I bought a cruise on Silversea to avoid all the challenges you describe. Silversea includes everything including shore excursions. Yes, you MUST get there 2 days before you trip to adjust as well as explore the departure city. Also, you need to remember, you lose 2 days going ! If your ship leaves on the 5th, you need to fly out the 3rd or you’ll miss your ship. We are headed down January 2025 Auckland to Sydney 14 nights.
I grew up in Christchurch and we always loved a day trip to Lyttleton. They had old hotels there where you could stay with delicious home cooked roast dinners. The locals are all friendly and you could sit in the bar and chat to anybody. It's a quaint port where you can watch the Japanese fishing boats arriving and leaving. There are quaint stores and now an artist bohemian type colony. It has alternative life stylers living there so you get to meet all kinds of people. The old fishermens cottages etc. It's a place full of history and I just love it there.
As kiwis who have spent half our lives in Australia we can tell you that there are 2 main differences. The NZ summer, all 2 weeks of is like winter in Qld (beautiful) and you can safely walk around in NZ without every animal and bug trying to kill you lol. Glad you enjoyed it.
We did a Celebrity cruise around New Zealand this spring (Apr 2023). We'd do it again (especially if we could skip the 24 hour travel ordeal from US). The cruise was a round trip out of Sydney so we had four days on the Tasmanian sea (two going and two coming back) -- but we lucked out with calm seas both ways. The weather in New Zealand was also wonderful; maybe light jackets in the morning. Our favorite excursion was called "Journey to the Lord of the Rings" which took us to New Zealand's Southern Alps. It was a long ride there and back -- 2/3rds of the way across the island -- but the scenery was well worth it. And it had snowed overnight -- it was their autumn -- so the mountain tops were covered in show that morning which made the views even more extraordinary.
I want to do that cruise myself now, but I live in Sydney so it's a 20 minute train ride from my house to the ship. The Lord Of the Rings excursion is more about the journey than the destination. Usually in port you hardly venture far from the ship but this gets you into the middle of the island.
In part the weather was bad when the guys went, was not just because it was Spring, but because of La Niña. We went in Summer 2022/23. The week before we arrived there was a mini cyclone, we then had beautiful weather for a week before we got on the cruise. On the first day Auckland was hit with intense rain and flooding, which was felt south to our first port. The weather remained cool and largely wet for the next week or so. Two weeks after we left NZ was hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, one of the worst natural disasters in recent NZ history. As we are now in a El Niño event, the weather will be much better in the Summer of 2023/24 (although possibly not for the farmers who may experience drought).
Fiordland scenic cruising is stunning. We did a New Zealand cruise from Australia (our home) on Princess in 2016 and we absolutely loved it. The landscape is gorgeous - lush, green and mountainous. The Tasman Sea can be very rough and have to be lucky on the day! We had a bit of rocking and rolling and sick bags put out on our crossing out of Melbourne - we loved it!! Yes, important to be aware that weather can be very changeable. PS Wellington is nicknamed Windy Wellington for a reason if that is a port of call. Coming from so far away, you really need to spend more time in either Australian or New Zealand or both to make it really worth your while. Research is the key. Oh, one more thing - like Australia, NZ has fabulous coffee!
We cruised Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand with Viking in 2019 and you are quite correct about the distance from the New Zealand ports and the cities that you would be going to for your excursions. We knew this up front so it was not a surprise, just part of the journey. We did experience a very rough passage in the Tasman Sea and it was such that people had a very hard time walking on the ship. I think Viking also learned a lesson in that the main doors between places on the ship were magnetic and they did not hold a t all with the violent motion. I hope that they have since fixed the doors with hooks so they can be locked down. All in all, other than the one rough sea night, and winds that kept us from going into the port for Christchurch, it was an amazing experience that we would also recommend, particularly to adults.
As an Aussie yes I've done this cruise and was lucky enough to experience good and fair weather. I would love to do it again. A few points - - always research your cruise ports before arriving ;) - check the expected weather and temperatures for the time of year (Aus and NZ can also be quite different), it's much warmer in Sydney then - School holidays in Aus/NZ are in the December/January timeframe, the amount of school aged children will be much higher on ships - last but not least, it's quite common for ships NOT to be able to sail in the Sounds due to weather
We live in Sydney and cruised to NZ on Ovation on 09 Jan 2019 and the cruise to and from NZ was very smooth and the weather was beautiful so yes we were very lucky. NZ is beautiful. We were told a lot of the usual docks were ruined in a previous storms so we had to anchor out at the industrial docks.
We just returned from the same Celebrity itinerary that you two did and it was fantastic. We were there in January so the weather was a bit better than you had although we did see some of the storms that made the news. Milford Sound was extraordinarily. The Tasman Sea was rough but not enough to seriously hamper the activities. Like you said go to Auckland early! We had two days to hang out and adjust before our cruise and it made all the difference. Also take some days in Australia after you disembark. Love your channel!
I wouldn’t necessarily judge the weather when you went as indicative of what it’s like. The weather has been really dreadful last year and iffy so far for this one…at least in Australia. I’m fairly certain that stretches across the ditch to NZ. In any case, NZ is pretty much like Melb weather rules - pack for every eventuality cos you’ll need it.
Christchurch is on the coast. We were there and on the beach. Sounds like to needed to do more research before the cruise. We went there in November by land and car, to both islands and we had perfect weather, 24 C most days and sun. Weather is what it is wherever one visits, and not an issue with us. We love NZ and when we emigrated from the UK, it was either there or Canada. The only reason we chose Canada was that NZ was so far from the UK that we thought we would never be able to visit family. It is beautiful, clean and friendly. Take care.
