Golden Princess New Zealand 11th to 24th February 2016 - Complete Picture Review!

[hopestotravelmore]

Shame, hope hubby spoiled you.;)

 

Sorry MicCanberra, I looking at my notes and we went to the dining room for dinner but there were no roses.

[hopestotravelmore]

I was talking to a lady who did this cruise at the same time last year and they missed 4 ports and over 1000 passengers were sea sick. How lucky we were that our captain changed course.

 

At 10.30am in the Princess Theatre was a Fiordland National Park Heritage Presentation given by Ranger Hamish Angus. It was very interesting.

During the day there was an ice carving demonstration at the pool on Deck 14. Lots of people came to watch so it was hard to view unless you watched it on the big screen like we did.

 

James went for an afternoon snooze in our cabin while I went to the Piazza and listened to Afternoon Melodies with Pianist Leandro. I enjoyed his playing. And on MUTS was an Il Divo concert at 5pm. I love Il Divo so made sure I watched these fantastic, cute and sexy guys perform.

 

 

 

Guy on the left was a Guitar Vocalist Teodor and on the right was Pianist Leandro. Both were fantastic performers.

 

This ship was decorated beautifully for Valentines Day.

[QE2_Fan]

Wow those photos of the sounds are stunning. Quite majestic with the layers of clouds/mist blanketing the mountains.

 

Would have been amazing warning MUTS as you sail through the sounds!!

 

May I ask, does Golden Princess have an 'Alfredos' pizza venue? ...if I understand right it is on some ships as part of Sabbatinis, it's another venue other than the lido deck pizzeria.

 

Thanks Matt.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[crochetcruise]

Hi crochetcruise

 

The formal photo I got was $30 It was only one but the one above was only $14.99

 

The Wheelhouse bar and all the other bars where easy to use if you had a walking stick or walker. I am sure you could manage.

 

THANK YOU! Duly noted on my Cruise Budget!

 

Gorgeous photos too!

[hopestotravelmore]

Tonight we had Dinner in the anytime dining room – Bernini on deck 5. Being Valentine’s day there were Valentine’s Photos taken in all dining rooms. And of course we had to have ours taken. Once again the food was yummy.

 

 

 

After diner we headed to the Princess Theatre for the Production show Stardust. This show was all about the music and songs of years gone by with classics by the likes of Doris Day and Perry Como. It wasn’t as lively as Caribbean Caliente but still excellent.

 

 

At 9pm the Valentine’s Day party began at the Piazza with party band Mosaic and the Cruise Director’s staff. James and I stood on the staircase and watched everyone below dance and then we watched the balloons drop. Very exciting stuff.

 

 

You could have ordered a romantic valentines day breakfast in your room if choose to. Did we? No hubby is not the romantic type.

 

 

 

Then our evening ended with a walk around the Promenade deck.

[hopestotravelmore]

Wow those photos of the sounds are stunning. Quite majestic with the layers of clouds/mist blanketing the mountains.

 

Would have been amazing warning MUTS as you sail through the sounds!!

 

May I ask, does Golden Princess have an 'Alfredos' pizza venue? ...if I understand right it is on some ships as part of Sabbatinis, it's another venue other than the lido deck pizzeria.

 

Thanks Matt.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Hi Matt.

Mutts was one of our favourite places on board.

No there was no Alfredos on the Golden. Just the Prego Pizzeria on deck 14 forward.

[hopestotravelmore]

I have been updating this review nearly all day, so I need a rest. Hope to add . more during the week I have a very busy week with work so lets hope I can get at least day 4 up.

 

thanks for being patient.

[Hawka]

Hi Hawka

Thanks for the kinds words. My hubby tells me I talk to much so I guess I am doing the same here. I hope its ok but I had such a wonderful time and want everyone to know it..:D

 

we would have got on like a house on fire i talk a lot too :-) and i love your review so keep it coming i am reminiscing about my cruise and seeing what you did to what i did the afternoon tea i came across one day i only found out the day before about it about 2 days before the end of my cruise

[MicCanberra]

I have been updating this review nearly all day, so I need a rest. Hope to add . more during the week I have a very busy week with work so lets hope I can get at least day 4 up.

 

thanks for being patient.

