Exploring Port Chambers on our P&O New
Zealand Cruise
Our P&O New Zealand Cruise had been an
incredible journey filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable
experiences. As we arrived at our last port, Port Chambers, we couldn't help
but feel a sense of excitement for what the day had in store for us. Located
close to Dunedin, this port offered the perfect opportunity to explore the
charming town and its surroundings.
Since this was our second time in Dunedin, we
decided to steer away from the typical tourist tours and instead opted for a
leisurely walk around the local port of Port Chambers. We were pleasantly
surprised to find that Port Chalmers, the main town nearby, was a haven for
heritage attractions, charming cafes, and art galleries.
Our first stop was the Union Café, where we
treated ourselves to some freshly roasted coffee. The café exuded a cozy and
welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to start our exploration of
Port Chalmers. Strolling through the streets, we couldn't help but admire the
beautifully restored buildings from the late 1800s, which had been transformed
into cafes, restaurants, and quirky shops selling vintage clothing and
collectibles.
After a few hours of exploring, we made our way
back to the ship, which was surprisingly quiet as most passengers were still on
their shore tours. Taking advantage of the peaceful atmosphere, we indulged in
the ship's pools and spas, enjoying some relaxation time before the crowds
returned.
Unfortunately, our plans to visit the Doubtful
Sounds and Milford Sounds were foiled by rough seas, and the captain made the
decision to head back north through Cook Strait. Although we were disappointed
to miss out on these stunning destinations, it gave us a reason to return to
New Zealand in the future and explore them.
As we sailed through Cook Strait, the sea
conditions became rough for a couple of hours, but eventually calmed down. The
remaining three sea days back to Brisbane were filled with entertainment and
fun. We spent much of our time in the Encounter Hotel, engaging in games of
Uno, snakes and ladders, and trivia. We also had the pleasure of meeting and
chatting with fellow cruisers we had met on shore excursions.
In the Marquee, the ship's theater, we were
treated to some fantastic shows. "Seven," a visually stunning
performance based on the Seven Deadly Sins, captivated our attention and
transported us into a world of fantasy. The interactive gameshow called Perfect
Match had us in fits of laughter as participants tried to match their partner's
answers. It was a hilarious experience that added even more joy to our cruise.
The last night on the ship was made even more
memorable with the finals of "The Voice," a thrilling adaptation of
the popular TV show. The Voice of the Ocean invited talented individuals to
compete in karaoke heats, with the chosen contestants progressing to the grand
finale live show in the Marquee Theatre.
Our sea days were calm and the weather remained
pleasant as we made our way back to Brisbane. The disembarkation process was
quick and efficient, allowing us to reflect on the incredible cruise we had
just experienced.
Although our plans to visit the Doubtful Sounds
and Milford Sounds were dashed, our time in Port Chambers, combined with the
onboard entertainment and relaxation, made this P&O New Zealand Cruise one
to remember. We departed with a desire to return to New Zealand and explore the
places we missed, knowing that another incredible adventure awaits us in the
future.
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