Thanks so much. . . We head to Sydney on Dec. 26, then cruising to NZ in March where we’ll stay until our World Cruise out of Auckland in April 24. We have 3 cruises booked while we are there-one that goes to lots of stops in NZ, another to the south Pacific. And a 1-way from Sydney to Auckland. Your information is noted in our travel journal.
Glad you enjoyed the cruise and our country. Although an English speaking country. We (Māori culture) are revitalising our language. Long story short, it had been stripped from my parents generation and before. However, te ao Māori is very much alive. I've only recently returned from a Mediterranean cruise so I understand the long haul flying in Economy is not for the faint hearted. It was horrible. Learning that lesson, I would fly in business or first. Kids were on our flight at both ends. They were really awesome at travelling so kudos to the parents. We were not told about going extra days before. I had terrible jet lag when I returned home and kinda still getting over it. An amazing Mediterranean cruise I will add. Spent more than the cruise on that side of the world. Needed to make it worthwhile. Looking forward to doing it again.
We're off to NZ on our very first cruise next month, although we have been there before, we hired a car and drove around the South Island for 3 weeks (gorgeous). I've been researching for months! We've ended up booking only 2 excursions with Princess, and will make our own way in the other ports. Great vid as usual.
How exciting for you both. I'm new to your channel, Kiwi, and I had to watch this. I'm so glad (apart from the choppy Tasman sea) that you had an amazing time. You even visited my city!! Thank you so much for showing pictures of Hastings, well near the library & Ngā Pou O Heretaunga. Love to know what you did in Hawke's Bay when you arrived at Napier. Hastings often gets missed off traveller's agendas, them choosing to just visit Napier, maybe the cape & wineries.
Thanks for subscribing to the channel! We did a winery tour which also included a short stop in Hastings. Beautiful port that we wish we could have stayed in longer! 🥳
Best time to cruise NZL is January to April. Asian food is everywhere. Generally The Tasman sea is awful while the Pacific Ocean is calm. Also NZ a is one of the few places in the world without snakes or any animal or insect that will kill you. Did you guys get to Queenstown and Central Otago?
We did an Auckland to Sydney sailing on Sapphire Princess in 2007. It was very nice, but like you guys mention, the Tasman Sea was very rough. We were 5 hours late getting into Hobart Tasmania as the ship incurred some bow damage from the absolute pounding we took in hurricane force winds. Picture, ocean spray going right over the top of the ship. Repairs had to be made in Hobart, i.e. welding the sheet steel on the bow back together. Now, the folks that were on the sailing before ours said the Tasman was like glass, so it is the luck of the draw, I guess. We are planning and booked to do a transpacific, Sydney to Seattle next April/May so yeah, we say go for it!!!
Thanks Roger for commenting your experience as well!! Yes, we were even delayed for disembarking in Sydney due to the Tasman Sea slowing us down and affecting our schedule. Definitely a wild ride when you catch her at her worst! 😅
@@lenvella9541 The scale on Princess' shipboard television said sea conditions were listed as what we know, as hurricanes. Not cyclones. Sorry, it really makes no real difference.
An excellent deal popped up in December for a January Australia New Zealand. There was $1,400 airfare credit except that the affair was over 1,300 + more for each of us and lots of taxes and Port charges. So, no Cruise. Our dream trip!
What ship were you on? Not sure when a good time is to go, Tony (LA Vida loca) just went in Jan and he had a lot of rain and even had to outrun a cyclone so it altered their itinerary.
New sub here. Love your smiles. Would you recommend this for a couple who likes to do things (i.e. zipline tours, ATV adventures, dining, drinks, snorkeling) but can only take so much wildlife viewing, nature viewing?
we are cruising at the end of november i was told it will probably be windy and cold , we are in Australia and so used to south pacific being warm on a cruise , we only have 3 ports getting off and was so disapointed we cant get to hobbiton , when you went to weta , did you have to pay to see each setting in there or could you see it all , was it only a short visit in weta , we are going to wellington , duneden the fiordlands and lyttleton , so we eill have 2 long bus rides , how far from where you caught the bus from the ship , was it easy to find and was the cheaper bus easy to find
river cruises seem expensive But excursions wifi alcohol are invluded; more pricey bus tours include more so pay more now or pay later with sticker shock. american tip customs really add up unexpected costs. yes what was it 16 hr time zone , huge ling flight time
Hey y’all. I just found this vlog browsing through your Celebrity Cruise videos. Have y’all ever gone on a Polynesian / Tahiti / South Pacific cruise? If so , how did you like it? Is there a vlog on it?
Yes it was a problem the New Zealand and Australian Governments had a problem with the hulls of Cruise ships. The hulls had not been cleaned. The cruises ships had been tired up due to covid. Biosecurity is very important to both countries, so no fresh, fish, meat, and plants including seeds. Always declare everything. Better to over declare.
In NZ right now , and about to pick up our cruise in 2 days. My advice is go to NZ a few days early and do a bit of a self drive trip. We have just visited Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton, 2 days in Rotarua absorbing the Māori culture and thermal wonders. This has taken us 4 days and we only skimmed the surface. What we have done over 4 days is offered on the first day over 4 different excursions. If you are coming from North America- spend a little more time here and see a lot more.
There are great family things to do in NZ. I'm from Christchurch and was very surprised you didn't know that the port is Lyttleton. It is only about 20 minutes by car, so a taxi would have been cheaper.
Hi, I am planning to book the same cruise, too. We have never done a cruise, so I have no idea which cabin to choose, any suggestions? Prefer ocean view. But don't know which level is good. Thank you!
NZ with HAL cruises, enjoyable with port tenders such as Bay of Islands. You can in & out unlimited trips. Only at Tauranga too short for Rotorua & Hobbiton. So we break hobbiton for Auckland. Beautiful Dunedin...
As Aussie yes we have done NZ cruise. We also had some seas but we expect that. One thing you should mention that Ports often get cancelled due to bad weather so people should be prepared of that.
