South Pacific Cruises
Life doesn’t get much better!...............You could be forgiven if you think you are in Paradise…..
Relax in a comfortable deck chair overlooking the Pacific Ocean – cocktail in one hand – favorite book in the other. Miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life……..dreams were made of this sort of thing!
Or if you are more inclined, enjoy one of the many activities on board your amazing cruise liner, just working up an appetite for a scrumptious meal.
This is all part of the joy of cruising….. and the South Pacific is a perfect location.
The emphasis on cruising the South Pacific is relaxation and enjoyment. Unlike the Mediterranean Cruises where almost every day is the excitement of a new country, the adrenalin of a new city and the historic and famous landmarks to see, the South Pacific Cruises are much more ‘laid back’
This summer looks to be the biggest cruise season ever in Australia with new cruise companies departing from our shores. read more
Relax in a comfortable deck chair overlooking the Pacific Ocean – cocktail in one hand – favorite book in the other. Miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life……..dreams were made of this sort of thing!
Or if you are more inclined, enjoy one of the many activities on board your amazing cruise liner, just working up an appetite for a scrumptious meal.
This is all part of the joy of cruising….. and the South Pacific is a perfect location.
The emphasis on cruising the South Pacific is relaxation and enjoyment. Unlike the Mediterranean Cruises where almost every day is the excitement of a new country, the adrenalin of a new city and the historic and famous landmarks to see, the South Pacific Cruises are much more ‘laid back’
This summer looks to be the biggest cruise season ever in Australia with new cruise companies departing from our shores. read more
Ports you may visit on your South Pacific Cruise
In Vanuatu - Port Vila Champagne Bay Santo Mystery Island Wala
In Fiji - Suva Port Denarau
In New Caledonia - Noumea, Lifou Isle, Isle Of Pines, Emerald Bay
In Fiji - Suva Port Denarau
In New Caledonia - Noumea, Lifou Isle, Isle Of Pines, Emerald Bay
Highlights of the South Pacific
The ports of call in countries such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Noumea and New Caledonia have so much to offer but wont have you rushing around as you would in a big city.
For those of you who are into Snorkelling, you will be amazed by the clear waters filled with so many types of colourful fish. A wonderland just waiting to be explored. Make sure you take your reef shoes and snorkel equipment.
Enjoy a beachside barbeque with the locals and be entertained by the fire walking and cultural show. You may even meet some authentic island warriors.
Be consumed by the island markets and the local handicrafts. Mystery Island in particular has an amazing number of markets stalls.
Perfect tropical climate means that you are not often disappointed by weather. Even if there is a tropical shower it is still usually warm enough to continue your activities.
The local people are just amazing. Smiles all round and the children are adorable. They love to interact with the passengers and have lots of fun.
If you love seafood the fresh cooked lobster is a must. Straight from the ocean - still hot to your banana leaf.
For those of you who are into Snorkelling, you will be amazed by the clear waters filled with so many types of colourful fish. A wonderland just waiting to be explored. Make sure you take your reef shoes and snorkel equipment.
Enjoy a beachside barbeque with the locals and be entertained by the fire walking and cultural show. You may even meet some authentic island warriors.
Be consumed by the island markets and the local handicrafts. Mystery Island in particular has an amazing number of markets stalls.
Perfect tropical climate means that you are not often disappointed by weather. Even if there is a tropical shower it is still usually warm enough to continue your activities.
The local people are just amazing. Smiles all round and the children are adorable. They love to interact with the passengers and have lots of fun.
If you love seafood the fresh cooked lobster is a must. Straight from the ocean - still hot to your banana leaf.
P & O Cruises
We recently took a P&O cruise on the Pacific Dawn cruise ship out of Brisbane.
Our ports of call included Noumea, Lifou, Isle of Pines, Mystery Island, Wala, Champagne Bay, Port Vila.
The destinations were perfect.
As I have now holidayed on about nine cruises it is difficult not to compare and I would rate the P&O as a 4 star ship.
It is smaller than a lot of others that I have been on and is in some ways starting to look a little tired. The ship is 21years old and is scheduled to go into refurbishment in 2012.
There was still a great atmosphere among the passengers and a lot of first time cruisers which added to the excitement.
The one thing that P&O do well is cater for families and this is definitely a family ship. Entertainment was very good however there was very little movie selection other than what was on your TV in the cabin.
If you are considering the Pacific Dawn some of the things that you should know are:
1 There are no tea and coffee making facilities in the cabins
2 There is only one pool area although there are 2 pools and one is adults only. The pool also is the old style square pools that the only way into the pool is down a steep ladder. Not very suitable for older or younger people.
3 Food quality and selection was not the usual 5 star that you would expect on a cruise ship
4 There are no toiletries in the cabins apart from the dispenser shampoo/conditioner that was terrible
5 Dining is all "my time" dining which was great except you were expected to line up every night to book a time for the next day.
6 There were not a lot of deck activities as you find in more modern ships - ie put put golf, rock climbing, etc
7 Duty free goods are cheapest in Port Vila, don't waste time shopping duty free in Noumea, its far too expensive.
8 Duty free alcohol is cheaper in Port Vila than on board the ship (even with their specials)
9 I was a bit disappointed that the cruise staff did not publicise where the best snorkelling places were when you went ashore as their main focus was to sell their tours. For those who wanted to do their own thing, there just wasn't enough information given.
Everything about this cruise was 3.5 - 4 star which is fine if this is what you are expecting, however if you are expecting a 5 star cruise you may be disappointed.
Our ports of call included Noumea, Lifou, Isle of Pines, Mystery Island, Wala, Champagne Bay, Port Vila.
The destinations were perfect.
As I have now holidayed on about nine cruises it is difficult not to compare and I would rate the P&O as a 4 star ship.
It is smaller than a lot of others that I have been on and is in some ways starting to look a little tired. The ship is 21years old and is scheduled to go into refurbishment in 2012.
There was still a great atmosphere among the passengers and a lot of first time cruisers which added to the excitement.
The one thing that P&O do well is cater for families and this is definitely a family ship. Entertainment was very good however there was very little movie selection other than what was on your TV in the cabin.
If you are considering the Pacific Dawn some of the things that you should know are:
1 There are no tea and coffee making facilities in the cabins
2 There is only one pool area although there are 2 pools and one is adults only. The pool also is the old style square pools that the only way into the pool is down a steep ladder. Not very suitable for older or younger people.
3 Food quality and selection was not the usual 5 star that you would expect on a cruise ship
4 There are no toiletries in the cabins apart from the dispenser shampoo/conditioner that was terrible
5 Dining is all "my time" dining which was great except you were expected to line up every night to book a time for the next day.
6 There were not a lot of deck activities as you find in more modern ships - ie put put golf, rock climbing, etc
7 Duty free goods are cheapest in Port Vila, don't waste time shopping duty free in Noumea, its far too expensive.
8 Duty free alcohol is cheaper in Port Vila than on board the ship (even with their specials)
9 I was a bit disappointed that the cruise staff did not publicise where the best snorkelling places were when you went ashore as their main focus was to sell their tours. For those who wanted to do their own thing, there just wasn't enough information given.
Everything about this cruise was 3.5 - 4 star which is fine if this is what you are expecting, however if you are expecting a 5 star cruise you may be disappointed.