the cruise thing also. IMHO I would go with an American cruise line. As I mentioned my Mum did another cruise and it was okay she said but not as "fancy" as say the Royal Carribean or certainly Princess. I love cruises, we have done about 8 of them but not in NZ. Karen So, if one had to choose between Royal Caribbean or Princess...would you have an opinion? That's pretty much what I am deciding between...the two cruise lines have three cruises within a few weeks of each other...so first decision is which line I want to be on.... I am going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Feb 2014. From people I have known who have been on them, there are a lot of "upgrade charges"... for lack of better terms. For example,on the ship, if you want to eat a Johnny Rockets, you pay $5 to enter the restaurant (someone said this on the RC FB page), and then you pay to eat. One of their ships has a nicer ice cream shop, and again, you pay extra to eat that ice cream. Even eating in the dinning room, they have "included" menu items and "extra cost" menu items. Or you can go to the nicer restaurant and pay additional fees as well. Seems like if you aren't careful you could run up additional charges real fast. We are going to purchase the $55 per day, per person, add on charge for unlimited drinks (all kinds) and will hopefully avoid some of this, assuming we enjoy eating the "included" food items on the menus. If you think this scenario might bother you, then see if Princess does this kind of stuff as well. I'm just glad I know about it upfront so I'm prepared for it. |
| 2013-07-26 11:47 PM in reply to: KSH |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Originally posted by KSH Originally posted by jldicarlo I am going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Feb 2014. From people I have known who have been on them, there are a lot of "upgrade charges"... for lack of better terms. For example,on the ship, if you want to eat a Johnny Rockets, you pay $5 to enter the restaurant (someone said this on the RC FB page), and then you pay to eat. One of their ships has a nicer ice cream shop, and again, you pay extra to eat that ice cream. Even eating in the dinning room, they have "included" menu items and "extra cost" menu items. Or you can go to the nicer restaurant and pay additional fees as well. Seems like if you aren't careful you could run up additional charges real fast. We are going to purchase the $55 per day, per person, add on charge for unlimited drinks (all kinds) and will hopefully avoid some of this, assuming we enjoy eating the "included" food items on the menus. If you think this scenario might bother you, then see if Princess does this kind of stuff as well. I'm just glad I know about it upfront so I'm prepared for it. Originally posted by purestone Gosh I hope that is a dry heat. Blucky. Yup I would hazard to say that NZ in January would fit the bill temp wise being around the mid 20's C. If it gets +30 anywhere in NZ it makes the news. Of course now that I have said all that next January will be the hottest on record or something. About the cruise thing also. IMHO I would go with an American cruise line. As I mentioned my Mum did another cruise and it was okay she said but not as "fancy" as say the Royal Carribean or certainly Princess. I love cruises, we have done about 8 of them but not in NZ. Karen So, if one had to choose between Royal Caribbean or Princess...would you have an opinion? That's pretty much what I am deciding between...the two cruise lines have three cruises within a few weeks of each other...so first decision is which line I want to be on.... $55/day for all drinks including alcohol would probably be well worth it...ESPECIALLY if it included fizzy water...I can drink a LOT of fizzy water.... Seriously though, that would probably make me drink a lot more "to get my money's worth". But I think I'd rather drink what I want and not worry about the individual charges and just figure it's $55/day...not "how much is this drink or that drink". Or should I have that third or fourth glass of wine with dinner.... |
| 2013-07-27 1:58 AM in reply to: 0 |
Pro 6838 Tejas | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Sounds like you have the right mindset to enjoy your cruise, regardless of which one you pick! As far as upgrade charges for the specialty dining rooms, go for it. It's usually 25 bucks PP. The food is better and the service is much much better. It reminds us of the way dining was when we first started cruising. We usually do 2-3 of these dinners per cruise. Some of them are real popular, especially the teppanyaki, so make reservations for the ones you want to try on the first day. Can't vouch for the Johhny Rocket's. We've been on several cruises that had one, we just never tried it. Another thing to look real close at is which cabin you select and it's location in relation to the other amenities on the ship. Look at the deck plans to avoid a cabin under the jogging track, above the main theater, near elevators or cabin steward stations. Anything that puts your door near what looks to be a busy walkway should be avoided. Just look what is above and below your cabin choices and avoid the ones that might tend to get noisy. Edited by mdg2003 2013-07-27 2:02 AM |
| 2013-07-27 7:56 AM in reply to: mdg2003 |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Anyone here done a New Zealand cruise? Originally posted by mdg2003 Sounds like you have the right mindset to enjoy your cruise, regardless of which one you pick! As far as upgrade charges for the specialty dining rooms, go for it. It's usually 25 bucks PP. The food is better and the service is much much better. It reminds us of the way dining was when we first started cruising. We usually do 2-3 of these dinners per cruise. Some of them are real popular, especially the teppanyaki, so make reservations for the ones you want to try on the first day. Can't vouch for the Johhny Rocket's. We've been on several cruises that had one, we just never tried it. Another thing to look real close at is which cabin you select and it's location in relation to the other amenities on the ship. Look at the deck plans to avoid a cabin under the jogging track, above the main theater, near elevators or cabin steward stations. Anything that puts your door near what looks to be a busy walkway should be avoided. Just look what is above and below your cabin choices and avoid the ones that might tend to get noisy. I definitely like to strike a balance between cost and enjoyment. It would be NICE if everything was already included (i.e. all food) but I understand why it's not. I am the type to pay a little more to enjoy myself if I want something. I probably wouldn't go for Johnny Rockets...that isn't my bag. But a nice sit down dinner? If the food is good, yeah, I am willing to pay for it. I'll probably get massages and pedicures too and I know that will cost money. This is my ONLY vacation for this entire year and I don't have to pay for my own airline ticket to get there, so...yeah...if my enjoyment costs a little more than I do it! I get the cheapest cabin I can get. I intend to spend very little time there. The last time I took a cruise I made myself get up early and work out and then spend the entire day outside of my cabin. The cabin is the place I sleep....no need to spend my extra money there! Besides, don't you almost always end up getting upgraded anyway? Unless the cruise is sold out I hope/expect to get bumped up at least one class. But I will try to pay attention to where the cabin is if I get a choice! :D I also have a policy that when I am on a cruise I MUST take the stairs EVERYWHERE. All part of the "try not to gain 20 pounds on your cruise" policy...work out every day and take the stairs everywhere.....and don't go CRAZY on the meals. :D |
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