Auckland NZ is now homeporting Princess Cruises' ship Royal Princess - a 330-meter-long, 18-deck ship, accommodating 3560 passengers, with an inaugural Australasian season.
Over the next 6 months, the vessel is scheduled to offer 3 roundtrips from Auckland, as well as a series of trans-Tasman Sea voyages departing from Sydney NSW Australia.
The ship's arrival holds significance, as she is one of the few international vessels making their debut visits to New Zealand this summer. Joining her in these waters are the Grand Princess, which docked in Auckland's harbor on October 17, the Coral Princess, scheduled to visit Auckland on October 21, and the Majestic Princess, due to arrive in Auckland on October 30.
As the first vessel in Princess Cruises' Royal Class, Royal Princess introduces more amenities, including 11 restaurants, 9 bars and additional lounges, and an array of entertainment options. Noteworthy features include the Sea Walk, an awe-inspiring glass-bottomed enclosed walkway extending nearly 9 meters beyond the ship's edge, suspended 39 meters above the sea, providing guests with breathtaking views.
Additional highlights encompass private poolside cabanas, two main pools, eight top-deck spas, the Enclave and Lotus Spa, featuring Princess' largest-ever thermal suite, and the unique Chef Lumiere dining experience, where guests are surrounded by a curtain of light. Furthermore, approximately 80% of the ship's staterooms come with private balconies.
The Royal Princess' visit to Auckland occurs toward the end of her inaugural 28-night Transpacific crossing (RepositionCruises.com) from Vancouver BC Canada to Sydney Australia.
After departing Auckland in the evening, she is scheduled to arrive in Russell/Bay of Islands ~7 AM the following morning. Her recent call to Tauranga marked the first of three maiden NZ port visits for the week. Subsequent to her debut in Auckland, the Royal Princess will sail to the Bay of Islands for her inaugural visit on Friday, October 20.