Sea Princess sails the South Pacific (Part 3: Vanuatu and New Caledonia - again)

The third and final cruise of my Sea Princess contract was to Vanuatu and New Caledonia again. I enjoyed my time in Vanuatu and New Caledonia more the second time around because of the better weather and the awesome excursions I went on.

Read Part 1 (Vanuatu and New Caledonia) of my Sea Princess adventures here
Read Part 2 (New Zealand) of my Sea Princess adventures here


Champagne Bay:
This is my favourite port ever for having a beach day. The water is crystal clear, a beautiful light turquoise colour and warm. The sand under your feet when you are in the water is soft and free of rocks/seaweed/debris. When you are in the water and look out at the horizon all you see is turquoise waters and green hills - I loved it!

This picture can't capture the beauty of Champagne Bay

View while sunbathing

Port Vila:
I have mentioned my love for boats operating at high speeds in open waters before and the Jet Boat Adventure satiated my adrenaline cravings. Goggles were provided because the water in the harbour around Port Vila is extremely salty and it would be painful if it ever got in your eyes. I got completely soaked on the jet boat and the salt remnants in my hair were proof of the super salty water. Life jackets were mandatory in case anyone fell into the water while the jet boat was doing any of it's special tricks. We were treated to the jet boat making some fast turns, complete circles and bouncing on the water. Not only was the tour an adrenaline rush it also provided a nice way to see the island from the water.

Since the excursion was only 30 minutes long I still had a full day to explore Port Vila. I spent some time around the port looking at the souvenirs stalls lining the road and bought a wooden souvenir. When I got back on the ship I went on the crew deck to soak up the sunshine since I didn't want to waste a beautiful, sunny day.


Lifou: 
This is a tendered port and there is a beach right where the tender drops you off. I had a great time looking for "immunity idols" at the beach last year but this time I wanted to experience something different.

I went on the Luecila Beach & Scenic Island Drive excursion. We boarded our motor-coach and drove past roads lined with the beautiful greenery of trees, immaculately-built huts and homes.

Huts like this one were everywhere on our drive

Luecila Beach was our own little slice of a private getaway. It was quiet with the only people on the beach being a handful of locals and the 19 passengers who were on the excursion.

The most deserted beach I have been to - Luecila Beach

After the tour ended I spent some time at the beach where the tender docks. It was definitely a lot more crowded than Luecila Beach but still offered nice views! One big difference between the two beaches, besides how many people were on it, is the sand is softer and coral-free at Luecila Beach.


Noumea:
Noumea was never one of favourite ports but the Amedee Island Marine Reserve excursion changed my mind about this port. I would go back to Noumea again just so I can visit Amedee Island!

This was a full-day (8 hour) tour but it was so perfectly planned out with activities and free-time that we never got bored or felt rushed during our time on Amedee Island. A bus shuttle took us from the ship to Port Moselle. Then we boarded a catamaran for the 45 minute trip to Amedee Island. No one lives on the island but people will take day trips to it from Noumea.

Beautiful soft white sand at Amedee Island

Upon arriving at Amedee Island we had some free time to walk all around the island and explore the lighthouse. Then we went on a 20 minute glass bottom boat tour. We saw a variety of tropical fishes (including a parrot fish) as well as a giant sea turtle.

The lighthouse

We had some more free time on the beach before our barrier reef boat tour began. The loungers and umbrellas are provided free of charge for those on the excursion.

My lounging spot

We boarded the catamaran for our 45 minute barrier reef boat tour where we went to the largest lagoon in the world. The waters were crystal clear and a light turquoise colour. I kept marveling and saying out loud how beautiful the water was because I couldn't believe my eyes! I also fed french baguette to the fishes in the water.

So many fishes in that crystal clear water

Then it was back to the beach for a delicious buffet lunch. The variety and quality of food was impressive. It was a feast of salads, seafood, fried rice, potato gratin, spinach, roast beef, tuna steak, fruits, desserts and more. We were also treated to a Polynesian folkloric show with music and dancing while eating our lunch.

After eating a big meal I was ready for a nap! I spent some time on a beach lounger resting in the shade under an umbrella. When it got too hot I went into the water. Once again the water was so crystal clear you could see right to the ocean floor. There were lots of fishes swimming around me and I even stepped on a sea snake by accident. Apparently sea snakes are very common at Amedee Island. Luckily they are afraid of humans but they are still poisonous.

The crystal clear water is great for swimming or snorkeling

To finish off the day we watched a coconut grating demonstration and sampled the coconut pieces. It was a great day and I would highly recommend doing this tour if you ever go to Noumea! I know I would do it again if I got the chance.


