We chose this cruise because of the itinerary.
It visited a number of ports down the east coast of North and South Island before sailing across to Tasmania.
It was our first cruise with Holland America although by no means our first cruise having cruised previously with a number of other cruise lines.
I will start with what we did not like.
1.
the draconian alcohol policy whereby peoples’ cases were searched without the owners being present and alcohol removed.
I have always enjoyed a drink whilst getting changed for dinner or sitting on the balcony watching the ship sail.
I consider the current policy which is being introduced across the whole Carnival fleet as an infringement of my civil liberty.
It would put me off cruising with any vessel that has this policy in future.
I do not wish to get drunk in my cabin and not use the bars I just want the freedom to choose where and what I drink .
I can only see one reason for the policy and that is to maximise the takings in the bars.
It does not happen in hotels why should it happen on a cruise ship.
2.
The cost of the excursions.
These are always fairly steep on cruises but these were the most expensive I have ever encountered and when compared with the cost of similar trips booked direct was obscene.
3 Entertainment.
There were no speakers on board which we have enjoyed listening to in the past on other cruise lines and the evening entertainment was not of a standard of other ships.
4.
Food.
This was plentiful but geared to the American diet with too much protein and not a lot in the way of vegetables.
Buffets were varied and good but on the onetime we tried the buffet for dinner the food was tepid.
This all sounds very negative but the plus sides were the delightful staff who work hard to ensure you enjoy the holiday.
We enjoyed the Neptune lounge which was just by our suite and very good with nibbles and drinks constantly on hand.
We had a lovely suite with a large balcony and we took full advantage of that as we sailed through fjord land on a glorious sunny day.
Disembarkation was the best organised of any I have ever done from a cruise ship.
I commend their system to the rest of the carnival group.
Summary The cruise delivered on the itinerary that we wanted to do and overall we enjoyed our time on her.
