Princess Cruise - Sea Princess

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CrashAndBurn

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#249183 29-Apr-2019 17:21

Any feedback with regards to Sea Princess in general. This will be a first for me and my wife hence we decided to just do the 4 days. It will be for end of Sept so not sure if it will be good weather wise? Any tips on which room to book?

PeterReader

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#2227524 29-Apr-2019 17:21

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Brunzy

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#2227529 29-Apr-2019 17:28

Normally I’d say one with a balcony, but as there won’t be much to see , ie pretty much all sea days maybe go with something lighter on the wallet.
If you had been going for example to the Med , there’s lots to see and the balcony is IMO worth it.

CrashAndBurn

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#2227531 29-Apr-2019 17:32

Brunzy: Normally I’d say one with a balcony, but as there won’t be much to see , ie pretty much all sea days maybe go with something lighter on the wallet.
If you had been going for example to the Med , there’s lots to see and the balcony is IMO worth it.

Day 1 is from AKL to Bay of Islands then off to SYD. So I guess a balcony on the left side of the boat should be fine?

HaggisKiwi

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#2227543 29-Apr-2019 17:56

A balcony is fine if you're doing longer trips, but 4 days to SYD is probably not really needed. Interior cabins are almost pitch black when the light are out. Get an Oceanview if you really need natural light.

Don't get sucked in by photos; they're a good memory, but a waste of money.

Don't overpack, you won't need most of the clothes you think you need.

Sea Princess is in the same class as Sun Princess that I've been on a couple of times. It's a compact boat; no activity should take more that 5 mins brisk walk to get from one end of the ship to other.

Overall, try to have fun. I thought I'd absolutely hate cruising, but the convenience has won me over.

Stu

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#2227566 29-Apr-2019 19:31

We've done a few with Princess. Have been on both Sun and Sea Princess (as above, they're sister ships). They're certainly not the newest or largest in the fleet, but they did the job.

Auckland to Sydney is a good taster, but the Tasman can be rough. September shouldn't be too bad though, unlike our last crossing in the same direction, but it was in a January. Of all the times we've crossed the Tasman by ship, that was the worst! (Don't let that put you off, not all crossings are like that! And that time, the three day Bay Of Islands to Sydney leg, took four days!)

For first timers who aren't used to the water, I'd suggest a midship cabin, probably (on that ship) deck 8, 9, or maybe 10.

We're on another cruise later this year, also with Princess.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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CrashAndBurn

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#2227602 29-Apr-2019 20:16

Thanks. Mid is what I am aiming for but it seems sold out. I have a current hold on a BB which is on deck 10 which am hoping should be fine.

CrashAndBurn

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#2229347 2-May-2019 12:23

Am all booked. Now it says it departs at 8PM. How early do I go to the port? Initially I was planning to go around 7PM but a colleague who has been to probably 50+ cruises told me it should be at least 5 hours? Is that really how long it takes to board in AKL port? Any other tips and gotcha's I need to be aware of.

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trig42

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#2229350 2-May-2019 12:30

I don't think I'd be comfortable showing up at 7PM for an 8PM departure - they like to have everyone on board for lifejacket drills before they cast off.

Get there early, get on board, have a drink and something to eat (usually at least one restaurant will be open).

Surely your ticket etc., will tell you what time you should be there?

CrashAndBurn

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#2229353 2-May-2019 12:41

No ticket yet. Apparently those gets sent 75 days before sailing and my one is not till end of Sept. Honestly I dont mind going to the port very early e.g. 11am, if that means I can eat lunch on board and also would allow me to check out the facilities given its my first :)

Stu

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#2229354 2-May-2019 12:41

Your booking time will be provided in the boarding documentation you can download from princess.com from about 75 days out from your cruise. It's usually about noon until 4pm-ish, but it's all in the documentation. It takes time for the crew to get all the luggage into the ship etc, and you'll have a safety briefing before departure. It's pretty much the same at any port.

If you're taking a power strip, make sure it doesn't have a surge protection circuit, just overload protection. Most ships power systems don't like them and you won't be allowed them on board. Put the power strip into your carry-on luggage in case they want to inspect it. This doesn't always happen, but there are no guarantees. There are often US 110V and AU/NZ 220V power points in the cabins (including the Sea Princess), so if you have things that run on either voltage you'll have access to more points in the cabin (with the correct power leads!!)

You can carry on one bottle of wine per adult without paying a corkage fee.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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CrashAndBurn

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#2229514 2-May-2019 15:16

Stu:

Your booking time will be provided in the boarding documentation you can download from princess.com from about 75 days out from your cruise. It's usually about noon until 4pm-ish, but it's all in the documentation. It takes time for the crew to get all the luggage into the ship etc, and you'll have a safety briefing before departure. It's pretty much the same at any port.

If you're taking a power strip, make sure it doesn't have a surge protection circuit, just overload protection. Most ships power systems don't like them and you won't be allowed them on board. Put the power strip into your carry-on luggage in case they want to inspect it. This doesn't always happen, but there are no guarantees. There are often US 110V and AU/NZ 220V power points in the cabins (including the Sea Princess), so if you have things that run on either voltage you'll have access to more points in the cabin (with the correct power leads!!)

You can carry on one bottle of wine per adult without paying a corkage fee.

Thanks these are some good tips. I also read that a few people take fizzy drinks onboard? Is there a limit? Can I take it with me in the buffet area?

Stu

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#2229521 2-May-2019 15:38

I've heard the same, but have never tried and don't know anyone who has, sorry. A quick call to Princess or you travel agent should sort that out quickly. Would also be interested to know!

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

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trig42

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#2229522 2-May-2019 15:42

I think the limit is 12 loose cans of soft drink.

Oblivian

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#2229572 2-May-2019 17:02

trig42:

I think the limit is 12 loose cans of soft drink.

Is on P&O line. But unsure it extends to the entire family. Different target audience and all. Unclear other than review sites.

HaggisKiwi

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#2230512 3-May-2019 22:38

trig42:
I think the limit is 12 loose cans of soft drink.

We had no probs taking 2 dozen cans (3x4 + 2x6) on Princess out of SYD last Christmas.

But may be different rules depending on departure country.

Check with Princess. They're sometimes a bit slow to respond via email but you should get the correct answer.