As an Aussie, resident of Far North Queensland (where it's always warm), I've been to NZ several times, always being cold. Skiing in winter, or driving a campervan around during summer, the whole country is absolutely beautiful, but for me, always cold. I am going again in February, because ... well ... I just love the place.
@@chriswilliams6568 What poisonous bugs? Did you far more people die in the US from spider bites? In Australia the number of deaths from bugs and spiders each year is none, while in the US is an average of 7.
Thank you for such an awesome video....WE will be taking this cruise early next year. Can you please share if you took part in any Indigenous excursions and if so, what were they? Also are there wine tours you would suggest?
I got one to New Zealand 🇳🇿 on Ovation Of The Seas in February 2025 and I can relate with the rough seas I went on a cruise in October last year we had rough seas and high winds on the way to Tasmania in the Bass Strait was the toughest seas and 5 metre waves and high winds we all were like drunken sailors without drinking and I certainly earned my sea legs on that one but I wouldn’t hesitate to go back again there
You guys need to do a Galapagos cruise. I'd love to see your take on one. One look at that rough water and I would be green even with my seasick patch.
Hubby and I did a Galapagos tour on a Catamaran that held 20 people. It was an amazing adventure. We went during covid so there were hardly any boats or people there. We snorkeled with sharks and saw so many birds and sea life. I don’t think we’ll ever have an adventure like that again.
Lyttleton is gorgeous little neighbourhood and yeah the bus would have cost a buck or two :) Best months weather wise normally Jan-March but sometimes our wild weather can be all part of the fun.
I have never been to New Zealand, but it sure looks gorgeous. It would be a lovely place to visit. The only thing that would deter me is those rough seas because I’m a wimp when it comes to getting seasick. 😂
Awesome recap! Very helpful. We are sailing on Virgin Voyages from Auckland to Sydney in March 2025. Not looking forward to the marathon flights from the states, but we are very excited!
We’ve been planning New Zealand for quite some time and we are already expecting the weather to be inclement, but we’re Brits and I’m sure we’ll cope with a little rain. October it has to be for personal reasons so we’re going. I spotted the price of excursions on the Princess site and yes, it’s very expensive so we’re making plans around that. It’s not so unusual for the main destinations to be a way away from the cruise port, this happens a lot in Europe too… e.g. London is nowhere near Southampton 😆. Thanks for the video.. it was interesting nonetheless. Happy cruising ❤
Can understand the wet weather, so guess you were not aware that although it is holiday or vacation time down unde,r it is also cyclone season from 1 November until 30 April.
YES, I live in New Zealand, and that's a fair honest review, and yes, the sea's are very rough here, also, Im not surprised by the little ports that are down South Island, and then take a bus in to inner city Christchurch, better off going to Waiheke Island, also a lot of Wineries there, plus Queenstown down South Island is a good tourist spot. Must be port shortages. 😊
Thanks so much for the information, guys. We just booked a December (Coral) Princess trip to New Zealand out of Brisbane. Though I guess it makes sense, I can’t believe we will travel half way around the world for Thai food. We just discovered a Thai place in Fayetteville, AR. It is called Homie’s. Best spring rolls ever from a place you’d expect bbq from. I digress. I didn’t catch which ship you were on. Is love to see your shipboard experiences also. You’re right. The excursions are Crazy Expensive. We are already researching and can’t believe what some of the prices are. Thanks again for your insights.
i want to visit hobbiton, i see 2 ports that its available from. auckland and tauranga, tauranga looks closer to hobbiton by map. would that be a better port for a hobbiton excrusion?
I live in NZ and yes you are right. The tours that cruise lines put on are a very long way from Ports. At least now you know to catch a bus from Lyttleton. $30 per person for a shuttle. Highway robbery mate 😂. Places like Hobbiton are further away from ports. I think there are far better tourist attractions and fun things to do that those on cruises wouldn't get to experience. Better to fly in, book a holiday home, rent a car and explore our country that way. A more planned itinerary. I'm glad you enjoyed your time here. Hoki mai ano...please return X
I crossed the Tasman in the 70’s from NZ to Australia and swore I would never ever cruise there again and I haven’t I fly now there were only 4 people left in the dining room on our cruise my husband was one of them everyone else was sick 😷
We will be doing our 3rd trip to NZ on Ovation of the seas in Feb 2024 we go with different group each time so we just do the hop on hop off tours, but my main idea of cruising is the ships and if i was rude to friends lol i would not get off lol. So love your videos i would love to be on a cruise with you both one day.
We recommend cruising in Fall for NZ (which is Springtime for us in the States) - the weather in the U.S. Fall time (NZ Spring) was not ideal. ☺️ Hope this helps clarify!
A really interesting review of my country. Yes Aotearoa New Zealand is unfortunate expensive to cruise around. Some destinations are not worthy of stopping at. Christchurch is a good example. The new Zealand geography is expectacular a d well worth visiting by ship. Regardless of the season, our weather is changeable. The most stable weather is February/March. Christchurch is not worth the effort. Auckland is dull unless you can get out on the harbor or visitthemuseum. Wellington is the most interesting , Citywise. Again, cheers boyz
@robertmurray8763 agreed. Really depends on what a person likes. Pre earthquake would have been so much better for siteseeing. Have seen Christchurch in both situations. My heart still breaks when I'm there, years on. I also love Lyttleton for its history & having embarked out of there on The Spirit of New Zealand, just over 30 years ago & just over 20 years, a guest at a friends wedding. Great memories!
