Emerald Princess Review
With Emerald Princess to New Zealand: an enjoyable voyage down under
Rating by category
Additional details
The Emerald Princess is a sister ship of the Ruby and Crown Princess on which we sailed before.
Hence we felt immediately at home after a smooth embarkation in Sydney.
We especially like the coffee corner “International Café” which has the possibility to buy a coffee card for 15 specialty coffees at a pretty competitive price. Such a card gives you the right to consume unlimited specialty teas (we like the wonderful Ginger tea) and hot chocolates.
Cabin Review
Interior
We had an inside cabin which was on the small side (but big enough and adequately furnished).
It is advisable to have the beds separated with the access area between them. That way the cabin appears to be much bigger.
The tiny bathroom is supplied with good amenities.
Port Reviews
Sydney (Australia)
Walking independently
Dunedin
With free shuttle bus to town.
Explored on ourselves. Very good free musea.
Akaroa
Scenic drive over the peninsula + Christchurg city sightseeing
Picton
Drove the Queen Charlotte Drive + visited some neighbouring sounds
Tauranga
Drove to Roturoa + visited te Puia park (geysirs + cultural show).
Over a small part of the highway from Tauranga to Roturoa an electronic toll is due. For foreigners the payment process is pretty cumbersome.
However, detours using business loops are available and clearly indicated.
Auckland
Initially booked (and prepaid) at EZI rental cars. Ultimately Alternative rental cars.
EZI refused to accept my Dutch driver’s license (which contains almost no Dutch text: just name, etc.) and hence would not deliver the car. They claimed that an International Driver’s License was required.
Their behavior was very stubborn and almost rude.
I managed to get as yet a car from another rental company (Alternative) a bit further in the street (at extra costs). There I was told that the requirement of an International Driver’s License depends on the insurance company with which they have a contract.
Napier
Explored town by ourselves.