We first flew from Melbourne to Sydney and stayed in the Rendevous Hotel at The Rocks, we much preferred the rooms with the view over the Harbor (You can watch the ship come in) to the older style terrace homes! Both our embarkation and disembarkation both went really smoothly, although I was extremely anxious to board as this was my first ever cruise :) .

I found the ship to be well appointed with lots of different decorating themes to suit the majority of passengers, from the opulence of the dinning room to the novelty of the Jungle arcade. Our cabin was a balcony with views to die for as you sit and relax with a drink and book. Inside the cabin was tastefully appointed and our cabin steward was very helpful and friendly. I loved the dinning in the Empire room where you could choose to share a table with others, or dine privately. We celebrated our 38th Wedding Anniversary in the Empire Room and they surprised us with a cake and sang for us!! We also used the buffet on numerous occasions, which was great as there are so many wonderful choices, including the sweet treats buffet which was particularly popular on chocolate day..lol. Service from all areas was great, even during the busy times. The family comic show was awesome, as were all the ports and shore excursions. So much to choose from and so little time to fit it all in!!!!!