We booked this cruise in January 2015 mainly to experience a new culture in PNG. When we booked ( 6 in our group) the cruise started in Sydney and ended in Brisbane so we all booked flights from Brisbane to Sydney.
About a month before we sailed our travelling friends discovered the cruise now ended in Sydney which was great news so we contacted Princess to book the Bri to Syd leg. We were informed the cruise was sold out and there were no cabins left but we could be placed on the wait list which we did.Eventually we were able to get an inside cabin after much frustration.
The embarkation went rather well although ( due to going to PNG) we needed to complete three different forms and there were insufficient tables/writing areas for the 2,000 odd passengers.
Clean and tidy although a very small balcony cabin with reasonable storage, a small TV and room for only one small chair ( No lounge as with other cruise ships).
Clearly a very poor country although the people were very friendly.
Beautiful islands with friendly inhabitants and a great climate.
We live here.