I’m gazing across the Pacific Ocean while sipping a cool drink in sizzling 35 degree heat. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more relaxed and, if I didn’t know better, I’d think I was at a resort.
But the reality is, I’m sitting on the top deck of the Celebrity Solstice, a 19-deck floating hotel that left Sydney Harbour two days ago and is island-hopping its way to New Caledonia, Loyalty Island and Fiji before returning to Australia.
In truth, I didn’t understand the appeal of holidaying on a boat because I thought I’d be bored, but I soon discovered just how wrong I was.
If you opt for a concierge class stateroom with a balcony, which gives you priority check-in, an exclusive pre-departure lounge, wine and canapés on arrival, as well as luxury linen and toiletries, then so much the better.
In reality, there isn’t enough hours in the day to do everything – in fact, there’s a dizzying array of activities, from theatre shows to trivia games and Zumba by the pool, to lectures and seminars.
Of course, those are just the days at sea and on this voyage, no more than two days are spent ocean-going before dropping anchor at a Pacific island for the day.
Bath-time in Lautoka.
To make life easier on land, there is a shore excursions desk where you can arrange day trips to resorts or nearby islands. It pays to book early – rocking up to the desk the day prior to book your desired trip will likely result in disappointment. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could pick any of the travel agents who throng the port, but services and vehicles can be variable (a bus trip with no air-con is only for the brave).
In Fiji, I made a pilgrimage to the Pure Fiji outlet store in Suva for spa products and checked out the mud pool in Lautoka. I wish I’d arranged a sea turtle encounter in the Isle of Pines, but I still managed to spot two of them by a jetty in Lifou.
Seasoned cruisers say you can put on a “pound a day” – and it’s soon clear why!
The Oceanview Café serves amazing buffet-style meals, or if you prefer a more elegant dining experience there’s the Grand Epernay restaurant with its attentive wait staff. And if that’s still not what you want, there are top-class speciality restaurants too.
Cooling off at Anse Vata beach, Noumea.
Those are some of the joys of cruising – as soon as you unpack and settle into your room, you enter a dreamy world away from the drudgery of meal making and housekeeping.
The usual travel niggles of where to stay, where to go and what to do are taken cared of on the Solstice – and who in their right mind couldn’t fall in love with that?
The beautiful Isle of Pines.
An insider’s guide to… cruising
What to pack: Lightweight resort wear, togs, snorkelling gear and reef shoes are essential, as are a hat and sunblock. A nice outfit for smart-casual nights (no shorts or flip-flops in the restaurants, please!).
Don’t forget: There is no washing line in the bathroom so a portable clothes dryer is very handy. Do take a US adapter plug if you want to charge your devices.
What not to bring: A blow-dryer, iron or utility board – they’ll be confiscated until your return. No need for a beach towel either.
Words: Michelle Joe
