I chose this cruise because it stopped at the islands i wanted to visit. It was our first cruise. From when we boarded until we disembarked we had a fantastic time. Our cabin was number 3716, we were on level three at the Sapphire Dining room end of the ship. Our room was spacious, ensuite was a little tight but i wasnt expecting anything bigger. Our cabin steward did a fabulous job, our room was kept clean, and we had towel animals every night. Any notices we got with our cruise compass were always placed neatly at the end of the bed.
We chose to eat at the earlier sitting of 6 pm on a table of two. We were given table 531 which was right on the inside so we could look down on the other floors. Our Head waiter who we found a little distant, rude and bored. He could put on the charm when he wanted to but spent most of the cruise clearly wanting to be somewhere else. Our assistant was Antonio who was still training in the dining room, he was great, very quick and thorough. Had our drinks at the table right after we sat down.
The food was amazing, only one lunchtime meal was average, the rest were fantastic. I ordered 2 entrees, a main and usually 2 deserts, so i could try everything.
The cabin was great, plenty of room and storage (under the bed had heaps of room for suitcases and purchases) wardrobe was large and had enough coathangers. Plenty of cupboard space. The bathroom was small but still had enough room, plenty of shelving for your toiletries.
They only changed the sheets twice during the cruise but who changes their sheets more than once a week anyway.
Plenty of towels, there was a shampoo/bodywash in a fixed container to use.
Had a small fridge, safe and tv.
Took a local bus to the Cultural centre then walked into town, took about 10 mins. Walked up and down the streets. Went to Fung Kuei for our duty free, cheaper than elsewhere. Looked through the markets on the wharf before you get on the ship.
The best of the ports, markets down the middle of the island, walked along the airstrip and went snorkeling. Prices were better on here than other markets. While they have signs for Australian dollars everywhere, a little known fact is they cant change Australian coin at their bank so one stall asked if people could swap the Australian coin for Australian notes so they could bank it.
We walked up to the church on the hill first, then walked back along the main road to Easo, not much to see there. They dont have many market stalls on this island. Went snorkeling and was loving it until i encountered the biting fish. They were only anout 10-15 cm but they charged at you and they bit you on your toes until you left their area. They were a lot of them in the water and a lot of people got bitten, they didnt leave marks or break the skin but were still scary. The bonus was the giant turtles were swimming around near the pier so you could swim along with them and touch them on the shell.