'I just got back from a cruise to New Zealand. Here's what I never expected.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Princess Cruises

Every time I see a cruise ship in Sydney Harbour, I have two overpowering thoughts: Get me on it immediately. Take me somewhere lovely. 

Okay, that's a lie — I actually have several other thoughts. Like: Let me on so I can see the pools, the rooms, how it can be so big, what it's like on the balconies, whether I can get good coffee on board, where it's going, how long it will take and whether I may please have a cocktail.

I'm really, really obsessed with cruises. I love cruise content. I love cruise facts. But until recently, I'd never been on one. 

Neither had my mum. 

In the last few years, Mum and I have been lucky enough to travel together all over the world. Along with my sister and then with both our families, we've been to the United States and Canada, to Ireland, France and Spain, and to the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia.

But we've never — not once — travelled just us. And neither of us had ever been on a cruise.

So when we boarded Princess Cruises' ship, the Royal Princess, for a holiday from Australia to New Zealand, we were excited in a way that was borderline… unbecoming.

Strictly speaking, it wasn't just us — my 14-month-old daughter Matilda came too and as always, her spirits were sky-high. The three of us were ready to cruise harder than anyone has ever cruised before.

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You see, don't tell Mum (she'll make it weird) but I really enjoy her company. She has great stories, she's open to new experiences, she makes friends with everyone and to put it simply, she's a vibe to have around.

So what happens when a retired teacher, a curious traveller and a baby go on a cruise? Well.

When we boarded, we were in awe of the ship's size and design.

We're talking a driving range. We're talking a basketball court. We're talking a jogging track. 

Our Mini-Suite stateroom — complete with a bathtub, wardrobe and desk — opened up onto a balcony with sprawling views of the ocean.

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As part of our PrincessPlus package, we had Wi-Fi access, a beverage package that included cocktails, premium desserts, fitness classes, room service delivery and more. 

During our sea days, there was an absurd amount to do on the Royal Princess ship.

We watched an impressive evening performance at the Princess Theatre. I spent time reading and writing in the library, while Mum preferred to read in a lounge by the windows with a coffee or wine in hand.

I did a barre class at the fitness centre with an excellent instructor. We watched a movie (Mamma Mia! — what a choice) at sunset from the pool deck and we tried new cocktails at bars like Bellini's and Good Spirits at Sea.

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One night, we had an unforgettable dinner at Sabatini's, a specialty-dining restaurant that serves traditional Italian comfort cuisine. It was heaven. 

We also visited the Lotus Spa where we had full-body, hot-stone massages and where Mum got a haircut.

Inside the Lotus Spa we spent an afternoon in The Enclave, a thermal suite sanctuary, which has heated stone lounges, steam and sauna rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and luxury showers.

Mum had never been in a sauna before and visited all three, before giggling on one of the heated lounges like a kid discovering joy for the first time. 

The days were entirely stress-free without the real-time planning that usually comes with travel. And before we knew it, we were waking up in Fiordland National Park, opening our curtains to the breathtaking landscape of Milford Sound. 

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There's nothing quite like seeing nature from the sea. We were inside the towering peaks, getting a view of the rainforests, waterfalls and cliffs from below.

We spent a lot of that day on our balcony or on the pool decks, just watching how the low cloud wrapped around the mountains and how the deep waters changed colour. 

Every moment at sea felt like the holiday, so it was remarkable when we actually arrived in New Zealand.

What do you mean we're in another country?! We've just been having dinner and getting massages??

One of the main highlights of the trip for both Mum and I was a visit to Nature's Wonders — a conservation effort to protect and promote rare, endangered wildlife.

Princess Cruises has partnered with Nature's Wonders to support their work, and when you visit, you understand why.

Here, they don't feed, tag or handle the wildlife, which includes blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions. They're simply building and protecting their habitat — and that means you can watch these animals play up-close, without encroaching on them. 

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I never expected such a profoundly grassroots experience on a cruising holiday, yet it's one of Princess' most popular onshore excursions.

Mum and I finished our cruise feeling refreshed and relaxed, having had all the mental load of travelling solved by Princess Cruises. Travel, meals, activities — everything was already done.

It was a particularly special experience to share with Mum, and the nature of the trip meant we got to make the most out of each other's company.

There's no wasted time on a cruise, no morning spent waiting in an airport or afternoon spent getting lost, no missed trains or disappointing hotels.

You're there to enjoy every moment. And we absolutely did. 

Check out the Princess Cruises website to find out more.

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For over 50 years, Princess® has been a trusted name in cruise holidays, offering luxurious experiences to over 330 destinations worldwide. With 17 elegant ships, Princess provides personalized service, world-class cuisine, and unique entertainment like Movies Under the Stars. The innovative MedallionClass® technology ensures a seamless journey. Enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, adult-only retreats, and comfortable staterooms. Whether exploring local cultures or relaxing onboard, Princess promises an effortless, memorable holiday. Discover the beauty of Australia, New Zealand, and beyond with Princess, where every detail is designed to make you feel special. Come feel the love with Princess.