The Sanctuary - New Zealand sailings

[LuckiePuris]

Hi there,

 

just wondering if anyone has experience in booking the sanctuary for New Zealand sailings and can confirm if it is as popular as the warmer itineraries? Thinking of booking for a day of scenic cruising.

 

Thank you!

[Arizona Wildcat]

6 hours ago, LuckiePuris said:

Hi there,

 

just wondering if anyone has experience in booking the sanctuary for New Zealand sailings and can confirm if it is as popular as the warmer itineraries? Thinking of booking for a day of scenic cruising.

 

Thank you!

Very popular on all cruises.  A scenic cruising day would likely sell out quickly.  Suggest posting on a roll call.  On a recent West Coast US cruise all days sold out within a couple hours.

[LuckiePuris]

15 hours ago, Arizona Wildcat said:

Very popular on all cruises.  A scenic cruising day would likely sell out quickly.  Suggest posting on a roll call.  On a recent West Coast US cruise all days sold out within a couple hours.

Thank you, will try to get onboard as early as possible and make it first thing we organise onboard.

Do they allow you to book which loungers you want when you make your reservation, or are loungers on a first come basis on the day of booking? Thanks!

[SinbadThePorter]

15 hours ago, Arizona Wildcat said:

Very popular on all cruises.

 

That's strange. On all my Princess cruises around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific on Diamond, Ruby, Majestic and Coral, the Sanctuary has always been like a ghost town. Never seen more than one or two couples in there.

[PescadoAmarillo]

The Sanctuary is definitely not as popular on cruises Down Under, at least not on New Zealand (and Tasmania) cruises. The two days to and from Australia are often quite rough, windy and not conducive to spending time on deck. Once in New Zealand, the cruise is very port intensive and tiring. You might have one sea day between the North and South Islands, but usually don’t. And the only place to really do “scenic cruising” is in Fiordland National Park, and that day, weather permitting, you’re going to want to be up and all around the open decks, not taking photos from a single place through tinted glass.