Thank you for the great report. You covered the key things I wanted to know about so well. I really liked your matter of fact and to the point style, mixed in with a bit of humour. So much better than gushing travel shows. Your enthusiasm for the NZ ports was palpable. I really appreciate the effort you went to to film and narrate this video. Enjoy your future cruises!
Thank you for your video. We're not travelling this route - we picked the video because it's about the Grand Princess (we've got a cruise booked on it for January to Hawaii) and I've got to say it's probably one of (if not THE) best videos we've seen in our extensive research - you've taken enough time to cover the various salient points; you've obviously spent a lot of time in its production, it shows. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for your video. I feel much better informed now. I will be traveling on the Grand Princess to New Zealand next week. I wish Princess cruises would put out a video like the both of you have. I'm sure it wouldn't be as special as the one you made.
Wow! How exciting to see people I know doing a cruise video - means I can really trust what is said. I was busy exploring videos about Princess cruises and came across this one! I was pleased to see some vegetables available in the meals as I now really love my veges!!! Thank you so so much for sharing Ross and Kathy - so good to see you again and to hear and see what you had to say about the trip. Amanda Sargeant (Girls Brigader from Otago)
Amanda. So pleased you found our video. Perhaps we will meet you on a cruise sometime? Would be great to catch up. Check out our Radiance of the Seas video which has Les and Jennifer showing us around Port Chalmers. Ross and Kathy
Hello!!! It’s wonderful to see you back. I have truly missed your videos. I tell people you are the friendliest presenters for You Tube cruises! You would make a phenomenal Ambassador for New Zealand. I can’t wait to go! In fact we will be visiting your country soon (not soon enough!). We’ll be on Coral Princess out of Brisbane (we’re from the U.S.) in December and I think we stop in Wellington on 11 December. I’m truly excited, especially for Wellington and Napier (would love to see the Art Deco Fest in February). Thank you for a lovely video. And welcome back to living the sea life! Brad & Shelley (PS: Now if I can figure out to not be tracked by her on the app! And if she sees this I’m in trouble!).
Glad you enjoyed our video. Get in touch closer to the time. Maybe we could help plan your times in NZ. Shelley will find where you are on board, regardless!
Ross and Kathy...Kia Ora. Thank you very much for sharing your sail on the Grand. In particular, thank you for sharing your excursions (which are super informative) as well as your personal feelings about the ship, itself. My 91 year old mother and I will be kind of following in your footsteps. In a couple weeks we'll be sailing to Oz and then to your home country on the Grand. Then next April, we'll be sailing the MSC Sinfonia in the Mediterranean and Adriatic(btw-loved your Venice, Italy and Split, Croatia port reviews--2 ports we will be in next April--brilliant!) --- Finally, next month we will be in your home city on 21-11. Wish us some good weather. Happy Sailing. Haere Ra. The Shepards.
Yay! You guys are back! So happy to see you. The wife and I will be on our New Zealand AND Tasmania cruises from Sydney in 10 month. Hope to bump into you wonderful folks sometime and we can exchange "New Haven CT" stories. God bless you both...Peace from Richard and Gigi!
@calros3 It's a deal sir. Gigi and I are on a plane heading to Puerto Rico for a cruise as I type this. Looking forward to more of your adventure videos. Peace
Loved your video! I’m from Dallas, Tx and doing this cruise in mid October 2024. What is the weather like? It would be fall and cooler weather here in Dallas. I believe it will be Spring there. Just not sure what to pack for excursions.
Yes it will be spring. Weather should be very pleasant. Not too hot and not too cold, but there may be spring storms, so be prepared for a bit of rain. Enjoy your visit to New Zealand.
Because we come from NZ we met up with friends in most of the ports. The ship tours are more expensive but you are guaranteed to get back on time. Compared to Pacific Islands cruises there are less opportunities to buy cheaper tours at the ports in NZ, and taxis are expensive.
Thank you for this video. We are visiting NZ for the first time (for me) early next February and I have a question for Kathy. I am ver thin and in my 70s. I feel the cold terribly (only dispense with the spencer when the temperature exceeds 24 degrees. Since we are visiting both islands, have you any advice on clothing choices (we never go to the special nights). Thank you.
