Great photos. The opera house in Sydney is in just about every picture we took. We went to the opera when we were there and saw Madame Butterfly. Interesting venue with stadium seating. Great production. wonderful sea food dinners and lovely parks and harbor. will go back someday to see more of both NZ and Aust.

There is only one problem I have with reading great reports like this, I get so darn hungry. You talked about the dining and wines with such enthusiasm that I can hardly wait to get back aboard a ship.

We rarely enjoy the type of dining and wine when we are not on a cruise. I know it is available, at a price, but we prefer to save those dollars towards out next cruise where we know we will get spoiled just like you.

One of the best trip reports I have read recently!

Thanks Paul! Food and photography, two of my favorite topics :-) We also rarely eat out at home, we prefer to save it for vacations. What was so nice about this cruise was not having to peruse the prices on the menu or decide whether to have that second (or, third...) glass of wine.

I wrote this report on January 30, 2014. At the time it was a huge splurge for us: the luxury cruise line, the premium economy seat, no expenses spared. We were not wealthy, but it just felt right at the moment. One year ago my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and he passed just a few months ago. The moral being, do not WAIT to follow your dreams. You may not have tomorrow.

Maggi, I am sorry for your loss. Your advice not to wait to do the things you really want do is excellent.

So sorry to hear your update Maggi. And you are absolutely right, do it now!

So sorry too to hear of your loss. :(.

I am so glad you and your husband took the trip.You will forever have the memories. Sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I remember reading about your wonderful trip and am so happy you and your husband were able to share it.

Maggi, that's so sad but I'm pleased you have the lovely memory of your fabulous cruise. Take care { }

Maggi - My condolences. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Somewhat similar story for my spouse and I, though we had the good fortune to amass a few more experiences: We 'took the plunge' in 2005, sailing Silversea and then Seabourn - four cruises, through 2009. My husbands health was declining, or we were having medical crises through most of that time (tho he was basically healthy for each sailing). And the cruises were bigger travel splurges than we'd ever done (through a lifetime of travel).

But, in reminiscing thru all the lovely times of those voyages, we both totally agreed what wise decisions they had been, how very WORTH the investment it was for the memories shared. We were unable to travel at all after the last cruise (during which time he actually had a scary TIA, 1,000 miles at sea). He died in January 2014.

I concur with your advice....seize the moment, make the memory. The very best of times is now.

It's early days for you - I wish you well.

Thank you all for your kind replies. The happy memories of our trips and all the photo sustain me now.