For our 30th Wedding Anniversary we booked a
cruise on the Carnival Spirit departing from Sydney for a 10 day Pacific Island
Cruise to Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu then Lifou and Noumea in New
Caledonia.
Flew into Sydney in the morning for a leisurely stroll
around Circular Quay admiring our ship. We filled in time walking through the
gardens to Lady Macquarie’s chair.
Enjoyed lunch with Dennis & Rhonda.
We boarded at 3pm and found our room on Empress Deck 6, room
184. Steve wanted a balcony so he could jump out if need too and I got one just
above the life boats so he didn’t have far to jump!! The bed was comfy and
there was plenty of room to spread out and put all my clothes, shoes and
jewellery – had to look the part. Our cabin steward was Jose and he checked on
us and made sure everything was magical.
Each day the towels were wrapped into another shape and at
the pool towel area there were so many different animals and shapes.
Everything looked very elaborate and we were amazed at the
exposed lifts going up 9 floors inside the ship.
Wandered around the ship to find where everything is
located. Fantastic artwork everywhere, Steve found a friend he liked the shape of.
The ship departed the dock at 6.30pm and we watched from the
Serenity Lounge area (over 18yrs) at the rear of the ship. Beautiful but cold.
In our room we could watch our progress on the TV and via
two live video feeds at for and aft of the ship.
The main Show room was at the bottom of the ship at the
front and was huge and each night the shows were fantastic. We also checked out
the small piano bars and other areas of the ship where there was always
something happening. Great comedians entertained us in another area with an
adults only show later in the night. Lovely cocktails too.
Our ship cruise director, Willy, was certainly a character
and kept us well informed and entertained. We had a tropical BBQ night on the
pool deck.
We had breakfast in the main dining room, feeling very
pompous but loved it.
The general eating area was amazing with a 24 hour pizza
shop and different sections providing a wide variety of food for breakfast,
lunch and dinner – so much food, where to start!!
Diner was 5 star with beautifully presented food and
wonderful staff. We had a table of six and enjoyed meeting David & Christine
from Gold Coast and another couple who only ate with us a couple of times. Our
table looked out through the back porthole and the sunsets were magical. Each
night the matre’d would welcome everyone and then the staff would sing a song
depending on the theme for the night. Truly amazing how they got all those
meals organised. The staff were paid depending on how many dinners they could
carry at once. Even the serviettes were folded into different shapes each
night. There was a special menu for each night and an everyday one. We tried
something different each night.
There was icecream, drinks and coffee stations open all day
– but the only fault with the trip was the coffee was terrible. We used our
onboard credit to by cappuccinos but even they were not up to muster.
Beautiful weather as we headed out to sea. Serenity was a
great place to relax (no kids).
There was so much to do on the ship and each day we were
given a timetable of things to do. I attended an art auction – definitely
interesting but I refrained from bidding!! Got a keepsake though for attending.
On the 3rd morning I managed to get Stephen out
of bed for a sunrise walk around the top deck. The sea was so flat, I couldn’t
believe we were in the middle of a huge ocean. I had been a good girl and had
attended a stretching class near the gym at 7am after my walk, before stuffing
myself at breakfast.
Carnival Spirit has a water park and of course I had to give
it a go. The breeze was a bit cool but up I went – 10 second buzz to the
bottom.
Arrived at Port Vila, Vanuatu. We chose to just walk into
town rather than a tour. When we berthed at a pier and walked out of the ship
we were greeted with many voices calling to us offering their services to drive
us into town. Everyone has a hiace van to use as a taxi when ships come in.
There is no dole here so they survive on being taxi drivers and the ladies have
the many stalls lining the road. We managed to walk up through a few stalls
selling mainly sarongs and tropical gifts. Had our passports stamped for $2.
After many offers for a ride we decided to go with another
lady who had done a deal with a chap to drive us into town for $5 each but we
had to get 5 more people first. Can you imagine us hanging out the window
trying to sell our ride to other passengers. Got some more and off we went
bouncing down the road. Our driver spoke broken English but our lady friend
then managed to negotiate a deal to take us to some magical waterfall and a
tour of the area and to Hideaway Island and markets.
The waterfall visit was the highlight as the water was so
clear and it was amazing how 1000 odd people all marched up to it through the
creek and we all managed to have a dip and go under the waterfall into a cave.
A local of the locals live in these humpys and it is a very
communal affair.
Had a fun boat ride over to Hideaway Island and had lunch
overlooking the sea. The coral didn’t look much but when I went in with my
goggles I was amazed at the variety of colourful fish swimming around and the
coolness of the water. Had thought it would be warmer as we are level with
Cairns. There are markets everywhere selling their homemade wares. Pigeon
English signs were everywhere. A lot of people travelled on 4wheelers on the
road and they would just drive across the road in case you needed a lift!
The next morning we woke at Mystery Island, Vanuatu. Looked
a lot like Green Island. No one lives on it, the locals from the big island
nearby come over and set up their stalls, cook and entertain everyone. Had
another swim and again the fish were amazing. All the girls were getting the
hair braided. Used the tender boats to leave the ship this time.
Off again and we woke up at Lifou. Fantastic view of a
church perched onto of a point high over the ocean. Into the tenders again.
Everyone here are French speaking and not as friendly as Vanuatu locals. We
checked out their local map and started walking into town. Came along an old
church and hall with history of the area in French. After a while a car drove
past and stopped and waved for us to hop in. They looked harmless and we didn’t
know what it was going to cost us but we were over the walking already. The man
said going to Post Office and we squeezed in the back. When we stopped we thanked
them and they waved goodbye – so nice of them. The island is volcanic. The
graves are above ground. The town was nothing much, waved to some kids in
school then found a shop. No one gave us any attention – found bagets and a lot
of French speaking so started walking back again. Lots of meeting huts
everywhere as well as normal shanty type homes. Nothing grew much except
hibiscus.
On the way back we saw some wet people who said they had
been in a cave for a swim so we paid our $10 each and follow a path down into a
volcanic cave. A local had a nearly flat torch and we watched others jump into
a small pool. Just as we got ready everyone left so we jumped in and had it to
ourselves – dark and eerie but so magical. Cooled us off for the walk back.
The ham must taste like coconut as that’s all these guys got
to eat.
Another walk up the hill to Notre Dame de Lourdes, a church
up on the top of point. Great view back to the ship.
Some local totem poles and another cool swim. Couldn’t get
over the boring looking coral and all the beautiful colourful fish so close to
shore.
The arrival into Noumea took ages as we passed along the
long coast. Luxury holiday huts over the sea looked appealing for another trip.
Our ship was too large so we had to dock in the industrial area so buses were
arranged to take us into town. We bought a ticket on a hour tour then we could
trip around the town with an hop on hop off ticket for $10 each. Our driver was
a motorcross driver and through the English speaking tour guide we asked him
about his riding etc. Great trip with lots of interesting information.
We had another swim and again more beautiful fish – cold
water though. Found a café and ordered cappuccinos and crepes. Definitely felt
like we were overseas when everyone else is speaking another language.
Near the big fish markets is a traditional village. The ship
told the story of Europeans arriving. I found a friend!! And so did Steve!
As we set sail the locals entertained us with lots of songs
and dances.
A chef entertains carving an ice sculpture.
A beautiful sunset with the moon above.
I got up early to be up on deck as we entered Sydney Heads,
but it was a bit dark. One lady’s husband was up on the Heads in his car and
was flashing his lights so we knew where it was. Sad feeling as we entered the
harbour that the cruise was over – will do another one again one day – but not
eat so much!!!
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