There is heaps to see in Christchurch - way more today than a year or two as new eateries etc open up every day. It has lovely Botanic Gardens and the Riverside market is great plus an awesome kids playground the largest in the Southern hemispehere and Akaroa is great to visit. Personally I find Wellington boring only place of interest is Te Papa and the weather and wind is usually awful so everyone has different views of what is worth seeing and not
Been to New Zealand by plane and ship, very green place. The south island is for what I can see is sparsely populated compared to the North Island. With Asian cuisine, they should been more Asian foods (Indian) compared to just east Asian foods. This is the neighbours of Australians, glad cruising is also going out of New Zealand as well as Australia.
I’m cruising to NZ in 4 days time, from Melbourne. It’ll be my first proper time to NZ and I’m super excited for it. I’ve had this cruise booked since 2019 (when it was slated to visit Vanuatu) and the wait has been terribly long. I agree that the shore tours are pricey. I’ve spent $800ish on mine as I’m not game to explore on my own. I wasn’t going to watch this video until after I returned but I’m glad I decided to watch it before - you just confirmed that it’s going to be awesome.
lol! boys! Yes one needs to plan ALL travel arrangements early. Research, research, research! It's always funny to watch/listen to Americans talking about us Down-under! The "surprise" that English is spoken lol! You lot don't speak it! 🙂 Oh and my Dad is a Kiwi 🙂
This is the same person who said we were on a 20 minute FaceTime call (it was actually a 3 minute call) shouting into our phone, when we we’re actually showing the views to one of our Moms. (Also, who even shouts into a phone?) Some people just love to hate. We wish them more love in their life as love usually conquers all. ❤️
Negatives…. Cruise ports. All it took was research before you went on your trip. I’m very surprised that you hadn’t done this considering cruising is your thing, disappointing guys 🙁
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought a cruise on Silversea to avoid all the challenges you describe. Silversea includes everything including shore excursions. Yes, you MUST get there 2 days before you trip to adjust as well as explore the departure city. Also, you need to remember, you lose 2 days going ! If your ship leaves on the 5th, you need to fly out the 3rd or you’ll miss your ship. We are headed down January 2025 Auckland to Sydney 14 nights.
I grew up in Christchurch and we always loved a day trip to Lyttleton. They had old hotels there where you could stay with delicious home cooked roast dinners. The locals are all friendly and you could sit in the bar and chat to anybody. It's a quaint port where you can watch the Japanese fishing boats arriving and leaving. There are quaint stores and now an artist bohemian type colony. It has alternative life stylers living there so you get to meet all kinds of people. The old fishermens cottages etc. It's a place full of history and I just love it there.
As kiwis who have spent half our lives in Australia we can tell you that there are 2 main differences. The NZ summer, all 2 weeks of is like winter in Qld (beautiful) and you can safely walk around in NZ without every animal and bug trying to kill you lol. Glad you enjoyed it.
We did this cruise before Covid hit! Also in October, we love rough seas and had a great time rocking the ship! Went to HOBIT , loved it!
We did a Celebrity cruise around New Zealand this spring (Apr 2023). We'd do it again (especially if we could skip the 24 hour travel ordeal from US). The cruise was a round trip out of Sydney so we had four days on the Tasmanian sea (two going and two coming back) -- but we lucked out with calm seas both ways. The weather in New Zealand was also wonderful; maybe light jackets in the morning. Our favorite excursion was called "Journey to the Lord of the Rings" which took us to New Zealand's Southern Alps. It was a long ride there and back -- 2/3rds of the way across the island -- but the scenery was well worth it. And it had snowed overnight -- it was their autumn -- so the mountain tops were covered in show that morning which made the views even more extraordinary.
I want to do that cruise myself now, but I live in Sydney so it's a 20 minute train ride from my house to the ship. The Lord Of the Rings excursion is more about the journey than the destination. Usually in port you hardly venture far from the ship but this gets you into the middle of the island.
It's called the Tasman Sea or the Ditch.
@@paulclark4988 Thanks for the correction.
In part the weather was bad when the guys went, was not just because it was Spring, but because of La Niña.
We went in Summer 2022/23. The week before we arrived there was a mini cyclone, we then had beautiful weather for a week before we got on the cruise. On the first day Auckland was hit with intense rain and flooding, which was felt south to our first port. The weather remained cool and largely wet for the next week or so. Two weeks after we left NZ was hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, one of the worst natural disasters in recent NZ history.
As we are now in a El Niño event, the weather will be much better in the Summer of 2023/24 (although possibly not for the farmers who may experience drought).
Fiordland scenic cruising is stunning. We did a New Zealand cruise from Australia (our home) on Princess in 2016 and we absolutely loved it. The landscape is gorgeous - lush, green and mountainous. The Tasman Sea can be very rough and have to be lucky on the day! We had a bit of rocking and rolling and sick bags put out on our crossing out of Melbourne - we loved it!! Yes, important to be aware that weather can be very changeable. PS Wellington is nicknamed Windy Wellington for a reason if that is a port of call. Coming from so far away, you really need to spend more time in either Australian or New Zealand or both to make it really worth your while. Research is the key. Oh, one more thing - like Australia, NZ has fabulous coffee!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences with us all!! 🤗🥳
Very true. NZ has so much to offer.
Went to Lyttelton Coffee Co and omg 😮Best coffee ☕️ I’ve ever had. That place was one of the Ovation Of The Seas stops.
I usually get sea sickness medication from my doctor before doing a cruise from Sydney
We cruised Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand with Viking in 2019 and you are quite correct about the distance from the New Zealand ports and the cities that you would be going to for your excursions. We knew this up front so it was not a surprise, just part of the journey. We did experience a very rough passage in the Tasman Sea and it was such that people had a very hard time walking on the ship. I think Viking also learned a lesson in that the main doors between places on the ship were magnetic and they did not hold a t all with the violent motion. I hope that they have since fixed the doors with hooks so they can be locked down. All in all, other than the one rough sea night, and winds that kept us from going into the port for Christchurch, it was an amazing experience that we would also recommend, particularly to adults.
