My husband and I sailed from Singapore to Sydney end of October and it was the smoothest trip we have had. We had the automatic room tipping removed as soon as we boarded, but there was a 15% beverage gratuity automatically added to every purchase. Princess would not remove this, if it has to be paid include it in the pricing not as an addition. The Diamond is the largest of the Princess ships we have been on and had great expectations. We were let down in some areas but had a great 19 day cruise. We were disappointed that the pizza restaurant from the Sun was not on the Diamond but they did have all day pizza by the pool. Skywalkers lounge was a good place to sit through the day, had a great view overlooking the ship, but was let down by smoking allowed at the back of the lounge which left a smell regardless of whether someone was actually there smoking. We felt the entertainment was poor with most of the daily activity being selling based. We left from Singapore with mainly Australian passengers and yet the cruise director found it necessary to have 5 British pub lunch days in the Savoy dining room, seemed he was more concerned with his nationality than the rest of the ship. The staff in the specialty stores were mainly disinterested in the customers and more concerned with themselves. On saying that our room steward Denis did a great job the as did all the wait staff.
We did find the food in the Horizon court was overall better than the restaurant meals, was very happy with the food served.
We enjoyed the adults only retreat which was near the gym, this was a quiet area and the pool was smaller and warmer - very good for a short person.
The room was on the lido deck and we found it to be relatively quiet from outside noise . This was a good location, near lifts and the horizon court. Would stay here again.