It had been over 10 months since my last cruise and it will be a couple of months before my next cruise so I needed something to tide over my withdrawal pains. This short Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane cruise was perfect. We hopped on after a very short wait in a very non-crowded White Bay terminal, had a port day in Newcastle and then had a sea day before being given Walk-Off 3 at 8:15am at Brisbane. That was a bit different, but very easy with little luggage. I noted many newbies on board taste-testing and many weathered veterans just enjoying cruising like I was. I took along a friend new to Princess so took her along to as much as possible and tried to get to a bit of everything on offer to show her what can be done. We enjoyed a Lotus Spa tour and put our tickets in the drawer for a prize, but forgot to go up for the draw as we were enjoying our pre-ordered delicious crudites and dip and guacamole and corn chips with a bottle of sparking on deck as we cruised out of Sydney. We got to the Art raffle and sadly didn't win, but was nice to be given a pretty print and the story behind it. I scored at the Effy raffle - you just have to be in it and there to win the bling! We enjoyed eating at the Main Dining Room, anytime dining, Horizon Buffet and the Grill as well as enjoying a wine tasting and afternoon tea! No, I didn't put on any weight and actually lost 400g because I always took the stairs. The food was always fresh and delicious and a bit of everything to keep everyone happy. Couldn't fault the staff, always helpful and willing to serve. We enjoyed a highly mirrored interior cabin, that was still a bit dark, even with all the lights on, but we really didn't spend much time there as there was so much more to the ship to enjoy. Will definitely keep my ear out for any more little short cruises like this.
Always kept clean by our lovely steward. I found it a little dark, despite all the mirrors, but maybe that is me too used to an Outside cabin?