We just finished the Singapore to Sydney Cruise - post multi dollar investment 'maiden cruise' - very glad to be home.

Based on our two previous excellent cruises on the Solstice, it is very apparent that this once great vessel has 'Lost It's Gloss'. We assume the ship's 'X' (pun intended) factor has been bludgeoned by short sighted accountants.

The ship, what it now has to offer and its 'human resources' are very ... in fact VERY! tired - to the point of being 'not up too par' in the emergence of far superior ships now sailing in the Australian market. The alleged multi million dollar facelift did not however include the basics and maintenance of acceptable comfortable accomodations. Gazebos/ Cabanas (profit generating ... they do not come free!), Audio Visual infrastructure and a Sushi Restaurant (Now a specialty restaurant - and believe me - there ain't! anything special - at the cost of being once an inclusive bill-o-fare offering in the Oceanview Cafe) does not IMHO, represent a multi million dollar makeover. Read more