Personally, I think Sydney shines. It is one of the loveliest harbours and cities in the world. How convenient too, that we could catch the train (one of the best trains in the world too, two storey, clean and untroubled the day we rode) in from near Mount White right to Circular Quay where our cruise ship was docked. 

There was the opera house right in front of us absolutely shining in the morning light against the bluest of blue skies. Then a nice surprise - we were supposed to be boarding at 2pm but the train we had caught had us at Circular Quay at 9.30am. 'I'll just go and ask" I said to Avan knowing, especially after our last cruise, that the whole boarding process is a nightmare of disorganisation and disorganised cruise guests. Not so this time with Royal Caribbean.  'Yes Madam. come on through" we were told. "Even if your room's not ready you are welcome to wait in the lounges and have lunch in the buffet". Having cabin luggage only is a real boon at times like this as if we had luggage we would have to wait until the correct check in time,

Straight away it was evident that this cruise line was better organised than P & O particularly in the way the buffet was set up to avoid long queues.This ship also had an adults only pool and spas. There was a café included in this area that served only healthy fare which we chose to eat at often, to avoid the overeating trap of 3 course dinners and buffets.

Three lovely days at sea then it was time to explore the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. Unfortunately this is an over visited stop by cruise ships, but we enjoyed a long walk and some beach time. Once again the tendering process to shore showed Royal Caribbean to be much more organised than P & O. All very simple and orderly.

 Footnote: Sydney Opera House is UNESCO World Heritage Listed.