Embarkation was at Circular Quay, Sydney with the time being taken from taxi drop-off to standing on cabin balcony being only 20 minutes. The boarding process was streamline but being Platinum certain assisted.

First impressions of the Diamond Princess were excellent. Everywhere was extremely clean and the ship smelt wonderful (which was a bonus) as have occassionly been on cruises where the air is musty. Our cabin B503 was in an excellent location for the central stairs and having another passenger deck above us made it extremely quiet. The cabin was spacious with plenty of storage space and hangers.

We chose "anytime dining" which turned out to be very impressive. We were seated promptly and service was excellent no matter which restaurant we decided on attending. Did go to the Sterling Steak House which, on the night we attended, appeared to have too many chiefs and not enough Indians. The meal was very enjoyable but could easily have just gone to one of the normal restaurants. Read more