Found this cruise advertised in our NSW NRMA motoring magazine. 17 Days Sydney to Perth via Brisbane/Cairns/Alotau (PNG)/Darwin/Kimberly Coast/Broome and Geraldton on Sea Princess. Then 4 Days Perth and return via Indian Pacific Train to Sydney. Reasonably fast embarkation, and went to our balcony room and met our Stateroom Steward. Then up to Sundeck for the "Sailaway" then to tea at 5-30pm in Traviata Dining Room where we met our Waiters. All staff very friendly and service was great. The food was excellent and just the right quantity so that one could enjoy all 3 courses. Back to the Stateroom to unpack and get a good nights sleep. The rocking of the ship very condusive to sleep. Up early next morning and off to Horizons Bistro for breakfast with a wide selection of food available. The same at Lunchtime. In fact you could go there anytime for meals or snacks.They are very conscious of people washing their hands and it is mandatory to do so before entering a restaurant.

Happy hour was 3pm to 4pm in Legends bar (2 drinks for the price of 1 plus $1). There was some form of activity or Entertainment from 8am tp 11pm (and beyond) in the theatre, lounge or various bars. The daily "Princess Patter" let everyone know what would happen during the day and "The Wake Show" (TV) also passed on useful info.

We went on organised excursions in Alotau PNG and Geraldton WA and did our own thing in the other ports.When we were not doing activities we would just relax on the balcony or lie down and watch TV. Enjoyed Bingo and Trivia and especially the shows in the Princess Theatre where all acts were of a high standard. The Cruise Director and his staff made sure everyone had a good selection of things to do.Have paid "future" deposit as we fully intend on doing more cruising.Only issue was with going ashore in Darwin where there was only one gangway and it was a real bunfight to get to it. Ships staff should have organised proper queues or another gangway. As is usual with Cruise lines the price of alcohol is a bit over the top but I am led to believe that this is where they make a lot of money. Being an "Australian" cruise there were no "tips" added to accounts but this may also explain drink prices being high. Tipping was a passengers perogative and we did tip our waiters, steward and a couple of others. The other good thing was that the people were mostly aged 55 and up which meant that we did not have younger ones getting drunk and making life hard for others.