Thanks Lou for watching and commenting your experiences!! ☺️
As an Aussie yes I've done this cruise and was lucky enough to experience good and fair weather. I would love to do it again.
A few points -
- always research your cruise ports before arriving ;)
- check the expected weather and temperatures for the time of year (Aus and NZ can also be quite different), it's much warmer in Sydney then
- School holidays in Aus/NZ are in the December/January timeframe, the amount of school aged children will be much higher on ships
- last but not least, it's quite common for ships NOT to be able to sail in the Sounds due to weather
We live in Sydney and cruised to NZ on Ovation on 09 Jan 2019 and the cruise to and from NZ was very smooth and the weather was beautiful so yes we were very lucky. NZ is beautiful. We were told a lot of the usual docks were ruined in a previous storms so we had to anchor out at the industrial docks.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! 🤗
We have been to New Zealand several years ago and would definitely go back again. Yes it’s a very long way to go from JFK but it’s well worth it.
Great info! We are planning now, and your video is very helpful. Thank you both
I took my son on a cruise around New Zealand. We loved it! Such a wonderful country to visit. I plan to go back. Lots of good info from you two.
Thanks Deanna for watching and commenting your experiences! ☺️
We just returned from the same Celebrity itinerary that you two did and it was fantastic. We were there in January so the weather was a bit better than you had although we did see some of the storms that made the news. Milford Sound was extraordinarily. The Tasman Sea was rough but not enough to seriously hamper the activities. Like you said go to Auckland early! We had two days to hang out and adjust before our cruise and it made all the difference. Also take some days in Australia after you disembark. Love your channel!
Thanks Jay for watching and sharing your experience! 🤗🥳
Hi do you know if we need to pay for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when you fisrt cruise to New Zealand?
I wouldn’t necessarily judge the weather when you went as indicative of what it’s like. The weather has been really dreadful last year and iffy so far for this one…at least in Australia. I’m fairly certain that stretches across the ditch to NZ. In any case, NZ is pretty much like Melb weather rules - pack for every eventuality cos you’ll need it.
If you think New Zealand is good...Do a Norway Fjords cruise.
No comparison
We plan to do one soon 😉
Do we need to pay for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when you fisrt cruise to New Zealand?
Appreciated all the details you provide, as well as your enthusiasm. Any plans to include more pictures or video in future vlogs?
Christchurch is on the coast. We were there and on the beach. Sounds like to needed to do more research before the cruise. We went there in November by land and car, to both islands and we had perfect weather, 24 C most days and sun. Weather is what it is wherever one visits, and not an issue with us. We love NZ and when we emigrated from the UK, it was either there or Canada. The only reason we chose Canada was that NZ was so far from the UK that we thought we would never be able to visit family. It is beautiful, clean and friendly. Take care.
Thanks so much. . . We head to Sydney on Dec. 26, then cruising to NZ in March where we’ll stay until our World Cruise out of Auckland in April 24. We have 3 cruises booked while we are there-one that goes to lots of stops in NZ, another to the south Pacific. And a 1-way from Sydney to Auckland. Your information is noted in our travel journal.
So happy we could help!! 🥳
Glad you enjoyed the cruise and our country. Although an English speaking country. We (Māori culture) are revitalising our language. Long story short, it had been stripped from my parents generation and before. However, te ao Māori is very much alive.
I've only recently returned from a Mediterranean cruise so I understand the long haul flying in Economy is not for the faint hearted. It was horrible. Learning that lesson, I would fly in business or first. Kids were on our flight at both ends. They were really awesome at travelling so kudos to the parents. We were not told about going extra days before. I had terrible jet lag when I returned home and kinda still getting over it. An amazing Mediterranean cruise I will add. Spent more than the cruise on that side of the world. Needed to make it worthwhile. Looking forward to doing it again.
We're off to NZ on our very first cruise next month, although we have been there before, we hired a car and drove around the South Island for 3 weeks (gorgeous). I've been researching for months! We've ended up booking only 2 excursions with Princess, and will make our own way in the other ports. Great vid as usual.
Thanks for watching!! Enjoy your time NZ and onboard Princess! 🥳
So cool, are you visiting Napier? Have a wonderful time!
@@MelRunsThings Yes, we are. Very excited about that port.
How exciting for you both. I'm new to your channel, Kiwi, and I had to watch this. I'm so glad (apart from the choppy Tasman sea) that you had an amazing time. You even visited my city!! Thank you so much for showing pictures of Hastings, well near the library & Ngā Pou O Heretaunga. Love to know what you did in Hawke's Bay when you arrived at Napier. Hastings often gets missed off traveller's agendas, them choosing to just visit Napier, maybe the cape & wineries.
Thanks for subscribing to the channel! We did a winery tour which also included a short stop in Hastings. Beautiful port that we wish we could have stayed in longer! 🥳
@JJCruise that's great. So many vineyards & wineries here in Hawke's Bay. Glad you had a great trip.
Best time to cruise NZL is January to April. Asian food is everywhere. Generally The Tasman sea is awful while the Pacific Ocean is calm. Also NZ a is one of the few places in the world without snakes or any animal or insect that will kill you. Did you guys get to Queenstown and Central Otago?
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts as well! We have yet to make it to those two.
We did an Auckland to Sydney sailing on Sapphire Princess in 2007. It was very nice, but like you guys mention, the Tasman Sea was very rough. We were 5 hours late getting into Hobart Tasmania as the ship incurred some bow damage from the absolute pounding we took in hurricane force winds. Picture, ocean spray going right over the top of the ship. Repairs had to be made in Hobart, i.e. welding the sheet steel on the bow back together. Now, the folks that were on the sailing before ours said the Tasman was like glass, so it is the luck of the draw, I guess. We are planning and booked to do a transpacific, Sydney to Seattle next April/May so yeah, we say go for it!!!
