Having travelled around the world we had not managed to visit the Australia's. When planning our trip last June we were not aware that the £ would plumit so much. This indead contributed to this trip being the most expensive one of all time. It also spoilt little things such as sitting having a drink watching the world go by in ports. Shopping, excursions etc. At 8AU$ (£5.00) a pint of beer and 23AU$(£14.37) for a pizza we found we were returning to the ship to eat and drink. Although again the ship prices were high due to the exchange rates.
We embarked in Freemantle. With no problems. Dropped our cases at the dock prior to checking in. Then went exploring. Check in quick and efficient.
Apart from that, the cruise was what we expected. An older crowd with the majority being British or Australian. The entertainment was mediocre, apart from a comedian and the Beatles tribute band. I found the cruise director was not the best. Please RCI can you explain why you employ young entertainment staff who seem to be bored stiff and looking at their watches all the time? An example was the Kareoke nights in the disco, everyone enjoying themselves a large crowd, then it was sorry we are closing now! Then, all there was, was disco music and everyone went to bed! Surley, the young staff are better off on Independance or similar ships and more mature staff on these type of cruises that are willing to join in. This was a long duration cruise we were on a small segment of it and everyone was in bed by midnight! We are in our early 50s but do like some nightlife.