A beach day in Champagne Bay followed by three wonderful excursions in Port Vila, Lifou and Noumea was the perfect ending to my South Pacific adventures on my Sea Princess contract. I am a happy girl!

Sea Princess sails the South Pacific (Part 2: New Zealand)

The second of three cruises on my Sea Princess contract was to New Zealand. I had done two cruises to New Zealand last year but two times just wasn't enough! The great thing about the ports in New Zealand is there are so many things to do within walking distance of where the ship docks.

Read Part 1 (Vanuatu and New Caledonia) of my Sea Princess adventures here


Auckland:
The ship encountered rough weather conditions and large swells while crossing the Tasman Sea from Brisbane to Auckland. The captain made the choice to sail the ship at a slower speed resulting in skipping this port and proceeding onto the next. Understandable decision but still disappointing since this is one of my favourite New Zealand ports!


Tauranga:
I love the beach/surfer town vibe of Tauranga! Since the weather was so unpredictable (alternating between rain storms and sunny skies) we decided not to make this a beach day. Instead we climbed the trail on the right side (when facing the ocean) of Main Beach.

The view along the trail

The lookout point at the top of the trail provided great views of the sea and beach below.

Mount Maunganui (partially hidden by clouds) and Main Beach

After heading back to the ship to eat a quick lunch we stopped by the park located beside Spongedrop bakery. We laid a towel down on the grass and enjoyed some free WiFi (provided by Spark WiFi).


Napier:
The ship was scheduled to dock at 12 noon and I had to work afternoon port day so I wasn't able to get off at this port.


Wellington:
It was a beautiful, sunny, hot day with a breeze - perfect for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Along the walk I saw buskers, runners, walkers and cyclists all around me. There are a lot of benches along the waterfront to sit and look at the calm blue waters.

The beautiful waterfront in Wellington

Clyde Quay Wharf is about a 45 minute walk from the port. Nearby is Waitangi Park with a large grass field great for having a picnic. I didn't bring a towel or snacks with me but if I ever go back to Wellington I plan on having a picnic at this park.

How great would it be to have a picnic here?

About 1 hour into my waterfront walk I was at Oriental Bay which had a small beach with a playground area.

Oriental Bay

After soaking in the fresh air and admiring the scenery from my walk along the waterfront I decided to head back to the port. I made a quick stop near the railway station (about a 15 minute walk from the port) to use the free WiFi (cbdfree).

Last year when I was in Wellington I went to the downtown shopping area. I had no idea Wellington had such a gorgeous waterfront, a beach and so many great places to have a picnic within walking distance of the port! I now have a much greater appreciation for this city.


Akaroa:
I was so happy I was able to get off at this port! Last year we were in Akaroa two times but I wasn't able to get off the ship both times.

This is a tendered port with a small town charm. I started my day with the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. The main reason I chose this excursion was to see the Hector dolphins (which are only found in the waters of New Zealand). However, I was happy that I was able to see Little Blue Penguins, cornets, New Zealand fur seals and sheeps as well!

A Hector dolphin!

The catamaran dropped us off at the Main Wharf after the excursion and I had the whole afternoon to explore Akaroa. I turned left from the Main Wharf and walked along Beach Road until I saw a sign for a hike to Stanley Park. I love doing hikes (especially in new places) so I decided to go for it. It wasn't a long hike but the terrain was steep. Within 5 minutes of walking I was at the Beach Road Lookout which had amazing views! There was a bench up there where I was able to sit and admire the scenery.

Views like this make me grateful for nature

Just admiring New Zealand's natural beauty

There were lots of sheep hanging out around the field which was super exciting for me to see since sheeps come to my mind whenever I think of wildlife in New Zealand.

Sheeps hiding out in the shade

After spending some time admiring the scenery and the sheeps I made my way back down to Beach Road. I passed by a few shops and restaurants until I reached a park. I took a seat on one of the benches and read from the local newspaper I was handed when I got off the catamaran.

Tip: Free WiFi can be found at the library which is just a short walk from where the tender docks.

Port Chalmers:
I only had the morning off in Port Chalmers which didn't give me enough time to go into Dunedin. As I made my way out of the port area there were locals handing out a Port Chalmers guidebook which proved to be very helpful.

We went to the Four Square Supermarket (located about 300 metres from the port) because I wanted to pick up some snacks. The guidebook had a map of the Full Harbourside/Back Beach Walk which we thought would be fun to do. From the supermarket we walked along Wickliffe Tce and along the harbour until we reached the Flagstaff lookout point. From there you just walk down a hill to get back to the port. The walk took about 1 hour and we saw many friendly locals along the way.

