We arrived at Princes Wharf at about 12.00noon. We dropped our bags off and went straight on, no queues etc at all, very fast boarding process, this is very good as there was no hanging around, from dropping the bags off to getting on the ship was no longer than 20 minutes.
First impressions about the ship was that it was more modern that what we are normally used to (Pacific Sun mostly). When checking in they were taking your photo for the 'record', that seems a much better idea than waiting when boarding. Basically walk straight on, after the embarkation photo. At the moment there is a special on - buy the embarkation photo and get a USB stick with a little ship in it (who can resist? - us)
We had an inside cabin on deck 10, in the middle. Cabin was clean and tidy. The ship maybe old, but the cabin was more that adequate. There is a fridge (not a cooler) in the room. The room has the best layout that we have seen so far, a sort of walk-in wardrobe with the bathroom access off that. It is much better than stepping out of the bathroom and into the cabin. Also the shower must get a mention, I am not sure if it was our cabins or all cabins, but the showers are much bigger than all other showers we have been in, not a square shape, but more of a rectangle. The walk-in wardrobe was large and has about 8 draws, lots of hanger space, cupboards, shelving and a safe. Infact it was the best cabin we have had from Dawn Princess, Pacific Star and Pacific Sun.
Great location, close to everything, including the laundry - but with no noise.