A holiday trip to see the lovely coast and fiords of sleepy New Zealand this year. Whilst the Port of Melbourne holds promise for its proximity to the city and wide vistas, the facilities are rustic andvthe traffic dropping off was gridlocked adding $20 to our uber fee. If you are a local, recommend the tram. In any case, staff did their best to work efficiently to welcome us aboard.

The ship has ample space and areas to find peace away from the pools. The galeforce winds and summer temperature in NZ does not encourage you to swim, the pools being icecold. So I missed the joy of a heated pool with a roof present on ships of this standard with HAL. The decor is elegant and the atrium was well used for coffees, drinks, snacks and music. This area is a great design. I loved the ship in every way, but I want to fill you in on the secret Window Suites which only exist on Golden Princess.

Level 4 is Fiesta Deck, immediately forward is the theatre, and close by are future cruises, shorex and the Crown Grill. Towards the midline is the atrium services. Sounds like a rotten location and these 7 suites are the only passenger cabins at this level. It was the most convenient, quiet and comfortable cabin we have experienced for a great price- just a few hundred more than a minisuite, with full suite amenities. Wish there were more ships offering these cabins!