Australia and New Zealand were places we've never been before and it was a winter cruise with warm weather. We love the restaurants especially the Chef's Table, Manfredi's and The Restaurant. Also enjoy Mamsons and the poolside restaurant. Not a big fan of the World Cafe (buffet) except when in a hurry. Ate some Asian sushi there that didn't agree with me.

Wonderful, fun entertainment and shows. Talented crew did Abba, Elvis and Broadway. Enjoyed some of the cultural lectures, the planetarium, and port talks were always informative.

Enjoyed the excursions except for one - we paid $520 (2) for the Southern Alps excursion and it rained. A lot of money for 8 hours on the bus, a not very good lunch and a 20 minute stop in the rain where The Lord of the Rings was filmed. Loved our other wildlife excursions - Napier (gannets), a cruise from Dunedin to Otago Harbor (albatross, seals, etc), Bonorong in Tasmania (Kangaroos) Healsville in Melbourne (kangaroos, koalas, etc). Enjoyed learning about the Maori culture in Auckland and the Aboriginal cultural of Australia. The four day extension in Sydney was a highlight. Toured the Opera House and spent a day-long trip on a hop-off harbor excursion. Taronga Zoo is worth a visit. Marriott Hotel was convenient for walking to sights. Love viking!