Diamond Princess Review

[rkmw]

hi Cheryl, with the late departure do you have the fire drill on the same day you embark

 

rkmw

[bobhsv]

Hi Cheryl,

 

Did you need lots of winter clothes, or just a few. BTW I obviously have packed ready for tomorrow, but was wondering if I needed to add a few extra wintry things.

 

Thanks,

Jen

[wjh]

very good review,we have gone right out and booked a cruise on the diamond as well cruising Alaska later this year. Cannot wait been a long time in the pipeline.

[CassCruise]

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.

IMHO there is no comparison - Diamond wins hands down for lots of reasons - will do some ramblings soon - but if you have the choice Diamond Princess would be my pick - having said that I just love cruising and would happily go on either!

 

Jane

[Australian family]

IMHO there is no comparison - Diamond wins hands down for lots of reasons - will do some ramblings soon - but if you have the choice Diamond Princess would be my pick - having said that I just love cruising and would happily go on either!

 

Jane

 

What makes the Diamond better than the Rhapsody of Seas?

 

I guess also at the end of the day it depends on how much they are charging for the cruises. If it is the same itinerary and one is a lot cheaper then I know which way I would also go.

[Murrumba]

Hi Cheryl,

 

Did you need lots of winter clothes, or just a few. BTW I obviously have packed ready for tomorrow, but was wondering if I needed to add a few extra wintry things.

 

Thanks,

Jen

 

Hi Jen and Bob - you may not get this message as you sail tomorrow (just noticed your cc tonight). Remember we were in the cabin next to yours on the Rhapsody in October 2008 to the Pacific. Phill and I went on the Rhapsody to New Zealand this time last year (January 13). You will have a great time - We wish you a wonderful cruise. Cruising anywhere is wonderful. The only time we needed our waterproof jackets was in the Sounds, the rest of the time the weather was a warmer. We also cruised in Alaska mid-year 2009 for 14 days which was fantastic and hope to redo that again. You would love that too.

Have a wonderful time - bon voyage.:o:o

[rugbypopsie]

Hi great review I can feel how much you enjoyed the Diamond..she is a great ship and the NZ leg is a good itinerary.

 

One thing l forgot to mention is Adam Gooder the CD on the Diamond he is the most energetic and fun CD I have come across..he has a good team too they were everywhere on our Bangkok to Sydney trip and everyone enjoyed their efforts.

10 out of 10:D

 

 

[kaseyoz]

Great review Cheryl, loved reading how you went on with your son.

I did the NZ cruise on the Sapphire Princess(sister ship) so i can also agree that the ships are really amazing and full of things to do while not being intimidating

[bobhsv]

Hi Jen and Bob - you may not get this message as you sail tomorrow (just noticed your cc tonight). Remember we were in the cabin next to yours on the Rhapsody in October 2008 to the Pacific. Phill and I went on the Rhapsody to New Zealand this time last year (January 13). You will have a great time - We wish you a wonderful cruise. Cruising anywhere is wonderful. The only time we needed our waterproof jackets was in the Sounds, the rest of the time the weather was a warmer. We also cruised in Alaska mid-year 2009 for 14 days which was fantastic and hope to redo that again. You would love that too.

Have a wonderful time - bon voyage.:o:o

 

So nice to hear from you both. Of course I remember you....and have often thought of you both, especially when those terrible fires went through your way. Hope all is ok. Yes cruising gets in your blood, great value holiday. Our next one will be further afield, either the Med or Alaska. Happy New Year to you.

 

Jen

[Kinkacruiser]

Thanks for the great read, Cheryl. It really is a small world once we start meeting fellow CCer's on board.

I'm putting the the Diamond Princess on my bucket list.

Cheers,

Anna

[hawkers]

Cheryl I too would be interested as to the type of clothing you needed. I am planning to take one light weight coat and maybe one jumper! How many winter type clothes did you need? How old is your son? Did he find lots to do and others to hang out with? Our girls are 19 and 24 and are very excited about our trip.Will take your advice about the now... 12 day diet!!!!!!!!!!

[The Fox]

:)

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.

 

 

 

Hi Neice,

 

Great review...Did you diarise events every day.I couldnt remember all that in detail.glad you had a gr8 time .I knew you would enjoy both Diamond and NZ.

Gee that cabin stewards a bit of a worry ....thinking Billy was your sister....too much time at sea LOL.Hope to see some Pics soon.

 

Now go and find another cruise.

bet your glad I convinced you to cruise....only took 5 years

 

Have Fun

 

Unc xxx:)

[Westaussie]

Hi Cheryl's Unc - I'm glad you convinced her to do the cruise as I've made a lovely new friend!

 

Cheryl, excellent review. You've made me want to turn round and do it all again. I think the Diamond is one of the best in the Princess fleet. It was lovely meeting you and Billy. Will email you soon maybe you'll join us on cruise to Vanuatu!!

