First cruise for me, second (30 years apart) for my partner. We flew to Sydney the day before and stayed at the Megaboom Hotel, It was nice and handy. Boarding for us was 12-1pm, the lining up was probably the worst part of the whole cruise, but something you have to do. Cabin was a good size, big enough for us. We had a virtual window which wasn't working, but a call to service had it going in no time (it failed again on the last morning) wouldn't bother getting it again to be honest. I thought it would be cool to have but unless they can hook it up to more than one view its not really worth it) Our room attendant Kom was great, didn't have a problem with any staff or service. Daniel (washy washy) was great fun. On board entertainment was great, comedians Bruno Lucia and Mike Bennett, magician Leo Ward, RC singers and dancers, Ice Odyssey show, indoor and outdoor movies the list goes on. We didn't get to do see and do everything.

We ate at Johnny Rocket just to try it and it was pretty good only didn't go much on the hotdog but the apple pie desert was A1. Didn't get around to the main dining, we were more than happy with the Windjammer and Café Promenade. We attended and art auction by Park West and it was as fun as an auction could be. Weren't intent on buying anything, just to look and get a free artwork for going (but my partner did buy a cheap(ish) one which escalated in price with postage so be careful if you don't have the budget! Instead of end of cruise sales they had daily sales, mostly on goods for women I must say. I think they could try and include more for men. Its was bags, jewelry, scarfs, watches etc.

The weather was fine on board the ship and but we lucked out on shore with overcast days although the sun did come out a bit while at Isle of Pines. Went on an excursion to find a turtle to swim with which we did and that great and then stopped at a small island for a swim before heading back. At Noumea we went of a bus trip which took us around part of the city and the aquarium and we wandered around the shops before heading back to the ship. My partner fell ill for some reason so night 5 and day 6 was lost. We could of brought a drinks package up to day 6 but didn't because of that. We had a couple but didn't want a 7 day drink package. Drink prices are on par with for the most part with bar prices. Read more