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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
