Rhapsody sailed out of Sydney 28 Feb 2015... now I know why Sydney Harbour is rated one of the best in the world. What a site sailing past the Opera House and out through Sydney Heads... and the weather was perfect. My sister and I positioned ourselves at the upper-level in the Centrum to witness a beautiful sunset over Sydney. The strings music was so fitting as we sipped our departing cocktails. Very memorable and just what the doctor ordered for the start of our break away from the stresses of life.
The ship is quite elegant and to me wasn't gaudy - even the flashing lights in the casino weren't overdone. One other thing I liked about the casino is that the noise from the machines was kept to a minimum. The main dining room is lovely and well run. I especially loved the entertainment performed by the wait staff. So much fun.
We loved that guests keep to the traditions of dressing up on formal and theme nights. Though we missed both of them due to being really tired and staying in our cabins those nights.
Our cabin was 3132 which has a large window and plenty of storage to unpack your cases so you can put them away which leaves the two chairs and coffee table free. When we first came onboard the cabin bed was made up as a queen but at the first opportunity, Rudi, our room attendant unzipped the bed and separated it into singles for us. The bed was extremely firm - I think I've been pampered by my pillow top at home, but might be okay for others. It is a very quiet room.
The Port of Sydney is very beautiful, vibrant around the Quay. Buskers, food, atmosphere. You'll love it! The Rocks area has so much history, people-watching is great
Going our on a cruise ship is surreal.
Isle of Pines is quite pretty. I've never seen anything like those trees. The water was beautiful for swimming. Not so good snorkeling - too much dead coral. It's a pity the cruise ship companies don't do more about the horrible toilet facilities there.
Lovely spot. The most idyllic swimming conditions that I've ever experienced. Did not do excursions, but enjoyed Mystery Island and lazing around there. Coral quite dead where I snorkeled.
Shopping for clothes was so expensive here, Forget it. We did the hop on, hop off bus but would have been much cheaper to catch the local buses. Beaches aren't anything to write home about. The beaches adjoining the large hotels look nice from a distance though. The snorkeling at Crab Island wasn't that great either. I'm not a whinger, but just telling it as I experienced it.