Hi Jill, February/March is a perfect time to cruise around NZ. It is the middle of summer and usually warm in most places. In fact in some places, such as Napier, Tauranga (North Island) and Christchurch (South Island) can get to 30 degrees or more. Very few places would be cold but layering clothing gives you the option to remove or add, depending on weather. In exposed places, such as at sea, or in the Fiords, it can get cold, so we always take a light jacket. In the north, especially Auckland and Bay of Islands, it can rain a lot in summer. Wellington can be windy, but in the summer it us not usually a cold wind. Generally though, carry a sweater or light coat in your bag and you should be fine. Check out our videos around NZ on Ovation of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. Both of these were done in February and March. We were lucky with the weather - always warm and no rain! Enjoy your cruise. Kathy
@@calros3 Kathy, thank you so very much for taking the time to respond…and in such detail too. I will look at the videos you mentioned. I really appreciate your help. 😀🌺
Hello, I will be doing a similar cruise next January coming in from the US. Do you have any recommendations for transfers from airport to hotel in Auckland? And then from Sydney to airport in Australia? Thank you.
There is a shuttle from the airport to the CBD in Auckland. If your hotel is not in the CBD you could take a taxi. Most take credit cards. In Sydney the best way is to take the Airport Link train from the CBD which takes you right into the airport.
Thank you for the great report. You covered the key things I wanted to know about so well. I really liked your matter of fact and to the point style, mixed in with a bit of humour. So much better than gushing travel shows. Your enthusiasm for the NZ ports was palpable. I really appreciate the effort you went to to film and narrate this video. Enjoy your future cruises!
Thanks for a great and very informative video.
Thanks for this lovely vlog!
Thank you for your video. We're not travelling this route - we picked the video because it's about the Grand Princess (we've got a cruise booked on it for January to Hawaii) and I've got to say it's probably one of (if not THE) best videos we've seen in our extensive research - you've taken enough time to cover the various salient points; you've obviously spent a lot of time in its production, it shows. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for your video. I feel much better informed now. I will be traveling on the Grand Princess to New Zealand next week. I wish Princess cruises would put out a video like the both of you have. I'm sure it wouldn't be as special as the one you made.
Loved your video. Seriously thinking about booking this cruise.🙏
Wow! How exciting to see people I know doing a cruise video - means I can really trust what is said. I was busy exploring videos about Princess cruises and came across this one! I was pleased to see some vegetables available in the meals as I now really love my veges!!! Thank you so so much for sharing Ross and Kathy - so good to see you again and to hear and see what you had to say about the trip. Amanda Sargeant (Girls Brigader from Otago)
Amanda. So pleased you found our video. Perhaps we will meet you on a cruise sometime? Would be great to catch up. Check out our Radiance of the Seas video which has Les and Jennifer showing us around Port Chalmers. Ross and Kathy
I am doing this in 2 weeks I’m very excited
Another very professional production!! Thanks Kathy and Ross.
Glad to see you back.
Nice review👍
Love your video .. I’m going back in February 2024
Hello!!! It’s wonderful to see you back. I have truly missed your videos. I tell people you are the friendliest presenters for You Tube cruises!
You would make a phenomenal Ambassador for New Zealand. I can’t wait to go!
In fact we will be visiting your country soon (not soon enough!). We’ll be on Coral Princess out of Brisbane (we’re from the U.S.) in December and I think we stop in Wellington on 11 December. I’m truly excited, especially for Wellington and Napier (would love to see the Art Deco Fest in February).
Thank you for a lovely video. And welcome back to living the sea life!
Brad & Shelley
(PS: Now if I can figure out to not be tracked by her on the app! And if she sees this I’m in trouble!).
Glad you enjoyed our video. Get in touch closer to the time. Maybe we could help plan your times in NZ. Shelley will find where you are on board, regardless!
Thank god your back great to see you looking great time stands still with you guys
Ross and Kathy...Kia Ora. Thank you very much for sharing your sail on the Grand.
