Taking ship to Australia

Rebecca Barnes goes wild at sea, with a luxury cruise around Australia and Indonesia

I’m jet lagged, the soles of my feet are burning and I already have strap marks from the intense sun, but being my first time in Sydney — and indeed in Australia —— I’m determined not to waste a moment of the six hours I have. Starting my seven mile walk at Circular Quay, I arrive back to The Rocks for lunch, via Darling Harbour and Barangaroo nature reserve. Hunger sated and feet refreshed, I finish by securing that shot: a photograph of the Opera House topped by a cloudless blue sky.

I’m on a two-week cruise with ultraluxury line Silversea, visiting Australian cities Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin, before crossing into Indonesia. Just one segment of the 133-day Tale of Tales world cruise, many passengers are already settled in when I board.

Given Australia’s size, a cruise is a great way to experience the key cities without having to flight-hop. I speak to a British couple at the Sydney sailaway (one of the best farewell views on the planet) who agree that one of the selling points was not just the itinerary, but the fact that you cover a lot of ground while only unpacking once.

Our ship Silver Whisper has recently had a makeover and she’s looking pristine. There’s new pool furniture and carpets throughout, while suites are now decorated in tones of taupe, soft green and white, complimented by polished beech wood furnishings.

My veranda suite is elegant and spacious while still very homely. Being in ultra-luxury territory, you also get premium Bulgari toiletries, Etro bathrobes and nine pillow options.

It’s a winning formula; 95% of passengers on this sailing are return guests, including a particularly high number of single passengers. Those sailing solo are well looked after, thanks to gentlemen hosts to introduce you to other singles, teach you to dance, meet you for pre-dinner drinks and accompany you to dinner — although it’s also totally fine if you prefer to eat alone or take advantage of All Around Dining (dining in your room or other public areas).

One night I order dinner in my suite and settle down to watch a film on the in-room entertainment system, with a couple of glasses of champagne to keep me company.

That’s the beauty of a luxury cruise — staff are on hand to help you do whatever you want, and service is one of the reasons people return. “They really look after you”, “They can’t do enough for you,” and “This is my second home,” are some comments I hear. From the minute you board you are looked after; from the butlers to housekeeping and charismatic cruise director Fernando, staff are always smiling and upbeat. They all know your name, even though you’ve never met them before.

The food is consistently impressive too. My highlights? Breakfast waffles topped with lashings of maple syr-