We chose this cruise as it left Melbourne and was fairly local. On the whole it was quite boring and stopping at Gisbourne was a waste of time. We would have loved to stop near Napier instead. I would prefer to travel somewhere more exciting.

There was not enough cruise talks and lectures. Also the buffet food was very poor and the environment up there not welcoming. Not enough tables so we gave up and only ate in the dinning room. The selection of fruit on the buffet was very poor with only watermelon, cantalope, honey dew and pineapple. Considering it is the Aussie summer and an abundance of wonderful fruits it was unacceptable. I mentioned it to the Chef and he could not have cared less. So not helpful at all.

I would not cruise on the Golden Princess again and we are looking at using Holland America in the future.