Embarkation from Melbourne Station pier was quick as we are Platinum. Our group of 12 went straight through in 25 minutes boarding around 12:30. There was a long line for the non Platinum/Elite passengers and I estimate 300 - 350 people lined up at the time.

We took a dozen wines and paid the $15 corkage fee, it's charged to your onboard account and still felt miles ahead due to the price onboard for average bottles and limited choices. Enjoying a pre-dinner drink or taking a bottle to dinner in the restaurant made for a pleasant evening.

Our cabin was a quad balcony and we shared this with 2 teenager kids. Very difficult at night to navigate the cabin with the bunks descending from the ceiling and ladders at the foot of the bed, across the narrow walkway. Otherwise cabin was adequate, comfortable - bathroom smaller than other ships however the walk in robes area is fantastic for that small private area to get dressed in. Excellent storage capacity in the cabin, cases under the beds and lots of hanging room in the robes area. Read more