We chose this cruise as we had been to the pacific islands on Celebrity Solstice twice and wanted some new experiences - a new cruise lin, different itinerary and different ship, hence friends recommended RCL and some friends from a prior cruise were travelling on this cruise - we are a married couple late 50s and also travelled with a friend from work, a single lady in her early 60s.
Positives first:
Staff were excellent,, efficient and helpful everywhere on the ship - they work so hard to make the cruise wonderful.
Very comfortable bed, plenty of storage and a quite small but adequate bathroom. Carpets and furnishings were very pleasant and tasteful. Great location on Deck 12 near stairs and lifts. Balcony is smaller than other ships but still comfortable BUT there was a CAMERA mounted on our balcony??!!This made us a bit uncomfortable but as we never saw our attendant, we never got to ask what it was there for or whether it was working! Would still love to know !
Enjoyed staying at Holiday Inn just across from the cruise terminus. Walked around the Sydney craft markets and enjoyed this immensely.
Hop on hop off bust is $12AUD. The ship's bus takes you to the terminal and the bus runs around the island (takes about 40mins) with stops at markets, Lemon Beach, shopping centre, aquarium (highly recommended from our last visit) and a few others. Great cheap way to see Noumea if you have already been there (3rd time for us).
Pretty little island, markets for souvenirs and massages and hair braiding offered. Mainly visit for beach and swimming.
We stayed on the ship. Our friend snorkelled and said it was brilliant!