It’s that time of the year when thoughts turn to the silly season and how to make it easier but at the same time more appealing.

Want to escape the family hoopla over the silly season or perhaps thinking of a holiday where all of your family’s whims are catered?

Well think no further, sailing in the Southern Hemisphere is a fabulous way to retreat from all the pressures of cooking and trying to please everyone’s palate.

The temperatures in Australia over the Christmas/New Year period can be rather oppressive, so why not relax and unwind in luxurious surrounds while the talented chefs serve up scrumptious delights, which cater to every delicate palate imaginable.

We sailed on the Golden Princess to New Zealand last Christmas / New Year, and it was one of our best decisions ever.  So much so, we have booked another festive sailing across the ditch.

To the uninitiated, cruising quite often conjures up images of set dining times in large expansive dining rooms.   While those dining sittings are still available, there are other alternatives available.

Anytime dining is a fabulous option, which allows guests to choose different restaurants each night without being limited to set times for dining.

We were able to choose from a cosy table for two or dine with another couple – the choice was entirely ours.

The speciality restaurants onboard the Golden Princess were simply superb, and while it was an additional cost, it was well worth every cent.

The Crown Grill represented fine dining at its best and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria delivered equally amazing Italian cuisine.

Put simply, dining every night in both speciality and traditional restaurants was a gastronomic adventure, and the waiters were the best in the business.

If the idea of a day spa and wellness centre appeals to you, Princess has you covered.

The Lotus Spa serves up a smorgasbord of exquisite rituals from hot stone therapy to an array of massages that will take care of your mind, body and soul. Your day spa sojourn will feel like a slice of heaven.

At the end of the day, if you want to enjoy a relaxing Christmas Day with the finest fare, fabulous service and spectacular views, Princess has the perfect cruise for you.  It truly is a magnificent way to see in the New Year with champagne on deck and starting the year off to a beautiful new horizon.

As the Princess slogan says, ‘Come back new’!

We most certainly came back new; however, as a result of the divine dining experiences every night, we also incorporated another mantra of ‘nil by mouth’ upon disembarkation!