 

Thanks for the all your efforts loading photos, updating the blog and answering questions. We look forward to the updates as you can do them.:D

[Hawka]

Welcome to Princess Presentation in Wheelhouse i missed i dont know if i got the passport thing you talk of i got a gold pin later on when i found out about it the scottish one was awesome on my cruise too had a huge following by the end and yes standing room every night i got to see him in glimpses as i was always going to a show etc he did a show one night and it was a full house that's for sure the cruise director did a show too that was a full house [Tim Donovan i think his name was ill check my patters later] i saw some of the wine fountain missed the actual pouring of the wine into the glasses i think i had an appointment with a massage , the blue boat in your photo i was on last time i was in NZ 98 you stay the night on it its cool as

[QE2_Fan]

QE2_Fan love your comment about the Kiwis and their sheep. very funny.

 

 

[emoji13] it reminds me of one of my favourite kiwi jokes. I think as you guys are farmers and as my dad was a kiwi I can get away with it. It's a bit cheeky but only in that fun Aussie vs Kiwi rivalry sort of way! You will need to read the kiwi part with a suitable kiwi accent in your head!

 

An Aussie farmer was finishing his NZ holiday and was in a cab on the way to the airport. He passed by a paddock full of sheep and he noticed a Kiwi farmer was on the side of the roads 'getting cosy' with one of the sheep

 

He winds down the window and shouts out, 'Hey mate, in Australia we SHEAR our sheep!’

 

To which the Kiwi farmer retorts 'well here in NZ we don't SHARE our sheep, find your own'

 

Boom, Boom, Tish [emoji9][emoji15][emoji37]

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited March 6, 2016 by QE2_Fan

[JF - retired RRT]

Already know about the Welcome Aboard Photo Package, it's on my list of On Board Purchases to Pre-Pay, still have Gift Services, Internet, Soda & More Package, On Board Credit to pay for Cocktails, Culinary Delights, Lotus Spa and Casino Credits to organise.

Crochet

Keep in mind that you will only be on the ship for 2 1/2 days!!

You won't have the time or energy to do all the things you have planned.:eek:

[MicCanberra]

Crochet

Keep in mind that you will only be on the ship for 2 1/2 days!!

You won't have the time or energy to do all the things you have planned.:eek:

 

Time will be an issue if eating in the MDR and the buffet for all six meals per day.:eek:

[bapaleg]

Thanks for the pictures of the sounds. I just have a few quick questions. was it very chilly outside while you were taking them. I didn't know I had to take a jacket. And the other question is that if you miss a port do you go to another one or are you at sea for another day

[MicCanberra]

Thanks for the pictures of the sounds. I just have a few quick questions. was it very chilly outside while you were taking them. I didn't know I had to take a jacket. And the other question is that if you miss a port do you go to another one or are you at sea for another day

 

It does get chilly in NZ even in the height of Summer, and cruising even in fine weather can be cool as you are moving above water, sometimes at 17-22 knots. I thought they had mentioned they wore beanies and jackets.:D

 

That may depend on availability of a substitute port and where and why a port was missed.

Edited March 7, 2016 by MicCanberra

[MicCanberra]

From earlier in the blog.

 

Sunday Feb. 14 Todays Weather 17

 

Fiordland: Speed 17.4 Knots Slight seas with short/low N’ly swell

Today was the coolest day we had on the cruise. So off we went up onto deck 15 with our coats and beanies. We were sailing into Fiordland National Park. What spectacular scenery. We saw Milford Sound, Thompson Sound and Doubtful Sound.

[TracieABD]

Maureen-

Thank you for the updates and photos! It is such amazing fun to see cruising through a "newby's" eyes! I am so glad you had such a great time--

 

--waiting for updates!

:)

[RadioBoy]

Thanks for a good review... I am looking forward to read more.

 

We just got back from the cruise following yours (Feb 24 - March 8th) with the same itinerary in reverse.

 

As for your husband and his undying love for the Horizon Court... I feel your pain.

 

We were with friends and they loved the buffet when my wife and I preferred the dining room.

 

While the food in the buffet wasn't bad.... I like to be waited on AND feel like i was at a restaurant and NOT having to pay the bill! :)

[PG13]

Ditto, what everyone says. Anxious for your next entry. Excited to hear what you did in port. Also want to chase this back up to the top so it's easier to find. Pat

 

Thanks for a good review... I am looking forward to read more.

