To start with the ship is old in years but in no way shows lack of up keep in any of the passenger areas. Having said that, we got of to a slow start, leaving the berth at 5.30pm instead of advertised 4pm . Then, after transiting Sydney harbour and out in the open sea, we stopped and drifted for 4 hours while, as the captain said, they fixed a minor technical problem.( As an ex marine engineer, I would have liked a bit more detail, but they run a tight ship. ) Anyhow we got underway and after that everything was fine.
We could not fault the food, entertainment or the staff ( except for one individual at customer services, ) However, my query was more than adequately explained by a different staff member at a later time after shift change. Also noted that there was no automatic tip deduction from our cruise account although we tipped the equivalent to individual relevant staff. There was a late itinerary change due to ongoing cyclone repairs in Vanuatu but that was no problem.
Organised shore trips at Port Vila and Mystery Island were good and informative but the one in Noumea was a bit disappointing. Fair enough it was advertised as visit to a beach as part of the trip but to be offloaded for an hour and a half while the coach went elsewhere on a three and a half shore trip was a bit of a disappointment. Otherwise, tender access ashore and return was problem free.
Standard Princess cabin, no complaints.
Overnighted in Sydney pre cruise and two nights subsequent to cruise. Sydney is a great place for tourism, walking and dining when staying city centre.
Interesting to see variation between town and country and cyclone damage whilst travelling the "Bush " Highway
Interesting and informative, noted the difference between the islands that are independent and those still under the French umbrella.
Tour was titled Noumea and Anse Vata Beach. Being abandoned by the coach and guide for one and a half hours was not expected.