This was a Sydney to Sydney non tipping cruise. The standard of dress and food preferences of passengers was different from other cruises we have been on. Many of the passengers and their children were also quite noisy. Hamburgers, chips, pizzas and pies were popular food items. A lot of alcohol was consumed though it must be said we didn't encounter any aggressive fellow passengers.

The food in the main restaurant was quite good for the evening meal though there was a limited choice for breakfast and lunch. The breakfast menu had the same six items every morning. On one occasion a waiter bought me some hot water for tea but no tea bag. When I asked a fellow waiter for a tea bag he just walked away. This must the downside of a non-gratuity cruise.

The evening entertainment was quite good though the big downside for us was that there was no social dancing at any time. Tables had been bolted to the dance floor. We believe this was because the cruise owner wanted people sitting down and buying expensive drinks. The staff and officers were very unsympathetic to our desire to do some dancing though it wouldn't have mattered because clearly the musicians on board didn't seem to have much idea about music for dancers. Read more