Diamond Princess Cruise Review by Jessiekouli1

It was a pleasurable experience. The buffet was extensive with delicious food, fresh produce, wonderful service. Staff were always there, no waiting around for service at the bars or with orders. Both lunch and breakfast had gorgeous meals. However it was often difficult to find tables available, and the air conditioning was often very strong in certain spots. That's okay because recently we went on a Pno CRUISE with no air con so we prefer the coldness.

The service in the International Dining Room was absolutely fantastic. Our waiters were God sent and so we remained at that seating arrangement the rest of our trip. Manuel and George were funny, experienced, did everything their in paths to make us happy. They knew how to serve correctly, women first... It was very hard to say goodbye. Also,unlike many cruises today, a Baked Alaska was held. It was a fantastic experience. Also to celebrate Christmas and New Year with them was really lovely.

Captains cocktails were great; Captain was lovely. All formal nights were well presented and most people dressed accordingly, that was nice. Assistant Cruise Director was fantastic, friendly and down to earth (Aussie Paul).

Tours were great as well as ports of call. Tauranga and Dunedin were favourites. We spent Christmas day in Tauranga with people from a New Zealand village, it was such a cultural experience, dancing with them and pressing noses. Our favourite tour ever experienced and celebrating on Christmas day was a delight. In Dunedin seeing the Scottish castle and the intricate streets was also beautiful. And all guides were friendly, experienced and very polite. It was a pleasure to join them.

New Year's was an ultimate experience! Spent in the atrium with the band playing all night, champagne, the balloon drop while sailing. And being in the middle of the Tasman meant we were first to celebrate the start of 09. It was a memorable experience and a wonderful part of our cruising days. It was great!!!!!!

Shows were average in our opinion, however the Christmas show ands hypnosis act (last night) were wonderful shows. Spa/ Fitness Centre/Salon were great and did their best to accommodate us and beautify us.

Our weather was good, except for two slightly rough nights, but staff accommodated well to these unpredictable changes. It was very cold for the southern hemisphere season, with the highest temp. being 19* celsius. Although we didn't let that get us down.

One complaint is the Fiordland, scenic cruising which was a waste of a port. It would have been better to just put up the knots and sail quicker to Tasmania.

Room was great for four people, although sofa bed was very small and uncomfortable for you siblings to share. Paintings rattled on walls. Bathroom size was decent as well as balcony space. TV programs and movies were good and up to date. Over all, dining and ports were fantastic and we enjoyed our seasonal experience on board. We thoroughly enjoyed myself and would return to the ship in the future if the opportunity arose. Plus the Princess line never disappoints.