South Pacific - October 2013
P&O Cruise, South Pacific from Sydney - October 2013
As a novice to cruising this was a really good way to get a taste of what cruising has to offer as a holiday. We boarded the Pacific Pearl in Sydney eagerly looking forward to our 8 night cruise that would take us to Noumea, Mare and the Isle of Pines, before coming back into Sydney to disembark.
The ship had so many activities available that there was no chance for us to get bored during the first 2 solid days at sea. It is well known that cruisers usually come home a couple of kilo’s heavier than they were before their holiday, and now I understand why! We had several restaurants to choose from on board, as well as bars, a café and not to mention the all day all you can eat buffet. Theoretically we could have worked off what we ate and drank in the well equipped gym, but there was no time left for the gym after we had visited the theatre, played bingo and generally lazed around.
Our shore days were taken up with organised tours, which we had pre-booked to save any hassle of trying to do that on the day and we were impressed with how well they ran with transfers and local guides throughout. New Caledonia is a little taste of France in the South Pacific, but even though the islanders all speak French they have maintained the relaxed culture where things get done on island time, if they get done at all. So it is impossible to come away from a trip here still stressed out.
P&O’s hospitality was excellent and all the crew members were friendly and approachable. The cabin was quite spacious with plenty of storage. So if you are keen for a laid back holiday where you only have to unpack once and let the destinations and scenery come to you, give cruising a try!