Bucket List cruise for my husband and yet I liked it too!
Best to book the pre cruise hotel at least three days ahead so you can schedule tours of Sydney & get to enjoy it. Also staying an extra day or two after the cruise gives you the time you need to get as much in as possible. After flying from the East Coast of US for this, even first class, it's too long to want to do again!
The boarding was Princess perfect except for the local baggage carriers when you arrived. They were not willing to do the work, just unload baggage but Princess was eager to hear about this and I saw them talking to them as we were walking into get boarded. Straight on to the ship seemingly with no problems. Elite and Suite priority boarding was flawless.
As I said above, this cabin is one of our favorites...All penthouse mid ship S4 suites are perfectly located. Great size, ample room, comfortable and plenty of room to live in and out of. Not one thing we don't adore about these cabins.
Enjoyed viewing the city on our own, the Cable Car, the shopping district, have lunch at a popular spot and enjoying the local food. In hindsight if we took the cruise tour we would also have made it to the Museum instead getting caught up in talking and visiting with so many locals....! But that was great fun too. Very friendly city.
We were at sea due to a storm. But heard it was beautiful there.