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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.
Holy Zumba party Batman!!!
Wow!
I have never considered myself much of a ‘cruise guy’, but honestly, I think they actually would be a ton of fun… I’ll take each and every one of those moments thank you very much! 🙂
Hi Skott,
It took us 36 years to go on our first cruise. We’ve now done 2 in the last 6 months and love it!
The cruise looks like a great family experience. We live in Brisbane so I have looked into the cruise option a few times.
Unfortunately the Australian cruise lines do not cater very well for families of five people – I haven’t been able to find any local options for either five person rooms or adjoining cabins… It looks like we will have to go to the USA to get more family friendly options. Or try to tee up family to mind one of our kids, which is also not our preference.
Hi Pretraveller,
The Pacific Dawn has just had some new additions, including adjoining cabins so you should be good to go with your family of 5 🙂 Here is a link to the Pacific Dawn page on the P&O website which mentions the new additions of the connecting rooms: http://www.pocruises.com.au/ourships/pages/pacificdawn.aspx
Also, give them a shout out on their Facebook page and I’m sure they could help you further with any questions: http://www.facebook.com/POCruises?ref=ts
Hi Caz, Thanks for letting me know that the Pacific Dawn has changed and now better caters for bigger families. I will have to look at the cruise deals again with fresh eyes!
Your welcome!
Now that looks like fun. I haven’t done a real cruise yet, but I’m blown away by how big the ships are. It’s hard to believe you can walk or run a few miles on that track. I would get up early to jog during every sunrise.
Hey Scott,
Yeah, they really are like floating cities 🙂 The morning sunrise walk/run was something we really enjoyed.
You make cruising looks like so much fun 🙂 I want the birthday cake! And to meet the locals. And to do the behind-the-scenes tours on the boat.
Hey Ayelet,
That’s because it is fun. Hope you get to experience it sometime soon!
I do like Champagne Tower and want to experience it. It will be great idea in my wedding party with family and friends
Jane – Sunway Hotel Hanoi
This looks like the ultimate family holiday. Something for everyone! Looking forward to popping our cruising cherry in 2013 & definitely looking forward to the Adults Only deck!! Thanks for making it even more enticing 🙂
Oh you will love the adults only deck! Cruising is a lot of fun, I am sure you will love it.
Oh I love this post and would love to go on a cruise more and more after reading this!
There are many cruises departing from Dubai going to Europe, Singapore, etc. My husband and I are considering to go in one as it seems less hassle for our smallest guy!
I’m so loving your blog Caz and Craig!
Thank you Grace! I think cruises are such a great option for families. Parents get a good break on a cruise. Check the age limit for the kids club. It is so handy if your child can go there for a couple of hours each day– they love it
The picture of your sweet adorable Savannah with a local village girl reflects how children can be exemplars of innocence and love. It was a heart-warming scene that such a young girl like yours is already learning diverse cultures of the world through traveling.
Hi
I’ve just read your blogpost and am thinking of going on this same cruise. We have 2 girls aged 4 and 2 and I’m just wondering how old your children were and if they had a good time.
Did they have any trouble sleeping on the ship?
Do you have any suggestions for us?
Thanks
Debs
My girls were 5 and 1. They had an amazing time. Our eldest obviously knew more that was happening, but I think your youngest still absorbed so much. Like this incredible moment https://www.ytravelblog.com/vanuatu-village-savannah-alida/ Made it all worthwhile.
Just check the age group for the kids club I am pretty sure it is three. Your 4 year old will love the Kids Club, it is so much fun for them. Neither of them had any problems sleeping on the ship. It’s a great family holiday
Hello Caz
Loved reading your blog and seeing the fantastic photos of your cruise on Pacific Dawn. We are keen cruisers (well I am, husband not so keen) and have been on many cruises, all with P & O but unlike yourselves boarding in Australia we have to start our cruises at Southampton as I do not like flying. Your ports of call looked fabulous particularly the clear blue water and what looked like a deserted island of Vanuatu. Cruising is not for everyone but I love it and it seems once you do one, you either never choose any other holiday, or never step foot on board again.
I too have done a blog on recent cruises, so please click my name to see my cruise experiences.
Carry on Cruising
Regards
Karen