We live in Melbourne, Australia and took advantage of a 13 night cruise around New Zealand departing from Melbourne. A 45 minute drive to the pier was convenient. We boarded the Dawn Princess (Princess Cruises) and it sailed away on time.

We booked a balcony cabin for the first time and found it smaller than we anticipated. We paid $2,400 extra to have a balcony which we thought was expensive. It didn't help to have a cold, windy cruise and not be able to sit outside.

Cabins were clean and spacious. Plenty of wardrobe space for everything to be stored and suitcases fitted under the bed. Beds were turned down every evening with chocolates on the bed. Read more