26 Memorable Moments on P&O Pacific Dawn

Our life motto has always been “it’s all about the memories”.

People and things can come and go, but memories can stay with you forever!

We’ve created some cherished memories over the years through travel by experiencing memorable moments that really stay with you. Sure we have photographs to look back on, but there are some moments that really stick in your mind.

Recently we were fortunate enough to create some more memorable moments on a 7 night cruise with P&O Pacific Dawn from Brisbane to the Pacific Islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

As a family of four we have really taken to the easy going cruise lifestyle and the experiences you can have both on board the ship during sea days, and the land excursions at ports of call.

We love how you can basically do nothing at all but relax, or you can get involved with the many activities and entertainment available. And of course there is the amazing food.

Below is a collection of photos from moments we will remember most:

1. Sail Away Party

Leaving from Brisbane on a sunny Saturday afternoon, the music was pumping, people were dancing, and the cocktails were flowing in anticipation of the exciting week ahead.

2. Sunsets

We have seen amazing sunsets around the world, and this cruise didn’t let us down.

3. Dining at Salt Grill Restaurant

The Salt Grill is the creation of Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan. And let me tell you this is a not to be missed experience. The food was AMAZING!

grilled snapper

4. Welcome Aboard Cocktails

We loved this special touch from the friendly and creative staff on board.

5. My Home Office

Running a mobile business has its benefits. Including being able to work in locations with spectacular views like this.

6. Morning Sunrise Walks

Each morning the top deck of the ship is transformed into a jogging and walking track. No better way to start your day than to walk a few miles in the fresh air with ocean views.

7. Galley Tour

Meeting the Head Chef Alex from Germany and learning about the process that goes into feeding 2,000 people three times a day was very interesting. It’s an incredible operation with many challenges.

sneaky glass of champagne

8. The Big Screen

New on Pacific Dawn is a giant screen overlooking the swimming pool. Take your pick, catch a movie, watch a live music concert, or enjoy your footy.

Movie time

Sunday football

 9. First Port of Call

After two days at sea everyone was excited to see land again for the first time. Our first port of call was Noumea.

10. Kids Club

Klayra absolutely loved the kids club program. The staff were amazing friendly and professional. And at the end of the cruise they organised a huge concert to put on for all the parents.

concert

11. Swimming on Lifou Island

Bring your snorkel gear or just go for a swim. The water here was very inviting.

12. Views from Lifou Island

A relatively easy climb to the top of a hill provides stunning views such as these.

13. Bridge Tour and Meeting the Captain

Another interesting experience was learning about the technology and what drives the ship and keeps it on course. And of course meeting the Captain is always a nice bonus.

14. Relaxing in the Hot Tub

The kids, and us adults loved this. It was just as enjoyable as it looks.

15. Meeting the locals in Vanuatu

This is one of the main reasons we travel. To meet and learn from different cultures. An interaction our one year old daughter Savannah had with a local village girl will stay with us forever.

Savannah and local village girl

16. Taking a moment in Vanuatu

17. Afternoon Beers

Moments like these don’t happen very often any more and it was something to really look forward to at the end of the day.

18. Local Beer in Noumea

And of course trying the local beer wherever we go is always on the to do list. We give it a thumbs up!

19. Thermal Couples Suite

A very welcome retreat for busy parents like us was the opportunity to get some quiet time, enjoy a glass of champaign, and lie on the hot stone bed.

20. Adults Only Oasis Deck

If you want to get away from the kids on board, this is the place to do it. Grab a sun bed, a book, and a cocktail and enjoy the views.

21. “Life As We Know It” Show

The entertainment on board was great, especially the all new “Life as we know it” music and dance performance.

22. Zumba Class

Caz likes to keep relatively active whilst cruising. And she loves to zumba, as do many we found out.

23. Formal Night

We don’t get to dress up all that often. And the girls really enjoyed formal night and putting on their pretty dresses.

24. Catamaran Cruise around Noumea

This was a relaxing way to experience Noumea. Our host was very informative and humorous and the kids had a lot of fun.

25. Birthdays

It was just one week before Kalyra and Savannah were to celebrate birthdays. And the staff and our host David were very kind to organise a delicious birthday cake for them to share.

26. Champagne Tower

On the last night of the cruise a huge pyramid constructed with champagne glasses is built. Balloons fall from the ceiling, a live band plays, and everyone toasts to an enjoyable week of cruising.

Which moment would you like to experience?

Disclaimer: Our cruise was courtesy of P&O Cruises Australia. All opinions remain our own.