my wife sailed to Oz as a ten pound Pom with her Mum and Dad and big sister in 1952, from Tilbury. I saw the advert for the Astor sailing to Freemantle, and so I booked for us both to relive the journey! Well the apprehension I had was soon dispelledl by the Ship and its crew and staff!
I can honestly say the experience was amazing. The staff from the first day were superb, and the quality of food in all restaurants was superb!
We will never forget this journey and I now understand how hard it must have been for the thousands of Europeans who made the journey back in those days, to an unknown country. How strong they were and when you are in the middle of these massive oceans we passed through, with no land or ships for a 1000 miles or more in any direction, the it puts into perspective why all of us insignificant little people fight and kill over some sort of"religion"! why can't we just live our short lives in peace and harmony?????