From the moment I embarked, I realized this ship was in desperate need of a makeover. Not just the very dated decor in the public spaces and the tiny balcony suite, but the kitchen as well. The food in Cascades, the main restaurant, is dreadful -- the worst I've ever had on a cruise. Last night I sent back the foul tasting horseradish crusted salmon, and the chicken dish that replaced it was rubbery. This morning the hot tea I ordered at breakfast was tepid and I sent it back. The cream of wheat had to be sent back twice ... the bowl and spoon came back hot the second time but it took a third attempt to heat the cereal. The lunch buffet in Windjammer, - set up in stations - is unappetizing to look at, let alone try to swallow. I've resorted to sloppily cut up fresh fruit -- even the cookies are tasteless!

The roiling ride from Sydney to Hobart was difficult enough.. not the cruise line's fault, .. but the smell of vomit and feces in some of the hallways is gross and unacceptable. They did put out vomit bags by the staircase on each level, but it wasn't exactly pleasant to walk into a ladies room in the spa to an overwhelming stench.. I discovered the source when lowering the toilet lid to flush... and found vomit all over the back of the toilet.. apparently missed by the housekeeper who cleaned the front. Dirty dishes linger on empty tables... this ship is not sanitary! Wipes from a pile of containers get handed out entering the dining room.. though nicer Purcell dispensers are elsewhere on board.

The first night at sea the surf was rough and the boat roiled and rolled. Worst of all, the creaking in my cabin and that is a friend on another deck, was so loud it was untenable and I thought the ceiling was going to cave in. Read more