I've been lucky enough to have gone on a few cruises in my lifetime. Last December my partner and I were on board P&O's Pacific Dawn sailing the South Pacific, visiting three different islands over a seven night cruise. Now I personally love cruising, not only do you only have to unpack once but the scene around you is constantly changing and its so picturesque.
Day 1- Sail away party! - We sat on the top deck with a freshly made cocktail in hand waving to all who we passed. We heard down the great vine we were going to pass Pacific Jewel another P&O cruise ship shortly, we ran to our cabin and grabbed our cameras to capture this moment. After this we freshened up and got ready to enjoy the night, we were up on deck to watch the sun go down. We couldn't believe this day was finally here. We enjoyed a buffet dinner before finding seats in the on board show lounge, where they have nightly shows, its like your in hollywood.
Day 2- A day at sea- which meant you a free to do as little or as much as you want. Every morning you'll wake up to your daily newsletter with general information and itinerary of free activities you could join in on. First things first is breakfast though, where we enjoyed bacon, eggs and hash browns... Woohoo! My favourite! If that isn't your thing though, don't worry there is fresh fruit, yoghurt and cereal. Name that 90's tune was first up, i was born in the 90's and thought I love my music, I've got this! Boy was I wrong! It was still heaps of fun and such a laugh. While onboard you have opportunities to watch ice carving, a cocktail performance, join in group games and activities. We had horse racing, this activity does cost a few dollars if your betting, but we participated as jockeys racing the horses around the track. It was great fun. Next was BINGO! Everyone loves a good game of bingo, so out came the dabbers and we had our fingers crossed that we had the winning ticket, unfortunately not! Never fear, the bingo callers make the game fantastically fun! As the day was soon ending we went on the top deck again to watch the sun go down. We found ourselves watching the bad, the ugly and the rockstars have their turn at karaoke, this was definitely a laugh! Tonight's show was a comedy show so the laugh's continued!
Day 3- New Caledonia - In 2009 I was lucky enough to experience this cruise with my family, and we weren't too impressed with this particular port, so as we arrived in the afternoon this time we jumped off and got our passports stamped. We purchased tickets to a hop on, hop off bus to explore the local area.
Day 4- Lifou - Is picture perfect! Crystal clear blue waters and vibrate green palm trees, luxurious white sand, its like your in heaven. We were even lucky enough to see a turtle swimming as we pulled up by the pier. We walked to the other side of the island to try our snorkelling skills and as we arrived I was again amazed by what my eyes were seeing. Time to get in. It was rather chilly. Unfortunately I had forgotten my reef shoes on the boat (silly me!) - although to save my feet I wore my thongs in, it made it rather difficult to swim, my feet would rise straight to the surface, but I didn't care as everything around me was so beautiful and peaceful. There was a rainbow under the water with all the different coloured coral and fish. We couldn't wait to start snapping away at the beautiful scenery with our cameras so off we walked to the top of the hill where there stood a church and an amazing overlook of the boat and Lifou. Pictures don't do this place justice. I thought could this get any better?! Well the answer is yes! As we snapped away at every possible angle and with some spare time on our hands we decided to explore the island more by foot. We came across a sign that pointed to a cave. I wasn't sure about it... I had my doubts, Liam said "Why not? We have nothing to loose, lets check it out!" It was a fair hike down to this cave, but so worth it. Why did I ever doubt this place. It was beautiful. I have never seen anything like it. In this cave was a natural swimming pool. I thought I have to go in. I can't just sit here looking at it, I knew it would be freezing but I'm on holidays make the most of it right?! One of the most magical moments I have ever experienced (so far). Have you even seen the TV series H2O - Just add water? It was like the cave on that. Magical. Beautiful. A must see!
Day 5- Vanuatu - Our itinerary was full to the brim this day. We started the morning walking through the markets just outside where the ship had docked, grabbing a bargain or two along the way. They had all your traditional island stuff towels, flowers, hat, bags, clothing and sunglasses. Next up was with a thrilling buggy ride. And it sure was thrilling! The tours are so organised that they even pick you up from the ship, and offer to drop you back there or at the duty free shops on the way back. So we jumped in the V8 buggy, Liam (My partner) was first up in the drivers seat, popped our helmets on and off we went flying around the corners on the course, we eventually ended up at a lovely look out over vanuatu, you could even see the boat. At this point it was time to swap drivers and me to give him a taste of his own medicine. I had my foot down and even managed to get some slight air. All good things soon come to an end, but as we finished up our buggy ride we knew we still had plenty more fun to have as we headed back for our next tour, the Cascade waterfalls. I had no idea what to expect. I had heard it was a beautiful place. It honestly took my breathe away with just how beautiful it was. Lets not get too ahead of ourselves though! As we started a short trek up to the cascades our tour guide stopped at some locals who sung a lovely christmas carol for us and shared some of there stories about living in Vanuatu, they sang so beautifully and i found listening to their stories and comparing life was ever so interesting. We continued to listen to our tour guide as we made our way up to the Cascade. My mouth dropped! I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I couldn't wait to get in. We dropped our bag off and handed our camera to our tour guide. He alone made the tour that amazing, he had 8 cameras around his neck and 3 video cameras. he remembered which camera belonged to who, he took plenty of photos (and if you know me you know I LOVE my photos) I was so happy with how they turned out and my hat goes off to our tour guide. It was such a wonderful day, I will never forget it!
Day 6- It's your last chance to grab a bargain at the duty free shops. Soak up the sun on the deck or try those cocktails left on the list. You can do as little or as much as you like.
Day 7-Disembarkation day, I got up early and watched the sunrise as we were heading back into Brisbane, passing the Moreton Bay island.