In particular, thank you for sharing your excursions (which are super informative) as well as your personal feelings about the ship, itself.
My 91 year old mother and I will be kind of following in your footsteps. In a couple weeks we'll be sailing to Oz and then to your home country on the Grand.
Then next April, we'll be sailing the MSC Sinfonia in the Mediterranean and Adriatic(btw-loved your Venice, Italy and Split, Croatia port reviews--2 ports we will be in next April--brilliant!)
---
Finally, next month we will be in your home city on 21-11. Wish us some good weather.
Happy Sailing. Haere Ra. The Shepards.
Great to see you both cruising again. Great review . I admit I had to resubscribe, cheers.
Yay! You guys are back! So happy to see you. The wife and I will be on our New Zealand AND Tasmania cruises from Sydney in 10 month. Hope to bump into you wonderful folks sometime and we can exchange "New Haven CT" stories. God bless you both...Peace from Richard and Gigi!
How about getting in touch closer to the time. Maybe we can give you some ideas for your port stops in NZ. RnK
@calros3 It's a deal sir. Gigi and I are on a plane heading to Puerto Rico for a cruise as I type this. Looking forward to more of your adventure videos. Peace
Loved your video! I’m from Dallas, Tx and doing this cruise in mid October 2024. What is the weather like? It would be fall and cooler weather here in Dallas. I believe it will be Spring there. Just not sure what to pack for excursions.
Yes it will be spring. Weather should be very pleasant. Not too hot and not too cold, but there may be spring storms, so be prepared for a bit of rain. Enjoy your visit to New Zealand.
@@calros3 Thank you so much! I guess rain jacket and layers will work. Can’t wait for October! Have a blessed week 🤠
Pleased you enjoyed our video. Do check out our video for MSC Sinfonia Croatia cruise. It was great.
Hi Ross, it is great to see you back! How about a ship build....any idea when that may be? I miss your videos!
I'm working on the Cutty Sark. Hope to have it finished by October.
I know I’m not going on the Grand Princess (going on the Royal instead) but I’m going in December this year to New Zealand looking forward to it 😊
When you toured each port did you go through the cruise line or will there be local tour companies at the port. I will taking the Princess next year.
Because we come from NZ we met up with friends in most of the ports.
The ship tours are more expensive but you are guaranteed to get back on time. Compared to Pacific Islands cruises there are less opportunities to buy cheaper tours at the ports in NZ, and taxis are expensive.
Thank you for this video. We are visiting NZ for the first time (for me) early next February and I have a question for Kathy. I am ver thin and in my 70s. I feel the cold terribly (only dispense with the spencer when the temperature exceeds 24 degrees. Since we are visiting both islands, have you any advice on clothing choices (we never go to the special nights). Thank you.
Hi Jill, February/March is a perfect time to cruise around NZ. It is the middle of summer and usually warm in most places. In fact in some places, such as Napier, Tauranga (North Island) and Christchurch (South Island) can get to 30 degrees or more. Very few places would be cold but layering clothing gives you the option to remove or add, depending on weather. In exposed places, such as at sea, or in the Fiords, it can get cold, so we always take a light jacket. In the north, especially Auckland and Bay of Islands, it can rain a lot in summer. Wellington can be windy, but in the summer it us not usually a cold wind. Generally though, carry a sweater or light coat in your bag and you should be fine. Check out our videos around NZ on Ovation of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. Both of these were done in February and March. We were lucky with the weather - always warm and no rain! Enjoy your cruise. Kathy
@@calros3 Kathy, thank you so very much for taking the time to respond…and in such detail too. I will look at the videos you mentioned. I really appreciate your help. 😀🌺
Hello, I will be doing a similar cruise next January coming in from the US. Do you have any recommendations for transfers from airport to hotel in Auckland? And then from Sydney to airport in Australia? Thank you.
There is a shuttle from the airport to the CBD in Auckland. If your hotel is not in the CBD you could take a taxi. Most take credit cards. In Sydney the best way is to take the Airport Link train from the CBD which takes you right into the airport.
Surprised and disappointed to hear that they can skip ports due to bad weather on these cruises. I hope you got reimbursed.