Wanted to cruise from Australia and had never visited these areas.

Started our holiday with two nights in Sydney at the Phillip Street Travelodge. Excellent location and easy to get to Cruise Port. We have previously cruised on the Golden Princess out of San Pedro and this ship was very similar in size. It did seem a little more crowded at times but we always found plenty of areas to enjoy. We chose a balcony cabin on Caribe deck C623 and this was a great location with very little movement. Our stateroom steward looked after us well and always had a cheery greeting. We enjoyed most of the shows and trivia sessions and our choice of "anytime dining" suited us well. Mainly choosing to dine at 7.30pm we were often with the same people and there was lots of friendly chatter. The meals were not large but plenty of choices and we enjoyed them all. We chose to have breakfast in the Horizon Court and there were so many choices. Plenty of fresh fruit which I enjoy. A birthday on board was celebrated in style. There were two formal nights on our 11 night cruise and most people made an effort dress for these. We didn't take any of the organised tours this time, preferring to make our own arrangements when we arrived on the Islands. Always heaps of taxis at ports. Loved Mystery Island for swimming and also Champagne Bay, although we did have quite a wait here for the tender to take us out to the ship. Embarkation and disembarkation were quick and easy.