We are retired and in our late 50's and have always taken holidays where we have been in control of what we do and where we go (mainly fly / self-drive). We decided it was time to try something different and in late 2008 booked a 21 night cruise to SE Asian ports on the Sun Princess, departing Fremantle on Sunday 19 July 2009.

Embarkation proved to be simple and fairly painless and we found ourselves in our Caribe-deck (deck 9) balcony cabin (sorry, STATEROOM) in quick time. Our STATEROOM steward (Olimpio) was very helpful and attentive and showed us everything we needed to know. By the time we departed we were enjoying a glass of wine on the balcony, eying an approaching cold front with trepidation!

That night and the next day were wild - allegedly Force 9 gales and 8m seas!! However, by Tuesday the seas were abating and the cruise was beginning to show some promise. Read more