We would probably have never taken a cruise but when otherwise visiting Australia we were were invited by friends to join them on the Dawn Princess. Our ratings are, therefore, given without any comparison to previous similar experience. Overall we thought that the service provided by the crew and the information given, verbal and written, was of a good standard.

Our highest rating is for the dining experience - both food and service at dinner in the Florentine restaurant were excellent - our waiter Jimmy and assistant waiter Joven deserve particular mention for their courtesy and efficiency. We were not over impressed, however, by the choice of food in the Horizon buffet.

Our rating for shore excursions (we took three) was reduced by our experience of the one on the island of Lifou - the organisation on shore was chaotic, the guide was at times vague and off-hand, and transport was a very cramped minibus with no air conditioning - not acceptable in temperatures of 30 C plus and 70% plus humidity! Read more