SJ Smith

Review of Prosail Whitsundays

We sailed on 'Broomstick'. I didn't enjoy this at ...

We sailed on 'Broomstick'. I didn't enjoy this at all and that's a real shame because a few simple changes would be all it would take to make this a five star experience.

Firstly and most importantly: the attitude of the staff. They were surly and hostile. We were treated like s**t on a shoe from the moment we boarded. Any questions were met with sarcastic answers. No need for it. There was not enough information given; the captain was aware that this feedback comes up a lot, but seemed to think that just asking 'any questions?' meant it wasn't necessary to provide things like itineraries and charges upfront. Newsflash: when you get nothing but smartass answers, it doesn't inspire you to ask many questions.

On the first night, we crammed into uncomfortable and overcrowded sleeping cabins. I'd had a slight cold and thus was apparently snoring very softly (the softly part being confirmed by all four other members of the cabin). The captain charged in in the middle of the night, turned the light on and woke everyone up to complain my snoring was keeping him awake from the other side of the boat. Since it didn't keep anyone who was actually in the same cabin as me awake, this was all a bit much, and also why wake everyone else up? Why not just me?

Their attitude improved slightly over the next two days, but by then the first impression had been made and the damage had been done. The improvement in attitude, as well as being fine in terms of competence and safety, is the reason this is not a one star review.

Other than the staff, there are a few other small issues. There apparently used to be foam padding on the numerous sharp edges and corners of the boat, but this has worn away. It needs to be replaced, because in rolling seas it's very easy to hit your head - and I did, often. Also something like elastic nets for luggage would be a great, cheap way to improve everyone's safety and comfort and make sure things aren't flying about when the boat is tilting.