Thanks Roger for commenting your experience as well!! Yes, we were even delayed for disembarking in Sydney due to the Tasman Sea slowing us down and affecting our schedule.
Definitely a wild ride when you catch her at her worst! 😅
Cyclones down under not hurricanes.
@@lenvella9541 The scale on Princess' shipboard television said sea conditions were listed as what we know, as hurricanes. Not cyclones. Sorry, it really makes no real difference.
I believe you shows you how ignorant the cruise lines are. Cannot even get things correct in different parts of the world.
@@lenvella9541 Mr. Pedantic.
An excellent deal popped up in December for a January Australia New Zealand. There was $1,400 airfare credit except that the affair was over 1,300 + more for each of us and lots of taxes and Port charges. So, no Cruise. Our dream trip!
Oh no! Hopefully another opportunity will come-up! 🤞🏽
It couldn’t be worse than the Drake Passage. We experienced 25ft waves crossing that stretch of water. We take Bonine and it works for us.
What ship were you on? Not sure when a good time is to go, Tony (LA Vida loca) just went in Jan and he had a lot of rain and even had to outrun a cyclone so it altered their itinerary.
We were on Celebrity Eclipse. We hear from locals that February is best, but overall it is a rainier climate than most of the States. ☺️
It is slap bang in the middle of cyclone season 1 November until 30 April.
@@JJCruise NewZealdn is like Ireland in many ways because of the rain. And February is in the cyclone seas 1 November until 30 April.
New sub here. Love your smiles. Would you recommend this for a couple who likes to do things (i.e. zipline tours, ATV adventures, dining, drinks, snorkeling) but can only take so much wildlife viewing, nature viewing?
NZ is the adventure capital of the world, so def yes.
we are cruising at the end of november i was told it will probably be windy and cold , we are in Australia and so used to south pacific being warm on a cruise , we only have 3 ports getting off and was so disapointed we cant get to hobbiton , when you went to weta , did you have to pay to see each setting in there or could you see it all , was it only a short visit in weta , we are going to wellington , duneden the fiordlands and lyttleton , so we eill have 2 long bus rides , how far from where you caught the bus from the ship , was it easy to find and was the cheaper bus easy to find
I was following you two on IG and living vicariously through the wine tastings! Delicious wines and wonderful food and gorgeous scenery? I'm sold! 👍
Yes!! Those were some awesome wineries! 🍷
Thanks for following the IG! 🥳
river cruises seem expensive But excursions wifi alcohol are invluded; more pricey bus tours include more so pay more now or pay later with sticker shock. american tip customs really add up unexpected costs. yes what was it 16 hr time zone , huge ling flight time
Hey y’all. I just found this vlog browsing through your Celebrity Cruise videos. Have y’all ever gone on a Polynesian / Tahiti / South Pacific cruise? If so , how did you like it? Is there a vlog on it?
Here you go! We sailed our first Transpacific Cruise 2024 | Our Honest Full Review | The Good, Bad and Ugly
ruclips.net/video/R1x81exHZbA/видео.html
@@JJCruise thanks ! I’ll go check it out
Thanks, this is one of the best travel videos I’ve ever watched. Thumbs up guys
Thank you!! 🥳
My first cruise in 2019 onbiard celebrity solstice, I remember the tasmin sea, was very bumpy and wet, did not put us off though 13 cruises later.
Yes it was a problem the New Zealand and Australian Governments had a problem with the hulls of Cruise ships. The hulls had not been cleaned. The cruises ships had been tired up due to covid. Biosecurity is very important to both countries, so no fresh, fish, meat, and plants including seeds. Always declare everything. Better to over declare.
In NZ right now , and about to pick up our cruise in 2 days. My advice is go to NZ a few days early and do a bit of a self drive trip. We have just visited Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton, 2 days in Rotarua absorbing the Māori culture and thermal wonders. This has taken us 4 days and we only skimmed the surface. What we have done over 4 days is offered on the first day over 4 different excursions.
If you are coming from North America- spend a little more time here and see a lot more.
We definitely wish we could have spent more time ourselves! Definitely agree with this! 👏🏽
That makes a lot of sense to see the interior as well.
There are great family things to do in NZ. I'm from Christchurch and was very surprised you didn't know that the port is Lyttleton. It is only about 20 minutes by car, so a taxi would have been cheaper.
So glad I found your channel. Doing Celebrity Edge 13 night N.ZEAL. next March. I really appreciate the heads up on tips 4 better exploring.
Hi, I am planning to book the same cruise, too. We have never done a cruise, so I have no idea which cabin to choose, any suggestions? Prefer ocean view. But don't know which level is good. Thank you!
Going to New Aealand in Nov...4 B2B starting in Honolulu on Celebrity Edge
Enjoy!
@@JJCruise Sorry you aren't on your group cruise. Enjoy your family while at home.
NZ with HAL cruises, enjoyable with port tenders such as Bay of Islands. You can in & out unlimited trips. Only at Tauranga too short for Rotorua & Hobbiton. So we break hobbiton for Auckland. Beautiful Dunedin...
As Aussie yes we have done NZ cruise. We also had some seas but we expect that. One thing you should mention that Ports often get cancelled due to bad weather so people should be prepared of that.
We are going there on a cruise March 2nd. Fingers crossed.
As an Aussie, resident of Far North Queensland (where it's always warm), I've been to NZ several times, always being cold. Skiing in winter, or driving a campervan around during summer, the whole country is absolutely beautiful, but for me, always cold. I am going again in February, because ... well ... I just love the place.
The weather should be better next Summer - as we move into El Niño. However I know what you mean. It was in the low to mid 20s. Not particularly hot.
