We have traveled on Princess Cruise ships about 8 times. This was our first time on the Sun Princess our of Sydney for 28 days around Australia. We were in a mini suite on the Baja deck mid forward port side. Our cabin would get a sewage smell that would wake us up, make us nauseated. We had to leave a hallway door open and could not use our balcony. I called Customer Service and was told it was the Sea. As frequent cruiser and health care professional- it is a ventilation problem that wafts up from the promenade deck on the port side. Passenger Services finally claimed the second to last day of our trip-yes- they have an exhaust valve there and NO disclaimer for passengers. Their solution was to leave our balcony door open-but we were in a tropical climate-condensation covered the cabin along with heat and humidity. We were on the ship for 28 days. It does affect the trip experience.

A last minute compensation and an offer to change our cabin to a lower category every few days as "it was unpredictable" is not why one cruises. Sad as the wait service works very hard. On the end of our voyage a nominal compensation was offered-we would have preferred to enjoy our cruise and cabin without the noxious odor. We are looking at other cruise lines although we are almost at the Elite level on Princess.

The dining room staff did an excellent job in the Marquis dining room. The excursion staff also were very organized and provided interesting outings. The Enrichment lecture with Bruce Petty and Reef Mariner were educational and a pleasant diversion.