My husband had always wanted to visit Australia and the itinerary for this cruise sounded perfect for us. We spent a week in Australia prior to sailing, with the last two days being in Sydney. Overall wonderful trip! The staff on the ship could not have been nicer or more helpful. Their service was outstanding. The entertainment and activities were up to our expectations and one was a real treat. I had not sailed on a ship with a guest choir before and joined the one on this cruise not really knowing what to expect. It was SO much fun and I would really recommend it to anyone who can carry a tune. The choir on this cruise consisted of everyone from old music teachers to people who didn't read music but liked to sing. It was one of the most enjoyable shipboard experiences for me and I would definitely do it again.

We booked one excursion through the ship and it was a big disappointment. It was "Wine and Chocolate" in Picton, New Zealand. Sounded like it couldn't go wrong, but it turned out to be a long bus ride to one winery where we watched a movie and then were ushered to the gift shop/tasting room for some quick samples of their wines. Then back on the bus to a chocolate factory where they were hand making some amazing chocolates. We got one sample and were told to hurry and do whatever shopping we wanted to do because the bus was running late. Another long ride back to the ship! :( $89 each.

The ship is headed for some time in dry dock and hopefully, will get some much needed repairs and upgrading. Air conditioning in our suite went out, friends cabin flooded when a pipe burst, our bed was not quite as comfortable as some futons we've slept on - etc. Overall there were many more pluses than minuses on the cruise and we still call it a wonderful trip.