We chose this cruise as it was a one way trip from New Zealand back to Australia. We were on our Honeymoon and spent a week before hand travelling ourselves around the South Island.

Embarkation- We were on the Concierge Class. If you like your in-room breakfast, definitely go this level or higher. We found out from our neighbours (who have travelled on the ship a number of times) that you only get a basic continental breakfast if you are on a 'lower class'. The embarkation process was long, there were SO many people on our level or higher - we could board at any time, but everyone wanted on straight away. It seemed that the 'lower classes' had priority as there were less than the 'priority entry' cohort. Oh, and no Sail Away party either. We were waiting for the horn to go off and people were all out on the decks to meet and greet, but there was nothing. No music, no message from the Captain to say welcome aboard even.

Disembarkation- a colleague of mine was on the same cruise with us. They got off one port early (which was an option). Her husband was VERY ill and it took them 5hours to disembark the ship. Each time she asked if the authorities were there to check off documentation, they were told it would be 'just a couple of minutes'. Read more