Diamond Princess Review
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Additional details
We have travelled on many ships, eg, canal cruises Europe, Panama Canal around Mexico, Canada/Alaska, Pacific Islands three times and China/Vietnam cruise, our cruise on the Diamond Princess was excellent due to the friendliness of all staff, great food with many varieties to choose from and enjoyable entertainment.
Our 49 year old daughter unfortunately, on the last day, caught what was going around except she was only vomiting. The staff looked after her very well, the sick groups were last to leave the ship with employees escorting us off. The TV and paper reporting on what happened was over the top, not as bad as they stated, they should have reported on how we were treated by the ships crew, they were excellent. Moreover the follow up days after we landed was great, they enquired how our daughter as and how we were, asking if they could in ant way support us. We could not have asked for better treatment in a top class private hospital, well done crew. The captain was open, frank and honest about the sickness and firm in his instructions, unfortunately some passengers did not report their sickness and continued to swim in the pools which spread the germs. I will continue to cruise with the Princess Line and recommend them to family and friends, in fact we have since booked a 35 day cruise in 2017 along with four friends thanks again Princess Cruising.
Shore excursions well planned and the ship exit and entry handled efficiently. Great choices for dining, this ship had variety in their buffet, in other ships we have found buffet food boring as it was the same every day with very little variety. Good entertainment with a number of venues. We travelled on a different line last year to the Pacific Islands purchasing Shiraz (33 Degrees South) paying $49 per bottle, we were able to purchase the same wine at $11 per bottle in NSW, massive mark up, quite frankly a rip off. On this cruise, Diamond Princess, the mark up was negligent plus they had two happy hours, buy one and pay $1 for the same drink, now that is value for money, plus we could purchase five bottles of beer for $20, which is value for money and it was Aussie beer.
Cabin Review
Interior
Always clean
Port Reviews
Sydney (Australia)
We reside not far from Sydney and visit is quite a lot, so much to do and great views at the harbour, best harbour in the world in my opinion but maybe I'm bias but just ask tourists.
Auckland
We did our own thing in Auckland walked around the city going to sky city tower, what a view from the top, we also went to their Botanic Gardens, great to visit, so easy travelling around this city on public transport.
Tauranga
Nice holiday town for relaxing, worth taking a walk to the top of Mount Maunganui as the views are worth seeing with opportunity for some excellent photos, other than that it is a nice area.
Wellington
Wellington is worth visiting, clean city and active, worth taking a ride on the tram which is a very reasonable price to the top of the Botanic Gardens, a view of this city is great at the top with the walk down not over strenuous with many featured gardens with NZ trees and flowers, relaxing day and worth having a meal at the bottom in the lower gardens.
Akaroa
For the views worth taking but once done not to do again, in the morning we walked around this quaint small town from one end to the other and this was worthwhile, would like to have dined in the many restaurants on the main stretch but the bus trip took away that opportunity.
Dunedin
Really enjoyed this city and could have spent an extra day to have the opportunity to do more such as the wildlife cruise and penguins, done the kayaking in the past which is real fun. Botanical Gardens set out just right and worth spending time there as was Olveston House, some interesting history
Dunedin
Worth taking a city tour the first thing after birthing and then you can get your bearing visiting places of your choice.
Dunedin
Not seen a railway station anywhere in the world like this one, quaint is the best description, interesting observation, if you book a trip at the railway station it is only $40 but much more booking with the ship.
Dunedin
This is worth seeing, well kept historic house and the guide very informative and friendly, shame we could not take photos without flash but those are the rules.