114 Night World Cruise
Itinerary
Auckland
New Zealand
Day 1Auckland is called the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why. On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Māori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found "mucking around in boats."Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats. About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour's drive; during the week many are quite empty. Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Māori language and means solitary bird.According to Māori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk. When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngāti-Whātua tribe was firmly in control of the region. The British began negotiations with the Ngāti-Whātua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital. In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township's foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington. Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets. As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center. Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed. Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out. That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Māori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu. Auckland has the world's largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south. The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand. Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life. When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education. Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming. The Pacifica Festival in March is the region's biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs. The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools’ Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing. This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city's naked aspiration. It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K. Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009. The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront. The area, where many of the city's most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct. A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live "south of the Bombay Hills," the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland). "Jafa," an acronym for "just another f—ing Aucklander," has entered the local lexicon; there's even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders. A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country. Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns. But these internal identity squabbles aren't your problem. You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes' driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird.
About this cruise
Your escort to a world of dazzling amenities, sublime dining options and exotic destinations
Enjoy sweeping views of the world while sailing on Crown Princess. From her nearly 900 balconies to the breathtaking three-story Atrium, you'll discover a relaxing atmosphere filled with an array of world class entertainment and dining options that will greet you each day when you return from making fascinating discoveries ashore.
Available dates
Stateroom Options
- InsideFROM£14,419 pp
- OceanviewFROM£14,979 pp
- BalconyFROM£21,219 pp
- SuiteFROM£30,199 pp
Fast, Simple, Secure booking
No Booking Fees
No Hidden Fees
dining
enrichment
kids teens
accommodation
entertainment
health fitness
dining
Dine My Way℠
Dine When, How and Where You Like
With this new offering, you can customise every aspect of mealtime. Make reservations for the main dining room or speciality restaurants at your preferred time each day. Fit in a formal dinner before a show, or order food and drinks to your poolside perch with OceanNow®. The choice really is up to you.
Dine My Way℠
Dine When, How and Where You Like
With this new offering, you can customise every aspect of mealtime. Make reservations for the main dining room or speciality restaurants at your preferred time each day. Fit in a formal dinner before a show, or order food and drinks to your poolside perch with OceanNow®. The choice really is up to you.
Chocolate Journeys℠
Indulge Your Chocolate Fantasies
There are few foods that inspire as much passion as chocolate. Our pastry chefs channeled their love of chocolate into handcrafted treats designed exclusively for our Chocolate Journeys℠ programme. These sweet creations combine premium quality chocolate with unique flavours and artful designs and can be found throughout the ship.
International Café
Sip and Snack Around the Clock
Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of speciality espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.
Horizon Court
An Ever-Changing Selection of Favorites
Our World Fresh Marketplace menu is offered in Horizon Court. Enjoy an endless selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favourite beverages and customisable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches.
Beverage charges apply. Venues and menu items vary by ship and are subject to change.
Horizon Court
An Ever-Changing Selection of Favorites
Our World Fresh Marketplace menu is offered in Horizon Court. Enjoy an endless selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favourite beverages and customisable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches.
Beverage charges apply. Venues and menu items vary by ship and are subject to change.
Slice Pizzeria
Our top-deck pizzeria features a bold new look that sets the stage for tempting offerings that include specialities inspired by local favourites from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Try a Deep Dish Focaccia or a slice of our award-winning signature Neapolitan-style classics. Savour some California Artisanal Toast with Cali-Avocado or Caprese toppings. Or go for a Sliced Stromboli, and enjoy an East Coast take on a classic Italian calzone that’s stuffed with delicious Italian deli meats and cheeses.
The Salty Dog Grill
While you're enjoying the fresh air on the top deck, treat yourself to one of our 100% handmade gourmet burgers, including our Princess Burger or Triple Smoked Burger.
Crown Princess
Princess Cruises
FROM
£14,419 pp
- What's included?
- The below amenities and services are included in your selected cruise fare. By choosing a promotion during the booking process you may be entitled to additional amenities or services, depending on the particular offer.
Included
- You can upgrade to 'Princess Plus' to get: the Plus Beverage Package, unlimited WiFi (1 device), Gratuities, Premium Desserts (2 per day), Juice bar & Fitness Classes (2 classes per sailing). Offer applies to all guests. From August 2023, new perks will rollout fleetwide. These include: 2 Casual Dining cover charges per voyage (enjoy savory prix fixe dining options in the ship’s casual restaurants, including Vines, Salty Dog Pub, O’Malleys, Ocean Terrace, Planks, Steamers, Alfredo’s, and GiGi’s) as well as the OceanNow Delivery Service Access fee waived.
- You can also upgrade to 'Princess Premier' to get: Premier Beverage Package, 2 Specialty Dining meals, unlimited WiFi (for 4 devices per guest), Gratuities, a Photo Package, Princess Prizes, Premium Desserts, Juice bar, Fitness Classes (unlimited) and Reserved Seating in the Theatre. Offer applies to all guests. From August 2023, new perks will rollout fleetwide. These include: Unlimited Casual Dining (enjoy savory prix fixe dining options in the ship’s casual restaurants, including Vines, Salty Dog Pub, O’Malleys, Ocean Terrace, Planks, Steamers, Alfredo’s, and GiGi’s), 2 Speciality Dining cover charges per voyage (choose between Bayou Cafe, Bistro Sur Mer, Catch by Rudi, Crab Shack, Crown Grill, Harmony, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse), as well as the OceanNow Delivery Service Access fee waived.
Not included
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