Let me start by saying that this experience exceeded my expectations in every way. My Athena experience, where the cruise line went belly-up after I'd booked it, left me rather cheesed off, but on booking this cruise I had an open mind.

The cruise was 7 nights and went Sydney, Melbourne, Burnie (Tasmania), Hobart (Tasmania), ending back in Sydney. Embarkation went quickly and smoothly and I was on the ship and into my stateroom within 35 minutes. The stateroom was spotless and bigger than I'd been led to believe but as I am 6 feet 5 inches tall I'm used to tight quarters! Having a hand-held shower made my life easier, and the water pressure was awesome.

We set sail at around 6 pm, into a rough Tasman Sea. The ship rode beautifully but I still got a little green around the gills! Seasick tablets helped, and I went to the late dinner sitting in the main (Edelweiss) restaurant. The crew were 100% professional, and the meal was great, if a little small, however they offered me another serving, and nothing was too much trouble. Read more