I would recommend a cruise for anyone, I'll be onboard again in November P&O! Sailing in for the Melbourne cup! :)
Day 1- Sail away party! - We sat on the top deck with a freshly made cocktail in hand waving to all who we passed. We heard down the great vine we were going to pass Pacific Jewel another P&O cruise ship shortly, we ran to our cabin and grabbed our cameras to capture this moment. After this we freshened up and got ready to enjoy the night, we were up on deck to watch the sun go down. We couldn't believe this day was finally here. We enjoyed a buffet dinner before finding seats in the on board show lounge, where they have nightly shows, its like your in hollywood.
Day 2- A day at sea- which meant you a free to do as little or as much as you want. Every morning you'll wake up to your daily newsletter with general information and itinerary of free activities you could join in on. First things first is breakfast though, where we enjoyed bacon, eggs and hash browns... Woohoo! My favourite! If that isn't your thing though, don't worry there is fresh fruit, yoghurt and cereal. Name that 90's tune was first up, i was born in the 90's and thought I love my music, I've got this! Boy was I wrong! It was still heaps of fun and such a laugh. While onboard you have opportunities to watch ice carving, a cocktail performance, join in group games and activities. We had horse racing, this activity does cost a few dollars if your betting, but we participated as jockeys racing the horses around the track. It was great fun. Next was BINGO! Everyone loves a good game of bingo, so out came the dabbers and we had our fingers crossed that we had the winning ticket, unfortunately not! Never fear, the bingo callers make the game fantastically fun! As the day was soon ending we went on the top deck again to watch the sun go down. We found ourselves watching the bad, the ugly and the rockstars have their turn at karaoke, this was definitely a laugh! Tonight's show was a comedy show so the laugh's continued!
Day 3- New Caledonia - In 2009 I was lucky enough to experience this cruise with my family, and we weren't too impressed with this particular port, so as we arrived in the afternoon this time we jumped off and got our passports stamped. We purchased tickets to a hop on, hop off bus to explore the local area.
Day 4- Lifou - Is picture perfect! Crystal clear blue waters and vibrate green palm trees, luxurious white sand, its like your in heaven. We were even lucky enough to see a turtle swimming as we pulled up by the pier. We walked to the other side of the island to try our snorkelling skills and as we arrived I was again amazed by what my eyes were seeing. Time to get in. It was rather chilly. Unfortunately I had forgotten my reef shoes on the boat (silly me!) - although to save my feet I wore my thongs in, it made it rather difficult to swim, my feet would rise straight to the surface, but I didn't care as everything around me was so beautiful and peaceful. There was a rainbow under the water with all the different coloured coral and fish. We couldn't wait to start snapping away at the beautiful scenery with our cameras so off we walked to the top of the hill where there stood a church and an amazing overlook of the boat and Lifou. Pictures don't do this place justice. I thought could this get any better?! Well the answer is yes! As we snapped away at every possible angle and with some spare time on our hands we decided to explore the island more by foot. We came across a sign that pointed to a cave. I wasn't sure about it... I had my doubts, Liam said "Why not? We have nothing to loose, lets check it out!" It was a fair hike down to this cave, but so worth it. Why did I ever doubt this place. It was beautiful. I have never seen anything like it. In this cave was a natural swimming pool. I thought I have to go in. I can't just sit here looking at it, I knew it would be freezing but I'm on holidays make the most of it right?! One of the most magical moments I have ever experienced (so far). Have you even seen the TV series H2O - Just add water? It was like the cave on that. Magical. Beautiful. A must see!
Day 5- Vanuatu - Our itinerary was full to the brim this day. We started the morning walking through the markets just outside where the ship had docked, grabbing a bargain or two along the way. They had all your traditional island stuff towels, flowers, hat, bags, clothing and sunglasses. Next up was with a thrilling buggy ride. And it sure was thrilling! The tours are so organised that they even pick you up from the ship, and offer to drop you back there or at the duty free shops on the way back. So we jumped in the V8 buggy, Liam (My partner) was first up in the drivers seat, popped our helmets on and off we went flying around the corners on the course, we eventually ended up at a lovely look out over vanuatu, you could even see the boat. At this point it was time to swap drivers and me to give him a taste of his own medicine. I had my foot down and even managed to get some slight air. All good things soon come to an end, but as we finished up our buggy ride we knew we still had plenty more fun to have as we headed back for our next tour, the Cascade waterfalls. I had no idea what to expect. I had heard it was a beautiful place. It honestly took my breathe away with just how beautiful it was. Lets not get too ahead of ourselves though! As we started a short trek up to the cascades our tour guide stopped at some locals who sung a lovely christmas carol for us and shared some of there stories about living in Vanuatu, they sang so beautifully and i found listening to their stories and comparing life was ever so interesting. We continued to listen to our tour guide as we made our way up to the Cascade. My mouth dropped! I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I couldn't wait to get in. We dropped our bag off and handed our camera to our tour guide. He alone made the tour that amazing, he had 8 cameras around his neck and 3 video cameras. he remembered which camera belonged to who, he took plenty of photos (and if you know me you know I LOVE my photos) I was so happy with how they turned out and my hat goes off to our tour guide. It was such a wonderful day, I will never forget it!
Day 6- It's your last chance to grab a bargain at the duty free shops. Soak up the sun on the deck or try those cocktails left on the list. You can do as little or as much as you like.
Day 7-Disembarkation day, I got up early and watched the sunrise as we were heading back into Brisbane, passing the Moreton Bay island.
I would recommend a cruise for anyone, I'll be onboard again in November P&O! Sailing in for the Melbourne cup! :)