We selected this cruise because it was to and from Australia and would include Milford Sound which we did not see on our last cruise there when we entered the sound at 5am and departed at 6am (all in the dark). We were also looking forward to seeing Christchurch and the progress there since the earthquake. Unfortunately, due to bad weather in both places we spent 2 extra days at sea and did not see either place.

This was our first and last experience on a ship as big as the Ruby Princess as we were not keen on such big crowds and difficulty getting lifts and on and off the ship in tenders etc. However the length of the ship provided lots of exercise getting from one end of the ship to the other numerous times a day.

The ship is getting a little "tired" and "boring" with the same colours and furnishings etc as other ships and looks like it is due for a refurbishment. Read more