Emerald Princess Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,873 reviews

First Time on Princess Cruise/Emerald

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Emerald Princess
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Pierogi2016
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Entertainment
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Additional details

Sail Date: Feb 2017
Cabin: Interior

We wanted a Cruise that would in compass New Zealand and Australia, Princess fitted the itinerary adequately. However although we enjoyed the cruise overall we felt that it didn't reach our expectations and lacked the little bit extra appeal that might make us automatic returning customers. As this was our first Princess cruise we are not sure whether it was just this particular Ship Emerald or the general cruise line itself? The ship seemed difficult to find ones bearing at times and to get to specific area like the Share Restaurant and Adigo Bar. The dining arrangements were much the same as other cruise lines, we were anytime dining in the MichAelangelo restaurant. The food was good the menu was much the same every evening and was lacking in variety, the restaurant staff lacked etiquette at times and would clear your plate before your partner had finished their meal something I would expect in the Horizon Restaurant which in fact was the exact opposite. Both Speciality Restaurants the Crown Grill and Share were enjoyable and made up for the disappointment in the other restaurants. Everything about Horizon restaurant was terrible probably the worst we have accounted. We did book some excursions and these were good but heavily over priced as normal for cruise lines, however the debacle at Gisborne with the tenders due to the rough waters leaves a lot to be desired, not that anything could have been done about the weather and safety was paramount but the the lack of water, shelter and basic information to let people know what's going on was poor. We found that thoroughout the cruise the lack of visibility of ship officers was noticeable compared to other ships which seemed odd particularly when things might be going wrong and safety might be of some concern. Like the Tender debacle mentioned above, people standing all the way up on either side of staircases whilst watching or listening to events in the Auditorium during rough sees us only asking for an accident to occur it was probably by sheer luck nothing occurred. Oddly the announcement over the ships intercom warning people to hold on to rails during rough sees seemed pointless if they are obstructed as I mentioned above.

Overall we had a good cruise not great it could have been considerably better but this was lacking on this particular Princess Ship, not sure we will try Princess again it would have to have a spectacular destination and itinerary and probably a different ship.

Cabin Review

Interior

Cabin IB

It's the first time we have taken a inside stateroom normally we would choose a balcony. However the cabin was adequately spaced but the room facilities were lacking. We are more use to having tea/coffee making facilities available in our cabin. Princess ships seem to favour making you pay for these routine facilities on other cruise lines. Although the cabin steward and service was good.

Port Reviews

Hobart

Hop on Hop Off Bus was ok but because it was a Sunday I think Hobart was closed!

Dunedin

On our own nice walkabout but apart for the Castle or the Historical House not much else to explore.

Wellington

On our own but a nice city to visit and explore.

Auckland

Joined the ship in Auckland had a couple of days prior to boarding to explore on our own.

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