Transfers from early arrival to ships that depart late

[RoupMom]

I know I'm planning WAY ahead, but that's just how I am.:)
We are going on the Volendam Holiday cruise from Auckland to Sydney this year, and we've purchased air through HAL, because at this point it's significantly cheaper that way. So we also have transfers to the ship through HAL. After looking at schedules, it seems all the planes arrive in Auckland in the early morning ( out of either LA, San Francisco, or Vancouver BC), and the ship doesn't depart until midnight. We would like to do some touring of Auckland that day. How does the transfer work, since you can't usually get on a ship until noon or so, and I'm assuming that one needs to stay with one's luggage?
I'm hoping someone has experience with this and can answer for me. Thanks in advance.

[CruiserBruce]

I know I'm planning WAY ahead, but that's just how I am.:)
We are going on the Volendam Holiday cruise from Auckland to Sydney this year, and we've purchased air through HAL, because at this point it's significantly cheaper that way. So we also have transfers to the ship through HAL. After looking at schedules, it seems all the planes arrive in Auckland in the early morning ( out of either LA, San Francisco, or Vancouver BC), and the ship doesn't depart until midnight. We would like to do some touring of Auckland that day. How does the transfer work, since you can't usually get on a ship until noon or so, and I'm assuming that one needs to stay with one's luggage?
I'm hoping someone has experience with this and can answer for me. Thanks in advance.

I can't explain how the transfer works, but you are correct, most flights will arrive before 8 am. As it is a very long flight, I would suggest getting a hotel and spending at least one night, if not two or more, before getting on board.

This achieves three things. One, allows baggage to catch up if there is an issue. Second, allows you to get over jet lag, so you can enjoy the cruise to the fullest. Third, allows your to explore a wonderful city, and perhaps some adjoining country side, and meet some truly pleasurable people.

There are few places in the world I would love to spend more time in than New Zealand. If you can.

[Tampa Girl]

We had the same problem when our Qantas flight arrived at 6:00 a.m., and the ship sailed at 6:00 p.m. We elected to not use HAL's transfer service and were glad we had not done so. The Auckland airport has showers. I think they cost around $8 NZ. We took the opportunity of cleaning up and changing clothes, having a cup of coffee at MacDonald's. We felt so much better! By that time it was after 9:30. Because it was raining, we didn't do any sightseeing, so we went directly to the pier and checked our luggage in. I had been told that you can check your luggage in from 9:00 a.m. Hopefully your weather will be sunny and bright and you can do some sightseeing. New Zealand is lovely.

[ldog]

I don't know about the transfers but the ship docks right downtown. If they drop you off there you can check your luggage and then walk out and take the hop on hop off bus which gives a good tour of Auckland.

Another option is the ferries which are on the next pier.

[jtl513]

Ordinarily your baggage goes with you on the transfer bus, but I have heard of cases of people sending their bags on the bus, and going their own way from the airport. A very expensive baggage service, IMO!! :eek: I suggest you go on the bus with your bags, check them with a porter, and then go sight-seeing. You can check in later on.

[RoupMom]

Thanks for your responses. This is just what I wanted to know. I didn't realize from our previous cruise experiences that one can check one's bags in earlier than boarding. That will be perfect! I anticipate doing what we did last year when we went on a cruise in the Mediterranean. Since we live on the west coast, it was nearly as long a trip, as things worked out. Upon arrival we were able to check in (our flight and transfers arrived a bit later). We had some lunch, took a quick shower, and then did some sightseeing in the sun. The HOHO buses work well for that, IMO. Back to the ship for dinner and unpacking, and then off to bed. Although I'm not able to sleep well on a plane, I can do well enough to get by when I'm so excited!