Cruising in the South Pacific

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“When all you care about is here, this is a good place to be.” from the musical SOUTH PACIFIC 

after vacationing in polynesian influenced Hawaii & spending time in Asia, i think the next part of the world i may need to tackle will be the beautiful islands of the South Pacific. perhaps it’s time to also consider taking a cruise to get the most out of my time. i hope that i can convince my new life-long friends in Australia to join me as it’s a hop, skip & a jump from there!

the South Pacific is made up of a myriad of magical islands, all waiting to be explored by lola. i could spend my days afloat and spend some time ashore experiencing cosmopolitan cities, stretches of white sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery. (sounds right up my alley!) experience the culture of the different islands and be warmly welcomed by some of the friendliest people in the Pacific.

Vanuatu

the capital, Port Vila, has a leisurely café scene and a special kind of charm. visit Pentecost Island and see the originators of bungee jumping. experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the brave men who perform the land diving ritual, just as their ancestors did. (better them than me – NO THANK YOU) this unique ceremony is preceded by the dancing and wailing of local women in a semi-hypnotic trance. visit Champagne Beach, said to be the world’s most beautiful beach, on the island of Espiritu Santo. snorkelling, swimming in waterfalls and blue lagoons are all part of island life in Vanuatu. HELLO! this is very lola.

Isle of Pines – New Caledonia

Isles of Pines New Caledonia

this spectacular island contains exceedingly beautiful emerald lagoons and white sandy beaches. it was discovered by Captain Cook in 1774.

Fiji

the cosmopolitan city of Suva with its colonial architecture and markets is the bustling hub of Fiji. take a day trip to the Mamanuca Group of about 20 islands where you can dive or surf. these are the famous islands that are often featured in movies and advertisements. make sure to experience authentic Fijian fire walking. this i gotta see!

the remote Yasawa Islands are perfect for sea-kayaking (my new-found adventure sport!) and spend some time on the Coral Coast where one can relax or sightsee. the 5km long Sigatoka Sand Dunes are a famous archaeological site.

Tonga – South Pacific

Tonga

the Kingdom of Tonga is at the northern end of the Vava’u group. it is made up of white sand beaches, coral gardens and azure lagoons. visibility underwater is up to 30 metres and is perfect for diving or snorkeling. there is an abundance of colorful fish of all types and sizes. explore remote sea caves, startling drop offs and history laden shipwrecks. take a cruise to remote atolls and make sure to visit the Swallows Caves, said to rival Italy’s famous Blue Grotto. maybe i’ll spot a ‘siren of the sea’ here 🙂

New Caledonia

the capital Noumea is a French provincial town with Kanak culture. it’s filled with a fusion of French cuisine, cafes and a fun-filled atmosphere. j’aime all things French!

take a trip on the Petit Train for a unique tour of the town. snorkel in the New Caledonia lagoon which is surrounded by a 1,600km coral reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Loyalty Islands

the islands of Lifou, Ouvea and Mare are fringed in coconut palms and surrounded by white sandy beaches. the gentle people of Lifou make visitors feel most welcome. a place to relax, swim and have a massage on the beach. ooh lala – YES!

the South Pacific is an idyllic cruise holiday destination. on cruises from Sydney it’s said i will escape with like-minded travelers who want to enjoy what a cruise has to offer plus experience the culture and spectacular island scenery that is the South Pacific. lola says très bon!