 

Vera

[CassCruise]

What makes the Diamond better than the Rhapsody of Seas?

 

I guess also at the end of the day it depends on how much they are charging for the cruises. If it is the same itinerary and one is a lot cheaper then I know which way I would also go.

Briefly - it's a lot newer, its bigger so has more facilities and the kids club(s) would be about 3 times the size as that of Rhapsody. One of the big things for us is that Princess have fresh water pools as opposed to Rhapsody with (very very) salty water (child with eczema that reacted badly to this so swimming was very limited!)

 

Jane

[CassCruise]

What makes the Diamond better than the Rhapsody of Seas?

 

I guess also at the end of the day it depends on how much they are charging for the cruises. If it is the same itinerary and one is a lot cheaper then I know which way I would also go.

Briefly - it's a lot newer, its bigger so has more facilities and the kids club(s) would be about 3 times the size as that of Rhapsody. One of the big things for us is that Princess have fresh water pools as opposed to Rhapsody with (very very) salty water (child with eczema that reacted badly to this so swimming was very limited!)

 

Jane

[wildweston]

hi Cheryl, with the late departure do you have the fire drill on the same day you embark

 

rkmw

 

Hi there, yes we did do the fire drill on the day we embarked, from memory it was about 7.45 I think. All easy, didn't take too long

[wildweston]

very good review,we have gone right out and booked a cruise on the diamond as well cruising Alaska later this year. Cannot wait been a long time in the pipeline.

 

I hope you have a fantastic cruise, I hope you come back and tell us all about it :)

[wildweston]

Hi great review I can feel how much you enjoyed the Diamond..she is a great ship and the NZ leg is a good itinerary.

 

One thing l forgot to mention is Adam Gooder the CD on the Diamond he is the most energetic and fun CD I have come across..he has a good team too they were everywhere on our Bangkok to Sydney trip and everyone enjoyed their efforts.

10 out of 10:D

 

 

 

Thank you, yes Adam is good and he and Simon together are very funny. I still like Sandy from my first cruise on Pacific Sun, actually some of Adam and Sandy's jokes were the same!! :D

[wildweston]

Thanks for the great read, Cheryl. It really is a small world once we start meeting fellow CCer's on board.

I'm putting the the Diamond Princess on my bucket list.

Cheers,

Anna

 

Thanks Anna, I am sure you would love the Diamond :)

[Aus Traveller]

Thank you, yes Adam is good and he and Simon together are very funny. I still like Sandy from my first cruise on Pacific Sun, actually some of Adam and Sandy's jokes were the same!! :D

I think all the Cruise Directors get their jokes from the same jokebook. :D:D I have heard different ones from Zoltina-J (the "I phoned my parents (or brother) today" jokes), but she has to recycle them.

 

I think Adam is a load of fun.

[wildweston]

Hi Uncle Col, yep glad you finally convinced me, there is no turning back. No I just did the review from memory, I couldn't forget such a fantastic cruise :D

 

Yes I am going to do another cruise ,want to do a "big" one at the end of the year, and one in the middle of the year. I know there is one out there with my name on them, just watching and looking at the moment.

[wildweston]

Cheryl I too would be interested as to the type of clothing you needed. I am planning to take one light weight coat and maybe one jumper! How many winter type clothes did you need? How old is your son? Did he find lots to do and others to hang out with? Our girls are 19 and 24 and are very excited about our trip.Will take your advice about the now... 12 day diet!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hi, yes it's tricky, I took one jumper and a few long sleeved shirts. I had the jumper off and on a million times, up on deck sometimes a bit cool, indoors you don't need a jumper. Milford sound was a bit cold because you get up early to see it, so rug up there. Billy is 16 and there were a couple of boys his age but that's about it, probably more your girls age I think. Happy dieting, I am now tying to get off the weight I put on!!!

[wildweston]

Thanks Karon, yes it going with Billy was good, something we will always remember. It's a shame more big ships don't come out. Even though there are 2,600 passengers, you can still go up on deck and be the only one there!

 

Vera, thank you, Billy and I loved meeting you and Ian. I hope you had a lovely Christmas. My email address is wildwestonx@yahoo.com.au. :D

[bluediamonds]

wonderfull review, as we have just got off her we can relate to what you are saying.

[S&D]

A beautiful review from a truly lovely girl...such a pleasure to have met you Cheryl - and Billy too...hope we get to meet up again soon..hugs to you!!

 

...we have a big wait til the next one now..Sth America in 15 months time..we are off on a couple of small trips to Melbourne and Canberra soon to visit family and friends... which will be very nice :)

 

We are tempted by Bali or Penang for a quick fly/hotel package towards the end of the year also...just for a shopping spree..:eek::eek:

 

 

S&D