My main reason for choosing this cruise was to try out the Vasco da Gama on which I have formerly cruised as the P&O Pacific Eden and the Holland America Statendam. My suite was lovely and functioned very well. The cabin attendants Nicolai, Somo and Nyoman were very efficient in servicing the suite every day leaving it in immaculate condition. The suite is large, airy and pleasant with a beautiful deep wide balcony that have both a table and chairs for 4 people and 2 chaise lounges. The bed is very comfortable and has an assortment of different pillows on it. There are white doonas as well as fluffy blankets for the bed. The television is a large screen TV and looks new but it would benefit from some further tuning as there were white lines across the screen on the movie channels - nevertheless the movies were enjoyable. There is a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle in the cabin as well as a fridge and coffee and tea are provided. Binoculars are also in the room. There is a black leatherette sofa bed in the room and a coffee table with adjustable height. The dressing room is generously fitted with a dressing table, sink, lit magnifying mirror and hanging wardrobe space which is deep enough to hold carry on luggage. The bathroom has a shower over the bath, basin and toilet. The room's air conditioning worked well and kept us cool during the hottest night on record. One disappointment was that the port of Wallaroo was abandoned due to tidal issues and extreme heat and we spent 2 days in port at Port Lincoln with a view of the grain conveyer belt instead. We did not learn the port had been removed until after the emergency drill as we did not hear an announcement and discovered a note on the bed after the drill.

The visit to Kangaroo Island was very enjoyable despite the heat and we visited a Dudley winery, the light house and 'Antichamber Bay' and Chapman River and saw wildlife such as kangaroos resting under the trees. Paul our tour guide jumped in hands on to do the tour as the day visit to Kangaroo Island was changed and we were 2 days early due to the adjusted itinerary. Paul did a wonderful job.

Food on the ship was tasty and well presented by lovely smiling staff. I prefer the restaurants to the self serve buffet for a more serene meal. Read more