We arrived in Auckland after a very unpleasant flight on Air Pacific using American miles, uncomfortable seats, bad service and a terrible stop at Fiji airport which was completely disorganized and inadequate. Doing it again we would rather pay than fly on Air Pacific. The Qantas return from Sydney was very comfortable on the new 380 and service was 100% better.
We stayed at the Hilton Auckland on the pier adjacent to the ship-very nice and also convenient for city walking. 4 days was more than adequate for Auckland-there is a tower, a very fine museum, ferry rides to islands, very attractive port area with many restaurants and very expensive food-$20 hamburgers except at McDonald's and $6 coffee.
Boarding for the cruise was fairly efficient even though the ship was completely full-too full. However, everything was crowded almost all the time, dining, shows, buffet-too many people for the space and services. We had to arrive for a show 30 minutes prior to get a seat and sometimes that wasn't enough. Our cabin had a partially blocked window. It was adequate but not luxurious. The Princess arrangement with the closet in front of the bathroom as a room divider works well. Probably the worst feature of the ordinary princess cabin is the tiny bathroom. I really don't know how large people manage?
Cabin E612 window substantially blocked by lifeboat- Located a few cabins away from laundry, fairly close to center of ship, seemed like a quiet location, tiny bathroom, adequate storage, cabins only on one side of hall as other side was apparently a closed service area. Generally convenient location related to access for dining rooms and public areas.