This was a 18 night Transpacific Cruise from Sydney to Honolulu. We liked the cruise because it provided a cultural experience as well as relaxation. Ports were fantastic and the tropical environment was breathtaking. We liked it so much that we would do it again.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We flew to Sydney from Los Angeles on an American Airlines non-stop flight. It took about one hour to go through customs and retrieve our luggage. Taxi ride to Sydney Harbor Marriott was approximately 30 minutes. Taxi driver was very friendly and eager to tell us all about Sydney and it’s attractions. We spent three full days exploring the city, patronizing various restaurants and shops. The Rock district was-near our hotel and was our favorite area for lunch and dinner. The cruise terminal was also within a short walk from our hotel …no cab was needed. The embarkation process was extremely well organized. Being Pinnacle Club members we got boarding priority and we were on the ship within minutes; in time for a delicious Windjammer buffet.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
RCCL utilizes a new MDR menu on all of their ships. The food is good but the menu has fewer items to choose. There was no lobster night on this particular cruise.
Coastal Kitchen
4 out of 5
We did not find Coastal Kitchen to be much better than the MDR, except for the larger portions that may appeal to some. We noticed that the menu had additional items that the MDR did not have. Service was great.
Café Promenade
4 out of 5
This venue is convenient for getting snacks and coffee throughout 24 hour period and has seating facing the promenade and is adjacent to Sorento’s pizza.
Windjammer Marketplace
4 out of 5
Food choices were very repetitive and fewer than in the past. Otherwise, we enjoyed having lunches there.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Both my wife and I are in the 70’s and we prefer the quiet areas and low key activities. We enjoyed the amazing glass rooftop solarium space, whirlpools and lounges. Fitness center was our daily event as well as the Casino.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We liked the headliner shows but the production shows were disappointing. The Polynesian (Tahitian) show was spectacular.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was out of this world. We were very satisfied.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Quantum class of ships is one of our favorites. We like the layout and design. Ship was very clean and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We enjoyed our Junior Suite cabin. It was comfortable, clean and spacious. It had two toilets and plenty of closets. There was a coffee maker which we did not use.
Ship tip
Transpacific crossings can experience some rough seas at times. Our cabin was mid ship which mitigated that issue somewhat.
Tahiti was amazing. When we arrived, we were greeted by a local Tahitian dance group that performed and gave us flowers. Bus tour excursion took us around the island and stopped at several paradise type scenic stops. Later we had free time to explore the port city.
Moorea was the highlight of the cruise. It was a two night stop. It was like the fantasy island. There are no good words to describe how beautiful it was. The island is known for filming of the Mutiny on the Bounty film. We were docked in the exact spot where the movie was filmed.
We fell in love with Sydney. It was our first time there. The city was extremely clean and easy to get around. People were friendly and helpful. We had lots of fun taking pictures with the kangaroos and koala bears.
Crossing the equator was a special pool party event organized by the cruise director staff. There were costumed mermaids, king Neptune, lots of dancing and drinking.
Our disembarkation port was Honolulu. It was an overnight stop. We arrived there at 2PM, got off the ship at 3PM and took a cab to Waikiki Beach for some strolling, shopping and evening dinner. We re-boarded the ship for the night and disembarked the next morning. Disembarkation was very smooth. We decided to stay in Waikiki Sheraton hotel for two additional nights prior to taking a flight back to Los Angeles.
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