We selected this cruise to see New Zealand, particularly Auckland, for the first time and to return to the USA via a transition cruise across the Pacific from Sydney to Vancouver.
Our first impression was not too good as Noordam obviously needs a refit with dated and dirty passageway decoration and graffiti on our balcony door glass.The air conditioning system is of the old design which will not shut off and is extremely annoying. On more modern ships the air cuts off when the balcony door is left open so you can breath real air!
The HAL maintenance people managed to fit a part incorrectly and we were stranded in Napier for 2 days which caused the Auckland and Bay of Islands stops to be cancelled! HAL would not organize a coach to take interested passengers on a day visit to Auckland. Compensation offered was totally inadequate at $100 per passenger plus 20% discount on a future cruise within 12 months.HAL to date have refused to rectify this - will be talking to my attorney.
Cabin was comfortable but in need of redecoration with graffiti on the balcony door glass.
Air conditioning could not be turned off.
Excellent way to see the countyside.
Great scenery
Good program
Poorly organized, too much travel with little time for viewing. Great guide with an impossible schedule - who checks these out?
Very poor, not a wine tasting but a 1 hour wine lecture.
Good day at the beach
Very interesting
Very good and interesting