We chose NCL's Christmas cruise in preference to other options as they were new to this sector and friends travelling on same cruise had previous good experience in Hawaii and Mexico trips. The itinerary also appealed even though it was changed after booking dropping off port stops in Melbourne/Burnie in lieu of picking up Milford, Dusty and Doubtful Sounds - $250 re credit and bonus to us (not everyone).
Overall somewhat disappointed with NCL offering on this occasion as it didn't really shine or standout - so whilst still very enjoyable not a particularly memorable cruise.
Positives;
Whilst we had an obstructed view mid-ship window cabin and the ship is not what we'd call new, we really liked our suite, the condition was very good and presentation excellent. The layout suited our needs and was well designed with lots of storage space, lots of hangers, cabin safe (not used), great little mini bar. The toilet cubical design and function for a small suite was the best I've used, with a good size shower cubical, great and consistent water pressure/heating, separate toilet. The cleanliness was very good and condiments; shampoo, conditioner, tissues etc well maintained during our stay. the cabin staff servicing this section were fantastic and very hard working - could not fault in anyway and only congratulate on professional and consistent service level.
Small issue with A/cond on first day and was very quickly attended to or adjusted by NCL.
No issues that i'm aware or heard of with non-functioning/toilets etc as on other cruises.
No tour due to time constraints - just general walk around the harbour area - okay location but not somewhere i'd make a point of returning to unless to catch the inter-islander ferry. Okay.
We were hoping to get out to Marlborough re wines but missed out.
Hired car and drove out to Rotorua to the Polynesian Spar - visited spa for a few hours very nice experience, stopped off a waterfall on route home and saw some white water rafting. Stopped at the harbour area for a beer - lots happening re NEW YEAR preps.
Very nice but limited stop.
Been to Napier and surrounds previously - so just stopped into town for a stroll around and browsing the shops, admiring the deco architecture etc. If you haven't been well worth a visit - great looking place to live/retire and fantastic seafront facilities for all ages.
Visited the fantastic museum Te Papa with the WW1 Gallipolli exhibit - VERY HIGHLY recommended, also lots of other cultural and nature exhibits.
Rode the cable car and walked back down to the city via botanical gardens - fantastic.
Great city/capital, lovely location.