 

We just got back from the cruise following yours (Feb 24 - March 8th) with the same itinerary in reverse.

 

As for your husband and his undying love for the Horizon Court... I feel your pain.

 

We were with friends and they loved the buffet when my wife and I preferred the dining room.

 

While the food in the buffet wasn't bad.... I like to be waited on AND feel like i was at a restaurant and NOT having to pay the bill! :)

[MicCanberra]

Ditto, what everyone says. Anxious for your next entry. Excited to hear what you did in port. Also want to chase this back up to the top so it's easier to find. Pat

 

Hopefully they can get to it this weekend.:D

[MJSailors]

Hello Maureen,

I have been enjoying your review and your sense of humor.

If we.met on a cruise, I think we could have some good chats as we seem to have husbands who are very similar.

My hubby also gets up early,prefers the Horizon Court over the MDR ,and I admit to watching episodes of The Love Boat while he snores blissfully on his side of the bed.

I know how life can get busy ( especially after a vacation ) ,but I hope you find the time to continue your review.

I would like to see photos of the New Zealand ports and read about your adventures.

[Kinkacruiser]

Your blog was a breath of fresh air to the run of the mill reviews I read. Thank you for a wonderful experience.:)

[Swissmiss6253]

Loving this, such fun. Looking forward to the next instalment

[hopestotravelmore]

I am back! Sorry I took so long but I had week of non-stop work then we went camping for the labour day long weekend.

 

Monday Feb. 15 Todays Weather 24

Port Chalmers (Dunedin) arrive 8am - all aboard 4.30pm

 

 

Land Ahoy! Once again our feet will step onto New Zealand’s stunning terrain. Excited, we were up before the sun to watch the ship approach our first port - Dunedin. One thing I did notice that since we changed course we will have less time at each port. Oh well better than rough seas and missed ports I guess. Dunedin wasn’t too bad we were leaving half an hour early but some ports were 2 to 3 hours earlier.

 

New Zealand is impressive. The land is so mountainous and green. Nothing like where I live. Below is a picture of our farm - So dry and flat.

 

 

Now take a look at New Zealand. Spectacular! I could live here.

 

 

 

[hopestotravelmore]

 

 

At 7.46am the Golden Princess pulled alongside the Container Terminal Port Chalmers.

 

Historic Port Chalmers looked really pretty and we wanted to visit this charming town but as usual when I researched all the ports I knew we would miss some wonderful sites. Achieving everything we wanted to do in each port in 8 hours was not possible. Oh I wish we had more time but we decided in the planning to select one or two things and be happy with our decisions.

 

 

We noticed when we arrived into each harbor there was usually a large timber industry based in port.

 

 

 

Port Chalmers is located approximately 7-1/2 miles from Dunedin. Free Wi-Fi is available in the tent at the Wharf. At this tent you will find friendly and helpful locals with information on all that Dunedin and Port Chalmers has to offer.

 

 

Here passengers wait for booked excursions or can also book excursions.

Most will visit Dunedin so there is an independently operated Shuttle Service from the pier to The Octagon, Dunedin city centre. Tickets are $15.00NZD roundtrip and can be purchased at the tourist tent on the pier. One way trip to Dunedin takes 30 minutes. Last shuttle returning back to the ship was at 3.30pm.

 

There is also a regular bus service to Dunedin that leaves from the bus stop outside the bakery on Port Chalmers Main Street. It was priced at $5pp

 

Passengers were allowed to leave the ship at 8.00am. Once lined up it didn’t take too long to disembark the Golden. We needed to have a photo ID while in New Zealand. We took our drivers licence and this was fine. Left passports locked in our room safe. We needed this id to return to the ship when we passed security. By the way, photocopies where not accepted.

 

There is so much to do in and around Dunedin. What a tough decision we had. What could we do? I went onto the Princess website and studied the shore excursions for Dunedin and then checked out Trip Advisor and searched the web. Most passengers take the Taieri Gorge Railway and explore Cadbury world and Olveston House. We wanted to see the sights of the city, walk around New Zealand’s only castle, explore the countryside and see some wildlife. What a tall order - would we be able to do all this in 7 hours?