round australia, previously done this cruise with Princess. So disappointed in ports of call, only reason for going to PNG appears to be so they can sell duty free on board, barely worth the effort. Port Moresby would have least been worth getting off, but not Alatoa, what’s there? On board shops selling usual cheap souvenirs, although plenty of top priced jewellery if you wanted that and expensive USA clothing. Strident on air communications to sell the art on board. The staff are all excellent, really could not do enough for you, helpful and pleasant. This cruise had loads of passengers, myself included, who had wheeled walkers and some electric scooters and wheelchairs, all were treated with exceptional kindness. The food, was amazingly good, there was always plenty of choice. I did miss not having much ‘named’ fish to choose from however. Getting off ship in Sydney to visit relatives from White Bay was a real problem, We had to get to Manley so involved taxis on top of ferry journey. On screen information regarding this was very mediocre and other passengers felt annoyed, as we did with lack of it. Then to arrive at at circular quay and see another huge ship anchored there, really!

Overseas visitors we spoke to, were less than enthusiastic re this cruise, feeling that they had seen nothing of the real Australia, every port was a replica of the previous ones, just another spot on the map. This I agree with. Have been told this cruise for the next 18 months is already wait list only. We had problems getting a booking as due to my accident were unable to book well in advance, Princess had a deposit and wait list from both ports, Sydney and Brisbane for us, eventually we had to book with USA agent who gave us an immediate confirmation, guaranteed cabin on the deck we wanted, this no doubt, is why we ended up with a small cabin. But, why could Princess not do that? As we are now both 80, it’s probable we won’t be using Princess again. Final note, felt this cruise was 2 weeks too long.