Check in and Embarkation: My nephew Shankar dropped us at the Auckland terminal around 10:30 AM. The passengers were still disembarking. We dropped our bags off at 11am and checked in as a Platinum member, we got on board by 11:30 AM. My wife and I went for lunch at Lido Deck. First impressions: We had an outside room on Emerald Deck (8) we went straight to our room. After we came back from lunch found our bags ready and waiting. We did a quick tour the boat and were extremely impressed with the layout and decor of the boat. We had the life boat drill which for my part of the ship was held in Wheelhouse bar, we were out of there in about 30 minutes. After this, we went to the pool deck for the sail away party. When the ship started moving, we found a choice spot above bridge on deck 16 at front the ship where we watched the impressive Auckland skyline faded away in the sunset as we sailed out. There was some drizzle when got on the ship. Later the sky cleared and could not have asked for a nicer day in Auckland. Ports: We went to four ports in New Zealand -Tarunga, Christchurch, and Dunedin and cruised through Fjord land and Milford sound. In Australia the ports were Hobart Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney. In Tarunga we took Number 8 Farm tour which was supposed last only 3 hr, we didn't get back to ship till 4 PM a total of 5 hr. The tour guide was a retired farmer had a great knowledge about the area, and drove us all over. We purchased he tour independently after we had gotten off the ship. Next Port was Lyttleton for Christchurch. My wife Sharon's friend Marie and Murray picked at the port drove to the Center of the city. The city of Christchurch known for its beautiful garden. After doing a quick tour we went to Ballentyne Department store where we bought some beautiful sweaters made in New Zealand. Sharon has requested Captain to take our friends on the board and permission was granted. After the shopping we went back to the ship, showed the ship for our friends and had a nice lunch at the dining room. Later we took the Gondola to the top of mountain near the Harbor and got a bird's eye view of the Harbor and Christchurch. Our next port was Dunedin where Diamond Princess docked. We took Arthur's tour who met us near the dock. This was also private tour arranged by one of our friends. We visited Baldwin street, a steepest street, Otego University, Dunedin Railway, nearby Anglican Church. Then we went to Penguin Nature center to see yellow eyed Penguin colony, then went to the harbor to see the Fur seals. Afterwards we went and watched Royal Albatross nesting. Next morning, the ship sailed through the Fjord land national Park. The ship cruise through the mystic waters of the Fiordland lined with peaks 6000-7000 feet high with many cascading waterfalls which formed veils of mist spraying on the rocks and shiny Emerald green vegetation .We saw Fur seals sunning on the rocky shores and Dolphins played in waters crisscrossing our ship. The ship sailed through Dusky sound, Break sea sound, Doubtful sound, Thompson sound and finally the world famous Milford Sound is about ½ miles in widest point, the Mitre Peak raises from the water to a height of 5600 feet, the most photogenic peak. Ports in Australia. The ship took 2 days to cross the Tasman sea; fortunately sea was so calm during the day, it looks like a sheet of wet glass on which ship was gliding. We reached Hobart Tasmania which was located the Southeast corner of Tasmania. We were dropped off by bus to Information Center. We took the tour of Bonorong Wild Life preserve by Van. There we saw Koala bear, Kangaroo, Wallaby, Wombat and Tasmanian Devils, whole lots of birds native to Hobart and Australia. This also a breeding and research center for Tasmanian Devils. Later we went to the Museum where the Artifacts from Australian Aborigines and Penal colonies are displayed. We also visited Salamanca an artist colony, boutique shops where we did some shopping. Melbourne (spelled Mel-Bun) was our next port. We were dropped at the art Center. This is architecturally most beautiful and friendly city in Australia. We took a free tram which goes around the city, went to a Catholic church, and then walked to Collin and little Collin streets. There are lots of small lanes lined with small boutique shops. We also visited Shrine of Remembrance which commemorates Victoria's war dead. We walked on the river bank of Yarra river where boys were practicing their rowing skills a movie exhibit and then took a tram to our ship. Activities: The Assistant Cruise Director Tyson had dancing classes in Club Fusion on sea days and we joined his class. In addition we walked about 2 miles on seas days. My wife also joined the line dancing classes. Parnell Adams the tour Director talks were very informative and helpful. She never talked about any jewelry store or any particular store, shopping tips is general than specific. Service: The service was great. If I ever needed anything there was always someone to help out. The room was always kept clean, and there were fresh towels twice a day. Our room steward Sherwin is from Philippines was very efficient. Stateroom: The room was great; we had an outside cabin on Deck 8 which was really spacious with lots of closet space. Food: We ate in LIDO deck buffet during the port days, most of the time we ate at the International dining room. The Buffet some nice selections of food even for a Vegetarian like me. The Pizzeria, Bar Cafe had so many other things to choose from, we didn't go hungry. For evening dinner we ate at the International dining room. Our table was for 6, but there were only 4 people and our table mates are friendly and always waited for us before they ordered their dinner. The food was great! Head waiter Floriana always eager to please us with alternative menu choices. Our waiter Nila and his Assistant are well mannered and very pleasant. Both Valentine day and my wife birthday were celebrated with a glorious way with singing by, Head waiter and other waiters. I was never disappointed with what I ordered. We were always seated quickly within 5 minutes maximum. Entertainment: Most of the Production on Princess Theater was excellent quality and the singers and dancers were great. The comedian Bobby Dennis was also of very top caliber. Maurizio whom we saw in SUN Princess 10 years ago is still very popular. I At Wheel House Bar we also saw some production by Australian Artist Spring fever very funny and entertaining. Disembarkation: We had 8:15 disembarkation and custom clearance was all smooth. In all, We had a fantastic time. We really enjoyed cruising on Diamond Princess and would definitely do it again