A nice start to the day in Port Chalmers

Read Part 3 (Vanuatu and New Caledonia - again) of my Sea Princess adventures here

Sea Princess sails the South Pacific (Part 1: Vanuatu and New Caledonia)

Since I had such a great experience in Australia last year I wanted to spend this Christmas/New Year on a ship based in Australia visiting New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific again. Luckily the opportunity arose for me to be on the Sea Princess in December/January which meant another Canadian winter spent in the land down under.

I left Vancouver 3 days before I was scheduled to board the ship in Brisbane. I (along with all the fellow crew members joining the ship) stayed at a hotel located right in the heart of South Bank the night before embarking the ship.

Streets Beach (a man-made beach) in South Bank

It was a week away from Christmas when I arrived in Brisbane and the city had lots of events leading up to the big day. I checked out South Bank's Christmas Markets in the afternoon then found a spot to sit down and use the free WiFi available in South Bank Parklands.

One of the many fun Christmas events in Brisbane

At night I watched the Christmas Fireworks Spectacular over the Brisbane river from the Clem Jones Promenade in South Bank. The show was coordinated to Christmas music and I enjoyed my unobstructed view of fireworks lighting up the night sky. All in all it was a great day in Brisbane.


The first of three cruises on my Sea Princess contract was to Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Port Vila:
This was the first port in our cruise and also my first time in Vanuatu. I was super excited as a Survivor fan knowing one season of Survivor was filmed here.

As you exit the ship and walk to your left (only those on a ship offered shore excursion were allowed to walk to the right) you will walk by many locals asking if you need a taxi into town. There is a long stretch of road where stalls selling souvenirs line both sides of the road.

Tip: It isn't possible to walk into town and there isn't anything to do around the port besides browsing the stalls selling souvenirs. If you want to get into town you will need to take the bus or a taxi (indicated by a red B or T on the license plate). The largest (and best according to many people) place to shop for duty free items is a store called Fung Kuei in town.

I did my research on Port Vila beforehand so I knew the best way for me to experience this port was to sign up for a tour. I went on the Rainforest Walk and Cascade Falls tour. I had always wanted to walk/swim under a giant waterfall and this was my chance.

Cascade Falls

Highlights from the tour: 
- Watching a group of 5 local men singing an acapella version of Silent Night about mid-way up the trail to the waterfall
- Taking a dip in the water under the waterfalls to cool off
- The refreshments (thinly sliced coconut pieces, banana chips, tapioca chips, kasava chips, watermelon, lemonade) provided at the end of the tour were very good


Mystery Island:
This was a tendered port. Mystery Island is a small, uninhabited island with no electricity or roads.  The middle of the island has huts with booths selling tours and souvenirs. There are also rustic toilets scattered around the island.
There is sandy beach space (albeit a bit rocky) for sunbathing as well as good areas for snorkeling or swimming.

A cloudy day in Mystery Island

I was able to walk around the whole island in about an hour (this included stopping along the way to take photos). While walking on the rocks in the water I slipped and fell into the ocean with all my clothes on. On the bright side I saw a tropical green coloured fish while in the water!


Champagne Bay:
This was a tendered port. As you get off the tender you are greeted by children singing which just puts everyone in a good mood. You will also see locals offering tours or photo opportunities with animals. There are booths scattered around the island selling souvenirs and refreshment/food.

The tender docks right on the beach. The scenery of the lush green trees surrounding the soft, sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters makes this the perfect port to have a beach day.

A picture just doesn't do Champagne Bay justice!

I am always on the lookout for a postcard-perfect beach and Champagne Bay is the closest thing I have experienced to that!


Noumea:
I was in Noumea last year so I knew there wasn't much to do within walking distance of the port. Since I was scheduled to work afternoon port day I decided to sign up for the Yellow Petit Tchou Tchou Train excursion to make the most of my morning in Noumea.

The train that drove us around Noumea

We went on a scenic drive by a marina called Orphanage Bay and a beach called Lemon Bay before stopping at a resort to have refreshments/snacks. The train went up to Iron Mountain which provided great photo opportunities of Noumea from a high elevation. Our last stop was at Notre Dame du Pacifique which has a statue of the Lady of the Pacific as well as a great lookout spot to the ship docked at the port.


Read Part 2 (New Zealand) of my Sea Princess adventures here
Read Part 3 (Vanuatu and New Caledonia - again) of my Sea Princess adventures here