Diamond Princess Review

[wildweston]

Review of Diamond Princess 10/12/09 by Cheryl and Billy

Trip started with a train trip to Brisbane from Bundaberg all went well and we were on time. We were very excited and chatted all the way to Brisbane. We then caught a plane from Brisbane to Sydney and caught KST shuttle to The Menzies. The Menzies was very grand, but the rooms are very plain, the location was fantastic. We dumped our bags and headed off to Circular Quay and Darling harbour, had some dinner and went to bed early.

Next day (sailing day) up early and showered, we then had a buffet breakfast and headed up to Martins place to see Sunrise. Fifi was out the front doing an interview, so we stood and watched when one of my workmates text me to say they could see Billy and I on T.V, Natalie Barr also gave us a wave, so after our 15 minutes we headed to Darling harbour to see Sun Princess and also to check if OUR ship was in, she was in and WOW was she huge; we could not believe we were going on it. Went back to The Menzies and checked out. We then checked our bags into the Opt and went off to meet a friend (someone I had met on my first cruise on Pacific Sun in April). We had lunch and a catch up and she walked us back to the ship where we said goodbye and Bon Voyage.

Now to the real Action.

Embarkation was so easy, no queues, no crowds just people waiting to check us in, the time was 1 pm. Before we knew it we were walking up the gangway and onto the ship. The usual embarkation photo was taken (pretty good) and that was it we were on this massive ship. After a fit of laughing we found our room (bags were already there) and our cabin steward Joven introduced himself to us. Have to sneak this line in while Billy’s not looking but Joven thought we were sisters, I found it hysterical and Billy found it not so hysterical, anyway I explained I was actually Billy’s mum to which we were all had a good laugh, with Billy now making a note to himself –must get haircut! We had cabin E105 which was forward but I found it no problem and liked the fact that nobody walked past your room. We started exploring and found it quiet easy to get around (I had read lots on the Diamond so this was a help), found the buffet and had something to eat with the Opera House as our view. Spent all afternoon absolutely in awe and there was something fantastic on every deck. The atrium is gorgeous and was being decorated for Christmas on the day we boarded. We then showered and had some dinner and got ready for our 9pm sail away. Well as you could imagine it was just magical, with the bridge and the Opera house, all the twinkling lights, really no words to describe it, we stayed on deck until the very last light faded.

Day 2---- Sea Day.

This was the day of our meet and greet, so after checking out the patter and some other paperwork, we then headed off to breakfast in the buffet, where I didn’t find it too crowded nor did we have any trouble getting a table. Needless to say they have everything you could possibly want for breakfast, they even had my vegemite! After a few activities I started to feel queasy and noticed the seas were quite rough. I tried to fight it and went out on the back deck for fresh air. I was getting quite anxious as it was 1.10pm and our meet and greet was at 2pm. I went back to the cabin and lay down, Billy was also not well either, at 2.45 I made another attempt to get to the meet and greet but just couldn’t do it. I felt really bad because I was really looking forward to it. To cut a long story short Sandy (S&D) got in contact with me the next day or so and I met up with her and Vera and Ian (Westaussie) hi guys. Sandy really is as nice as she is on CC, (and I witnessed her having her Raspberry Fizz!), she and Dave won a dancing competition and gave Billy and I some caps and a tee-shirt! I also liked Vera and Ian and hope he got to finish his book!! Later in the cruise we were having lunch with some people and one of the couples caught my attention, after a few questions I had found Deb and Vern (angelwingsflys) hi to you, we caught up with them for dinner and we went to the pub night where Deb and I got our photo taken with Adam (cruise director) who was dressed up as the biker from village people, we had a fun night,

Day 3 –Melbourne.

Didn’t do too much, took Billy on a tram to the markets and came back to the ship and got on just before a security scare with Sun Princess which was berthed beside us. Other passengers never got back on the ship until 7.15, some were happy because Princess radioed bus drivers and told them to stay longer on their tours, others were unhappy because they were at the wharf. Had some afternoon tea, Billy went back to the room and I did stuff. We had dinner in the Pacific Moon restaurant. Each restaurant has the same menu but with a signature dish, Pacific Moon was scallop and prawn noodle stir fry-- yummy. We just turned up at the restaurants at anytime and always got a table ( I suppose that’s why it’s anytime dining), but honestly we never had a problem and we dined at different times every night.

Day 4—Sea Day

Lots of activities, lots of food, lots of lazing around.

I bought a coffee card this day; I thought it was good value. There is so much to do on the Diamond on sea days, lots of activities, shows (really great shows) and of course food. Only food I didn’t like was the pizza, give me a good old aussie!! pizza anyday. On the deck at 3.30 they bring around warm cookies, yum just what we need more food!! This night we tried Santa Fe dining room, there signature dish is fajitas, though I didn’t have this.

