After a couple of nights at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour and a day at the cricket, we caught a taxi down to Darling Harbour#8. Just as we were dropped off, four buses of North Americans arrived at the terminal direct from their long flights. The organization was lacking terribly.The representatives failed to give the same directions and older passengers struggled due to the lack of seats, refreshments and a line stretching out the door. Dick, a gentleman from Washington DC certainly voiced his displeasure.
After 45 minutes or more, we were on the escalators going up to the Volendam.Smiling faces greeted us and directed us to the Lido Deck for lunch while we waited for our cabin to be ready. Within an hour, our stateroom (inside cabin) was ready.Our cabin was reasonable in size and cleaned to an excellent standard. For the next fourteen days, everything went almost perfectly. The skies were sunny except for Melbourne, the scenery amazing, the seas were smooth to moderate, the meals were varied and delicious and the entertainment was excellent considering the size of the ship. To top it off, we met a group of people who enjoyed every minute of their cruise by ignoring those minor issues which occur on any vacation.
Unlike previous cruises, there didn't seem to be level of hard sell which did affect my level of enjoyment on those cruises. The only constant complaint I heard from other passengers was that they felt ripped off when they did excursions through the ship's shore excursions. I did the Taieri Gorge Railway using the city bus, online booking and lunch and beers onboard for $70US while the ship's excursion price was $237 US.
Inside cabin. More than adequate.
Close to forward elevators, theatre, bow of ship for outside viewing.
Close to ice and cabin stewards station
Noisy hallway due to lots of kids on this cruise