wonderful ports of call

runningbarb

1 Review

Member Since 2011

3 Forum Posts

Overall Member Rating

Sail Date: January 2012
Destination: Australia & New Zealand
Embarkation: Sydney (Australia)

We stayed at the Suissotel in Sydney (arranged by Holland America, whose representatives met us at the airport, took us to the hotel, and transferred our luggage onto the Volendam the next day). Beautiful location, making the city easy to walk around and enjoy.

Check-in on Volendam was seamless. Melbourne was good for walking, Burnie for the animal preserve visit.

Luckily, the Tasman Sea was calm when we crossed! During this crossing, you will need to be prepared for a long wait in a line (1.5 hours) on the ship so that New Zealand customs can check your paperwork and your shoes (make sure you wear a clean pair). Enjoy this time by chatting with those around you or reading a book.

The option of leaving the ship at Milford Sound and crossing on land (overnight) to Dunedin is well worth the cost. Visiting Christchurch when we docked at Akaroa (site of 2 earthquakes in 18 months) was very moving experience. Picton (nature tour), Wellington (walked to museum), More Napier (wineries) were great ports. The excursion to a Maori village in Tauranga was OK, not spectacular, but the hike up Mount Maunganui made this port very special (you can walk to this location from the ship).

Auckland excursion to see sheep herding and shearing was a perfect way to end the cruise, and our luggage was waiting for us when we were driven to the airport. Less

Published 02/25/12

Helpful? Thank runningbarb

Cabin review: M3395 Large Interior Stateroom

Deck Plans

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Port and Shore Excursions

Auckland

Visited a home, treated like honored guests, watched sheep being herded and then got to shear one. It's much harder than it looks! Back to airport on the bus where our luggage was waiting. Nice way to end the cruise.

Read 262 Auckland Reviews

Christchurch

The actual port is now Akaroa due to the earthquakes that occurred in Christchurch. Glad we went to Christchurch - the devastation is evident but the town is rebuilding and the gardens are absolutely spectacular. Picton was next port. Wonderful dolphin and Ship Cove excursion.

Read 39 Christchurch Reviews

Melbourne

Take the trolley around town (free), walk to the outdoor Marketplace and the gardens around the art museum. Next stop was Burnie. Not sure why it is not listed as an option on this site, but the trip to the Wild Animal Preserve is definitely worthwhile. Also not on this list is Milford Sound. The optional overland excursion is pricey, but well worth the cost. It felt like we had been on a cruise, were now on an entirely different vacation, and then returned for another cruise! Don't miss this if you have the chance to take it.

Read 151 Melbourne Reviews

Sydney (Australia)

Walk around the opera house, botanic gardens, and do not miss the amazing art museum (you can take photos inside). Fabulous paintings and sculpture.

Read 508 Sydney (Australia) Reviews

Wellington

Only 4 hours here. Enough time to walk to the museum and also take a gondola up the hill for the view and the botanic gardens. As this was the only overcast day we had, we went to the museum and then back to the ship (no view from the gondola due to fog). Napier was next port. Wine tasting at 3 locations, very fun and educational. Also good for napping once we were back on the bus! Next port was Tauranga. Take the hike up Mt. Maunganui. It's worth it for the views and the sheep on the hillside next to you!

Read 256 Wellington Reviews

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runningbarb

1 Review

Member Since 2011

3 Forum Posts

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wonderful ports of call: Volendam Cruise Review by runningbarb

Volendam

Overall Member Rating