Picture yourself on your private balcony with a champagne glass in hand, enchanted by the ever-changing landscape of New Zealand’s rugged coastline unfolding before your eyes. It’s a mesmerizing combination of bright jewel-toned blues and greens wrapped around impossibly high cliffs and rolling green hills.
Yet it’s just another glorious day cruising on Princess Cruises Majestic Princess. Majestic Princess, a floating marvel of luxury crafted in 2017, accommoding up to 3,560 guests in opulent style. Lavish marble accents adorn the ship, exuding glamour at every turn.
A complimentary glass of bubbly welcomed me on board in Auckland for a seven-night escapade along the coast, visiting Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
My mini-suite, a spacious 329-square-foot sanctuary, provided a perfect retreat with the luxury of a bath.
Modern amenities such as large-screen TVs, USB charging slots, and a cosy bed. Wrestling with the in-room desperate measures—no jug in the room, but a smiley tea delivery is a game-changer! Dining on cruise ships often comes with high expectations, and as a food writer, I’ve been let down before. However, Majestic Princess exceeded my culinary hopes, delivering visually appealing dishes and flavours that stood out. The International Café offered light choices and excellent barista coffee, perfect for fueling your day.
For those enchanted by balcony views, 24-hour room service is a convenient option.
The shore excursions were a real cruise highlight. In the Bay of Plenty, we visited Te Puke Truffles, where Maureen and Colin are living their best truffle-filled retirement dream. Colin’s got the orchard, and their truffle-sniffing dogs, Jed and Sam, are basically trufflefinding rockstars.
Oh, and truffle ice cream i also onthe the menu.
The Wellington Fresh Taste Walking Tour had me tasting my way through the city’s finest incliding Coffee Galore and chocolates.
Then, a speedy cruise from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound took me to paradise at Arapawa Blue Pearls for a dive into the world of deep blue pearls and paua farming.
They turn these beauties into gorgeous jewellery, and I tasted freshly fried abalone. This unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, indulging in luxury and culinary delights aboard Princess Cruises Majestic Princess, is a holiday that ends all too quickly.
