Amazing first cruise experience

We wanted to try out cruising, and being school teachers, needed a cruise that left or arrived in our home town during school holidays. This 4 night cruise from Auckland to Sydney was perfect.

Embarkation was a breeze at the port of Auckland. There was no problem with being dropped off with luggage right by the terminal.

We were happy with the cabin, it was exactly as we expected after researching. It was comfortable and clean, with everything we needed. Our steward was amazing at looking after us.

That was actually the theme of the cruise - the most incredibly staff are on Princess. Our daughter has coeliac disease, and safe eating is the hardest thing when travelling with her. Not on Princess though - we ate in the formal dining room for pretty much every meal after the first day as the food was incredible, and they were able to cater for my daughter's gluten free needs, as well as her wants. I was blown away by how great the food was. The other options on board were perfectly good (we had breakfast once at the buffet, and tried out the terrace grill for lunch as well once, both good meals), but the anytime dining at Traviata was super special.

Bar service was equally great. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. Nothing is too much trouble. There are amazing cocktails on Princess!

Our daughter had great fun at the youth club, and she also loved the pools. We became addicted to the trivia sessions, and found that there was always something to do if we wanted to do something. The show Encore was amazing, extraordinary talent. Lots of live music from classical to rock band, at all different times, and loads of opportunities to take part in activities - not bad for a 4 night cruise!

The crossing was a wee bit rocky - as it often is when crossing the Tasman, which also meant they couldn't disembark at Bay of Islands, but they really tried to make it happen. We weren't planning on getting off there, so that didn't impact us. We were having too much fun exploring the boat.

We would absolutely sail with Princess again, the trip exceeded expectations in so many ways.

Even booking nearly 2 years out, there weren't too many options, so I was happy when I was able to move from a restricted to unrestricted view. We decided not to bother to try and change to a balcony by going on the waiting list, for such a short trip. The cabin was well set up, had everything we needed. It was very clean and in reasonable condition. Beds were pretty comfy, and we didn't feel cramped with 3 in the space. It was a really quiet location, while being super handy to the atrium. Bonus of being on the first floor of cabins means you can always get in the lifts! It was also good to be lower when things got a bit rocky. Would have no issues with booking similar again.