Fortunatefew

My thoughts if you want to see New Zealand do it by cruising. You’ll go through the Fiords which is one of the highlights and why many travellers from all over the world travel a long way to witness the beauty of the Sounds. You can people watch and poke around all the towns on port days. I agree with your husband.

Some cruise lines offer a combined Hobbiton and Rotorua excursion in one day. We were on Celebrity in January and that particular excursion was booked out pretty quickly. I agree with Iainmac, there have been a lot of roads closed in the areas mentioned but still some wonderful places for you to explore.

March is normally pretty warm, today it’s 26degrees. But as we know weather patterns are changing but it doesn’t tend to get cooler until April/May in NZ. Others may disagree. The Fiords may be a little chillier depending on conditions on the day. We have been in beautiful blue skies, overcast and 3rd time was showery. I doubt you will need jumpers and coats, just something light that’s folds up like a parka that will get you through slightly cooler days.

Up to…….

That’s true about the size and sofa in Celebrity but I love the big wardrobe space in Princess and the laundromat. We have been on both recently, both have likes and dislikes but can’t wait to go on one again sooner rather than later

Yes, but Princess have big wardrobes and a laundromat on most decks. You can get a sofa in the mini suites.

Having recently cruised with Princess late last year and Celebrity in mid January, it was noticeably different on the mask protocols from different cruise lines, I liked how Princess enforced or at least tried to get passengers to wear masks. There hand washing stations and sanitising reminders was commendable. On the other hand Celebrity only offered sanitiser upon entry into the buffet. Never mentioned in theatres or public indoor areas to wear a mask, it was quite noticeable to us having been on Princess not long before. We both tested positive for covid on Celebrity towards the end of the cruise, fortunately we had a balcony. The Celebrity captain made a public announcement that all crew did not have to wear a mask from January 6, it was up to each individual,

Try for an upgrade to a balcony

We were on Coral in October and had a speaker from New Zealand although he was an American. He spoke on the 2nd world wars throughout the pacific. The lectures were spread out over 3 or 4 days. We found it really interesting although I realise not everyone is interested in the Second World War.

Agree totally

We were on Coral in October and agree with your comments. Washed hands before the buffet and made full use of all the sanitisers. Announcements were made in the theatres etc to wear your masks, we did it and never complained. Recently disembarked from Celebrity, totally different protocols. Passengers sanitise upon entering the buffet, and that’s it. No hand basins and very few sanitise stations anywhere and no verbal reminders in closed public area . It was announced a week ago by the Celebrity Captain that crew no longer need to wear masks from 6 January,

There are no cruises in NZ from May to October

I have the same problem - only get three and I can’t delete them