Visiting New Zealand, the "Land of the Long White Cloud," had always been a bucked list of mine. Recently, I had the chance to turn that dream into a reality aboard the Diamond Princess with Princess Cruises. This 14-day roundtrip cruise from Brisbane was the perfect way to experience New Zealand’s beauty, with stops in Fiordland National Park (including Milford Sound), Dunedin, Wellington, Tauranga, and Auckland.

Having cruised before, I knew that accessible staterooms fill up quickly, so I booked this trip 18 months in advance. I was fortunate to secure a balcony room in a prime location, making for an incredible onboard experience.

Traveling with mobility needs meant extra planning. The cruise’s shuttle buses require passengers to stand to board, so we rented a wheelchair-accessible van for our shore excursions. This gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, in Rotorua, where we learned about mud pools and volcanic landscapes while enjoying fantastic food.

The Diamond Princess exceeded my expectations in terms of accessibility. The spacious staterooms easily accommodated a large wheelchair, hoist, shower chair, and luggage. Navigating the ship was also straightforward, with plenty of lifts, accessible decks, and ramped thresholds on every level.

Public spaces were equally accommodating. The gym featured accessible equipment, and a pool hoist allowed guests with mobility issues to enjoy the pool and hot tubs. Restaurants had ample space, with easy access tables, even for a large group of eight with two wheelchair users. The theatre, bars, and even the casino were all accessible, ensuring everyone could enjoy the onboard entertainment.

Cruising through New Zealand was an unforgettable experience. Milford Sound’s serene beauty, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, and the stunning weather made for a perfect trip. We were fortunate with calm seas, sunny skies, and little to no wind, even in Wellington’s famously gusty weather.

Overall, the Diamond Princess provided an ideal way to experience New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and rich culture while maintaining accessibility. It was a trip I’ll cherish forever, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore this incredible destination in comfort.

Until next time!

About the author

Lindsay, who was born and grew up in Brisbane, Australia, obtained a spinal cord injury several years ago which sees him getting around on four wheels instead of two legs. His injury hasn’t stopped him from making the most out of what he refers to as "my beautiful life". Lindsay's journey began on the last day of grade 12 at the age of 17 when he went for a celebratory swim at Southbank, Brisbane and broke his neck at vertebrae C5. Over the last 28 years, Lindsay has done public speaking at universities, conferences, fundraisers, and within healthcare settings. He also works part-time, travels, attends the gym and volunteers as a peer support mentor for the newly injured and their families. Lindsay is an advocate for disability awareness and his goal is to help people and their families who are in similar situations.