Day 5—Hobart

We didn’t book any tours and I wished I had booked Port Arthur because all we did was shop, Billy went back to the ship and I checked out Salamanca Place. Hobart was a pretty little place and probably the coldest day of the cruise. The cool dry air was a bit much for this Queenslander!! Went back to the ship and had afternoon tea. So many pastries, donuts, cakes!! We tried the Savoy for dinner this night; their signature dish is pork chops, though I didn’t have them. The menus change every single night and there are alternative dishes if you can’t find anything you like. Staffs were attentive and helpful in all dining rooms and in fact in all areas of the ship. Went to the show, I never missed one. We decided to have a spa after the show, it was 13 degrees and we were in the spa on the back deck, it was fantastic, until we got out ,I had I icicles nearly all over me, but the thought of sitting in a spa as we crossed the Tasman was pretty amazing. Speaking of the Tasman I was ready for it, bring it on.

Day 6—Sea Day.

I slept in a bit today. We were now 2 hours ahead of our usual time and we would be putting the clock forward another hour tonight. On sea days on the Diamond out in the pool area they have themed buffets e.g.: Mexican, Seafood, Oriental, fruit and pastries buffet oh it does your head in. We had a lot of lunches in the international dining room; Billy also had the trident grill. They also had the free ice creams and hot waffles. I just want to say besides the meals being fantastic, so were the deserts--- so yummy. The sea is lovely and calm, went back in the spa today and got a bit sunburnt.

Day 7---Sea Day

Billy stayed in bed until midday (teenagers!!), while I did everything going. Had breakfast with an American couple who were fascinated by my vegemite and couldn’t believe I could eat it—funny. We had lunch with Sandy, Vera and I finally got to met Robyn and Reg ( rplusr, hi newlyweds), who got married on the Diamond. Robyn looked gorgeous and Reg looked handsome, a really nice couple. We chatted about their previous Asian cruise and what we all had planned next. Really nice lunch and great company, after that I went off to meet the stars of the shows and a behind the scene look of the stage. After the show I decided on an early night, but it was 9.45 and still broad daylight, I just can’t get used to it, as you all know, no daylight savings in Queensland. Anyway Milford Sound tomorrow can’t wait.

Day 8--- Milford Sound

Up early, the weather was cold and misty and I loved it. We rugged up and had the most spectacular cruise through the sound. They gave out hot chocolate and blankets, which was a nice touch. Had a slight drizzle which added to the beauty and yes we had snow capped mountains and a small pod of dolphins ( I am not making this up, so lucky) A ranger come on the ship and gave us an interesting commentary. It was a beautiful experience and the captain (Dino Sagani) announced we would be doing four other sounds. Thompson, Breaksea, Doubtful and Dusky all beautiful, by the time we got to Thompson sound it was a beautiful clear sunny day, by the time we had done all the sounds it was stormy, windy and rough. Billy went out on deck where he couldn’t even walk it was so windy, and I thought he was signalling me to come out but I finally worked out he wanted help to open the door to get in!! One hour later calm flat seas. Amazingly I didn’t get sick in this rough patch, in fact I never felt sick for the rest of the cruise, exactly like my first cruise.

Day 9---Dunedin

Well what a gorgeous place. As we cruised in, on either side were the greenest hills I have ever seen, it was just beautiful, I really liked Dunedin, we did the chocolate factory here and some shopping, where I got to use some of my New Zealand money, such pretty money I didn’t want to give it up. Went back to the ship and sat out on deck surrounded by those beautiful green mountains. Also I have to say the captain backed our ship into the smallest of places, it was so amazing I don’t know how they do it, I would’ve taken the wharf out, I suppose that’s why he’s a Captain and I’m not!!

Day 10—Christchurch

Another beautiful place, with an English theme, while Dunedin has a Scottish theme, you could tell the difference, Went to the arctic centre here and went in a blizzard room—brr, saw some fairy penguins and had a really good tour, then off to Willowbank and we got to see the elusive kiwi, then did some shopping, had some lunch, McDonalds (I know), then back to the ship. We had dinner at Vivaldi’s this night, their theme is Italian and the signature dish was Osso Bucco, which I had and it was so nice, it came on a bed of risotto, and for dessert I had two little pastry swans with chocolate and ice cream. Did the show and a bunch of other stuff and hit the sack about midnight. Billy had gone back to the cabin hours before me to watch movies. Actually it was funny him being “at home” while I came home late, talk about role reversal!!

Day 11—Sea Day

Did all usual onboard stuff, by now started to know a few people, and just enjoyed the day really. They had a balloon drop at midnight in the atrium this night with streamers etc. Also they put up a whole lot of gingerbreads houses made into village with a moving train going through it.

