We signed up for the cruise 5 months ago at what we still think was a good price. We checked in on line and got our SetSail passes. I tried to order a Wine Package but had to wait until 4 days or less before the cruise date. My first opportunity to do that was on the morning of the sail day and 'Shock, Horror!' our booking had vapourised and we could not buy any more packages. I was till vaguely worried until we confirmed we were expected when we checked in at the wharf. Another concern was that at no stage were we told where to embark. I found that from the Sydney Ports Schedule at: http://www.sydneyports.com.au/port_operations/cruise_schedule Otherwise, embarkation and disembarkation were so well organised and run - airports could learn a lesson or two. We have only recently begun cruising and our first cruise in 30 years was 12 months ago on the Dawn Princess from Sydney to New Zealand and return. Comparing the 2, we would say the Rhapsody is more modern, uses its space better, makes great use of glass walls to watch the world go by. Cabin and balcony space were larger and a lot more comfortable than Dawn Princess. Cabin air conditioning was good. Cabin staff seemed to be forever working (all day) rather than getting their job done in the morning and disappearing until evening. Passageways were always partially blocked by trolleys night and day and everpresent fussing attendants. Dining, entertainment and bar amenities were comparable. Caribbean policy on forbidding bringing on board alcohol for personal use really sucks when you consider the price of wine on board (duty free) would have up to a 10-fold markup. I appreciate the need for control, but Princess Lines do it so much better. Our alcohol bill averaged $90AUD a day for 2 pre-dinner cocktails and a bottle of wine with dinner which on Dawn Princess for similar quality cost us less than $45AUD last year. Ship staff and particularly the dining staff were so attentive, happy and showed great attitude. They made the cruise so very enjoyable. It was a disappointment that we were not given a critique sheet to show our appreciation (apart from the gratuity envelopes)and we were on the disembarkation roller coaster before we realised it. Overall, a great and very enjoyable cruise but we will probably look for a future cruise on a modern Princess ship before sailing Royal Caribbean again because of the on-board added costs.