NZ has a lovely climate, they get the seasons. I could not live in that sauna of Oz. Plus the poisonous bugs and snakes.
@@chriswilliams6568 What poisonous bugs?
Did you far more people die in the US from spider bites? In Australia the number of deaths from bugs and spiders each year is none, while in the US is an average of 7.
Thank you for such an awesome video....WE will be taking this cruise early next year. Can you please share if you took part in any Indigenous excursions and if so, what were they? Also are there wine tours you would suggest?
I got one to New Zealand 🇳🇿 on Ovation Of The Seas in February 2025 and I can relate with the rough seas I went on a cruise in October last year we had rough seas and high winds on the way to Tasmania in the Bass Strait was the toughest seas and 5 metre waves and high winds we all were like drunken sailors without drinking and I certainly earned my sea legs on that one but I wouldn’t hesitate to go back again there
You guys need to do a Galapagos cruise. I'd love to see your take on one. One look at that rough water and I would be green even with my seasick patch.
We would love to do one! 🙌🏽
Hubby and I did a Galapagos tour on a Catamaran that held 20 people. It was an amazing adventure. We went during covid so there were hardly any boats or people there. We snorkeled with sharks and saw so many birds and sea life. I don’t think we’ll ever have an adventure like that again.
Thanks for all the info! I've been looking into a cruise there for next year
I use, What’s in Port, to when planning a cruise.
Lyttleton is gorgeous little neighbourhood and yeah the bus would have cost a buck or two :) Best months weather wise normally Jan-March but sometimes our wild weather can be all part of the fun.
🎉🎉🎉 You guys made this be one of the things that are now on my bucket list. Blessings,Carlos ✝️🙏❤️😊🇺🇸
I have never been to New Zealand, but it sure looks gorgeous. It would be a lovely place to visit. The only thing that would deter me is those rough seas because I’m a wimp when it comes to getting seasick. 😂
We completely understand! The Tasman Sea is no joke! 😅
There are cruises that leave and depart NZ, so you do not have to cross the sea to Oz.
We're going next month! Can't wait. B2B out of Sydney. Thanks so much for the info!
Happy to help! Have a wonderful cruise!
Very nice scenery down under lol. Happy cruising next week enjoy yourselves
Thanks Willam!! We loved the Down Under as well! ☺️
Awesome recap! Very helpful. We are sailing on Virgin Voyages from Auckland to Sydney in March 2025. Not looking forward to the marathon flights from the states, but we are very excited!
We’ve been planning New Zealand for quite some time and we are already expecting the weather to be inclement, but we’re Brits and I’m sure we’ll cope with a little rain. October it has to be for personal reasons so we’re going. I spotted the price of excursions on the Princess site and yes, it’s very expensive so we’re making plans around that. It’s not so unusual for the main destinations to be a way away from the cruise port, this happens a lot in Europe too… e.g. London is nowhere near Southampton 😆. Thanks for the video.. it was interesting nonetheless. Happy cruising ❤
Can understand the wet weather, so guess you were not aware that although it is holiday or vacation time down unde,r it is also cyclone season from 1 November until 30 April.
YES, I live in New Zealand, and that's a fair honest review, and yes, the sea's are very rough here, also, Im not surprised by the little ports that are down South Island, and then take a bus in to inner city Christchurch, better off going to Waiheke Island, also a lot of Wineries there, plus Queenstown down South Island is a good tourist spot. Must be port shortages. 😊
It looks amazing! Thank you!
Thanks so much for the information, guys. We just booked a December (Coral) Princess trip to New Zealand out of Brisbane. Though I guess it makes sense, I can’t believe we will travel half way around the world for Thai food. We just discovered a Thai place in Fayetteville, AR. It is called Homie’s. Best spring rolls ever from a place you’d expect bbq from. I digress.
I didn’t catch which ship you were on. Is love to see your shipboard experiences also.
You’re right. The excursions are Crazy Expensive. We are already researching and can’t believe what some of the prices are.
Thanks again for your insights.
Hey Brad! We were onboard Celebrity Eclipse. ☺️
i want to visit hobbiton, i see 2 ports that its available from. auckland and tauranga, tauranga looks closer to hobbiton by map. would that be a better port for a hobbiton excrusion?
It did seem shorter in distance, but ideally do the best weather day given the outdoor beauty.
I live in NZ and yes you are right. The tours that cruise lines put on are a very long way from Ports. At least now you know to catch a bus from Lyttleton. $30 per person for a shuttle. Highway robbery mate 😂. Places like Hobbiton are further away from ports. I think there are far better tourist attractions and fun things to do that those on cruises wouldn't get to experience. Better to fly in, book a holiday home, rent a car and explore our country that way. A more planned itinerary. I'm glad you enjoyed your time here. Hoki mai ano...please return X
❤️ great video, thank you for sharing this info 🥰
How did the NZ cruise compare with the trans Pacific cruise in terms of demographic and vibe ?
We have done NZ and we are doing trans pacific in April
Our Good, Bad and Ugly of our Transpacific Cruise is coming within the next few weeks 😉
Stay tuned 🔜
@@JJCruise ok we will be watching! Thank you 🙏
The jet lag is real so do consider a few days to get used to it.
We’re going in February.
Weird about Lyttleton, because Christchurch is a seaside city.
I crossed the Tasman in the 70’s from NZ to Australia and swore I would never ever cruise there again and I haven’t I fly now there were only 4 people left in the dining room on our cruise my husband was one of them everyone else was sick 😷
The seas looks amazing...good times!!!!
rough waters wonder how trans pacific or cross atlantic would fare
We are doing a back to back from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef, and then from Sydney to Auckland flying home from Auckland, that sounds better.
Yes! Only one time across the Tasman Sea is better than twice 👍🏽
Congrats on 33k best wishes ! Another good job on the tips !