Day 12---Tauranga

On this day we just went into the little town, it would have to be one of the loveliest, cleanest towns I have seen. Ran into Dave and Sandy, who were also shopping around with their friends. Then headed back into Mount Maunganui ,after a bit of a look around Billy went back to the ship and I shopped around the town, which is also very nice. I then went for a walk right up to the mountain, not up the mountain just right up to it, which was pretty impressive when you are standing at the bottom. As I walked back, the ship looked magnificent, and a lot of New Zealand families were out and about, quite friendly, a lot said hello as I walked by. Boarded the ship and spent the afternoon, relaxing, socialising etc. We decided to have dinner in The Savoy restaurant for the last time. I liked them all, but liked the decor the best here. Managed to pack and get all luggage organised etc.

Disembarkation

BOO HOO

As expected all went well and we disembarked easily. We had a tour around Auckland which included the Museum. If you are ever in Auckland put this on your list it was absolutely fascinating. We were taken to the airport and collected our luggage and checked it in. Ran into Deb (angelwingsflys) in the ladies, we couldn’t believe it. Only hiccup we had was half way through the cruise my T/A notified me to let me know my Air New Zealand flight had been delayed by an hour and a half so I couldn’t get on my connecting flight to Bundy so we stayed overnight in Brisbane and got a 8.15 flight the next day.

Overall a great cruise, beautiful ship, great crew, cruise director, captain. The deputy CD was really good too. Adam (CD) and Simon (deputy CD) have a great show on every morning and were pretty funny together. The food and variety was excellent, you would be hard to please if you couldn’t find something you liked. I loved meeting fellow Ccer’s and chatting to them.

The waiter at the coffee shop always knew what I ordered etc, how good was that with thousands of passengers on board! I felt pretty pampered the whole cruise, just can’t think of one complaint. I did soooo much more but don’t want to ramble too much.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

WOW,

What a great review Cheryl.

 

As you know we got off the fabulous Diamond the day you got on.

As it turned out , could have stayed on for the cruise to Auckland as the big celebration we were heading back for was cancelled last minute.

 

So pleased you enjoyed the ship.

I reckon its one of the best.

Had misgivings about it being so big, but it has now become one my favourites.

[Guest012]

Great review Cheryl glad you both enjoyed the Diamond...you had the best of both worlds beautiful cruise ship and a stunning country...don't think we could ever tire of N.Z or the Diamond Princess ..... Isn't Simon just a hoot... i believe he has been transferred to the Royal Princess..lucky them...lol.....Adam we found very very BORING....maybe they should have switched positions........lol.........Where to next for you ????? cheers Shiona

[wildweston]

:) Hi David it's a shame you couldn't of stayed on, I would of loved to meet you, you live in a gorgeous country ( as you already know)

[karmac]

.......but Joven thought we were sisters, I found it hysterical and Billy found it not so hysterical, anyway I explained I was actually Billy’s mum to which we were all had a good laugh, with Billy now making a note to himself –must get haircut! ......

 

 

That is sooooooo funny:D I just might pay someone to make that comment to me and then maybe my son will get a haircut:)

[Aus Traveller]

Great review. Thank you for posting it.

[wildweston]

Thanks Shiona, well I am thinking of doing the South Pacific on Pacific Dawn. I have somehow missed doing the islands so far. I'm not sure what month yet, but I'm working on it.

 

Karen, well know he believes me he needs a haircut, couldn't have set that up if I tried :D

[happyaussies]

Cheryl and Billy we were on the Dawn Princess travelling around Oz when you were in Sydney and Hobart. Have some great photos of your Diamond Princess. Will put them up here when I figure out how or someone tells me how? heheheehe or if you'd like to email me at bubbles@bellybuster.com

 

B&B ;)

 

EDIT: Yep and we were waving back at ya! heheheheeh.

Yep and we heard your loud goodbyes.

It was fantastic fun at sailaways! Loved Sydney Harbour sailaway....awesome!

Loved Hobart!

[wildweston]

Cheryl and Billy we were on the Dawn Princess travelling around Oz when you were in Sydney and Hobart. Have some great photos of your Diamond Princess. Will put them up here when i figure out how?

 

B&B ;)

 

Thanks, I am not good with photos, but I am working on putting some up. I watched and waved as you guys sailed away.

[Australian family]

Gee your cruise sounded great. Obvious a lot more to do then on the Volendam. They were slow putting xmas decorations up on our cruise, and we arrived in Auckland the 20 Dec. They didn't have any gingerbread houses either. When did your cruise finish?

 

I think next time I will go on the Diamond or Rhapsody of the Seas. Don't know which one is better.

[Aus Traveller]

Thanks Shiona, well I am thinking of doing the South Pacific on Pacific Dawn. I have somehow missed doing the islands so far. I'm not sure what month yet, but I'm working on it.

