My week on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises Voyager began in Hobart, Tasmania where I was among a handful of people embarking midway through the 15-night Sydney to Christchurch cruise.

The weather was glorious, the 42,363-ton ship gleaming in the sunshine - and the attractive harbour looked far bigger than I recalled from one previous fleeting visit.

Salamanca Markets were in full swing and the old shops, galleries and alleyways lovely to wander around. I hadn’t realised that Hobart is Australia’s second-oldest capital city, after Sydney - and next time I visit I will make sure I have time to see MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art.

Passengers I met who had gone there were divided about its appeal - all loved the building but not everyone liked the exhibits.

Once on board Voyager us latecomers were processed by Immigration and given a thorough safety drill.

My suite is at the aft of the ship on Deck 9, very spacious and tasetefully decorated in shades of cream and taupe with light, blond-wood furnishings and a gloriously comfortable king-size bed.

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