Thanks Lori! 🤗🥳
The guy on the left is l literally staring into my soul the entire video 😂😂
Nice video 👍🏻
Great advice and great video. I've not been to New Zealand and it's not on the top of my travel list, but it looks interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!! We definitely wouldn’t put it at our top of our list either but it is a great cruise itinerary to do at some point. ☺️
We will be doing our 3rd trip to NZ on Ovation of the seas in Feb 2024 we go with different group each time so we just do the hop on hop off tours, but my main idea of cruising is the ships and if i was rude to friends lol i would not get off lol. So love your videos i would love to be on a cruise with you both one day.
We hope to see you on a cruise one day too! 🤗🥳
You should try a Cruise from Brisbane Australia to Papua New Guinea it's wonderful
You mention to not travel in autumn in New Zealand and Australia. Actually autumn is lovely with lovely temperate weather. 13:27
We recommend cruising in Fall for NZ (which is Springtime for us in the States) - the weather in the U.S. Fall time (NZ Spring) was not ideal. ☺️
Hope this helps clarify!
A really interesting review of my country. Yes Aotearoa New Zealand is unfortunate expensive to cruise around. Some destinations are not worthy of stopping at. Christchurch is a good example. The new Zealand geography is expectacular a d well worth visiting by ship. Regardless of the season, our weather is changeable. The most stable weather is February/March.
Christchurch is not worth the effort. Auckland is dull unless you can get out on the harbor or visitthemuseum. Wellington is the most interesting , Citywise.
Again, cheers boyz
Thanks Brent for watching and sharing your local knowledge and thoughts! ☺️🥳
But it everyone has a different opinion.
I've been too Christchurch several times and liked it.
@robertmurray8763 agreed. Really depends on what a person likes. Pre earthquake would have been so much better for siteseeing. Have seen Christchurch in both situations. My heart still breaks when I'm there, years on. I also love Lyttleton for its history & having embarked out of there on The Spirit of New Zealand, just over 30 years ago & just over 20 years, a guest at a friends wedding. Great memories!
There is heaps to see in Christchurch - way more today than a year or two as new eateries etc open up every day. It has lovely Botanic Gardens and the Riverside market is great plus an awesome kids playground the largest in the Southern hemispehere and Akaroa is great to visit. Personally I find Wellington boring only place of interest is Te Papa and the weather and wind is usually awful so everyone has different views of what is worth seeing and not
Hi, glad you loved my country (although I now live in Aus) also you forgot to mention that we don’t tip like you do in the states ok 😊
Praise the Lord that is for sure.
You guys should know that the Cruise ships will sting you on excursions and shuttle buses they organise
Been to New Zealand by plane and ship, very green place. The south island is for what I can see is sparsely populated compared to the North Island. With Asian cuisine, they should been more Asian foods (Indian) compared to just east Asian foods. This is the neighbours of Australians, glad cruising is also going out of New Zealand as well as Australia.
We are so happy that cruising is back in Australia and NZ!! 🥳
@@JJCruise Although I usually cruise out from Australia, I've come back from a back to back on Wonder of the seas quite recently.
Going in 25! Super excited!
I live in New Zealand have cruised across the ditch it was flat as a pancake
So happy you got lucky 🍀
Thanks for your honest review. Haven't been to Norway and the Baltic Region. Think I'd rather go there since it's a lot closer and still beautiful.
We hope to go on that itinerary soon! 🔜
is it huge expensive? retired couple yes.
I’m cruising to NZ in 4 days time, from Melbourne. It’ll be my first proper time to NZ and I’m super excited for it. I’ve had this cruise booked since 2019 (when it was slated to visit Vanuatu) and the wait has been terribly long. I agree that the shore tours are pricey. I’ve spent $800ish on mine as I’m not game to explore on my own. I wasn’t going to watch this video until after I returned but I’m glad I decided to watch it before - you just confirmed that it’s going to be awesome.
Yes!! Enjoy your epic NZ cruise!! 🥳
@@JJCruise 💕
Have a wonderful time!
@@MelRunsThings awwwww, thank you, I shall 💕
My dream ahhhhhhhh, why is it so far away? :( 😂
It is pretty far 😅 we definitely slept a full 24 hours after a full 24 hour day of flights from Sydney to London ✈️ 🥱 🛌
star wars other space movies filmed there?
i love you guys...would love to meet you and give you a hug. such good men!!!
Which Port is the closest to Hobbit Town ❓❓🤷♀️🐨🐨🦘
i hope you dont mind me saying i think you to make a lovely couple
Nice ❤❤❤
lol! boys! Yes one needs to plan ALL travel arrangements early. Research, research, research! It's always funny to watch/listen to Americans talking about us Down-under! The "surprise" that English is spoken lol! You lot don't speak it! 🙂 Oh and my Dad is a Kiwi 🙂
yes MAIN town( port) like europe three hours one way ; tourism kaching $
asia is closer to australia and bew zealand yes
Just don't walk on a Cat 2 active Volcano.
Just an FYI you have some crazy CC member called AstoriaPreppy making snarky comments and trashing you guys on the CC boards, idk what their issue is?
This is the same person who said we were on a 20 minute FaceTime call (it was actually a 3 minute call) shouting into our phone, when we we’re actually showing the views to one of our Moms. (Also, who even shouts into a phone?)
Some people just love to hate. We wish them more love in their life as love usually conquers all. ❤️
@@JJCruise I love your response, hopefully they can find some happiness and love because I think they need it. 😘
how did like their accents haha
Negatives…. Cruise ports. All it took was research before you went on your trip. I’m very surprised that you hadn’t done this considering cruising is your thing, disappointing guys 🙁
Shona, we had done research but experience is very different than research. 😉
caribbean risks hurricane season