So from the start I should point out this was my first and only cruise. So you are seeming this from the point of view of what I expected to see on a cruise. My wife and I are both still working and around 60. Took the cruise to see if we like 'cruising' with a view to longer cruises in the future. We read reviews of this ship after booking.

The airport parking van dropped us at the baggage drop off and I was impressed at the organisation. A well dress lady pointed us in the direction of checking and off we headed. Once in the embarkation area, I was immediately stunned by the number of overweight western suburbs of Brisbane or Sydney types there were. Thongs appeared to be the dress code, complimented by a huge suitcase. The cruise was just 4 days and we were heading to Newcastle, so no chance of duty free shopping here. Maybe they were planning to steal some coal?

Our cabin (deck 9 with a balcony) was very nice. The staff could not be better or more helpful. Some of them had been working virtually 7 days a week for 8 months without a break. Not to mention being away from home and family all that time. So give them a break. None were Australian but almost all from Asian countries. Read more