Hi Karen,

While you are cruising the Pacific islands, look at a cruise that goes to Tahiti as well as the usual Vanuatu and Fiji. The Pacific Sun does it in May from Auckland, and the Dawn Princess goes to Tahiti and Hawaii from Sydney.

[wildweston]

Gee your cruise sounded great. Obvious a lot more to do then on the Volendam. They were slow putting xmas decorations up on our cruise, and we arrived in Auckland the 20 Dec. They didn't have any gingerbread houses either. When did your cruise finish?

 

I think next time I will go on the Diamond or Rhapsody of the Seas. Don't know which one is better.

 

Thanks, my cruise finished on 22/12/09 (last year!!!), yes Rhapsody is on my to do list also. There will be someone out there you has been on both who will be able to help you, or maybe just go on both and decide for yourself !! :D

[wildweston]

Shiona, yes I loved Simon I thought he was very funny, I think he said he leaves the Diamond in February

[rkmw]

hi Cheryl, we are cruising on the Diamond in just over 3 weeks from the Quay and what is the earliest you can embark and i liked your reveiw

 

rkmw

[wildweston]

hi Cheryl, we are cruising on the Diamond in just over 3 weeks from the Quay and what is the earliest you can embark and i liked your reveiw

 

rkmw

 

Thank you. We embarked at 1pm, but there were already a lot on before us. It was just so easy, no lines etc. Maybe you could try midday and see how you go. :D

[bobhsv]

Hi Cheryl,

 

Great review. We sail on her tomorrow, and can't wait. Just one quick question. What time did you disembark in Auckland. Son is meeting us at the wharf....yeehaa!!....need to give him an approximate time. Thanks

 

Jen

[wildweston]

Hi Cheryl,

 

Great review. We sail on her tomorrow, and can't wait. Just one quick question. What time did you disembark in Auckland. Son is meeting us at the wharf....yeehaa!!....need to give him an approximate time. Thanks

 

Jen

 

Hi Jen, we disembarked at 8.15, very easy, no problem. Enjoy your cruise, you are in for a treat :)

[Busy Mum]

Hi Cheryl,

 

Thank you for a wonderful review and a great read. My hubby and I are going on the Diamond in January 2011, on the exact cruise you have just completed. I have had some reservations, concerning the size of the Diamond (have cruised on the Dawn and Sun Princess, both in 2009) and several people have told me the Diamond is huge!!! Now after reading your review, I'm more excited than ever!! Thanks again...

 

We plan on spending 2 days in Auckland before heading back home so I will need to do some "research" into some exciting activities to do while we are there.

 

Cheers,

 

Vicki.

[wildweston]

Hi Cheryl,

 

Thank you for a wonderful review and a great read. My hubby and I are going on the Diamond in January 2011, on the exact cruise you have just completed. I have had some reservations, concerning the size of the Diamond (have cruised on the Dawn and Sun Princess, both in 2009) and several people have told me the Diamond is huge!!! Now after reading your review, I'm more excited than ever!! Thanks again...

 

We plan on spending 2 days in Auckland before heading back home so I will need to do some "research" into some exciting activities to do while we are there.

 

Cheers,

 

Vicki.

 

Thanks Vicki, you are going to love exploring the Diamond. I truly hope your cruise is as wonderful as mine was. I will definately cruise on her again.

[hawkers]

Hi Cheryl,

Fantastic review thanks! We are doing the reverse trip in 13 days!!! She is on her way to pick us up leaving Sydney tomorrow. We are very excited and loved reading your review. Bon voyage to those sailing tomorrow!!!!

[wildweston]

Hi Cheryl,

Fantastic review thanks! We are doing the reverse trip in 13 days!!! She is on her way to pick us up leaving Sydney tomorrow. We are very excited and loved reading your review. Bon voyage to those sailing tomorrow!!!!

 

Thanks, you have no idea what an adventure your in for. Hope you have a fantastic cruise. Here is a tip. You should diet for the next 13 days!!!, because there is soooo much food. :)

[Busy Mum]

Hi Cheryl,

 

What type of cabin did you have and was it what you expected??

 

Vicki.

[wildweston]

Hi Cheryl,

 

What type of cabin did you have and was it what you expected??

 

Vicki.

 

Hi Vicki, we had a cabin with a window and it was quite big really. The hanging space for your clothes acts as a wall creating two rooms. It was probably bigger than what I expected it to be. We had no noise whatsoever.

[Sandielle]

Great review, thank you Cheryl. I must say everyone seems to be impressed with the Diamond Princess. :)

[wildweston]

Great review, thank you Cheryl. I must say everyone seems to be impressed with the Diamond Princess. :)

 

Thanks Sandy, I hope you get to cruise on her so you know what we all mean :)