Never having cruised before we decided on a very short mini cruise on Arcadia,during its world cruise. We flew to Sydney from our home in Melbourne and spent 2 nights at the 1888 Hotel in Darling Harbour.On the day of our cruise we had a later checkout and then walked with our small amount of luggage around to Circular Quay. Embarkation was easy and we were soon in our cabin. We had a balcony cabin on C Deck,which was a handicapped cabin and therefore quite large and well appointed.
Straight off to a lovely afternoon tea in the Belvedere. Our first night was casual and we dined in the Meridian restaurant after having a cocktail in the Crowsnest Bar with a stunning view of Sydney in the background. We were doing freedomdining and at each meal we were placed with really nice fellow passengers. The quality of the meals was generally very good and the waiting staff were very attentive. You have to be careful not to over indulge despite the temptations.
We had a retired policeman give a lecture on our day at sea and he was extremely entertaining despite the ship newsletter describing it in what could be fairly boring terms as a lecture on police interview techniques! I also went to a beginners art class but the price for materials was 20 pounds and not worth it for only one day. In the evening we had a show with the ships revue and a violinist and this was OK.
Our cabin was a large handicap cabin and very well appointed The view from the balcony was excellent.