My wife and I embarked on Dawn Princess docked at Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia in March, 2012 for the 28 day cruise around Australia - Sydney to Sydney.
We stayed at the Marriott Circular Quay which meant we could walk to the Opera House, Royal Botanical Gardens, and to Dawn Princess when it came in. (Be sure to have fish and chips near the Manly ferry - but watch out for sneaky birds grabbing a bite if you eat outside.)
I recommend that you arrive in Sydney two or three days early (or stay after the cruise) if you haven't already experienced this beautiful city with its magnificent harbor.
Aloha 309 - tiny balcony and very small room. (We've cruised 14 times and this is by far the smallest balcony we've ever had.)